Comparison of the Indian and Russian Constitutions

Indian Polity and Constitution     25th April 2025     Save    

The Constitutions of India and Russia outline the political, legal, and administrative frameworks of their respective nations. While they share some similarities, their executive, legislative, and judicial structures differ significantly.

Similarities Between the Indian and Russian Constitutions

1. Executive Setup

  • In both countries, the President appoints the Prime Minister as the head of government.
  • The Prime Minister leads the executive and is responsible for governance.

2. Legislative Framework

  • Both nations have a bicameral legislature, with the Lower House holding more power than the Upper House.
  • Both countries include provisions for fundamental rights to protect citizens' freedoms.

Differences Between the Indian and Russian Constitutions

1. Political Framework

  • India: Follows a parliamentary system, where the Prime Minister holds more power.
  • Russia: Follows a semi-presidential system, where the President holds greater authority.

2. Executive Structure

Feature

India

Russia

Succession of President

Vice-President takes over

Prime Minister takes over

Presidential Term Limits

No restriction on consecutive terms

Limited consecutive terms

Power Distribution

Prime Minister is more powerful

President has greater authority

3. Legislative Elections

  • India: Uses the First Past the Post System (FPTP) to elect members of the Lower House (Lok Sabha).
  • Russia: Uses the Proportional Representation System to elect members of the State Duma (Lower House).

4. Judicial Framework

  • India: Has a single integrated judiciary, with the Supreme Court at the top.
  • Russia: Does not have a unified judicial system, with different courts operating independently.

Conclusion

Indian and Russian Constitutions share common democratic elements, but their political and executive structures differ significantly. India's parliamentary democracy gives more power to the Prime Minister, while Russia's semi-presidential system centralizes power with the President. Additionally, judicial independence and electoral systems vary between the two nations.