{"id":2054,"date":"2025-05-08T14:46:28","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T14:46:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=2054"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:57:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T18:57:52","slug":"gs-ii-governance-constitution-polity-social-justice-and-international-relations-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/gs-ii-governance-constitution-polity-social-justice-and-international-relations-4\/","title":{"rendered":"GS II Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the light of recent elections in Australia, critically analyze the similarities and differences between the polity of India and Australia.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the recently concluded Australia General Elections<\/strong>, the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese\u2019s Labor government has returned to power <\/strong>with an even larger majority, commanding at least 85 seats in the House of Representatives of a total of 151 seats. It is being viewed by political analysts all over the world as not just a political result, but a powerful statement: A resounding endorsement of stability, competence, and inclusiveness in a world too often marked by populism and polarisation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarities Between the Indian and Australian Constitutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Federal Legislative Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both countries follow a federal structure, dividing power between the central government and states\/territories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The concept of a Concurrent List in India, which allows both the central and state governments to legislate on certain subjects, was inspired by the Australian model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Legislative Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Reading Clause: In both countries, bills undergo a second reading in Parliament and are referred to committees for suggestions before becoming law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joint Sessions: Both nations allow joint sittings of Parliament to resolve legislative deadlocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bicameral Legislature: The Parliament of India (Rajya Sabha & Lok Sabha) and Australian Parliament (Senate & House of Representatives) follow a bicameral system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Judicial Structure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Court of Appeal: The Supreme Court serves as the highest judicial authority in both countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Independent Judiciary: Both nations emphasize separation of powers, ensuring judicial independence from the executive and legislature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Judge Appointment and Dismissal: The appointment and removal of judges follow similar procedures, ensuring transparency and fairness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences Between the Indian and Australian Constitutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Emergency Provisions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India: The Constitution allows the President to declare a national emergency, state emergency, or financial emergency under specific conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia: Emergency laws are handled by individual states, and the central government has limited authority over state emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Citizenship Laws<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India: Does not allow dual citizenship\u2014an Indian citizen must renounce their nationality if they acquire foreign citizenship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia: Allows dual citizenship, introduced on April 4, 2002. Citizens can hold Australian and another country\u2019s nationality simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Political Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India: A parliamentary republic, where the President is the constitutional head, and the Prime Minister is the head of government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia: A constitutional monarchy, where the Governor-General represents the British Monarch as the official head of state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Legislative Amendments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India: The Constitution can be amended by Parliament through a special majority vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia: Amendments require a national referendum, where all eligible citizens must vote. The amendment is passed only if both a majority of voters and a majority of states approve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Election Process and Term Duration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upper House Elections:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India: Uses the single transferable vote (STV) for electing members of the Rajya Sabha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia: Uses the proportional representation system for Senate elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Term Duration:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India: Members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) serve for five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Australia: Members of the House of Representatives serve for three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Way forward:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Apart from Economic partnerships, Pro-democratic countries like India and Australia should frequently take initiatives for advocating democracy all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. India has a significant diaspora in Australia and Tier 3 diplomacy can be of huge importance in shaping up India-Australia relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/opinion\/columns\/australian-election-albanese-trump-india-indo-pacific-9984045\/?ref=top_opinion<\/a><\/p>\n