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Research Article of Cpl ( Sivin ) (1)
ON
SEPERATION OF POWERS:
A COMPARTRIVE STUDY OF
GERMANY AND INDIA
3
INDEX
SR . CONTENT PAGE
NO .NO
1 INTRODUCTION 3-5
9 CONCLUSION 24-27
10 BIBILIOGRAPHY 28
4
1.INTRODUCTION
A keystone of democratic governance, the idea of the
separation of powers is intended to maintain a
system of checks and balances and to discourage
the consolidation of power within any one branch of
government. The research begins with a thorough
comparative examination of the division of powers in
Germany and India, two quite different democracies.
These countries, which are cornerstones of
democratic governance, have accepted the idea with
particular subtleties that are based in their
respective historical, constitutional, and cultural
settings.
Encouraging openness, curbing abuses of power,
and defending democratic values all depend on the
fundamental principle of the division of powers.
Germany is a federal state with a distinctive political
environment where this idea is clearly applied. The
Federal President, Federal Chancellor, Federal Rat
(Federal Council), and Bundestag (Parliament) are
the four principal players in the political drama.
Every actor has a specific role to play in the complex
game of power that is German politics. The powerful
Federal Constitutional Court is the defender of
constitutional principles and the first line of defense
against the weakening of the separation of powers.
This institution, which has its roots in German civil
law, maintains that statutes take precedence over
precedents that have legal force behind them.
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On the other hand, India's political landscape
presents a distinct image. India’s political system
displays a distinct power structure, with a bicameral
Parliament, a fully independent judiciary, and a
President acting as the ceremonial head of state. The
Supreme Court, which is entrusted with interpreting
and upholding the Constitution, is without a doubt
the cornerstone of India's system of separation of
powers. India, which has a common law system
rooted in its colonial past, gives court decisions and
precedents a lot of weight because they have a big
impact on the legal system.
The present research aims to explore the intricacies
of these two democracies, India and Germany,
revealing the numerous levels of their legal and
political structures. The focus is not just on their
commonalities but also on the obvious distinctions
that result from their different historical paths and
constitutional foundations. This study intends to
shed light on the practical applications of the
division of powers through a thorough comparative
analysis. It also includes illuminating case studies
that show how these countries manage the delicate
balance of power within their distinct socio-political
circumstances.
This comparative analysis becomes especially
pertinent since several democratic forms coexist in
the globalized globe. It not only clarifies the
necessity of seeing democratic ideals through a
cross-cultural lens, but it also deepens our
comprehension of the political and judicial systems
of Germany and India. The ensuing portions of this
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study will elucidate the nuances of the division of
powers in both nations, offering a sophisticated
investigation that honors the flexibility and
robustness of democratic governments in
contemporary globalized society.
2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
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2.2 Modern Theories on Institutional
Interaction:
Building on the work of Montesquieu,
contemporary academics have extended the
theoretical framework to include the complex
relationships between the three departments.
Democratic systems are shaped by the dynamics
of mutual restraint, competition, and
collaboration. The examination of institutional
actors' maneuvering through these dynamics is
essential to comprehending the modern-day
consequences of the division of powers.
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Although the division of powers is praised for
helping to uphold democratic principles, there
are some who disagree with it. Power imbalances
may occur, according to some, while others
contend that strict separation may impede good
governance. While noting the ongoing discussion
over how best to execute the division of powers,
this section explores theoretical arguments and
criticisms surrounding it.
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developments that have influenced the division of
powers in these two democracies.
4. POLITICAL STRUCTURES
Federal President:
The Federal President represents the
nation's unity and performs mostly
ceremonial duties.
The President's responsibilities include
signing legislation into law and representing
Germany in international fora, even if they
are not directly related to daily politics.
Federal Chancellor:
The Federal Chancellor oversees the
executive branch and serves as the head of
state.
The Chancellor, who is chosen by the
Federal President, leads the majority party
and is in charge of formulating national
policy.
President:
The President of India serves as the
country's ceremonial head of state and
exercises his or her authority on the Prime
Minister's and the Council of Ministers'
advice.
The President's position is mostly symbolic,
albeit possessing some discretionary
authority.
Judiciary:
The Indian judiciary, presided over by the
Supreme Court, serves as the Constitution's
defender.
In addition to enforcing the preservation of
fundamental rights, the Chief Justice and
other justices interpret the law and resolve
conflicts.
5. JUDICIAL INSTITUTITONS
Constitutional Review:
The court can examine whether laws passed
by the Bundestag and executive branch
activities are constitutional.
The court is empowered to protect individual
rights through the filing of constitutional
complaints by both people and
organizations.
6. LEGAL TRADITIONS:
This section explores the legal traditions that
influence the creation, interpretation, and
application of laws in Germany and India. Germany,
which is based on the civil law heritage, and India,
which adheres to the common law system, represent
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two different approaches that influence the
character of precedents and legal authority.
Function of Courts:
Although they do not set precedents that are
legally enforceable, German courts are
essential to the application and
interpretation of the law.
The particulars of the case and any
applicable statutes are taken into
consideration while making legal decisions.
Judicial Interpretation:
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In India, the judiciary actively construes the
legislation and advances legal ideas via its
rulings.
The common law system's adaptability
permits dynamic interpretations that take
into account shifting societal norms.
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Because of its federal structure, Germany
requires collaboration between its two
houses of parliament.
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precedents aid in the development of legal
principles.
Key Events:
Vote of No Confidence: Lower Saxony
initiated a vote of no confidence against its
Minister President, challenging the federal
structure.
Federal Constitutional Court's
Intervention: The conflict reached the
Federal Constitutional Court, emphasizing
the court's role as the guardian of
constitutional principles.
Resolution: The Court's intervention
ensured a resolution that respected the
constitutional framework, reaffirming the
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separation of powers between the federal
and state levels.
Significance:
Federal Constitutional Court's role:
The case brought to light the Federal
Constitutional Court's crucial role in
mediating disputes between federal and
state authorities.
Preservation of Constitutional
Principles: The resolution showed
Germany's determination to preserve
constitutional values despite difficulties
with internal government.
Key Events:
Challenge to Constitutional
Amendments: Kesavananda Bharati, a
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religious leader, challenged
constitutional amendments that sought
to alter the fundamental rights
provisions.
Doctrine of Basic Structure: In this
judgment, the Supreme Court
established the doctrine of basic
structure, stating that some aspects of
the Constitution are not subject to
parliamentary amendment.
Preserving Fundamental Rights: The
ruling guaranteed the protection of
fundamental rights and stopped
arbitrary Constitutional amendments.
Significance:
Judicial Assertion: The case
demonstrated the judiciary's function as
the defender of the Constitution and
was a strong assertion of judicial power
to evaluate constitutional revisions.
Dynamic Interpretation: The
fundamental structure doctrine's
introduction demonstrated the dynamic
character of constitutional
interpretation by averting changes that
would jeopardize the fundamental
principles of the document.
25
Judicial Review: The Federal
Constitutional Court's involvement
brought to light the significance of
judicial review in guaranteeing the
validity of rulings in intricate economic
situations.
26
Judicial Function in Legislative Gap:
The case brought to light the judiciary's
function in preserving basic rights and
bridging legislative gaps.
Significance:
Proactive Judicial Role: The case
exemplified the proactive role of the
judiciary in addressing societal issues
when legislative frameworks are lacking.
Protection of Rights: The Vishaka
Guidelines provided interim protection
to women in the absence of legislation,
emphasizing the judiciary's commitment
to safeguarding fundamental rights.
9. CONCLUSION: Safeguarding
Democratic Foundations in the Face of
Tomorrow's Challenges
The final phase of our tour across Germany and
India reveals a story of resiliency, flexibility, and a
common dedication to preserving democracy's
fundamental principles in the fabric of democratic
governance. A cornerstone of the constitutions of
both countries, the separation of powers is evidence
of their steadfast commitment to preventing the
misuse of power and promoting a system based on
checks and balances.
Reflection on Democratic Evolution:
Germany and India, each with its unique historical,
cultural, and political context, converge on the
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foundational principles of democracy. The intricate
dance between the executive, legislative, and judicial
branches in these democracies reflects a collective
commitment to collective progress and inclusive
governance. As we reflect on the journey, it becomes
apparent that the essence of democratic values is
not static; rather, it evolves in response to the ever-
changing dynamics of society.
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BIBILIOGRAPHY
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Hirschl, R. (2004). The Political Origins of the
German Constitutional Court. The American
Political Science Review, 98(1), 191-202. DOI:
10.1017/S0003055404000984
Kumm, M. (2005). The Legitimacy of International
Law: A Constitutionalist Framework of Analysis.
The European Journal of International Law,
16(4), 907-931. DOI: 10.1093/ejil/chi263
Tushnet, M. (1999). The Possibilities of
Comparative Constitutional Law. Yale Law
Journal, 108(6), 1225-1302. DOI:
10.2307/797568
Weiler, J. H. H. (1999). The Constitution of
Europe: "Do the New Clothes Have an Emperor?
And Other Essays on European Integration".
Cambridge University Press.
Wiener, A. (2008). The Invisible Constitution of
Politics: Contested Norms and International
Encounters. Cambridge University Press. DOI:
10.1017/CBO9780511756188
Benz, A. (1995). Die politischen
Kräfteverhältnisse in der Bundesrepublik
Deutschland. Politische Vierteljahresschrift, 36(2),
267-286. DOI: 10.1007/BF02969818
Majone, G. (1996). Regulating Europe. Routledge.
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