4. Working of Institutions
MULTIPLE
CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)
Section 4.1: How is a Major Policy Decision Taken?
MCQs
(20 Questions)
- On what date was
the Office Memorandum regarding 27% reservation issued?
- (a) 15 August
1947
- (b) 13 August
1990
- (c) 26 January
1950
- (d) 8 September
1993
- What does SEBC
stand for?
- (a) Socially
and Economically Backward Classes
- (b) Socially
and Educationally Backward Classes
- (c) State
Educational Board Commission
- (d) Social
Equity Bureau Council
- Who headed the
Second Backward Classes Commission in 1979?
- (a) B.R.
Ambedkar
- (b) V.P. Singh
- (c) B.P. Mandal
- (d) Indira
Sawhney
- The Mandal
Commission was established in which year?
- (a) 1980
- (b) 1979
- (c) 1990
- (d) 1992
- Which political
party promised to implement the Mandal Commission report in its 1989
manifesto?
- (a) Indian
National Congress
- (b) BJP
- (c) Janata Dal
- (d) Communist
Party
- Who was the
Prime Minister who decided to implement the Mandal recommendations?
- (a) Rajiv
Gandhi
- (b) V.P. Singh
- (c) Narendra
Modi
- (d) Jawaharlal
Nehru
- The case filed
against the 27% reservation order was known as:
- (a) Kesavananda
Bharati Case
- (b) Minerva
Mills Case
- (c) Indira
Sawhney and others vs Union of India
- (d) Shah Bano
Case
- How many judges
of the Supreme Court heard the Indira Sawhney case?
- (a) 5
- (b) 7
- (c) 11
- (d) 13
- In which year
did the Supreme Court declare the 27% reservation order valid?
- (a) 1990
- (b) 1991
- (c) 1992
- (d) 1993
- What
modification did the Supreme Court suggest to the original reservation
order?
- (a) Increase
quota to 50%
- (b) Exclude
well-to-do persons among backward classes
- (c) Include
only Scheduled Castes
- (d) Abolish it
after 10 years
- Who is the head
of the state and the highest formal authority in India?
- (a) Prime
Minister
- (b) President
- (c) Chief
Justice
- (d) Speaker of
Lok Sabha
- Who actually
exercises all governmental powers as the head of the government?
- (a) President
- (b) Prime
Minister
- (c) Governor
- (d) Cabinet
Secretary
- Which department
issued the Office Memorandum on 13 August 1990?
- (a) Department
of Health
- (b) Department
of Personnel and Training
- (c) Ministry of
External Affairs
- (d) Department
of Defence
- What was the
primary goal of the Mandal Commission?
- (a) To identify
religious minorities
- (b) To
determine criteria for identifying SEBC
- (c) To draft
the Indian Constitution
- (d) To reform
the police system
- The revised
Office Memorandum following the SC judgment was issued on:
- (a) 13 August
1990
- (b) 8 September
1993
- (c) 31 December
1980
- (d) 6 August
1990
- Major policy
decisions in India are typically taken by:
- (a) Individual
officers
- (b) The Union
Cabinet
- (c) Local NGOs
- (d) Foreign
advisors
- A government order
is also known as:
- (a) A Secret
Document
- (b) An Office
Memorandum
- (c) A Decree
- (d) A Manifesto
- To whom does the
government remain answerable for major policy decisions?
- (a) The UN
- (b) The People
through Parliament
- (c) The
Military
- (d) Foreign
Investors
- What triggered
widespread protests in 1990 across India?
- (a) Tax hikes
- (b) Mandal
Commission implementation
- (c)
Privatization of banks
- (d) New
education policy
- Who signs the
government orders once the Cabinet makes a decision?
- (a) The
President
- (b) The Prime
Minister
- (c) Senior
Officers (Secretaries)
- (d) The Chief Justice
MCQs: 1(b), 2(b), 3(c),
4(b), 5(c), 6(b), 7(c), 8(c), 9(c), 10(b), 11(b), 12(b), 13(b), 14(b), 15(b),
16(b), 17(b), 18(b), 19(b), 20(c).
Section 4.2: Parliament
MCQs
(20 Questions)
- What is the
national assembly of elected representatives in India called?
- (a) Senate
- (b) Parliament
- (c) Congress
- (d) Diet
- At the state
level, the elected assembly is called:
- (a) Rajya Sabha
- (b) Legislative
Assembly
- (c) Zilla
Parishad
- (d) Lok Sabha
- Which House is
also known as the 'Council of States'?
- (a) Lok Sabha
- (b) Rajya Sabha
- (c) Vidhan
Sabha
- (d) Cabinet
- Which House is
known as the 'House of the People'?
- (a) Lok Sabha
- (b) Rajya Sabha
- (c) Legislative
Council
- (d) High Court
- The President of
India is a part of:
- (a) Only Lok
Sabha
- (b) Only Rajya
Sabha
- (c) Parliament
- (d) Neither
House
- Who is the
presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?
- (a) Vice
President
- (b) Speaker
- (c) Prime
Minister
- (d) Chief
Justice
- How many days
can the Rajya Sabha delay a Money Bill?
- (a) 10 days
- (b) 14 days
- (c) 30 days
- (d) 6 months
- In case of a
deadlock between both Houses on an ordinary bill, the decision is taken
in:
- (a) Supreme Court
- (b) Cabinet
Meeting
- (c) Joint
Session
- (d) Referendum
- Who appoints the
Prime Minister?
- (a) People of
India
- (b) Chief
Justice
- (c) President
- (d) Speaker
- The Prime
Minister must enjoy the support of a majority in which House?
- (a) Rajya Sabha
- (b) Lok Sabha
- (c) Both Houses
- (d) Legislative
Council
- Which House
cannot be dissolved and is permanent?
- (a) Lok Sabha
- (b) Rajya Sabha
- (c) Both
- (d) Neither
- What happens if
the Lok Sabha passes a 'no confidence' motion?
- (a) The
President resigns
- (b) The PM and
Council of Ministers must quit
- (c) Only the
Speaker resigns
- (d) The Rajya
Sabha takes over
- Who exercises
supreme power in money matters?
- (a) President
- (b) Rajya Sabha
- (c) Lok Sabha
- (d) Finance
Ministry
- How are members
of the Lok Sabha elected?
- (a) Indirectly
by MLAs
- (b) Nominated
by the President
- (c) Directly by
the people
- (d) By the
Rajya Sabha
- The maximum
number of members in Lok Sabha is approximately:
- (a) 250
- (b) 543
- (c) 300
- (d) 100
- What is the term
of a Lok Sabha member?
- (a) 6 years
- (b) 5 years
- (c) Permanent
- (d) 2 years
- Which House
represents the interests of the states and federal units?
- (a) Lok Sabha
- (b) Rajya Sabha
- (c) Cabinet
- (d) Planning
Commission
- A bill becomes a
law only after the assent of:
- (a) Prime
Minister
- (b) President
- (c) Speaker
- (d) Governor
- Parliament is
the highest forum of ______ on public issues.
- (a) Protest
- (b) Discussion
and debate
- (c) Election
- (d) Judicial
review
- Who is the
ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
- (a) President
- (b) Prime
Minister
- (c) Vice
President
- (d) Chief Justice
MCQs: 1(b), 2(b), 3(b),
4(a), 5(c), 6(b), 7(b), 8(c), 9(c), 10(b), 11(b), 12(b), 13(c), 14(c), 15(b),
16(b), 17(b), 18(b), 19(b), 20(c).
Section 4.3: Political Executive
MCQs
(20 Questions)
- Who are
collectively known as the 'executive'?
- (a) All
citizens
- (b)
Functionaries in charge of executing policies
- (c) Only the
Prime Minister
- (d) All judges
- Which category
of executive is elected for a specific period?
- (a) Permanent
executive
- (b) Political
executive
- (c) Civil
servants
- (d) Judiciary
- Civil servants
are also known as:
- (a) Political
leaders
- (b) Permanent
executive
- (c) Elected
representatives
- (d) Cabinet
ministers
- Why is the
minister more powerful than a civil servant?
- (a) Minister is
more educated
- (b) Minister is
an elected representative of the people
- (c) Civil
servants have no knowledge
- (d) Ministers
are permanent
- Who is the most
important political institution in the country?
- (a) President
- (b) Chief
Justice
- (c) Prime
Minister
- (d) Speaker
- The Council of
Ministers typically includes how many members?
- (a) 10-20
- (b) 60-80
- (c) 543
- (d) 100-150
- Who chairs the
Cabinet meetings?
- (a) President
- (b) Vice
President
- (c) Prime
Minister
- (d) Cabinet
Secretary
- What is the
'inner ring' of the Council of Ministers called?
- (a) Ministers
of State
- (b) The Cabinet
- (c) Secretariat
- (d) Coalition
- Ministers of
State with independent charge are usually in charge of:
- (a) Major
ministries
- (b) Smaller
ministries
- (c) Defense
only
- (d) No
ministries
- A person who is
not an MP can be a minister for a maximum of:
- (a) 1 year
- (b) 3 months
- (c) 6 months
- (d) 1 month
- Who coordinates
the work of different departments?
- (a) President
- (b) Prime
Minister
- (c) Home
Minister
- (d) Lok Sabha
Speaker
- In a coalition
government, the Prime Minister's power is:
- (a) Unlimited
- (b) Constrained
by partners
- (c)
Non-existent
- (d) Same as
majority government
- What happens to
the ministry if the Prime Minister quits?
- (a) Only the PM
leaves
- (b) The entire
ministry quits
- (c) The
President takes over
- (d) Fresh
elections are immediate
- Who is the head
of the State in India?
- (a) Prime
Minister
- (b) President
- (c) Governor
- (d) Chief
Justice
- The President of
India is elected by:
- (a) Direct vote
of the people
- (b) MPs and
MLAs
- (c) The Prime
Minister
- (d) The Cabinet
- Who is the
Supreme Commander of the defense forces?
- (a) Prime
Minister
- (b) Defense
Minister
- (c) President
- (d) Chief of
Army Staff
- The President
can exercise powers only on the advice of:
- (a) Supreme
Court
- (b) Council of
Ministers
- (c) Election
Commission
- (d) UN
Secretary General
- Which system of
government is followed in the USA?
- (a)
Parliamentary
- (b)
Presidential
- (c) Monarchy
- (d)
Dictatorship
- Who appoints the
Chief Justice of India?
- (a) Prime
Minister
- (b) President
- (c) Law Minister
- (d) Outgoing
Chief Justice
- In which case
can the President exercise discretion?
- (a) Appointing
the PM when no party has a clear majority
- (b) Signing a
money bill
- (c) Declaring
war without advice
- (d) Dismissing a majority government
MCQs: 1(b), 2(b), 3(b),
4(b), 5(c), 6(b), 7(c), 8(b), 9(b), 10(c), 11(b), 12(b), 13(b), 14(b), 15(b),
16(c), 17(b), 18(b), 19(b), 20(a).
Section 4.4: The Judiciary
MCQs
(20 Questions)
- All the courts
at different levels in a country are collectively called:
- (a) Legislature
- (b) Executive
- (c) Judiciary
- (d) Police
- What does
'integrated judiciary' mean in India?
- (a) Every state
has its own independent supreme court
- (b) The Supreme
Court controls the entire judicial administration
- (c) Judges are
elected by the people
- (d) Courts are
part of the Parliament
- Which court is
at the apex of the Indian judicial system?
- (a) High Court
- (b) District
Court
- (c) Supreme
Court
- (d) Lok Adalat
- The Supreme
Court can settle disputes between:
- (a) Only
citizens
- (b) Citizens
and government
- (c) Two or more
state governments
- (d) All of the
above
- Independence of
the judiciary means:
- (a) It is under
the control of the PM
- (b) It is not
under the control of legislature or executive
- (c) Judges can
do whatever they want
- (d) It is
funded by private companies
- Who appoints the
judges of the Supreme Court?
- (a) Prime
Minister
- (b) President
- (c) Chief
Justice only
- (d) Law
Minister
- In practice, new
judges of the SC are selected by:
- (a) The
President alone
- (b) Senior
judges of the SC and HC
- (c) The
opposition party
- (d) Public
voting
- How can a judge
of the Supreme Court be removed?
- (a) By the PM
at any time
- (b) By the
President on personal grounds
- (c) Through
impeachment by Parliament
- (d) They can
never be removed
- An impeachment
motion requires support of:
- (a) Simple
majority
- (b) Two-thirds
majority in both Houses
- (c) Only Lok
Sabha
- (d) President's
signature only
- The power of the
judiciary to determine the constitutional validity of a law is called:
- (a) Judicial
Restraint
- (b) Judicial
Review
- (c) Judicial
Activism
- (d) Legal Aid
- The Supreme
Court of India has the power to interpret the:
- (a) Bible
- (b)
Constitution
- (c) UN Charter
- (d) Election
Manifesto
- Who can
challenge a law in court if it violates the Constitution?
- (a) Only the
President
- (b) Only the PM
- (c) Any citizen
or organization
- (d) Only other
judges
- What is PIL?
- (a) Private
Interest Law
- (b) Public
Interest Litigation
- (c) People's
Internal League
- (d) Prime
Institutional Law
- Why is the
Indian judiciary considered powerful?
- (a) It can
declare any law of the executive/legislature invalid
- (b) It has its
own army
- (c) It makes
laws for the country
- (d) It controls
the budget
- The Supreme
Court's decisions are ______ on all other courts.
- (a) Not
applicable
- (b) Suggestive
- (c) Binding
- (d) Optional
- How many times
has a judge been removed by impeachment in India?
- (a) Once
- (b) Never
- (c) Frequently
- (d) Five times
- Judges are
appointed by the President on the advice of:
- (a) The PM and
Chief Justice
- (b) The Speaker
- (c) The
Governor
- (d) The UN
- The judiciary
acts as the guardian of:
- (a) Political
parties
- (b) Fundamental
Rights
- (c) Corporate
houses
- (d)
International borders
- What allows
anyone to approach the courts for public interest?
- (a) Writ
petition
- (b) PIL
- (c) Appeal
- (d) Summons
- The High Courts
are located at the:
- (a) National
level
- (b) State level
- (c) District
level
- (d) Village level
MCQs: 1(c), 2(b), 3(c),
4(d), 5(b), 6(b), 7(b), 8(c), 9(b), 10(b), 11(b), 12(c), 13(b), 14(a), 15(c),
16(b), 17(a), 18(b), 19(b), 20(b).
SHORT TYPE
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
4.1 How is a Major Policy Decision
Taken?
- What is an Office
Memorandum?
An Office Memorandum is a daily order issued by the government on various
matters, such as the major 1990 policy for 27% job reservations.
- What was the
"Mandal Commission"? It was the Second Backward
Classes Commission, headed by B.P. Mandal, established in 1979 to identify
socially and educationally backward classes in India.
- What major
recommendation did the Mandal Commission make? It recommended
that 27% of all government jobs be reserved for Socially and Educationally
Backward Classes (SEBC).
- Who is the
highest formal authority in India? The President of India is the
head of the state and the highest formal authority in the country.
- What role does
the Prime Minister play in policy decisions? The Prime
Minister is the head of the government and takes most decisions in Cabinet
meetings.
- Who actually
signed the 13 August 1990 Office Memorandum? It was signed
by the Joint Secretary, an officer in the Department of Personnel and
Training.
- What was the
"Indira Sawhney and others vs Union of India" case? It was a
Supreme Court case where eleven judges heard arguments and eventually
upheld the 27% reservation order as valid in 1992.
- What
modification did the Supreme Court suggest to the reservation order? The Court asked
the government to exclude "well-to-do persons" among the
backward classes from receiving reservation benefits.
- Why do we need
political institutions? They are necessary to handle
activities like ensuring security, providing health and education, and
resolving disputes between citizens and the government.
10.
Mention one drawback and one benefit of institutions. Institutions can
lead to frustrating delays and complications, but they also ensure that a wider
set of people is consulted before taking a major decision.
4.2 Parliament
11.
What is Parliament? Parliament is a national assembly of
elected representatives that exercises supreme political authority on behalf of
the people.
12.
What are the two Houses of the Indian Parliament? The two Houses are
the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
13.
Is the President a member of Parliament? The President is a
part of Parliament but is not a member of either of the two Houses.
14.
Why is the Lok Sabha more powerful in money matters? Once the Lok Sabha
passes the budget, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it; it can only delay it for
14 days or suggest changes.
15.
How does the Lok Sabha control the Council of Ministers? If the majority of
Lok Sabha members pass a "no confidence" motion, the Prime Minister
and all ministers must quit.
16.
What is a 'joint session'? A joint session is a meeting of both
Houses held to resolve differences over an ordinary law, where the Lok Sabha's
view usually prevails due to its larger membership.
17.
What happens during 'Question Hour'? At the start of a
session, various ministries give written or oral answers to questions asked by
members of Parliament regarding government policies.
18.
Who is the 'Lower Chamber' and who is the 'Upper Chamber'? The Lok Sabha is
often called the Lower Chamber, and the Rajya Sabha is called the Upper
Chamber, though this does not mean the Rajya Sabha is more powerful.
19.
How are Rajya Sabha members elected? They are elected
indirectly and primarily represent the interests of various states or federal
units.
20.
Can the Rajya Sabha be dissolved? No, the Rajya Sabha
is a permanent House, whereas the Lok Sabha can be dissolved.
4.3 Political Executive
21.
Who are collectively known as the 'executive'? The functionaries in
charge of the execution of government policies are collectively called the executive.
22.
Differentiate between the political and permanent executive. The political
executive is elected for a specific period (e.g., ministers), while the
permanent executive (civil servants) is appointed on a long-term basis.
23.
Why is the minister more powerful than a civil servant? In a democracy, the
minister is an elected representative of the people and is empowered to
exercise the will of the people on their behalf.
24.
How is the Prime Minister appointed? The President
appoints the leader of the majority party or the coalition that commands a
majority in the Lok Sabha.
25.
What is the Council of Ministers? It is the official
name for the body that includes all 60 to 80 ministers of different ranks.
26.
What is the 'Cabinet'? The Cabinet is the inner ring of about
25 top-level leaders of the ruling party who meet to take major decisions.
27.
What happens if the Prime Minister resigns? When the Prime
Minister quits, the entire ministry is considered to have quit.
28.
Mention one constraint on a coalition Prime Minister. A coalition PM must
accommodate different groups and heed the views of alliance partners to ensure
the government's survival.
29.
How is the President of India elected? The President is
elected by the elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and elected Members of the Legislative
Assemblies (MLAs).
30.
What is the "Presidential form of government"? A system, like in
the US, where the President is directly elected, is both head of state and
government, and is not answerable to the legislature.
4.4 The Judiciary
31.
What is the Judiciary? The judiciary refers to all the courts
at different levels in a country, including the Supreme Court, High Courts, and
District Courts.
32.
What is an "integrated judiciary"? It means the Supreme
Court controls the entire judicial administration and its decisions are binding
on all other courts in the country.
33.
Which court is the highest court of appeal in India? The Supreme Court is
the highest court of appeal for both civil and criminal cases.
34.
How are Supreme Court and High Court judges appointed? They are appointed
by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and in consultation with
the Chief Justice.
35.
How can a judge be removed? A judge can only be
removed by an impeachment motion passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses
of Parliament.
36.
What is 'Judicial Review'? It is the power of the Supreme Court
and High Courts to determine the constitutional validity of any law or action
of the executive.
37.
What is Public Interest Litigation (PIL)? PIL allows any
citizen to approach the courts for protection of public interest against a law
or action of the government.
38.
Who settles disputes between the Union and State
governments?
Disputes between the national and state governments are settled by the Supreme
Court.
39.
Why is the judiciary called the "Guardian of the
Constitution"?
Because it has the power to interpret the Constitution and strike down any law
that violates its basic principles.
40.
Does India have an independent judiciary? Yes, independence
means the judiciary is not under the control of the legislature or the
executive.
LONG TYPE
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
Concept 4.1: How is a Major Policy Decision Taken?
1.
Explain the process through which a major policy decision like the Mandal
Commission recommendations was implemented.
- Initial
Recommendation:
The Mandal Commission (Second Backward Classes Commission) submitted its
report in 1980 recommending 27% reservation for Socially and Educationally
Backward Classes (SEBC).
- Political
Promise:
In the 1989 Lok Sabha elections, the Janata Dal promised to implement
these recommendations if voted to power.
- Formal Decision: After V.P.
Singh became Prime Minister, the President announced this intention in
Parliament, followed by a formal Union Cabinet decision on August 6, 1990.
- Execution: The Department
of Personnel and Training drafted an order, which was signed by a Joint
Secretary on August 13, 1990, becoming an Office Memorandum.
- Judicial Review: Following
widespread protests, the Supreme Court heard the "Indira Sawhney
case" and upheld the order's validity in 1992, leading to its final
implementation with minor modifications.
2.
Why are political institutions necessary in a democracy?
- Decision Making
and Implementation: Institutions like the Cabinet
take major policy decisions, while civil servants ensure they are
implemented.
- Dispute
Resolution:
The Judiciary (Supreme Court and High Courts) provides a platform to
resolve disputes between citizens and the government regarding these
decisions.
- Ensuring
Welfare:
They are responsible for security, education, health facilities, and the
collection of taxes for development.
- Wider
Consultation:
Although institutions can cause delays, they prevent hasty or bad
decisions by allowing a wider set of people to be consulted.
- Continuity: They ensure
that government work continues even when the people in key positions
change.
3.
Describe the "Indira Sawhney and others vs. Union of India" case and
its outcome.
- Origin: The case arose
from the 1990 government order reserving 27% of jobs for SEBC, which led
to nationwide protests and legal challenges.
- Judicial
Process:
The Supreme Court bunched all opposing cases together and a bench of
eleven judges heard the arguments.
- Verdict: In 1992, the
Supreme Court declared the government order valid.
- Modification: The Court
directed the government to exclude "well-to-do persons" (the
creamy layer) among the backward classes from receiving reservation
benefits.
- Final
Settlement:
The Department of Personnel and Training issued a revised memorandum in
1993, ending the dispute.
4.
What are the roles of different functionaries in taking a major policy
decision?
- President: Acts as the
highest formal authority and makes formal announcements of government
intentions to Parliament.
- Prime Minister: Head of
government who takes the lead in policy decisions during Cabinet meetings.
- Cabinet: The collective
body of top ministers that takes formal decisions on policy
implementation.
- Parliament: Discusses
reports and brings pressure on the government to act; the Prime Minister
must have the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha.
- Civil Servants: Draft the
orders and handle the technical execution of the Cabinet's decisions.
5.
Institutions are often associated with delays. Is this a drawback or a benefit
for democracy?
- The Delay
Factor:
Rules, regulations, and meetings inherent in institutions often lead to
complications and slower decision-making.
- Preventing Hasty
Decisions:
Delays are useful because they make it difficult to "rush through a
bad decision".
- Democratic
Spirit:
Consultation with a wider group of people ensures that the decision is
more representative and balanced.
- Checks and
Balances:
Procedures ensure that leaders cannot act arbitrarily or without
accountability.
- Better Quality: While frustrating, the institutional process usually leads to better-vetted decisions compared to those taken by a single individual.
Concept 4.2: Parliament
1.
Why does the Lok Sabha exercise supreme power over the Rajya Sabha in most
matters?
- Money Matters: Once the Lok
Sabha passes the budget or any money bill, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject
it; it can only delay it by 14 days.
- Joint Sessions: In case of a
deadlock on ordinary bills, a joint session is held. The Lok Sabha’s
larger membership ensures its view usually prevails.
- Control over
Executive:
The Prime Minister is only appointed if they enjoy a majority in the Lok
Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has no such power.
- No-Confidence
Motion:
Only the Lok Sabha can pass a 'no-confidence' motion to remove the Council
of Ministers.
- Direct
Representation:
Unlike the indirectly elected Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha is directly
elected by the people, giving it a superior democratic mandate.
2.
What are the four main ways Parliament exercises political authority on behalf
of the people?
- Law Making: Parliament is
the final authority for making, changing, or abolishing laws.
- Control over
Government:
It exercises direct control over those who run the government; they can
only stay in power as long as they have Parliamentary support.
- Financial
Control:
Parliament controls public money. Governments can only spend money once it
is sanctioned by Parliament.
- Forum for
Debate:
It is the highest forum for discussion and debate on national policy and
public issues, and can seek information on any matter.
3.
Explain the composition and term differences between the Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha.
- Election Method: Lok Sabha
members are directly elected by the people, whereas Rajya Sabha members
are elected indirectly by state assemblies.
- Term Length: The Lok Sabha
has a fixed term of 5 years (unless dissolved earlier), while the Rajya
Sabha is a permanent House with members serving 6-year terms.
- Dissolution: The Lok Sabha
can be dissolved by the President, but the Rajya Sabha cannot be
dissolved.
- Representation: The Lok Sabha
represents the people of India as a whole, while the Rajya Sabha
represents the interests of various states and federal units.
- Size: The Lok Sabha
has a significantly larger number of members compared to the Rajya Sabha.
4.
Describe a typical day in the Lok Sabha to illustrate how it functions.
- Question Hour: At 11:00 AM,
ministries provide written or oral answers to hundreds of questions asked
by members on public issues.
- Presentation of
Documents:
Official documents and reports (like recruitment rules or annual institute
reports) are presented for discussion.
- Introduction of
Bills:
Ministers introduce new bills or ordinances, explaining their necessity to
the House.
- Zero
Hour/Raising Issues: Members highlight urgent public
matters, such as the needs of farmers or changes to official languages.
- Legislative Work
and Debate:
The afternoon is dedicated to considering and passing bills and holding
long discussions on national policies, like foreign policy.
5.
How does the Parliament control the Council of Ministers?
- Appointment of
PM:
The President only appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok
Sabha as Prime Minister.
- Support
Requirement:
Those who run the government can take decisions only as long as they enjoy
the support of the Parliament.
- No-Confidence
Motion:
If a majority of Lok Sabha members pass a "no confidence"
motion, the entire Council of Ministers, including the PM, must resign.
- Accountability
through Questions: Members of Parliament can seek
information and ask questions of ministers during sessions.
- Financial Sanction: The executive cannot spend any public money without the approval and sanction of the Parliament.
Concept 4.3: Political Executive
1.
Distinguish between the Political and Permanent Executive.
- Tenure: The Political
Executive is elected for a specific short-term period (e.g., 5 years),
while the Permanent Executive consists of civil servants appointed on a
long-term basis.
- Selection: Political
leaders are elected by the people, whereas permanent executives are
appointed through competitive exams.
- Powers: The political
executive takes major policy decisions, while the permanent executive
assists them and handles day-to-day administration.
- Continuity: Permanent
executives remain in office even when the ruling party changes, but
political executives leave if their party loses power.
- Accountability: Political
leaders are directly answerable to the people, while civil servants are
accountable to the political executive.
2.
What are the wide-ranging powers of the Prime Minister in India?
- Cabinet
Leadership:
The Prime Minister chairs Cabinet meetings and coordinates the work of
different departments.
- Decision Making: The PM's
decisions are final in cases where disagreements arise between
departments.
- Ministerial
Appointments:
The PM distributes and redistributes work to ministers and has the power
to dismiss them.
- General
Supervision:
They exercise general supervision over all ministries, ensuring they work
under their leadership.
- Impact of
Resignation:
When the Prime Minister quits, the entire ministry is considered to have
quit.
3.
Explain the "Cabinet form of government" and why it is so called.
- Inner Ring: The Cabinet is
the "inner ring" of the Council of Ministers, comprising about
25 top-level leaders who take the most important decisions.
- Teamwork: The Cabinet works
as a team; even if ministers have different views, they must publicly own
up to every Cabinet decision.
- Regular
Meetings:
Since it is impractical for all 60-80 ministers to meet daily, the Cabinet
meets regularly to run the government.
- Collective Responsibility: No minister can
openly criticize any government decision, regardless of which department
it concerns.
- Dominance: Because most
major policy decisions are made in these meetings, parliamentary democracy
is often referred to as the Cabinet form of government.
4.
Describe the powers and the election process of the President of India.
- Nominal
Executive:
The President is the head of the State but exercises only nominal, largely
ceremonial powers.
- Election: The President
is not elected directly by the people but by an electoral college
consisting of elected MPs and MLAs.
- Appointing
Authority:
All major appointments—including the Chief Justice, Supreme Court judges,
Governors, and the Prime Minister—are made in her name.
- Legislative
Role:
Every bill passed by Parliament requires the President's assent to become
law, though she can send it back once for reconsideration.
- Defense Role: The President
serves as the supreme commander of the defense forces of India.
5.
How has coalition politics affected the power of the Prime Minister?
- Constraints on
Power:
Unlike a PM with a full majority, a coalition PM cannot take decisions as
they like.
- Accommodation: The PM must
accommodate various groups and factions within their own party and among
alliance partners.
- Heeding
Partners:
They must constantly listen to the views and positions of coalition
partners to ensure the government’s survival.
- Shared
Authority:
Power is more distributed as partner parties often demand key ministerial
berths and influence over major policy decisions.
- Limited Discretion: The PM’s ability to dismiss ministers or change portfolios is often restricted by the terms of the coalition agreement.
Concept 4.4: The Judiciary
1.
What does it mean to have an "integrated" and "independent"
judiciary?
- Integrated
System:
This means the Supreme Court controls the entire judicial administration.
Its decisions are binding on all other courts (High Courts, District
Courts, etc.).
- No Political
Control:
Independence means the judiciary is not under the control of the
legislature or the executive.
- Appointment
Security:
Once appointed, it is nearly impossible to remove a judge except through a
very difficult impeachment process.
- Interpretation
Power:
The judiciary has the power to interpret the Constitution and declare any
law invalid if it goes against the constitutional spirit.
- Single
Hierarchy:
All disputes, whether between citizens or governments, can ultimately be
settled by the apex court.
2.
Explain the process of appointment and removal of Supreme Court judges.
- Appointment: Judges are
appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and in
consultation with the Chief Justice.
- Practice of
Selection:
In reality, senior judges of the Supreme Court select new judges, leaving
little room for political interference.
- Removal
(Impeachment):
A judge can only be removed by an impeachment motion passed separately by
a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
- Difficulty: This process is
extremely difficult; in the history of Indian democracy, no judge has ever
been removed this way.
- Security of
Tenure:
These strict rules ensure that judges can function without fear of being
removed by the ruling party.
3.
What is "Judicial Review" and why is it important?
- Definition: Judicial Review
is the power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to determine the
constitutional validity of any law or action of the executive.
- Striking Down
Laws:
If the court finds that a law or an order of the government is against the
Constitution, it can declare it invalid.
- Interpretation: The courts have
the final authority to interpret the Constitution's provisions.
- Check on Basic
Structure:
The judiciary has ruled that the basic principles of the Constitution
cannot be changed even by the Parliament.
- Protecting
Democracy:
It prevents the government from misusing its power and ensures that all
institutional actions remain within legal bounds.
4.
How does the Judiciary act as the protector of Fundamental Rights?
- Right to
Approach Court:
Any citizen can approach the courts if their Fundamental Rights are
violated by the government.
- Public Interest
Litigation (PIL): Under PIL, any person can file a
case on behalf of others if a public interest or right is being hurt by
government actions.
- Checking
Maladministration: Courts intervene to prevent the
misuse of the government’s decision-making power.
- Monitoring
Honesty:
They check for corruption or "malpractices" on the part of
public officials.
- High Public
Trust:
Because of this role, the judiciary enjoys a high level of confidence among
the people.
5.
What kinds of disputes can the Supreme Court of India settle?
- Between
Citizens:
Disputes involving legal rights between individual citizens of the
country.
- Between Citizens
and Government:
Challenges to government orders or laws by individuals or groups.
- Between State
Governments:
Conflicts arising between two or more different state governments.
- Between Union
and State:
Disputes regarding powers or policies between the Central (Union)
government and state governments.
- Appellate Jurisdiction: It acts as the highest court of appeal for both civil and criminal cases coming from the High Courts.
CASE-BASED QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER
Concept 4.1: How is a Major Policy Decision Taken?
In 1979, the Government of India appointed the Second Backward Classes
Commission, popularly known as the Mandal Commission. It was asked to determine
the criteria to identify the socially and educationally backward classes in India
and recommend steps for their advancement. The Commission gave its Report in
1980. One of its recommendations was that 27 per cent of government jobs be
reserved for the SEBC. For several years, many parliamentarians and parties
kept demanding the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations. Then
came the Lok Sabha election of 1989. In its election manifesto, the Janata Dal
promised that if voted to power, it would implement the Mandal Commission
report.
- What was the
specific objective of the Mandal Commission?
- Answer: To determine
criteria for identifying Socially and Educationally Backward Classes
(SEBC) and recommend steps for their advancement.
- How did the 1989
elections change the fate of this report?
- Answer: The Janata Dal
promised implementation in its manifesto; once they won and formed the
government, they took steps to make it a law.
- Who is the head
of the state that formally announced the intention to implement this?
- Answer: The President
of India.
- Why was this
decision not taken by just one person?
- Answer: In a
democracy, major decisions involve a chain of institutions including the
Cabinet, Parliament, and civil servants to ensure accountability.
- Which department
was responsible for drafting and issuing the final Office Memorandum?
- Answer: The Department
of Personnel and Training in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances
and Pensions.
Concept 4.2: Parliament
Imagine
a day in the Lok Sabha. The session begins with Question Hour where ministers
answer queries. Later, a Money Bill regarding the national budget is
introduced. After intense debate, the bill is passed. It is then sent to the
Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, an opposition leader moves a 'No Confidence Motion'
against the Council of Ministers, claiming the government has lost the
support of the majority.
- What is the
significance of 'Question Hour' in a democracy?
- Answer: It allows
Parliament to exercise control over the executive by seeking information
and holding ministers accountable.
- What can the
Rajya Sabha do if it disagrees with the Money Bill passed by the Lok
Sabha?
- Answer: It cannot
reject the bill. it can only delay it for a maximum of 14 days or suggest
changes, which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept.
- Who has the
power to pass a 'No Confidence Motion'?
- Answer: Only the Lok
Sabha (House of the People).
- What is the
immediate consequence if the 'No Confidence Motion' is passed?
- Answer: The Prime
Minister and the entire Council of Ministers must resign immediately.
- Why is the Lok
Sabha called the "House of the People"?
- Answer: Because its
members are directly elected by the citizens of India through universal
adult franchise.
Concept 4.3: Political Executive
The
Prime Minister of India is the most important political institution in the
country. Yet there is no direct election to the post of the Prime Minister. The
President appoints the Prime Minister. But the President cannot appoint anyone
she likes. The President appoints the leader of the majority party or the
coalition of parties that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha, as Prime
Minister.
- Why is the Prime
Minister's position not filled through direct election by the people?
- Answer: India follows
a Parliamentary system where the executive is drawn from the legislature;
the PM must be the leader of the party the people chose to lead the
House.
- What happens to
the Council of Ministers if the Prime Minister resigns?
- Answer: The entire
Council of Ministers is dissolved and quits office.
- Explain the role
of 'Coalition Politics' in limiting a Prime Minister's power.
- Answer: A coalition PM
must accommodate the views of alliance partners and cannot take
independent decisions as freely as a PM with a full majority.
- Why is the
Cabinet called the 'inner ring' of the Council of Ministers?
- Answer: It consists of
20-25 top-level ministers who meet regularly to take the most important
policy decisions.
- What is the
"Collective Responsibility" of the Cabinet?
- Answer: It means all
ministers must publicly support every Cabinet decision; no minister can
openly criticize a government decision.
Concept 4.4: The Judiciary
The
Indian Judiciary consists of a Supreme Court for the entire nation, High Courts
in the states, District Courts and the courts at local level. India has an
integrated judiciary. This means the Supreme Court controls the judicial administration
in the country. Its decisions are binding on all other courts of the country.
It can take up any dispute between citizens, between citizens and government,
and between two or more state governments.
- What does
"Integrated Judiciary" imply for the Indian legal system?
- Answer: It means there
is a single hierarchy of courts where the Supreme Court’s decisions must
be followed by all lower courts.
- How is the
independence of the judiciary protected during the appointment of judges?
- Answer: New judges are
largely selected by existing senior judges of the Supreme Court and High
Courts, minimizing political interference from the executive.
- What is Public
Interest Litigation (PIL)?
- Answer: A legal
mechanism where any citizen can approach the court if a public interest
or fundamental right is violated by the government.
- How can a judge
of the Supreme Court be removed from office?
- Answer: Only through
an impeachment motion passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of
Parliament.
- Define 'Judicial
Review'.
- Answer: The power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to check the constitutional validity of any law or action of the executive.
ASSERTION (A) AND REASON (R) TYPE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Instructions:
(a) Both A and R are
true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are
true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is
false.
(d) A is false, but R is
true.
Concept 4.1: How is a Major Policy Decision Taken?
Answer: (a)
2. Assertion (A): The Joint Secretary who signed the Office Memorandum on August 13, 1990, was the one who decided to provide reservations.
Answer: (d) (The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet; the officer only signed it.)
Answer: (a)
4. Assertion (A): The Supreme Court upheld the 27% reservation policy in the Indira Sawhney case. Reason (R): The Supreme Court is the highest authority to resolve disputes between the government and citizens.
Answer: (b) (Both are true, but R is a general function, not the specific legal reason for the Mandal verdict.)
Answer: (d) (President is the Head of State; PM is the Head of Government.)
Concept 4.2: Parliament
Answer: (a)
Answer: (c) (It is the Upper Chamber, but it cannot dismiss the PM.)
Answer: (a)
Answer: (a)
Answer: (d) (President is NOT a member of either House, though part of Parliament.)
Concept 4.3: Political Executive
Answer: (a)
Answer: (a)
Answer: (a)
Answer: (a)
Answer: (d) (President is elected indirectly by MPs and MLAs.)
Concept 4.4: The Judiciary
Answer: (a)
Answer: (a)
Answer: (d) (Judiciary is independent; R is partially true but does not mean control.)
Answer: (a)
Answer: (b) (Both are true, but R explains why the court acts, not specifically how PIL works.)
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