Working Of Institutions
Q.1. Name the three institutions that play a key role in major
decisions in India.
Ans:
In India three institutions play a key role in major decisions,
they are legislature, executive and judiciary.
Q.2. Why did Office Memorandum issued on August 13, 1990 create
controversy?
Ans:
On August 13, 1990, the Government of India issued an Order. It
was called an Office Memorandum. This order became a source of controversy for
several years. This Order announced a major policy decision. It said that 27
per cent of the vacancies in civil posts and services under the Government of
India are reserved for the socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC).
SEBC is another name for all those people who belong to castes that are
considered backward by the government. The benefit of job reservation was till
then available only to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Now a new third
category called SEBC was introduced. Only persons who belong to backward castes
were eligible for this quota of 27 per cent jobs. Others could not compete for
these jobs.
Q.3. Who is the head of the state and the highest formal
authority in the country?
Ans:
President is the head of the state and is the highest formal
authority in the country.
Q.4. Who is the head of the government that actually exercise
all governmental powers?
Ans:
Prime Minister is the head of the government and actually
exercises all governmental powers. He takes most of the decisions in the
Cabinet meetings.
Q.5. When was the Second Backward Classes Commission appointed?
Who was its chairman?
Ans:
The Government of India had appointed the Second Backward
Classes Commission in 1979. It was headed by B.P. Mandal. Hence it was
popularly called the Mandal Commission.
Q.6. Why was Mandal Commission appointed?
Ans:
The Mandal Commission was asked to determine the criteria to
identify the socially and educationally backward classes in India and recommend
steps to be taken for their advancement.
Q.7. Why was recommendations of Mandal Commission opposed?
Ans:
People strongly felt that this was unfair as it would deny
equality of opportunity to those who did not belong to backward communities.
They would be denied jobs even though they could be more qualified. Some felt that
this would perpetuate caste feelings among people and hamper national unity.
Q.8. Who settles disputes arising out of governmental decisions?
Ans:
The Supreme Court and the High Courts in India settle disputes
arising out of governmental decisions.
Q.9. List some responsibilities of government.
Ans:
The government is responsible for ensuring security to the
citizens and providing facilities for education and health to all. It collects
taxes and spends the money thus raised on administration, defence and
development programmes. It formulates and implements several welfare schemes.
Q.10. Why are institutions needed in a democracy?
Ans:
Several arrangements are made in all modern democracies. Such
arrangements are called institutions. A democracy works well when these
institutions perform functions assigned to them. The Constitution of any
country lays down basic rules on the powers and functions of each institution.
Q.11. Give some examples of institutions that work for
betterment of the country.
Ans:
·
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are institutions that take all
important policy decisions.
·
The Civil Servants, working together, are responsible for taking
steps to implement the ministers’ decisions.
·
Supreme Court is an institution where disputes between citizens
and the government are finally settled.
Q.12. Why dealing with institutions can be frustrating?
Ans:
Working with institutions is not easy. Institutions involve
rules and regulations. This can bind the hands of leaders. Institutions involve
meetings, committees and routines. This often leads to delays and
complications. Therefore dealing with institutions can be frustrating.
Q.13. why do democratic governments insist on institutions?
Ans:
Institutions provide an opportunity for a wider set of people to
be consulted in any decision. Institutions make it difficult to have a good
decision taken very quickly. But they also make it equally difficult to rush
through a bad decision. That is why democratic governments insist on
institutions.
Q.14. Discuss the importance of Parliament in the country.
Ans:
Parliament is the final authority for making laws in any
country. This task of law making or legislation is so crucial that these
assemblies are called legislatures. Parliaments all over the world can make new
laws, change existing laws, or abolish existing laws and make new ones in their
place.
Q.15. How does Parliament exercise control over the government?
Ans:
Parliaments all over the world exercise some control over those
who run the government. In some countries like India this control is direct and
full. Those who run the government can take decisions only so long as they
enjoy support of the Parliament. Parliament is the highest forum of discussion
and debate on public issues and national policy in any country.
Q.16. In India what is the national assembly of elected
representatives called?
Ans:
In India national assembly of elected representatives is called
Parliament. At the state level this is called Legislature or Legislative
Assembly.
Q.17. Write a note on two houses of Parliament.
Ans:
Since the Parliament plays a central role in modern democracies,
most large countries divide the role and powers of the Parliament in two parts.
They are called Chambers or Houses. One House is usually directly elected by
the people and exercises the real power on behalf of the people. The second
House is usually elected indirectly and performs some special functions. The
most common work for the second House is to look after the interests of various
states, regions or federal units.
Q.18. Name the two houses of Parliament in India.
Ans:
In India, the Parliament consists of two Houses. The two Houses
are known as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People
(Lok Sabha).
Q.19. why all laws made in the Houses come into force only after
they receive the assent of the President?
Ans:
The President of India is a part of the Parliament, although she
is not a member of either House. That is why all laws made in the Houses come
into force only after they receive the assent of the President.
Q.20. What is known as the upper house?
Ans:
Rajya Sabha is called the ‘Upper Chamber’ or ‘Upper House.’
Q.21. What is known as the lower house?
Ans:
Rajya Sabha is called the ‘Lower Chamber’ or ‘Lower House.’
Q.22. Which house is more powerful, Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha?
Ans:
Our Constitution does give the Rajya Sabha some special powers
over the states. But on most matters, the Lok Sabha exercises supreme power.
Q.23. Lok Sabha exercises more powers in money matters. Explain.
Ans:
Lok Sabha exercises more powers in money matters. Once the Lok
Sabha passes the budget of the government or any other money related law, the
Rajya Sabha cannot reject it. The Rajya Sabha can only delay it by 14 days or
suggest changes in it. The Lok Sabha may or may not accept these changes.
Q.24. How does the Lok Sabha control the Council of Ministers?
Ans:
The Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers. Only a person
who enjoys the support of the majority of the members in the Lok Sabha is appointed
the Prime Minister. If the majority of the Lok Sabha members say they have ‘no
confidence’ in the Council of Ministers, all ministers including the Prime
Minister, have to quit.
Q.25. Why is government known as executive?
Ans:
At different levels of any government we find functionaries who
take day-to-day decisions but do not exercise supreme power on behalf of the
people. All those functionaries are collectively known as the executive. They
are called executive because they are in charge of the ‘execution’ of the
policies of the government. Thus, when we talk about ‘the government’ we
usually mean the executive.
Q.26. What is meant by political executive?
Ans:
One that is elected by the people for a specific period is
called the political executive. Political leaders who take the big decisions
fall in this category.
Q.27. What is meant by permanent executive?
Ans:
People that are appointed on a long-term basis are called the
permanent executive or civil services. Persons working in civil services are
called civil servants. They remain in office even when the ruling party
changes. These officers work under political executive and assist them in
carrying out the day-to-day administration.
Q.28. Discuss the appointment of the Prime Minister.
Ans:
Prime Minister 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. In case no single party or alliance gets a majority, the President
appoints the person most likely to secure a majority support.
Q.29. What is the tenure of Prime Minister?
Ans:
The Prime Minister does not have a fixed tenure. He continues in
power so long as he remains the leader of the majority party or coalition.
Q.30. Can a person become minister even if he is not a Member of
Parliament?
Ans:
Yes, a person can become minister even if he is not a Member of
Parliament, but such a person has to get elected to one of the Houses of the
Parliament within six months of appointment as minister.
Q.31. What is the official name for the body that includes all
the Ministers?
Ans:
Council of Ministers is the official name for the body that
includes all the Ministers. It usually has 60 to 80 Ministers of different
ranks.
Q.32. Who are Cabinet Ministers?
Ans:
Cabinet Ministers are
usually top-level leaders of the ruling party or parties who are in charge of
the major ministries. Usually the Cabinet Ministers meet to take decisions in
the name of the Council of Ministers. Cabinet is thus the inner ring of the
Council of Ministers. It comprises about 20 ministers.
Q.33. Who are Ministers of State with independent charge?
Ans:
Ministers of State with independent charge are usually in-charge of smaller Ministries. They participate in
the Cabinet meetings only when specially invited.
Q.34. Who are Ministers of State?
Ans:
Ministers of State are
attached to and required to assist Cabinet Ministers.
Q.35. why parliamentary democracy is often known as the Cabinet
form of government?
Ans:
Since it is not practical for all ministers to meet regularly
and discuss everything, the decisions are taken in Cabinet meetings. That is
why parliamentary democracy in most countries is often known as the Cabinet
form of government. The Cabinet works as a team. The ministers may have
different views and opinions, but everyone has to own up to every decision of
the Cabinet.
Q.36. What is Cabinet Secretariat?
Ans:
Every ministry has secretaries, who are civil servants. The
secretaries provide the necessary background information to the ministers to
take decisions. The Cabinet as a team is assisted by the Cabinet Secretariat.
This includes many senior civil servants who try to coordinate the working of
different ministries.
Q.37. What are powers of Prime Minister?
Ans:
As head of the government, the Prime Minister has wide ranging
powers. He chairs Cabinet meetings. He coordinates the work of different
Departments. His decisions are final in case disagreements arise between
Departments. He exercises general supervision of different ministries. All
ministers work under his leadership. The Prime Minister distributes and
redistributes work to the ministers. He also has the power to dismiss
ministers. When the Prime Minister quits, the entire ministry quits.
Q.38. What difficulties are faced by Prime Minister in coalition
governments?
Ans:
The Prime Minister of a coalition government cannot take
decisions as he likes. He has to accommodate different groups and factions in
his party as well as among alliance partners. He also has to heed to the views
and positions of the coalition partners and other parties, on whose support the
survival of the government depends.
Q.39. The President is considered as ceremonial head. Explain.
Ans:
In our political system the President as the head of the State
exercises only nominal powers. The President of India is like the Queen of
Britain whose functions are to a large extent ceremonial. The President
supervises the overall functioning of all the political institutions in the
country so that they operate in harmony to achieve the objectives of the state.
Q.40. How is the President elected?
Ans:
The President is not elected directly by the people. All the
Members of Parliament (MPs) and
Members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) elect her. A
candidate standing for President’s post has to get a majority of votes to win
the election. This ensures that the President can be seen to represent the
entire nation. At the same time the President can never claim the kind of
direct popular mandate that the Prime Minister can. This ensures that she
remains only a nominal executive.
Q.41. Discuss the powers of the President.
Ans:
All governmental activities take place in the name of the
President. All laws and major policy decisions of the government are issued in
her name. All major appointments are made in the name of the President. These
include the appointment of the Chief Justice of India, the Judges of the
Supreme Court as well as the High Courts of the states, the Governors of the
states, the Election Commissioners, ambassadors to other countries, all
international treaties and agreements are made in the name of the President.
The President is the supreme commander of the defence forces of India.
Q.42. When does the bill become the law?
Ans:
A bill passed by the Parliament becomes a law only after the
President gives assent to it. If the President wants, she can delay this for
some time and send the bill back to the Parliament for reconsideration. But if
the Parliament passes the bill again, she has to sign it.
Q.43. Can the President exercise her discretion while appointing
the Prime Minister?
Ans:
When a party or coalition of parties secures a clear majority in
the elections, the President, has to appoint the leader of the majority party
or the coalition that enjoys majority support in the Lok Sabha. When no party
or coalition gets a majority in the Lok Sabha, the President exercises her
discretion. The President appoints a leader who in her opinion can muster
majority support in the Lok Sabha.
Q.44. What is the judiciary?
Ans:
All the courts at different levels in a country put together are
called 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.
Q.45. India has an integrated judiciary. Explain.
Ans:
India has an integrated judiciary. It 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 of the country
·
Between citizens and government
·
Between two or more state governments
·
Between governments at the union and state level.
Q.46. Which is the highest court of appeal?
Ans:
Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in civil and
criminal cases. It can hear appeals against the decisions of the High Courts.
Q.47. What does the independence of the judiciary mean?
Ans:
Independence of the judiciary means that it is not under the
control of the legislature or the executive. The judges do not act on the
direction of the government or according to the wishes of the party in power.
Q.48. How are the judges of Supreme Court and High Court
appointed?
Ans:
The judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts are
appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and in
consultation with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. In practice it now
means that the senior judges of the Supreme Court select the new judges of the
Supreme Court and the High Courts. There is very little scope for interference
by the political executive.
Q.49. Who appoints the senior most judge of the Supreme Court?
Ans:
The senior most judge of the Supreme Court is usually appointed
by the Chief Justice.
Q.50. Discuss the process for removing the judges.
Ans:
Once a person is appointed as judge of the Supreme Court or the
High Court it is nearly impossible to remove him or her from that position. It
is as difficult as removing the President of India. A judge can be removed only
by an impeachment motion passed separately by two-thirds members of the two
Houses of the Parliament.
Q.51. The judiciary in India is also one of the most powerful in
the world. Explain.
Ans:
The judiciary in India is also one of the most powerful in the
world. The Supreme Court and the High Courts have the power to interpret the
Constitution of the country. They can declare invalid any law of the
legislature or the actions of the executive, whether at the Union level or at
the state level, if they find such a law or action is against the Constitution.
Q.52. What is meant by judicial review?
Ans:
The Supreme Court determines the Constitutional validity of any
legislation or action of the executive in the country, when it is challenged
before them. This is known as the judicial review.
Q.53. What is public interest litigation?
Ans:
The citizens have a right to approach the courts to seek remedy
in case of any violation of their rights. In recent years the Courts have given
several judgments and directives to protect public interest and human rights.
Any one can approach the courts if public interest is hurt by the actions of
government. This is called public interest litigation.
Q.54. why does the judiciary enjoy a high level of confidence
among the people?
Ans:
The courts intervene to prevent the misuse of the government’s
power to make decisions. They check malpractices on the part of public
officials. That is why the judiciary enjoys a high level of confidence among
the people.
Q.55. Define coalition government.
Ans:
A government formed by an alliance of two or more political
parties, usually when no single party enjoys majority support of the members in
a legislature.
Q.56. Define legislature.
Ans:
Legislature is an assembly of people’s representatives with the
power to enact laws for a country. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures have
authority to raise taxes and adopt the budget and other money bills.
Q.57. Define reservations in the political context.
Ans:
A policy that declares some positions in government employment
and educational institutions reserved for people and communities, who have been
discriminated against, are disadvantaged and backward.
BY SUMIT BHADRA
