Keywords To Remember
- Executive
Definition: The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, overseeing the administration of the country.
- Nominal Executive
Definition: The figurehead of the executive who holds the title but exercises no real power. In India, this is the President.
- Real Executive
Definition: The part of the executive that actually exercises power and authority. In India, this is the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- Council of Ministers
Definition: A group of appointed ministers headed by the Prime Minister, responsible for formulating and executing government policy.
- Prime Minister
Definition: The head of government in India, leading the Council of Ministers and making key decisions regarding administration.
- President
Definition: The head of the state of India, who represents the country symbolically but operates under the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
- Electoral College
Definition: A body that elects the President of India, consisting of elected members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies.
- Impeachment
Definition: The formal process of removing the President of India from office for violating the Constitution, requiring a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
- Succession to Presidency
Definition: The process where, in case of vacancy in the President’s office, the Vice President assumes the role temporarily until a new election is held.
- Single Transferable Vote System
Definition: A voting system where voters rank candidates in order of preference. If a voter’s first choice does not win, their vote is transferred to their second choice.
- Quorum
Definition: The minimum number of members required for a meeting or election to be valid.
- Emoluments
Definition: Salaries, benefits, and allowances received by government officials, including the President of India.
- Legislative Powers
Definition: The powers of the President to influence legislative processes such as summoning, proroguing, and addressing Parliament; and giving consent to bills.
- Judicial Powers
Definition: The powers of the President in appointing judges and granting pardons or amnesty in judicial matters.
- Emergency Powers
Definition: Powers vested in the President to deal with situations like national emergencies, breakdowns of constitutional machinery in states, and financial emergencies.
- Vice President
Definition: The second-highest constitutional office in India, who acts as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and steps in as President if the office becomes vacant.
- Council of Ministers
Definition: A collective body composed of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and other ministers responsible for assisting in the formulation and implementation of government policies.
- Collective Responsibility
Definition: A principle in parliamentary systems where all ministers are collectively responsible to the legislature for the actions of the government.
- Cabinet
Definition: A subset of the Council of Ministers, typically comprising senior ministers who make the most significant decisions on government policy.
- Proportional Representation
Definition: A voting system where the number of seats awarded to a political party is proportional to the number of votes they receive.
- Coalition Government
Definition: A government formed by multiple political parties coming together, often when no single party has a majority in Parliament.
- Chancellor
Definition: The ceremonial head or leader of a university in some countries, also referred to as the Vice President of India in the context of central universities.
- Rajya Sabha
Definition: The upper house of India’s Parliament, composed of representatives who are indirectly elected and nominated by the President.
- Lok Sabha
Definition: The lower house of India’s Parliament, composed of directly elected representatives from constituencies across the country.
Something to Know
Tick (✔️) the correct option.
- Who among the following is the Head of the Union Government?
(a) The Prime Minister
(b) The President of India
(c) The Vice President of India
(d) The Chief Justice of India
Answer – (b) The President of India
- The Supreme Commander of India’s defence forces is—
(a) The Defence Minister of India
(b) The senior most among the Army Chief, Air Chief and the Naval Chief
(c) The Prime Minister of India
(d) The President of India
Answer – (d) The President of India
- Which one of the following statements is true?
(a) The Union Home Minister acts as a link between the President and the Cabinet.
(b) The Vice President of India is not entitled to all the powers and privileges due to the President even if she/he is officiating.
(c) All the members of Rajya Sabha are entitled to vote in the Presidential election.
(d) The President of India is an integral part of Indian Parliament.
Answer – (d) The President of India is an integral part of Indian Parliament.
- The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of—
(a) The Speaker of Lok Sabha
(b) The Chairman of Rajya Sabha
(c) The Union Council of Ministers
(d) The Prime Minister of India
Answer – (c) The Union Council of Ministers
- In case of certain extraordinary situations, the President can sanction money to the government out of—
(a) Emergency fund
(b) Contingency fund
(c) Army welfare fund
(d) Consolidated fund
Answer – (b) Contingency fund
B. Fill in the blanks.
- In Parliamentary form of government, the two types of executives are ___________ and ___________ .
Answer – nominal executive, real executive
- The process to remove the President of India is called ___________.
Answer – impeachment
- The Union Council of Ministers is there to ___________ and ___________ the President of India.
Answer – aid, advise
- Responsibility of all the ministers to defend their acts and decisions is called ___________ ___________.
Answer – collective responsibility
- The President of India is elected by a ___________ ___________ vote system.
Answer – Single Transferable
C. Write True or False for the following statements.
- The Union Executive comprises of the Prime Minster and the Council of Ministers.
Answer – True
- The President of India cannot be re-elected for a second term.
Answer – False (The President of India can be re-elected for a second term.)
- All the elected members of Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies elect the President of India.
Answer – False (Only elected members of the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, not all members, participate in the election of the President.)
- The imposition of emergency in a State is called President’s rule.
Answer – True
- The Chairman of Rajya Sabha must be a member of Rajya Sabha.
Answer – True
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Explain the judicial powers of the President of India.
Answer – The judicial powers of the President of India include the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remission of punishment, or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of an offence. The President can also appoint judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, as well as the Chief Justice of India. Additionally, the President has the power to refer any legal matter to the Supreme Court for advice.
- Explain the process of electing the President of India.
Answer – The President of India is elected through an indirect election by an electoral college. The electoral college consists of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories. The election is conducted by a system of proportional representation through a single transferable vote. Each voter casts a vote in favor of a candidate, and the votes are counted using a special method to ensure fairness. The candidate who secures the majority of votes is elected as the President.
- Differentiate between the real and the nominal executive of India.
Answer – The real executive refers to the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, which holds actual power and authority in governance. They make important decisions and direct the administration of the country. On the other hand, the nominal executive refers to the President of India, who is the constitutional head of state but holds ceremonial powers. The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers and does not exercise executive powers independently.
- How can the President of India be removed and on what grounds? Explain.
Answer – The President of India can be removed through impeachment, which is a formal procedure initiated by either House of Parliament. The grounds for impeachment are violations of the Constitution of India. The impeachment motion must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the total membership of the House where it is introduced, and then it must be passed by the other House as well. If both Houses pass the motion, the President is removed from office.
- Describe the powers and functions of the Vice President of India.
Answer – The Vice President of India has two primary roles: as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and as the Vice President of the Republic. The Vice President presides over the sessions of the Rajya Sabha and ensures that the proceedings are conducted smoothly. In the absence of the President, the Vice President assumes the duties of the President. The Vice President also acts as a link between the two Houses of Parliament and has the power to refer any matters to the President. If the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice President temporarily assumes the President’s functions until a new President is elected.
E. Answer the following questions.
- How is the Union Council of Ministers appointed? Explain its main functions.
Answer – The Union Council of Ministers is appointed by the President of India, based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The President appoints ministers, including Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers. The Prime Minister is the head of the Council. The main functions of the Council include assisting the President in the executive decision-making process, formulating policies, advising the President on various matters, and implementing laws and policies passed by the Parliament. The Council is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the government.
- List any five powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India.
Answer – The Prime Minister of India holds significant powers and functions, including:
Head of Government – The Prime Minister is the head of the Union Government and leads the Union Council of Ministers.
Forming the Government – The Prime Minister appoints other ministers and allocates their responsibilities.
Advising the President – The Prime Minister acts as the chief advisor to the President and communicates the decisions of the Cabinet to the President.
Legislative Functions – The Prime Minister plays a crucial role in shaping legislation, advising the President on matters related to the Parliament.
Managing National Affairs – The Prime Minister is responsible for coordinating and managing the affairs of the country, both at the national and international levels.
- Describe the legislative and financial powers of the President of India.
Answer – Legislative Powers: The President of India has the power to summon or prorogue sessions of Parliament and to dissolve the Lok Sabha. The President addresses both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of each session and gives assent to bills passed by Parliament, making them laws. The President also has the power to promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
Financial Powers: The President has the power to cause the budget to be presented in Parliament. No money bill can be introduced in the Lok Sabha without the President’s prior consent. Additionally, all grants and expenditure are authorized by the President.
- Explain the three situations under which the President of India can proclaim emergency.
Answer – The President of India can proclaim an emergency under the following three situations:
National Emergency (Article 352): If the security of India or any part of it is threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion, the President can declare a national emergency.
State Emergency (President’s Rule) (Article 356): If the governance of a state cannot be carried out as per the provisions of the Constitution, or if there is a failure of constitutional machinery in the state, the President can impose President’s Rule.
Financial Emergency (Article 360): If the financial stability or credit of India or any part of it is threatened, the President can declare a financial emergency.
5- Explain the following terms.
(a) Coalition Government
Answer – A coalition government is formed when no single political party wins a majority in the election, leading to an alliance of multiple parties to form a government.
(b) Impeachment
Answer – Impeachment is a formal process by which a sitting President of India can be removed from office for violating the Constitution. This process is initiated by either House of Parliament and requires a two-thirds majority vote in both Houses.
(c) Collective Responsibility
Answer – This principle refers to the collective accountability of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha. All ministers are collectively responsible for the decisions made by the Cabinet, and they must resign if the Lok Sabha expresses a lack of confidence in the government.
(d) Parliamentary Form of Government
Answer – The Parliamentary form of government is a system where the executive is derived from and is accountable to the legislature. In India, the President is the nominal executive, while the real executive powers lie with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
(e) Electoral College
Answer – The Electoral College is a body of elected representatives who elect the President of India. It consists of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories.
Value Based Question
The First President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, when retired, refused to accept to live in the official bunglow allotted by the Government of India and opted to live in his native village instead.
- What would you do if you were given a similar option and why?
Answer – If I were given a similar option, I would choose to live a simple life in my native place, just like Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Living close to one’s roots helps maintain humility, stay connected to one’s community, and serve the people directly. I believe it is important to lead by example and avoid unnecessary luxury at the cost of public money.
- Identify any value you have learnt from this incident.
Answer – The value I have learned from this incident is simplicity and humility. Dr. Rajendra Prasad demonstrated that true leadership lies in selflessness and service, not in power or luxury.
- Write one similar anecdote from your family, friends or any leader/person that has inspired you.
Answer – My grandfather, after retiring from a government job, chose not to take any special pension benefits or perks he was offered and instead spent his time teaching children in the village for free. His decision to live a simple life and contribute to society without expecting anything in return has always inspired me to stay grounded and serve others.
(Map Skill)
On an outline political map of India, locate and label the following states.
(a) The home State of the First President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. — Bihar
(b) The State to which the First Woman President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil, belonged –
Maharashtra
(c) The State where the First Vice President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, was born. — Tamil Nadu
(d) The State where the First Speaker of Lok Sabha, G.V. Mavalankar, was born. — Gujarat
(e) The State to which the First Prime Mininster of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, belonged. — Uttar Pradesh
Answer – (a) Bihar – Home state of the First President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad
→ Mark and label Bihar in eastern India.
(b) Maharashtra – State to which the First Woman President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil, belonged
→ Mark and label Maharashtra in western-central India.
(c) Tamil Nadu – State where the First Vice President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, was born
→ Mark and label Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India.
(d) Gujarat – State where the First Speaker of Lok Sabha, G.V. Mavalankar, was born
→ Mark and label Gujarat in western India.
(e) Uttar Pradesh – State to which the First Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, belonged
→ Mark and label Uttar Pradesh in north-central India.
Something To Do
- Divide your class into groups of four or five and collect interesting information about the Presidents, Vice Presidents and Prime Ministers of India. Some interesting facts are given below:
(a) The Vice Presidents who later became Presidents.
Answer – Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Dr. Zakir Husain
V.V. Giri
- Venkataraman
Shankar Dayal Sharma
K.R. Narayanan
- Venkaiah Naidu (held Vice President office but did not become President) – (Note: As of now, Jagdeep Dhankhar is the current Vice President but has not become President)
(b) The Vice President who resigned his post first and then contested the Presidential election.
Answer – V.V. Giri – He resigned as Vice President in 1969 to contest the Presidential election as an independent candidate after the death of President Zakir Husain.
(c) The Presidents who could not complete their term. Why could they not do so?
Answer – Dr. Zakir Husain – Died in office on 3 May 1969.
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed – Died in office on 11 February 1977.
Both died due to illness during their tenure.
(d) The youngest Prime Minister of India.
Answer – Rajiv Gandhi – He became Prime Minister at the age of 40 after the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, in 1984.
(e) The Prime Ministers who were in office for less than a month.
Answer – Atal Bihari Vajpayee – His first term lasted 13 days in May 1996 as he resigned before proving majority in Lok Sabha.
Charan Singh – Served for around 24 days without facing the Parliament in 1979.
Put this information along with the concerned photographs on the display board of your class.
- Study the following photographs of some of the Presidents, Vice Presidents and the Prime Ministers of India. Identify them and mention their names, the post they held and the tenure of their office.
Answer – Students will do this at their own.
- Prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the Present Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister and their portfolios along with their photos.
Answer – Students will do this at their own.
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Fill in the blanks
- The President of India is elected for a term of _______________ years.
Answer – Five
- The executive powers of the Union are vested in the _______________.
Answer – President
- The Prime Minister is appointed by the _______________.
Answer – President
- The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the _______________.
Answer – Lok Sabha
- The Vice President is elected by members of both _______________ and _______________.
Answer – Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
- The President gives his/her resignation to the _______________.
Answer – Vice President
- The Cabinet Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the _______________.
Answer – Prime Minister
- The Rajya Sabha is a _______________ House, meaning it is not subject to dissolution.
Answer – Permanent
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Who advises the President in the appointment of the Council of Ministers?
(a) Chief Justice of India
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Lok Sabha Speaker
(d) Attorney General
Answer – (b) Prime Minister
- Which of the following is not a power of the President of India?
(a) Judicial
(b) Legislative
(c) Executive
(d) Military command
Answer – (d) Military command (The President is Supreme Commander but does not have direct command.)
- Who has the authority to summon or prorogue Parliament sessions?
(a) Speaker
(b) Prime Minister
(c) President
(d) Chief Justice
Answer – (c) President
- Who among the following acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Vice President
(d) Chief Minister
Answer – (c) Vice President
- The minimum age for becoming the President of India is:
(a) 25 years
(b) 30 years
(c) 35 years
(d) 40 years
Answer – (c) 35 years
True/False
- The Prime Minister is the constitutional head of India.
Answer – False
- The President can dissolve the Rajya Sabha.
Answer – False
- The Cabinet is a smaller body within the Council of Ministers.
Answer – True
- The Prime Minister addresses the nation during national emergencies.
Answer – True
- The Vice President can act as President during the latter’s absence.
Answer – True
Competency-Based Questions
- Question: Aman read in the newspaper that the President declared a National Emergency. Explain under what conditions such a step is taken.
Answer: A National Emergency can be proclaimed under Article 352 of the Constitution if there is a threat to India’s security due to war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
- Question: Ravi’s teacher asked him why the President appoints the Prime Minister. What should heAnswer?
Answer: The President appoints the Prime Minister because it is constitutionally mandated. The PM is usually the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha and is best suited to run the government.
High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
- Question: Why is the role of the President considered largely ceremonial in India despite being the constitutional head?
Answer: In the parliamentary system, the President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers. The real power lies with the elected government, making the President’s role largely symbolic and ceremonial.
- Question: Evaluate the importance of collective responsibility in a democracy like India.
Answer: Collective responsibility ensures that the entire Cabinet is accountable to the Parliament and ultimately to the people. It prevents arbitrary decision-making and promotes unity in governance.
ShortAnswer Questions
- Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?
Answer: The President of India appoints the Prime Minister.
- What is the main function of the Vice President in the Parliament?
Answer: The Vice President acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- What is meant by ‘Council of Ministers’?
Answer: The Council of Ministers includes the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers who aid and advise the President in the administration of the Union Government.
LongAnswer Questions
- Describe the legislative, executive, and emergency powers of the President of India.
Answer: Legislative Powers: Summons and prorogues Parliament sessions, addresses Parliament, gives assent to bills, and can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Executive Powers: Appoints the Prime Minister, Governors, judges, and other officials; runs administration through Council of Ministers.
Emergency Powers: Can proclaim National, State, and Financial Emergencies, assuming wide-ranging control over states and government operations.
- Discuss the composition and responsibilities of the Union Council of Ministers.
Answer: The Council of Ministers is composed of:
Cabinet Ministers – Senior leaders with major portfolios.
Ministers of State – Junior ministers, may or may not have independent charge.
Deputy Ministers – Assist other ministers.
They are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and play a crucial role in policy-making, administration, and advising the President.
Additional Questions and Answer – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- India adopted a ________ form of government to harmonize diversity and achieve national goals.
Answer: federal
- The Union Government has three organs: the Legislature, the Executive, and the ________.
Answer: Judiciary
- The Union Legislature is called the ________, which is bicameral.
Answer: Parliament
- The Indian Parliament consists of two Houses: Lok Sabha and ________ Sabha.
Answer: Rajya
- The Union Executive comprises the President and the Council of Ministers headed by the ________.
Answer: Prime Minister
- The highest apex court in India is the ________ Court.
Answer: Supreme
- The Constitution divides legislative powers into three lists: Union List, State List, and ________ List.
Answer: Concurrent
- The ________ List includes subjects like defence, railways, and foreign affairs.
Answer: Union
- The ________ List includes subjects like police, agriculture, and public health.
Answer: State
- Subjects like marriage and divorce are part of the ________ List.
Answer: Concurrent
- Subjects not included in the three lists are called ________ subjects.
Answer: residuary
- The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is ________ members.
Answer: 550
- The President can nominate ________ members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha.
Answer: two
- The normal term of the Lok Sabha is ________ years.
Answer: five
- The ________ presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha.
Answer: Speaker
- The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is ________ members.
Answer: 250
- The ________ of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: Vice President
- The Rajya Sabha is a ________ House that cannot be dissolved.
Answer: Permanent
- The Parliament makes laws on subjects in the Union List, Concurrent List, and ________ subjects.
Answer: residuary
- The ________ Hour in Parliament allows members to ask questions to control the executive.
Answer: Question
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) andAnswers
- What type of government did India adopt to harmonize diversity?
- a) Unitary
- b) Federal
- c) Monarchical
- d) Presidential
Answer: b) Federal
- How many organs does the Union Government have?
- a) Two
- b) Three
- c) Four
- d) Five
Answer: b) Three
- What is the Union Legislature called?
- a) Assembly
- b) Parliament
- c) Council
- d) Senate
Answer: b) Parliament
- How many Houses does the Indian Parliament have?
- a) One
- b) Two
- c) Three
- d) Four
Answer: b) Two
- Who heads the Union Council of Ministers?
- a) President
- b) Prime Minister
- c) Chief Justice
- d) Vice President
Answer: b) Prime Minister
- What is the highest apex court in India?
- a) High Court
- b) Supreme Court
- c) District Court
- d) Sessions Court
Answer: b) Supreme Court
- How many subjects are in the Union List?
- a) 52
- b) 66
- c) 97
- d) 238
Answer: c) 97
- Which subject is part of the State List?
- a) Defence
- b) Agriculture
- c) Railways
- d) Foreign affairs
Answer: b) Agriculture
- Which subject is included in the Concurrent List?
- a) Police
- b) Marriage
- c) Currency
- d) Post offices
Answer: b) Marriage
- What are subjects like computer software and e-commerce called?
- a) Union subjects
- b) State subjects
- c) Concurrent subjects
- d) Residuary subjects
Answer: d) Residuary subjects
- What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?
- a) 250
- b) 550
- c) 530
- d) 238
Answer: b) 550
- How many members can the President nominate to the Lok Sabha from the Anglo-Indian community?
- a) One
- b) Two
- c) Three
- d) Four
Answer: b) Two
- What is the normal term of the Lok Sabha?
- a) Four years
- b) Five years
- c) Six years
- d) Seven years
Answer: b) Five years
- Who presides over the Lok Sabha meetings?
- a) President
- b) Vice President
- c) Speaker
- d) Prime Minister
Answer: c) Speaker
- What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?
- a) 250
- b) 550
- c) 530
- d) 238
Answer: a) 250
- Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
- a) President
- b) Vice President
- c) Speaker
- d) Prime Minister
Answer: b) Vice President
- What type of House is the Rajya Sabha?
- a) Temporary
- b) Permanent
- c) Elected
- d) Nominated
Answer: b) Permanent
- Which House has more power over money bills?
- a) Rajya Sabha
- b) Lok Sabha
- c) Both equally
- d) Neither
Answer: b) Lok Sabha
- What is the process to remove the President called?
- a) Resignation
- b) Impeachment
- c) Dissolution
- d) No-confidence
Answer: b) Impeachment
- Who can vote to elect the President of India?
- a) Lok Sabha members only
- b) Rajya Sabha members only
- c) Members of Parliament
- d) State Governors
Answer: c) Members of Parliament
True/False Questions andAnswers
- India adopted a federal form of government to harmonize diversity.
Answer: True
- The Union Government has only two organs: Legislature and Executive.
Answer: False (It has three: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary.)
- The Indian Parliament is bicameral.
Answer: True
- The Lok Sabha is also called the Upper House.
Answer: False (It is the Lower House.)
- The President is part of the Union Executive.
Answer: True
- The Supreme Court is the highest apex court in India.
Answer: True
- The Union List has 66 subjects.
Answer: False (It has 97 subjects.)
- The State List includes subjects like agriculture and public health.
Answer: True
- The Concurrent List includes subjects like defence and railways.
Answer: False (It includes marriage, divorce, etc.)
- Residuary subjects fall under the Parliament’s jurisdiction.
Answer: True
- The Lok Sabha has a maximum strength of 550 members.
Answer: True
- The President can nominate three Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha.
Answer: False (Two members.)
- The normal term of the Lok Sabha is five years.
Answer: True
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is appointed by the President.
Answer: False (Elected by members.)
- The Rajya Sabha is a Permanent House.
Answer: True
- The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Lok Sabha.
Answer: False (Chairman of Rajya Sabha.)
- One-third of Rajya Sabha members retire every two years.
Answer: True
- The Lok Sabha has more control over the executive than the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: True
- The Parliament cannot make laws on State List subjects under any circumstances.
Answer: False (It can under special circumstances.)
- The impeachment process requires a simple majority in both Houses.
Answer: False (Requires special majority.)
Competency-Based Questions andAnswers
- Question: Imagine you are a political analyst studying the division of legislative powers in India’s federal structure. How would you use the Seventh Schedule and parliamentary records to analyze its effectiveness?
Answer: As a political analyst, I would examine the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, which divides legislative powers into Union (97 subjects), State (66 subjects), and Concurrent (52 subjects) Lists, as the text details, to assess clarity in jurisdiction. Parliamentary records, such as debates on laws like GST (Concurrent List), would reveal how both Parliament and state legislatures collaborate or conflict, as seen in state ratifications. I would analyze residuary subjects like IT, where Parliament’s laws prevail, as legislative records show, to evaluate central dominance. By cross-referencing with judicial rulings on federal disputes, I would conclude that the division ensures national unity while allowing state autonomy, though central overrides, as state complaints note, require better coordination to enhance federal effectiveness.
- Question: Evaluate the role of the Lok Sabha Speaker in maintaining legislative discipline using parliamentary proceedings and Speaker rulings.
Answer: The Lok Sabha Speaker’s role in maintaining legislative discipline is critical, as parliamentary proceedings and Speaker rulings show. The Speaker presides over meetings, maintains decorum, and can adjourn the House, as the text specifies. Proceedings from the 16th Lok Sabha, under Speakers like Meira Kumar, document instances of suspending unruly members, ensuring orderly debates. Rulings, such as those on adjournment motions, reflect the Speaker’s authority to prioritize agenda, as archival data confirm. By analyzing these sources, I would conclude that the Speaker’s powers uphold legislative efficiency, fostering democratic deliberation, though partisan perceptions, as opposition critiques note, require impartiality to sustain trust in the institution.
- Question: Design a research plan to study the impact of Universal Adult Franchise on India’s democratic participation using election data and voter turnout records.
Answer: Research Plan:
– Objective: To analyze the impact of Universal Adult Franchise on democratic participation.
– Sources: Collect election data (1952-2019) and voter turnout records from the Election Commission, alongside constitutional provisions (Article 326).
– Methodology: Examine turnout trends, especially post-1988 (voting age lowered to 18), to assess participation across castes, genders, and regions. Analyze reserved constituencies’ data to evaluate marginalized group engagement, as the text notes. Cross-reference with Assembly debates on franchise to understand intent.
– Expected Outcome: The study will show that Universal Adult Franchise, as turnout data (e.g., 62% in 1952) reflect, empowered diverse citizens, strengthening democracy, though voter apathy in urban areas, as reports suggest, requires targeted awareness to maximize participation.
- Question: How would you use Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha debates to assess the balance of power between the two Houses in legislative processes?
Answer: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha debates, as parliamentary records show, reveal the balance of power in legislative processes. Lok Sabha’s dominance in money bills, as the text notes, is evident in budget debates where Rajya Sabha’s recommendations are non-binding, as 2016 GST debates confirm. Rajya Sabha’s role in reviewing ordinary bills, as seen in land acquisition bill delays, balances Lok Sabha’s direct mandate, as debate records reflect. Joint sittings, as the 2002 POTA bill case shows, resolve deadlocks, favoring Lok Sabha’s numerical strength. By analyzing these sources, I would conclude that Lok Sabha holds greater financial and executive control, while Rajya Sabha ensures federal checks, though tensions, as state representation debates note, require procedural reforms for harmony.
- Question: Assess the significance of the impeachment process in ensuring accountability of high officials using constitutional provisions and historical cases.
Answer: The impeachment process, under Articles 61 and 124, ensures accountability of the President and judges, as constitutional provisions and historical cases show. Requiring a special majority in both Houses, as the text details, it safeguards against frivolous removals, as Assembly debates envisioned. Cases like Justice V. Ramaswami’s failed impeachment (1993), as parliamentary records note, highlight its rigorous threshold, protecting judicial independence. The process, as Article 61 procedures show, empowers Parliament to check misuse of power, reinforcing democratic accountability. By analyzing these sources, I would conclude that impeachment strengthens institutional integrity, though rare usage, as legal analyses suggest, requires public awareness to enhance its deterrent effect.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions andAnswers
- Question: Why is the federal division of legislative powers crucial for India’s governance, and how does it address the challenges of diversity?
Answer: The federal division of legislative powers, via the Seventh Schedule’s Union, State, and Concurrent Lists, is crucial for India’s governance, as the text and Assembly debates show. By assigning national subjects like defence (Union List) to Parliament and local subjects like agriculture (State List) to states, it ensures efficient administration across India’s diverse languages and cultures, as GST implementation records reflect. The Concurrent List, covering marriage and labor welfare, fosters cooperative federalism, as judicial rulings on conflicts note. Residuary powers, like IT, centralize emerging issues, as legislative data confirm. This division harmonizes diversity, though central interventions, as state petitions indicate, require balanced federalism to prevent regional alienation, sustaining national unity.
- Question: Analyze the role of Universal Adult Franchise in strengthening India’s parliamentary democracy and its impact on social inclusion.
Answer: Universal Adult Franchise, under Article 326, strengthens India’s parliamentary democracy by empowering all citizens above 18 to vote, as the text and election data show. High turnouts, like 62% in 1952, as Election Commission records note, reflect inclusive participation across castes and genders, aligning with Ambedkar’s vision of equality. Reserved constituencies for Scheduled Castes/Tribes, as the text details, uplift marginalized groups, as voter data from these seats confirm. Its impact on social inclusion is evident in diverse representation, though urban apathy and women’s underrepresentation, as Women’s Reservation Bill debates suggest, require reforms. By fostering participatory governance, it sustains democracy, balancing India’s diverse social fabric, as Assembly debates envisioned.
- Question: Evaluate the significance of the Lok Sabha’s dominance over money bills and its implications for federal balance.
Answer: The Lok Sabha’s dominance over money bills, as Article 110 and the text show, is significant for ensuring fiscal accountability in India’s parliamentary democracy, as budget debates reflect. Its exclusive right to introduce money bills, with Rajya Sabha’s non-binding recommendations, as 2016 demonetization debates note, prioritizes the directly elected House’s mandate, as Ambedkar’s speeches confirm. This strengthens executive control, as Lok Sabha’s no-confidence power over the Council of Ministers shows. However, it marginalizes Rajya Sabha’s federal role, as state representation debates indicate, risking central bias in fiscal policy, as state government critiques suggest. By balancing democratic accountability with federalism, reforms like enhanced Rajya Sabha consultation, as parliamentary records propose, could improve equity.
- Question: How does the Rajya Sabha’s permanent nature and indirect election process contribute to India’s federal structure and legislative stability?
Answer: The Rajya Sabha’s permanent nature and indirect election by state legislators, as Articles 80-83 and the text show, bolster India’s federal structure and legislative stability, as Assembly debates note. Its continuity, with one-third members retiring biennially, ensures policy consistency, as land reform bill reviews reflect, unlike Lok Sabha’s five-year term. Indirect elections, as Delhi’s three seats demonstrate, prioritize state representation, balancing regional interests, as federal dispute rulings confirm. Nominated experts, as records of distinguished members show, enrich debates. However, limited executive control, as no-confidence vote restrictions note, reduces its influence. By providing federal checks and stability, Rajya Sabha sustains cooperative governance, though reforms for direct accountability, as critiques suggest, could enhance its role.
- Question: Assess the interplay between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the legislative process and its impact on democratic governance.
Answer: The interplay between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, as Articles 107-108 and the text show, shapes India’s legislative process, enhancing democratic governance, as parliamentary records reflect. Lok Sabha’s direct election and money bill dominance, as budget approvals note, ensure public accountability, while Rajya Sabha’s federal review, as seen in GST bill delays, checks hasty legislation, as Ambedkar’s federalism vision confirms. Joint sittings, as the 2002 POTA case shows, resolve deadlocks, favoring Lok Sabha’s strength. This balance fosters inclusive law-making, though Rajya Sabha’s limited financial power, as state critiques indicate, risks central bias. By combining democratic mandate with federal oversight, the interplay strengthens governance, but procedural reforms, as debates suggest, could enhance equity and efficiency.
Short Questions andAnswers
- Question: What type of government did India adopt?
Answer: Federal.
- Question: How many organs does the Union Government have?
Answer: Three.
- Question: What is the Union Legislature called?
Answer: Parliament.
- Question: Name the two Houses of Parliament.
Answer: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Question: Who heads the Union Council of Ministers?
Answer: Prime Minister.
- Question: What is India’s highest court?
Answer: Supreme Court.
- Question: How many subjects are in the Union List?
Answer: 97.
- Question: Name a subject in the State List.
Answer: Agriculture.
- Question: Name a subject in the Concurrent List.
Answer: Marriage.
- Question: What are residuary subjects?
Answer: Subjects not in the three lists.
- Question: What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?
Answer: 550.
- Question: How many Anglo-Indian members can the President nominate to Lok Sabha?
Answer: Two.
- Question: What is the normal term of the Lok Sabha?
Answer: Five years.
- Question: Who presides over the Lok Sabha?
Answer: Speaker.
- Question: What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?
Answer: 250.
- Question: Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Answer: Vice President.
- Question: Is the Rajya Sabha a Permanent House?
Answer: Yes.
- Question: Which House has more power over money bills?
Answer: Lok Sabha.
- Question: What is the process to remove the President called?
Answer: Impeachment.
- Question: Who elects the President of India?
Answer: Members of Parliament.
Long Questions andAnswers
- Question: Discuss the federal division of legislative powers in India and its significance in maintaining a balance between national and state governance.
Answer: The federal division of legislative powers, under the Seventh Schedule, allocates 97 Union List subjects (e.g., defence, railways), 66 State List subjects (e.g., agriculture, police), and 52 Concurrent List subjects (e.g., marriage, labor welfare) to Parliament and state legislatures, as the text and Assembly debates show. Residuary subjects, like IT, fall under Parliament, as legislative records confirm. This division ensures national unity by centralizing critical areas, while state autonomy addresses regional diversity, as GST cooperation reflects. In conflicts, central laws prevail on Concurrent subjects, as judicial rulings note, maintaining uniformity. Its significance lies in harmon – harmonizing India’s diverse needs, though central dominance, as state petitions indicate, requires cooperative federalism to prevent regional tensions, sustaining effective governance, as policy outcomes like GST show.
- Question: Explain the structure and composition of the Indian Parliament and the role of the President in the legislative process.
Answer: The Indian Parliament, a bicameral legislature, comprises the Lok Sabha (House of the People, max. 550 members, directly elected, with two Anglo-Indian nominees) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States, max. 250 members, indirectly elected by state legislatures, with 12 Presidential nominees), as the text details. The Lok Sabha, with a five-year term, represents the people, while the permanent Rajya Sabha represents states, as Article 79 notes. The President, an integral part, approves bills to become laws, as Article 111 shows, and can nominate members or dissolve Lok Sabha on the Prime Minister’s advice, as historical dissolutions (e.g., 1970) confirm. The President’s role ensures constitutional checks, as Assembly debates envisioned, fostering democratic stability, though delays in assent, as critiques note, require timely action to uphold legislative efficiency.
- Question: Analyze the powers and functions of the Lok Sabha Speaker and their impact on the legislative process.
Answer: The Lok Sabha Speaker, elected by members, wields significant powers, as the text and parliamentary records show. Presiding over meetings, maintaining decorum, and adjourning sessions, as Meira Kumar’s rulings (2009-2014) note, the Speaker ensures orderly debates. Receiving petitions and presiding over joint sittings, as the 2002 POTA joint sitting records confirm, they streamline legislative processes. Their authority to suspend members or prioritize motions, as adjournment rulings show, shapes agenda and efficiency. The Speaker’s impartiality, as tradition of electing from the majority party notes, impacts trust, as opposition critiques suggest. By fostering discipline, the Speaker enhances legislative productivity, though perceived partisanship, as debates indicate, requires neutrality to sustain democratic credibility.
- Question: Evaluate the role of the Rajya Sabha in India’s federal structure and its contribution to legislative balance.
Answer: The Rajya Sabha, as a permanent House with 250 members (238 elected by state legislatures, 12 nominated), plays a vital role in India’s federal structure, as Articles 80-83 and the text show. Representing states, as Delhi’s three seats indicate, it ensures regional voices in law-making, as land reform bill reviews reflect, balancing Lok Sabha’s national mandate, as Ambedkar’s federalism vision confirms. Its six-year term with biennial retirements, as election records note, provides continuity, unlike Lok Sabha’s volatility. However, limited financial and executive control, as no-confidence vote restrictions show, curbs its influence, as state critiques note. By reviewing and delaying bills, Rajya Sabha fosters federal checks, enhancing legislative balance, though reforms for greater accountability, as debates suggest, could strengthen its federal role.
- Question: Discuss the powers and functions of the Union Parliament and their impact on India’s democratic governance.
Answer: The Union Parliament’s powers—legislative, executive control, financial, judicial, and electoral—shape India’s democratic governance, as Articles 107-124 and the text show. Legislative powers enable laws on Union, Concurrent, and residuary subjects, as GST enactment reflects, ensuring national policy coherence. Executive control, via Lok Sabha’s no-confidence votes, as 1999 Vajpayee government fall notes, ensures accountability. Financial powers, with Lok Sabha’s budget dominance, as 2016 demonetization approval shows, secure fiscal discipline. Judicial powers, like impeachment, as Justice Ramaswami’s case (1993) indicates, uphold integrity. Electoral powers, electing the President, as 2017 Kovind election confirms, reinforce democratic processes. These powers foster participatory governance, though Lok Sabha’s dominance, as Rajya Sabha critiques note, requires federal balance to sustain inclusive democracy, as policy outcomes suggest.