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WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS - Q&A

1. If you are elected as the President of India which of the following decision can you take on your own?
(a) Select the person you like as Prime Minister.
(b) Dismiss a Prime Minister who has a majority in Lok Sabha.
(c) Ask for reconsideration of a bill passed by both the Houses.
(d) Nominate the leaders of your choice to the Council of Ministers.

Answer: (c) Ask for reconsideration of a bill passed by both the Houses.

Explanation:
The President of India generally acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, they have the discretionary power to send a bill back to the Parliament for reconsideration if they feel it requires changes. The other options are incorrect because the PM must command a majority in the Lok Sabha, and the President cannot simply choose anyone they "like" or dismiss a majority-backed PM.


2. Who among the following is a part of the political executive?
(a) District Collector
(b) Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs
(c) Home Minister
(d) Director General of Police

Answer: (c) Home Minister

Explanation:
The "Political Executive" comprises elected representatives (like Ministers) who serve for a specific term and remain in power as long as they have the people's mandate. Civil servants like the District Collector or secretaries are part of the "Permanent Executive" because they remain in office even when the ruling party changes.


3. Which of the following statements about the judiciary is false?
(a) Every law passed by the Parliament needs approval of the Supreme Court
(b) Judiciary can strike down a law if it goes against the spirit of the Constitution
(c) Judiciary is independent of the Executive
(d) Any citizen can approach the courts if her rights are violated

Answer: (a) Every law passed by the Parliament needs approval of the Supreme Court

Explanation:
This statement is false. In India, Parliament is the supreme law-making body, and it does not need prior approval from the Supreme Court to pass laws. The Supreme Court's role comes later; it can review a law only if that law is challenged in court and found to violate the Constitution (Judicial Review).


4. Which of the following institutions can make changes to an existing law of the country?
(a) The Supreme Court
(b) The President
(c) The Prime Minister
(d) The Parliament

Answer: (d) The Parliament

Explanation:
The Parliament is the supreme legislative body in India. Only the Parliament has the constitutional authority to amend (change), repeal (remove), or enact (make) laws. The Supreme Court interprets laws, and the Executive implements them.


5. Match the ministry with the news that the ministry may have released:
(a) A new policy is being made to increase the jute exports from the country. i. Ministry of Defence
(b) Telephone services will be made more accessible to rural areas. ii. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution
(c) The price of rice and wheat sold under the Public Distribution System will go down. iii. Ministry of Health
(d) A pulse polio campaign will be launched. iv. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(e) The allowances of the soldiers posted on high altitudes will be increased. v. Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Answer:
(a) — iv. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
(b) — v. Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
(c) — ii. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution
(d) — iii. Ministry of Health
(e) — i. Ministry of Defence

Explanation:
Each ministry handles a specific portfolio:
- Exports are trade-related (Commerce).
- Telephones/Internet fall under Communications.
- Ration (PDS) is food distribution (Agriculture/Food).
- Polio campaigns are health initiatives (Health).
- Soldiers are part of the armed forces (Defence).


6. Of all the institutions that we have studied in this chapter, name the one that exercises the powers on each of the following matters.
(a) Decision on allocation of money for developing infrastructure like roads, irrigation etc. and different welfare activities for the citizens.
(b) Considers the recommendation of a Committee on a law to regulate the stock exchange.
(c) Decides on a legal dispute between two state governments.
(d) Implements the decision to provide relief for the victims of an earthquake.

Answer:
(a) The Lok Sabha (Ministry of Finance)
(b) The Parliament
(c) The Supreme Court
(d) The Executive

Explanation:
(a) The budget (money allocation) must be passed by the Lok Sabha.
(b) Making laws to regulate sectors like the stock market is a legislative function of the Parliament.
(c) Disputes between federal units (States) are under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
(d) Actual groundwork and implementation of relief is the job of the Executive (civil servants and ministers).


7. Why is the Prime Minister in India not directly elected by the people? Choose the most appropriate answer and give reasons for your choice.
(a) In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister.
(b) Lok Sabha can remove the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers even before the expiry of their term.
(c) Since the Prime Minister is appointed by the President there is no need for it.
(d) Direct election of the Prime Minister will involve lot of expenditure on election.

Answer: (a) In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister.

Explanation:
This is the most appropriate reason because India follows the Parliamentary system of government (modeled on the UK system). In this system, the executive (PM) is part of the legislature and must command the support of the majority of MPs to function. If the PM were directly elected by the people but his party lost the Lok Sabha elections, there would be a conflict between the PM and the Parliament, leading to instability (also known as legislative deadlock).


8. Three friends went to watch a film that showed the hero becoming Chief Minister for a day and making big changes in the state. Imran said this is what the country needs. Rizwan said this kind of a personal rule without institutions is dangerous. Shankar said all this is a fantasy. No minister can do anything in one day. What would be your reaction to such a film?

Answer: I would agree with Rizwan’s perspective.

Explanation:
While the idea of a "hero" fixing everything quickly is exciting (like in a movie), Rizwan is correct that "personal rule without institutions is dangerous."
1. Dictatorship risk: Democracy relies on checks and balances. If one person has all the power, they can become a dictator.
2. Sustainability: Changes made in a rush often fail. Proper procedures, discussions, and institutional support are needed for long-term progress.
3. Democratic Process: Bypassing institutions destroys the very foundation of democracy, which is rule by law, not by one person's whim.


9. A teacher was making preparations for a mock parliament. She called two students to act as leaders of two political parties. She gave them an option: Each one could choose to have a majority either in the mock Lok Sabha or in the mock Rajya Sabha. If this choice was given to you, which one would you choose and why?

Answer: I would choose to have a majority in the mock Lok Sabha.

Explanation:
The Lok Sabha is politically more powerful than the Rajya Sabha for three key reasons:
1. Money Bills: The Rajya Sabha cannot reject the budget or money bills; only the Lok Sabha can.
2. Forming Government: The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are responsible to the Lok Sabha. If the Lok Sabha passes a "No Confidence Motion," the government falls. The Rajya Sabha does not have this power.
3. Joint Sessions: In a joint session to resolve a deadlock, the Lok Sabha usually wins because it has more than double the number of members (543) compared to the Rajya Sabha (245).


10. After reading the example of the reservation order, three students had different reactions about the role of the judiciary. Which view, according to you, is a correct reading of the role of judiciary?
(a) Srinivas argues that since the Supreme Court agreed with the government, it is not independent.
(b) Anjaiah says that judiciary is independent because it could have given a verdict against the government order. The Supreme Court did direct the government to modify it.
(c) Vijaya thinks that the judiciary is neither independent nor conformist, but acts as a mediator between opposing parties. The court struck a good balance between those who supported and those who opposed the order.

Answer: (b) Anjaiah's view is the correct reading.

Explanation:
Anjaiah correctly identifies that independence means the ability to judge without pressure. The Supreme Court reviewed the government's order and did not just blindly accept it. It ordered a modification (excluding the "creamy layer" from reservations), which shows it has the power to correct the government. This proves the judiciary is independent and acts as a guardian of the Constitution.

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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
In a democracy, which three institutions typically play key roles in making and implementing major decisions?
Answer
The legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
Question
What are the two alternative names for the national-level government of India mentioned in the text?
Answer
The Central Government or the Union Government.
Question
On what date did the Government of India issue the historic Office Memorandum regarding job reservations?
Answer
13 August 1990.
Question
Term: SEBC
Answer
Definition: Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, a category of people belonging to castes considered backward by the government.
Question
What specific percentage of government job vacancies was reserved for SEBCs by the 1990 Office Memorandum?
Answer
27 per cent.
Question
Before the 1990 order, which two groups were the only categories eligible for job reservations in India?
Answer
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Question
Who is the head of the state and the highest formal authority in India?
Answer
The President.
Question
Who is the head of the government in India and exercises all actual governmental powers?
Answer
The Prime Minister.
Question
In India, the Parliament consists of the President and which two Houses?
Answer
The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Question
The Prime Minister must have the support of a majority of members in which House of Parliament?
Answer
The Lok Sabha.
Question
What was the popular name for the Second Backward Classes Commission appointed in 1979?
Answer
The Mandal Commission.
Question
Who was the head of the Second Backward Classes Commission?
Answer
B.P. Mandal.
Question
What was the primary task assigned to the Mandal Commission?
Answer
To determine criteria for identifying socially and educationally backward classes and recommend steps for their advancement.
Question
Which political party promised to implement the Mandal Commission report in its 1989 election manifesto?
Answer
The Janata Dal.
Question
Who was the Prime Minister responsible for the formal decision to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendations?
Answer
V.P. Singh.
Question
How did the Prime Minister inform Parliament about the decision to implement the Mandal recommendations on 7 August 1990?
Answer
Through a statement made in both Houses of Parliament.
Question
What was the name of the Supreme Court case that challenged the 1990 reservation order?
Answer
Indira Sawhney and others vs Union of India case.
Question
In what year did the Supreme Court of India declare the reservation order for SEBCs valid?
Answer
1992.
Question
What specific modification did the Supreme Court require the government to make to the original 1990 reservation order?
Answer
The exclusion of well-to-do persons among the backward classes from the benefits of reservation.
Question
In a democracy, what is the collective term for functionaries in charge of executing government policies?
Answer
The executive.
Question
Term: Political Executive
Answer
Definition: Government functionaries elected by the people for a specific period who take major policy decisions.
Question
Term: Permanent Executive
Answer
Definition: Civil servants appointed on a long-term basis who remain in office even when the ruling party changes.
Question
Why does the political executive hold more power than the permanent executive in a democracy?
Answer
The will of the people is supreme, and the minister is the people's elected representative.
Question
Who provides the overall framework and objectives within which policy decisions are made?
Answer
The minister.
Question
What is the primary role of civil servants in relation to political executives?
Answer
To assist political executives in carrying out day-to-day administration and implementing decisions.
Question
Why are democratic institutions like meetings and committees often considered frustrating for leaders?
Answer
They involve rules, routines, and procedures that can lead to delays and complications.
Question
What is the democratic benefit of the delays and complications introduced by political institutions?
Answer
They provide an opportunity for a wider set of people to be consulted before a decision is taken.
Question
In any democracy, what is the assembly of elected representatives that exercises supreme political authority called?
Answer
The Parliament.
Question
What is the state-level equivalent of the national Parliament in India?
Answer
The Legislature or Legislative Assembly.
Question
Which institution is the final authority for making, changing, or abolishing laws in a country?
Answer
The Parliament.
Question
Under what condition can those who run the government in India continue to take decisions?
Answer
Only as long as they enjoy the support of the Parliament.
Question
Which institution controls all the public money that the government has in most countries?
Answer
The Parliament.
Question
What are the two Houses of the Indian Parliament officially known as?
Answer
The Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
Question
Why is the Rajya Sabha often referred to as the 'Upper Chamber' and the Lok Sabha as the 'Lower Chamber'?
Answer
It is an old style of speaking and does not reflect actual constitutional power rankings.
Question
How is a final decision reached when the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha disagree on an ordinary law?
Answer
A joint session is held where members of both Houses sit together.
Question
Which House of Parliament has the supreme power in money matters, such as the government budget?
Answer
The Lok Sabha.
Question
What is the maximum amount of time the Rajya Sabha can delay a money bill passed by the Lok Sabha?
Answer
14 days.
Question
What happens if a majority of Lok Sabha members pass a 'no confidence' motion against the Council of Ministers?
Answer
All ministers, including the Prime Minister, must quit their positions.
Question
Which official appoints the Prime Minister of India?
Answer
The President.
Question
How long does a Prime Minister typically remain in power?
Answer
As long as he remains the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha.
Question
If a person is not a member of Parliament but is appointed as a minister, what must they do to retain the post?
Answer
Get elected to one of the Houses of Parliament within six months of their appointment.
Question
Term: Council of Ministers
Answer
Definition: The official name for the body that includes all Ministers, usually consisting of 60 to 80 individuals.
Question
Term: Cabinet Ministers
Answer
Definition: Top-level leaders of the ruling party who are in charge of major ministries and make decisions in the name of the Council of Ministers.
Question
Which group within the Council of Ministers is considered the 'inner ring' and consists of about 25 ministers?
Answer
The Cabinet.
Question
What rank of ministers are usually in charge of smaller ministries and only attend Cabinet meetings when invited?
Answer
Ministers of State with independent charge.
Question
Why is parliamentary democracy often referred to as the 'Cabinet form of government'?
Answer
Because it is impractical for all 60-80 ministers to meet regularly, so decisions are taken in Cabinet meetings.
Question
What is the principle regarding Cabinet decisions that requires all ministers to support every decision, regardless of personal opinion?
Answer
Collective responsibility (owning up to every decision of the Cabinet).
Question
As the head of the government, who chairs Cabinet meetings and coordinates the work of different departments?
Answer
The Prime Minister.
Question
Whose decision is final in the event of disagreements between different government departments in India?
Answer
The Prime Minister's.
Question
What happens to the entire ministry if the Prime Minister of India resigns?
Answer
The entire ministry quits.
Question
How has the rise of coalition politics affected the powers of the Prime Minister?
Answer
It has imposed constraints, requiring the PM to accommodate different groups, factions, and alliance partners.
Question
Which official's functions in India are described as being largely ceremonial, similar to the Queen of Britain?
Answer
The President.
Question
Who elects the President of India?
Answer
Elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and elected Members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
Question
In whose name are all laws and major policy decisions of the Indian government issued?
Answer
The President's.
Question
Who is the supreme commander of the defence forces of India?
Answer
The President.
Question
Under what circumstance does the President of India exercise discretion in appointing a Prime Minister?
Answer
When no single party or coalition gets a clear majority in the Lok Sabha.
Question
If the President sends a bill back to Parliament for reconsideration and it is passed again, what must she do?
Answer
The President must sign the bill into law.