Important Questions for Chapter 4 Working of Institutions Class 9 Political Science
Important Questions1
Name the three institutions that play a key role in major decisions in India.
Answer
In India, three institutions play a key role in major decisions that are the legislature, executive and judiciary.
VSAQ
2
Who is the Head of the State and the highest formal authority in the country?
Answer
The President is the head of the state and is the highest formal authority in the country.
VSAQ
3
Write one recommendation of Mandal Commission.
Answer
27% of government jobs be reserved for the socially and economically backward classes.
VSAQ
4
What is meant by coalition government?
Answer
A government formed by an alliance of two or more political parties when no single party enjoys majority support is known as coalition government.
VSAQ
5
How many members are nominated by the President in Rajya Sabha?
Answer
12 members.
VSAQ
6
When does a bill become a law?
Answer
A bill passed by the Parliament becomes a law only after the President’s assent.
VSAQ
7
Write one function of the Parliament.
Answer
Parliament makes new laws, changes the existing laws.
VSAQ
8
Who is the head of the government and exercises all governmental powers?
Answer
The Prime Minister.
VSAQ
9
Who elects the President of India?
Answer
All the Members of the Parliament (MPS) and the members of the state legislative assemblies elect the President.
VSAQ
10
What is meant by political executive?
Answer
The political executive consists of political leaders who are elected by the people for a specific term.
VSAQ
11
What is meant by permanent executive?
Answer
People who are appointed on a long-term basis are called the permanent executive or civil servants.
VSAQ
12
What is judiciary?
Answer
Judiciary can be defined as the branch of government that is endowed with the authority to interpret and apply the law, adjudicate legal disputes, and otherwise justice.
VSAQ
13
What kind of judiciary do we have in India?
Answer
Independent and integrated judiciary.
VSAQ
14
Which institution is empowered to administer justice in India?
Answer
Judiciary.
VSAQ
15
Apart from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, who else constitutes the Parliament?
Answer
President.
VSAQ
16
Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts?
Answer
President.
VSAQ
17
How can a judge of the Supreme Court be removed?
Answer
By the Parliament through impeachment.
VSAQ
18
Why does the political executive have more powers than the permanent executive?
Answer
Political executives are elected by the people.
VSAQ
19
What is the position of the President?
Answer
Nominal Head of state.
VSAQ
1
“The Indira Sawhney and others vs Union of India Case”, was filed in which concern? Describe it.
Answer
The Second Backward Classes Commission in India was established in 1979 by the Janata Party Government under the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai. It was headed by Indian Parliamentarian B.P. Mandal. Hence, it was popularly known as the Mandal Commission.
• The Commission 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 and made many recommendations. One of these was that 27% of government jobs be reserved for the socially and economically backward classes (SEBC). The reservation issue was very strongly protested after the implementation of the Commission Report in 1990. People reacted vehemently because this decision affected thousands of job opportunities.
• Some people felt that reservations were necessary to balance the inequality among people of different castes in India. Others felt that reservations were unfair and would deny equal opportunities to those who did not belong to backward communities.
• Following the nation-wide outrage against the order and protest, a court case was filed against the order. These cases were grouped together by the supreme court and called the ‘Indira Sawhney and others Versus the Union of India Case’.
SAQ
2
Why are political institutions important? Give any three points.
Answer
• Institution makes rules and regulations.
• It provides an opportunity for a wider set of people to be consulted in any decision.
• It implements decisions, if a dispute arises there should be someone to determine what is wrong and what is right.
SAQ
3
Define the Parliament and the Legislature of India and write any one important role of it.
Answer
In India, a national assembly of elected representatives who exercises supreme political authority on behalf of the people is called the Parliament. At the state level, this is called Legislature or Legislative Assembly. One important role: The Parliament is the final authority for making laws in our country.
SAQ
4
Describe the role played by the contemporary Prime Minister of India in the implementation of the Mandal Commission Report.
Answer
• The Prime Minister informed the Parliament about the decision through a statement in both the Houses of Parliament.
• The decision of the cabinet was sent to the department of personnel and training.
• The senior officers of the department drafted an order in line with the cabinet decision and took the minister’s approval.
SAQ
5
“The Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers.” Justify this statement.
Answer
• Only a person who enjoys the support of the majority of the members in the Lok Sabha is appointed as the Prime Minister.
• If the majority of the Lok Sabha members say they have “no confidence” in the Council of Ministers, then all the ministers including the Prime Minister have to quit.
SAQ
6
Why does the political executive have more powers than the permanent executive? Give any three reasons.
Answer
• Every minister is the representative of the people and empowered to exercise the will of the people on their behalf.
• He/She is finally answerable to the people for all the decision.
• The ministers takes the advice of the experts on all technical matters and decides according to the overall objective.
SAQ
7
How are the ministers in the Council of Ministers categorized according to their rank?
OR
Explain the composition of the Union Council of Ministers.
Answer
• Cabinet Ministers: They constitute the inner ring of the Council of Ministers. These are the top level leaders of the ruling party/parties who are incharge of the important ministries. They usually meet to take decisions in the name of the Council of Ministers.
• Ministers of State with Independent Charge: They are usually incharge of smaller ministries. They participate in the Cabinet meetings only when they are invited.
• Ministers of State: They are attached to and are required to assist the Cabinet Ministers. All ministers are headed by the Prime Minister.
SAQ
8
What is a coalition government? Why the Prime Minister of a coalition government cannot take decisions as he likes?
Answer
Coalition government is formed by an alliance of two or more political parties usually when no single party enjoys majority support of the members in the legislature.
Limitations:
• The Prime Minister has to accommodate different groups and sections in his party as well as among his alliance partners.
• He also has to heed to the views and positions of coalition partners and other parties, on whose support the survival of the government depends.
SAQ
9
What is the tenure of the President in India? Mention the qualifications for President of India.
Answer
The tenure of president is five years. Qualification of President
• The President supervises the overall functioning of all the political institutions in the country.
• The President exercises all his powers on the advice of the Council of Ministers. His tenure is for five years.
SAQ
10
Under what conditions can a state of emergency be declared in India? Explain.
Answer
A state of emergency can be declared under the following conditions:
• Increase of external aggression or armed rebellion.
• If the government machinery of a state breaks down.
• If there is a threat to the financial stability of the country. Under these circumstances the President can impose a state of emergency.
SAQ
11
Who are the Ministers of State? Write any two functions of them.
Answer
Ministers of states with independent charge are usually in charge of smaller ministries.
• They participate in the cabinet meetings only.
• They are attached to and required to assist the respective Cabinet Minister.
• They look after the ministry to which attached.
SAQ
12
Why is the Indian judiciary considered one of the most powerful in the world? Give any three reasons.
Answer
• Once a person is appointed as judge of the Supreme Court or High Court, it is nearly impossible to remove him/her from that position.
• A Judge can be moved only by an impeachment motion.
• The Supreme Court and the High Court have the power to interpret the constitution of the country. Therefore it is one of the most powerful in the world.
SAQ
13
Write about the process of appointment and removal of a judge of the Supreme Court.
Answer
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 the senior judges of the Supreme Court select the new judges of the Supreme Court. A judge can be removed only by an impeachment motion passed separately by two-third members of the two houses of the Parliament.
SAQ
1
What is meant by independence of the judiciary? Explain.
Answer
Independence of the judiciary:
• Judiciary 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.
• The Constitution of India provides the security to service of the judges. Once appointed by the President, their service cannot be terminated by will or by any authority whatever.
• There is a security of pay and allowances of the judges. Their salaries cannot be reduced
• The Supreme Court and the High Courts are free to decide their own procedure of work and establishment.
• Judge is not allowed to practice after retirement so that they cannot influence judgements of the court.
LAQ
2
Which house of the Parliament is more powerful in India and why? Give any three reasons to justify your answer.
OR
In which three ways is the Lok Sabha more powerful than the Rajya Sabha Election Procedure of the two Houses of Parliament?
Answer
• The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people and enjoys real power on behalf of the people.
• The Rajya Sabha is elected indirectly and mainly looks after the interest of the regions or federal units.
The Lok Sabha enjoys supreme powers:
• If there is a joint session of the two houses than the will of the Lok Sabha prevails due to its numerical supremacy.
• In money matters, the Lok Sabha is supreme as the Rajya Sabha can only delay a money bill for 14 days or give suggestions.
• The Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers through ‘no-confidence motion’.
LAQ
3
Describe how the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are appointed.
Answer
• 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.
• The President appoints other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• The Ministers are usually from the party or the coalition that has the majority in the Lok Sabha.
• The Prime Minister is free to choose ministers as they are members of Parliament. A person who is not a member of Parliament can also become a minister, but he has to get elected to one of the Houses of Parliament within six months of appointment as minister.
LAQ
4
Give any three differences between the Cabinet Ministers and the Minister of States.
Answer
Cabinet Ministers:
• They are usually top-level leaders of the ruling party or parties.
• Cabinet Ministers meet to take decisions in the name of the Council of Ministers.
• They are in-charge of the major ministries.
Ministers of State:
• They are usually in-charge of smaller ministries with independent charge.
• They participate in the Cabinet meetings only when specially invited.
• They are attached to and required to assist Cabinet Ministers.
LAQ
5
What is ‘Collective responsibility’? Describe its significance.
Answer
• In a parliamentary system of government, the principles and ideals of collective responsibility are of much importance.
• It means that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Parliament.
• If the Parliament rejects the policy of the government or passes a no-confidence motion against ministers the whole Council of Ministers have to resign.
LAQ
6
What is the election process of the President of India? Mention the main powers and functions of the President of India.
Answer
The President of India is elected indirectly. All the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament as well as the state legislative assemblies elect the President.
Powers and functions of the President:
• Administration of whole country is carried on in his name.
• He appoints the Prime Minister, Central Ministers, Governors of the States and Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts.
• President is supreme commander of the Indian Defence Forces.
LAQ
7
Write an article on the functions and the powers of judiciary in India.
Answer
All the courts at different levels in a country put together is called a Judiciary. The Indian judiciary consists of the Supreme Court for the entire nation, High courts and the Courts at local level.
• The Supreme Court and the High Courts have the power to interpret the constitution of the country.
• It can hear appeals against the decisions of the High Courts.
• It acts as the guardian of the fundamental rights.
• It controls the Judicial administration in the Country.
• It is the highest court of appeal in civil and criminal cases.
LAQ
8
Define integrated judiciary. What can of disputes are handled by the Judiciary?
Answer
• All the courts at different levels in a country put together is called a Judiciary. The Indian judiciary consists of the Supreme Court for the entire nation, High courts and the Courts at local level.
• Supreme Court controls the judicial administration in the country. It’s decisions are binding on all other courts of the country. It can take up any dispute:
• Between citizens of the country.
• Between two or more state governments.
• Between citizens and the government.
• Between governments at the Union and State level.
LAQ
9
Write two ways in which it can be proved that the President does not have any real powers. What can the President really do on his/her own?
Answer
In our political system 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. The President represents the entire nation but can never claim the kind of direct popular mandate that the Prime Minister can. The same is true of his powers.
• All government activities do take place in the name of the President. All laws and major decisions of the government are issued in his name, all international treaties and agreements are made in his name but the President exercises these powers only on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
LAQ
1
Differentiate between political executive and permanent executive. Which executive is more powerful?
Answer
Political executive:
• It is elected by the people for a specified period.
• Political executive is more powerful than permanent executive.
• The ministers of political executives are elected by the people, so they are answerable to the people for their work. That’s why, the ministers take all the final decisions.
Permanent executive:
• In the second category, people are appointed on a long-term basis, who are called permanent executives.
• Officials working in civil services are called civil servants. They are also called bureaucrats.
• They remain in office even when the ruling party changes. These officers work under political executive and assist them in carrying out day to day administration. Permanent executive is more powerful.
HOTS
2
“Prime Minister is the most important political institution in the country’’. Justify the statement.
OR
Explain the position of the Prime Minister with reference to his/her powers and functions.
Answer
Position: The Prime Minister is the most important political institution of the country. He/she is the head of the government and all important decisions regarding the country are taken by him/her. He/ she enjoys the real executive powers as head of the State. Powers and
Functions of Prime Minister:
• Allocation of departments and formation of Council of ministers, their distribution of portfolios.
• Being the chairman of the Cabinet, Prime Minister presides the meetings of the Cabinet.
• Link between the President and Cabinet.
• Leader of the nation.
• Ex-officio chairman of the Planning Commission.
HOTS
1
“Independent judiciary is essential in democracy”. Support the statement with three arguments.
Answer
• The independence of the judiciary allows the courts to play a central role in ensuring that there is no misuse of power by the legislature and the executive.
• It plays a crucial role in protecting the fundamental rights of citizens.
• Anyone can approach the courts if they believe that their rights have been violated.
VBQ
2
“Judicial Review is one of the major role played by judiciary.” Support the statement.
Answer
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 any law or actions of the executive invalid if they find such a law or action against the constitution.
• They can determine 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.
• The Supreme Court has also declared that the basic principles of the constitution.
VBQ