Democracy and Institutions in India

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Questions and Answers

What role does the President play in the government according to the information?

Serves as a leader who takes decisions to be enacted. (correct)

Makes all policy decisions directly.

Is responsible for implementing job reservations.

Acts as a ceremonial figurehead.

Which institution is responsible for settling disputes between citizens and the government?

The Cabinet

The Prime Minister

Civil Servants

The Supreme Court (correct)

What is one of the responsibilities of the government mentioned?

To create new political institutions.

To determine the role of civil servants.

To organize elections.

To ensure security for citizens. (correct)

What can complicate the decision-making process in government institutions?

Rules and regulations binding leaders. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of job reservations was decided by the government?

27% Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Cabinet serve in the government?

To implement all important policy decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is NOT explicitly mentioned as a responsibility of the government?

Formulating laws. Signup and view all the answers

What complicates working with institutions in governance?

The existence of meetings and committees. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of vacancies in civil posts is reserved for the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC)?

27% Signup and view all the answers

Which commission was responsible for identifying the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes in India?

Second Backward Classes Commission Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the Mandal Commission release its report?

1980 Signup and view all the answers

Who headed the Second Backward Classes Commission?

B.P. Mandal Signup and view all the answers

Which groups were previously eligible for job reservation before the introduction of SEBC?

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Signup and view all the answers

What role did the officer who signed the Office Memorandum play in the decision-making process?

He was implementing higher instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is not included in the criteria for SEBC eligibility?

Income level Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact did the introduction of the SEBC category have on job competition?

Reduced competition for backward classes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of institutions in a democracy?

They ensure wider consultation before decisions are made. Signup and view all the answers

How do institutions affect decision-making speed in a democracy?

They prevent bad decisions from being taken quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Constitution outline in a democracy?

Basic rules on powers and functions within government. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if one person takes all decisions in a school?

Consultation with other stakeholders would be avoided. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of delaying decisions in democratic governance?

It permits thorough consideration of various perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation might Parliament play a role?

When Cabinet decisions require broader approval. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of avoiding rules and procedures in decision-making?

Increased likelihood of arbitrary decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a misunderstanding about institutions in a democracy?

Institutions are meant to complicate decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the appointment of a Prime Minister in the Lok Sabha?

Support from a majority party or coalition Signup and view all the answers

How many Ministers typically comprise the Cabinet in the Lok Sabha?

60 to 80 Signup and view all the answers

Which role do Ministers of State play in relation to Cabinet Ministers?

They assist and are attached to Cabinet Ministers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Cabinet within the Council of Ministers?

To make major decisions Signup and view all the answers

What happens if no single party or alliance achieves a majority in the Lok Sabha?

The President appoints a likely candidate for majority support Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical process for Cabinet Ministers in terms of meeting frequency?

They meet regularly to discuss decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is true about Cabinet Ministers' tenure?

They remain in power as long as they command majority support Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Ministers of State with independent charge is correct?

They participate in Cabinet meetings only when invited Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the power dynamics between the political executive and the non-political executive?

The political executive has more power due to parliamentary support. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Prime Minister play in decision-making in the context provided?

The Prime Minister can make decisions with the support of the Lok Sabha. Signup and view all the answers

In what aspect is a civil servant often considered more knowledgeable than a minister?

Technical matters within their ministry. Signup and view all the answers

What may a minister lack despite holding a powerful position?

Knowledge about technical matters in their domain. Signup and view all the answers

How does the interaction between the political executive and the Lok Sabha influence governance?

It empowers the political executive to implement policies. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the nature of discussions regarding foreign policy in the content?

They often involve complex considerations and varying opinions. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the relationship between the Minister of Development of North Eastern Region and the North Eastern Council?

The Minister plays a vital role in revitalizing initiatives for the Council. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is accurately represented in the context regarding the recruitment and roles discussed?

The functioning of institutions heavily influences recruitment dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Supreme Court in relation to decisions made by High Courts?

It can hear appeals against High Court decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the independence of the judiciary ensure?

Judges are not influenced by the legislature or executive. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

Disputes between private entities only. Signup and view all the answers

Which entity's decisions are binding on all other courts in the country?

Supreme Court. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if the government does not accept a Supreme Court judgement?

It can lead to a constitutional crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect indicates the effectiveness of the judicial administration in a country?

The independence and authority of the judiciary. Signup and view all the answers

In what capacity does the Supreme Court function in relation to government actions?

To review and ensure compliance with constitutional mandates. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Supreme Court as the highest court in the hierarchy of courts?

It is the final authority on legal disputes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Working of Institutions

Democracy involves more than just electing leaders; rulers must follow rules and procedures, working within institutions.
This chapter examines how major decisions are taken and implemented, and how disputes are resolved, focusing on the legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Institutions play a key role in a democracy
The chapter explores how these institutions interact to form the government.
India's national-level government (Union Government) is used as an example, with a comparison to similar systems.
Examples from state-level governments can be considered.

How a Major Policy Decision is Taken

A Government Order (Office Memorandum) dated August 13, 1990, was issued concerning 27% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).
This order, issued as an Office Memorandum, led to controversy and court cases.
The decision's process involved multiple levels of the government.
The Second Backward Classes Commission (Mandal Commission) had recommended 27% reservation which was challenged.
The Supreme Court decided that the policy was valid, requesting adjustments.

Decision-Makers

Major decisions are not made by the individual signing the document; rather they are part of larger institutional systems.
The President serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
Parliament, composed of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, plays a crucial role.
The political executive comprises elected representatives like the Prime Minister and ministers.
Permanent executive (civil servants) assists the political executive in implementing policies.

Need for Political Institutions

Governing a country involves many activities.
The institutions perform essential functions like ensuring security, education, health, collecting taxes, and more.
They also provide a dispute resolution mechanism (courts).
Institutions like political parties are part of democratic processes.

Parliament

Essential for democracies, Parliament is the chosen body for making laws.
Two Houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) are established to divide and allocate power.
Lok Sabha has more influence in financial matters; both houses can create laws.
Parliaments control government spending.
Parliamentary democracies rely on political parties, and their presence influences policy-making.

The Judiciary

An independent judiciary is crucial for a democracy.
The Indian judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, and lower courts.
The Supreme Court interprets the constitution, invalidating laws that contradict it.
Judicial review empowers courts to examine government actions, ensuring compliance with the Constitution.
The judiciary, an independent arm of the government, provides essential checks and balances.
Judges are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime minister; the constitution dictates the tenure of judges and the removal process, which is only through impeachment.

Political Executive

The political executive is elected by constituents, and takes the final decisions regarding overall policies and frameworks.
The Prime Minister leads the executive and is the head of government.
The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the majority party.
The Cabinet, composed of ministers, plays a decision-making role, and coordinates the work of different ministries.
These ministers are responsible to the people and answerable to Parliament, making the political executive subject to political constraints.

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Description

This quiz delves into the workings of democratic institutions in India, focusing on the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary. It examines how major policy decisions are made and implemented, using the 27% reservation for SEBC as a key example. Explore the interactions between these institutions and their impact on governance.