Indian Democracy and Governance Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following institutions does NOT play a key role in major policy decisions in a democracy?

  • Executive
  • Military (correct)
  • Judiciary
  • Legislature

    • A government order is an informal communication between government officials.

    False

    What percentage of civil posts was reserved for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) according to the Government of India's order from 1990?

    27%

    The _____ is the head of state and the highest formal authority in the country.

    <p>President</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the judiciary in the context of government orders?

    <p>To interpret laws and examine their constitutionality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following roles with their responsibilities:

    <p>President = Head of state Prime Minister = Head of government Parliament = Makes laws Judiciary = Interprets laws</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Mandal Commission Report was appointed in 1990 and recommended 27% reservation.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an Office Memorandum?

    <p>A communication issued by an authority highlighting policy or decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about treaties and agreements made in India is incorrect?

    <p>All treaties and agreements are made in the name of the Prime Minister.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The President of India is the supreme commander of the defence forces.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the sequence related to the Mandal Commission?

    <p>Appointment of the Second Backward Classes Commission by the Government of India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ___ Chamber is represented by the Lok Sabha.

    <p>Lower</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following political roles with their descriptions:

    <p>Prime Minister = Head of the Government President = Head of the State Member of Parliament = Elected members of both the houses of Parliament Member of Legislative Assemblies = Elected members of State Legislatures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly identifies the role of the Political Executive?

    <p>It consists of political leaders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major decision made by the Supreme Court regarding reservation policies?

    <p>To exclude well-to-do backward classes from reservations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Mandal Commission's recommendations were implemented before the Lok Sabha elections won by Janata Dal.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Lok Sabha can suggest amendments to a budget bill that has been passed.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the sign stating 'No reservation for this quota' depict?

    <p>It indicates a lack of reservation for a specific group at an Amul stall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a Political Executive?

    <p>Elected by the people for a specific period and answerable to them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a limitation of the powers of the President of India?

    <p>The President must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The President of India has the power to _____ the Lok Sabha.

    <p>dissolve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The President of the USA is indirectly elected by the Electoral College.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of emergencies with their descriptions:

    <p>National emergency = Declared during war or armed rebellion State emergency = When the constitutional machinery of a state breaks down Financial emergency = When India's financial stability is threatened</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a constraint on the powers of the Prime Minister in a coalition government?

    <p>The Prime Minister can act unilaterally</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the highest court in India that settles disputes between citizens and the government?

    <p>Supreme Court</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The President of India can suspend fundamental rights during a national emergency.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The President of India has a limited power of _____ over legislation.

    <p>veto</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following powers of the Supreme Court to their definitions:

    <p>Advisory jurisdiction = The court advises on legal issues referred by the government Appellate jurisdiction = The court hears appeals from lower courts Original jurisdiction = The court has the authority to hear cases first</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one legislative power of the President of India.

    <p>Nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between the Indian judiciary and the legislative branch?

    <p>The judiciary is independent and reviews laws for constitutionality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The judiciary in India operates under unified control of the Supreme Court.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List one reason why the Indian judiciary is considered powerful.

    <p>Independence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key roles of the Parliament in a democracy?

    <p>Making decisions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Rajya Sabha can introduce and pass money bills.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What power does Parliament have over the government?

    <p>Parliament can remove the government by passing a no-confidence motion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Prime Minister is the head of the ______ in India.

    <p>government</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following features with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha:

    <p>Electoral Method = Directly elected by the people Tenure = 6 years and cannot be dissolved Powers = Can introduce money bills Membership = Indirectly elected</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long is the tenure of the Lok Sabha?

    <p>5 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Prime Minister is accountable to the Rajya Sabha.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who elects the President and Vice-President in India?

    <p>The Parliament</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one primary way the Indian Constitution ensures the independence of the judiciary?

    <p>Judges are appointed based on merit and seniority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The judiciary can be influenced by political factors in India.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Indian judiciary?

    <p>It allows anyone to bring matters of public interest before the courts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The removal of judges from the Indian judiciary requires a ______ majority vote in both houses of Parliament.

    <p>two-thirds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option highlights a reason for the high level of confidence in the Indian judiciary?

    <p>The judiciary protects the fundamental rights of the people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The President of India is an influential executive head with autonomy in decision-making.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name a significant factor that contributes to the independence of judges in India.

    <p>The rigorous removal process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aspects of the judiciary with their significance:

    <p>Protection of Fundamental Rights = Guardian of citizens' rights Public Interest Litigation = Access to justice for society Judicial Independence = Decision-making free from influence Removal Process = Difficult to remove judges</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Working of Institutions

    • A democracy requires rulers to work within existing institutions (legislature, executive, judiciary)
    • Major policy decisions are made through government orders (written directions signed by an authority, often called an Office Memorandum)
    • Example: 27% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in civil posts and services under the Government of India in 1990 (13th August)
    • Government orders can lead to protests, becoming widely debated topics in media.
    • Individuals and groups often file court appeals to challenge or stop implementation of orders.
    • Courts review orders for constitutional validity (potentially modifying them).
    • Decision-makers include the President (head of state), Prime Minister (head of government), and Parliament (President and two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
    • The Mandal Commission Report (1980) recommended 27% reservation for backward classes in government employment, but initial implementation faced controversy.
    • Political institutions manage democracies by making and carrying out decisions, handling disputes, and ensuring fairness.
    • Parliament is an assembly of elected representatives (national: Parliament, state: Legislature) holding supreme political power.
    • The role of Parliament is to review government decisions before implementation, holding the government accountable financially and in other ways.

    Parliament

    • Elected representatives exercise supreme political authority
    • Necessary for democratic governance
    • Parliament's scrutiny ensures the government operates within established rules.
    • Parliament manages the state's finances through budgets and other financial measures.
    • Parliament acts as a platform for debate and discussion on public issues and policy.
    • A crucial component in democratic governance, involving active participation and discussion within a democratic structure.

    Political and Permanent Executive

    • Political executives are elected for a specific term, responsible for policy-making and decision-making, accountable to the people.
    • They include major political figures
    • Permanent executives (civil servants) are appointed for a long term, assisting in daily administration and technical expertise.
    • These ensure continuity regardless of political changes.
    • Permanent executives usually work under the guidance of political executives, assisting them in fulfilling their duties.

    Prime Minister

    • The Prime Minister is head of government, executing government powers.
    • Appointed by the president, chosen from the party with parliamentary majority
    • Has a mandate to lead the government and cabinet members are chosen by the Prime Minister.
    • Leads discussions in the Cabinet.

    Council of Ministers

    • The official body including all ministers
    • Composed of various levels (cabinet ministers, ministers of state)
    • Ministers of different ranks (e.g. Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State)
    • Their responsibility is to oversee their ministries or departments and carry out government policies.

    The President

    • Head of the State, possessing nominal powers
    • Appointments are made on the advice of the Prime Minister
    • Represents the country in ceremonial events, with little involvement in policy decisions.

    The Judiciary

    • The judiciary is an autonomous institution for administering justice, resolving disputes.
    • Its independence from the other branches prevents undue political influence.
    • The judiciary interprets India's constitution, ensures laws align with its principles.
    • Citizens can approach courts for grievances or to address instances of policy misuse (Public Interest Litigation-PILs).
    • Courts can review and modify laws if found unconstitutional or otherwise inappropriate.

    Appointment and Removal of Judges

    • Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the President.
    • Senior judges of Supreme Court select new judges
    • Impeachment procedure (with 2/3 parliament approval) to remove judges.

    Powers of Supreme Court

    • Interpret the Constitution
    • Review legal actions of government or legislation.

    Role of the High Courts

    • Interpreting the constitution.
    • Declare laws and executive actions invalid, provided they are unconstitutional
    • Handle disputes between states or between states and the Union government.

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    Chapter 4. Working of Institutions PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the key aspects of Indian democracy, including the roles of various institutions and important historical commissions like the Mandal Commission. This quiz covers topics such as the judiciary, government orders, and the responsibilities of political figures. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand the workings of governance in India.

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