Political Institutions and Mandal Commission

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary recommendation of the Mandal Commission?

No reservation, but financial aid for SEBC students

30% reservation for all castes in government jobs

27% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes in government jobs (correct)

Full reservation for all backward classes in educational institutions

Why are political institutions deemed essential in governance?

They distribute power and responsibilities among various bodies. (correct)

They eliminate the need for any form of leadership.

They are responsible for creating wealth in the country.

They can operate independently from public opinion.

Which body represents the highest elected political authority in India?

The State Legislative Assembly

The President

The Parliament (correct)

The Council of Ministers

What is the primary role of the Executive Branch?

To implement the laws made by the Parliament Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Judiciary in a democratic system?

To interpret laws and resolve disputes Signup and view all the answers

What does the Parliament do to ensure government accountability?

It requires the ruling party to retain majority support Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the Mandal Commission?

It recommended 27% reservation specifically for SEBCs. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as the legislative body for each state in India?

The State Legislative Assembly Signup and view all the answers

Which level of ministers is responsible for major ministries in the Council of Ministers?

Cabinet Ministers Signup and view all the answers

What happens when no single party wins a majority of seats in Parliament?

A coalition government is formed Signup and view all the answers

What role does the President of India primarily serve in relation to the Prime Minister?

The symbolic Head of State Signup and view all the answers

Who has the real power to make key decisions regarding legislation in the Indian government?

The Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

What entity is at the top of the Indian judiciary system?

Supreme Court Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows the judiciary to address issues of public interest in India?

Public interest litigation Signup and view all the answers

How are judges in India removed from their position?

By impeachment requiring a 2/3 majority in Parliament Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary power of the Indian judiciary?

Dispute resolution and constitutional interpretation Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of the Indian government must act according to the advice of the Council of Ministers?

Executive Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Indian Prime Minister's authority in a coalition government is true?

The Prime Minister must share power with coalition partners Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Lok Sabha in the Indian Parliament?

Framing legislation and controlling the executive Signup and view all the answers

What ensures continuity within the Rajya Sabha?

One-third of members retiring every two years Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Lok Sabha considered more powerful than the Rajya Sabha?

It has more members and represents the people directly Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time the Rajya Sabha can delay a money bill?

14 days Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister in India?

The President Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes political executives from permanent executives?

Political executives are accountable to the people Signup and view all the answers

What role do political representatives play in the policy-making process?

Consider public opinion and determine direction Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a no-confidence motion is passed in the Lok Sabha?

The government must resign Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following situations would a joint session of Parliament be called?

In cases of disagreement between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the President of India?

Primarily maintains a ceremonial role Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary responsibility of the executive branch?

Implementing and enforcing laws Signup and view all the answers

Why do ministers hold more power than permanent executives in a democracy?

They are directly accountable to the public Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Lok Sabha is incorrect?

It does not control government spending Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Working of Institutions

A 1990 government order concerning SEBC reservations in civil services stemmed from the Mandal Commission's recommendations.

Mandal Commission

The Second Backward Classes Commission, led by B.P. Mandal in 1979, aimed to uplift India's backward classes.
The 1980 report proposed 27% SEBC reservation in government jobs; this triggered the 1990 order.

Need for Political Institutions

Governing a country (security, education, healthcare, infrastructure) requires multiple bodies to distribute power and work.

Parliament: The Legislature

Parliament (Sansad Bhavan) is the highest elected body, representing the people's will.
Each state has a State Legislative Assembly.

Functions and Powers of Parliament

Parliament creates, amends, and repeals laws, ensuring governmental accountability.
The ruling party must maintain a majority to retain power.

The Executive Branch

The Executive (Prime Minister and civil servants) implements Parliament's laws.

The Judiciary

The Judiciary (headed by the Supreme Court) interprets laws to maintain fairness and protects citizen rights.
The 1993 SEBC reservation order exemplifies judicial review and possible amendments.

Significance of Political Institutions

Despite potential delays, political institutions encourage comprehensive decision making, leading to a more stable and democratic society.

Functions of Parliament

Parliament controls the government's finances, authorizing spending via the budget.
All public issues and policy are debated and decided upon in Parliament.

Structure of the Parliament

Most parliaments have two houses (chambers).
India's Parliament comprises Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha (House of the People) is directly elected by the citizens.
The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) represents state interests with indirectly elected members and nominated members; its members serve staggered terms of six years.
All bills must pass both houses to become law after Presidential approval.

Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha is central to legislation, executive control, and representing the will of the people.
543 elected members with five-year terms make it the most important legislative body.

Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha( permanent body) has 245 members: 233 indirectly elected by state assemblies, and 12 nominated by the President.

Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha

Lok Sabha is generally more powerful due to greater representation.
In disagreements, Lok Sabha's view tends to prevail in joint sessions.
Lok Sabha holds more influence on financial matters, given direct election.
Rajya Sabha is limited to a 14-day delay of money bills or suggest amendments.

Executive Branch: Political and Permanent Executives

The executive enforces laws passed by Parliament, comprising political and permanent executives.
Political executives (Prime Minister and ministers) are people elected by the people and have specific terms.
Permanent executives (civil servants, judges) are appointed based on merit for long terms, providing ongoing expertise and support.

Why Ministers Have More Power Than Permanent Executives

In a democracy, elected officials' authority reflects the public mandate.

Policy Making Process

Policy making involves technical expertise and public opinion.

Executive Branch - Prime Minister

The Prime Minister heads the government in a parliamentary system
Selected by the party with most Lok Sabha seats.
Appointed by the President .
Key powers: presides over Cabinet meetings, approves legislation, and appoints/dismisses ministers.

Executive Branch - President

The President (head of state) is not directly elected, chosen by MPs and state legislators.
Appoints the Prime Minister and other officials, performing a largely ceremonial role.

Council of Ministers

A group of ministers supporting the Prime Minister and forming the political executive.
Ministers are categorized as Cabinet, Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and Ministers of State.
Cabinet Secretaries (senior civil servants) support Cabinet Ministers.

Coalition Government

A coalition government forms when no single party wins a majority.
This involves multiple parties cooperating, reducing the Prime Minister's power.

Differences between Prime Minister and President

The Prime Minister holds real power in governance, unlike the ceremonial Head of State (the President).

Importance of the Executive Branch

The executive branch sets the political agenda, makes key decisions, and is vital for functioning.

Executive (President, PM, and Ministers):

The President of India is the head of state.
Prime Minister ("real power") and ministers form the real executive authority, though legally the President signs off on laws after the Council of Ministers advises them.
Presidents can request the Council to reconsider its advice.
President has the right to send laws for reconsideration.
If a party does not win a majority, the President chooses a Prime Minister capable of proving majority support.

Judiciary: Structure and Role

Judiciary: The Indian Judiciary is structured from district courts to high courts to the Supreme Court.
Courts handle disputes among individuals, between citizens and government, and between states.
The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal.
An independent judiciary is critical for impartial decisions, separate from the executive and legislative branches.

Judiciary - Appointment and Removal

Judges appointed by the President (on the advice of the PM in consultation with the Chief Justice), ensuring joint executive-judicial appointment.
Removal requires a significant impeachment motion passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament. This is comparable to the process of removing the President.

Judiciary - Power

The Indian judiciary is extremely powerful globally. The Supreme Court possesses decisive powers to interpret constitutional validity—a vital aspect of judicial review.

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Description

This quiz explores the workings of political institutions in India, focusing on the Mandal Commission and its impact on reservation policies. It discusses the government order issued in 1990 regarding Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) and the need for structured governance in various sectors. Examine the historical context and significance of these reforms in Indian civil services.