Political Institutions and Mandal Commission Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary purpose of the Mandal Commission?

To provide employment opportunities for all citizens

To identify and uplift backward classes in India (correct)

To promote economic growth in India

To restructure the Indian Parliament

Which of the following was a key recommendation of the Mandal Commission's report?

30% reservation for women in civil services

Complete abolition of the caste system

27% reservation for socially and educationally backward classes in government jobs (correct)

Reservation for tribal communities in educational institutions

Why are political institutions important in a democracy?

They reduce the need for government regulations

They eliminate the need for public participation

They concentrate power in a single authority

They enable the specialization of governance activities (correct)

Which function does the Parliament not perform?

Directly overseeing military operations Signup and view all the answers

How does the Parliament maintain control over the executive branch?

Through a system of checks and balances Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Parliament play in ensuring government accountability?

It scrutinizes the executive branch's work Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the first actions taken as a result of the Mandal Commission report?

Issuing a government order for 27% reservation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of Parliament in a democracy?

It acts as the highest body of elected representatives with legislative power Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the President in India?

To represent the nation in ceremonial functions Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily assists the Cabinet Ministers in their duties?

Civil Servants Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the removal of a judge in India?

An impeachment motion passed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the real head of the executive branch in India?

The Prime Minister Signup and view all the answers

Which house of Parliament is directly elected by the people?

Lok Sabha Signup and view all the answers

What action can the President take regarding legislation?

Hold on to it without passing it Signup and view all the answers

What power does the Supreme Court and High Courts have?

To interpret the Constitution and ensure laws are consistent with it Signup and view all the answers

Which feature ensures the independence of the Judiciary in India?

Consultation between the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice for appointments Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the Parliament in India?

To make laws Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if the President disagrees with the Council of Ministers' advice?

The President must follow the advice after reconsideration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Parliament?

To represent and uphold the diverse interests of the people Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum term duration for a member of the Rajya Sabha?

Six years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?

Lok Sabha is a temporary house, while Rajya Sabha is permanent Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario does the Lok Sabha override the Rajya Sabha's consensus?

In case of deadlock between the two houses Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the executive officials selected based on their qualifications?

Permanent Executives Signup and view all the answers

What is required for any bill to become a law?

Majority approval from the Lok Sabha and the President’s assent Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the majority of members in the Rajya Sabha over time?

They remain constant as two-thirds are renewed every two years Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers?

The Council of Ministers assists the Prime Minister in governance Signup and view all the answers

What factor significantly influences the power of the Prime Minister?

The Prime Minister's personality and use of office power Signup and view all the answers

Coalition governments are most likely to form under which circumstance?

When no single party wins a majority of seats Signup and view all the answers

Which position does the President hold in relation to the two houses of Parliament?

Not a member but must give assent for bills Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary powers of the Lok Sabha concerning financial matters?

Rajya Sabha can only delay or amend money bills for 14 days Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the political executives?

They are elected for a specific period and leave when government changes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Working of Institutions

A government order, issued in 1990, involved an office memorandum from the Department of Personnel Training.
The memorandum specified 27% reservation for socially and educationally backward classes in civil services.
This order was based on the Mandal Commission's recommendations.

The Mandal Commission

The Second Backward Classes Commission, headed by B.P. Mandal, was formed in 1979.
Its purpose was to identify backward classes and suggest improvements for their advancement.
In 1980, the Mandal Commission submitted its report recommending 27% reservation for backward classes in government jobs.

Why We Need Political Institutions

Effective governance requires political institutions.
Institutions like security, education, and healthcare sectors need institutions to run efficiently.
In democracies, power is divided among institutions specializing in specific areas.

The Parliament as a Political Institution

Parliament, comprising elected representatives, holds supreme political power in a democracy.
Parliament creates, changes, and abolishes laws.
It exercises control over the executive branch (Prime Minister and cabinet).

Functions of the Parliament

Parliament is the final authority for creating laws.
It amends existing laws and makes new ones.
Mechanisms like parliamentary oversight, ministerial hearings, and impeachment empower Parliament to control the executive branch.
Discussions and debates facilitate transparent decision-making.
Parliament ensures accountability and transparency by scrutinizing the executive and being accountable to the electorate.
It represents the diverse interests of the people, safeguarding rights and promoting social justice.

Types of Parliaments

The national parliament is called Parliament.
State-level elected bodies are called State Legislative Assemblies.

### Functions of Parliament

Parliament requires a majority for decisions and conducting business.
Parliament controls government funds and approves the budget.
It serves as a platform for national and public issue discussions.

### Structure of Parliament

Parliament consists of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the President.
Lok Sabha members are directly elected.
Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by state legislators.
The President's assent is essential for a bill to become law.

### Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha has 543 elected members with 5-year terms.
It exercises real power for the people.
It's the "House of the People," directly elected.

### Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha, the "Council of States", represents state interests.
It has 245 members: 233 elected by MLAs, 12 nominated by President.
Rajya Sabha members serve six-year terms, with one-third renewed every two years.
Rajya Sabha is considered a permanent house.

### Upper & Lower Houses

Rajya Sabha (upper house) is permanent; Lok Sabha (lower house) is temporary.
Constitution grants special powers to Rajya Sabha, but Lok Sabha has more power.

### Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha

Lok Sabha wields greater power due to:
- Larger membership allowing it to prevail in joint sessions during deadlocks.
- Power over financial matters – Rajya Sabha can delay or amend money bills for 14 days but Lok Sabha isn't bound by these changes.
- Control over the council of Ministers and Prime Minister, who requires Lok Sabha majority to remain in power.
- No-confidence motions originate in Lok Sabha, leading to government resignations if unsuccessful.

### Executive

The executive implements government policies.
Political Executives: Elected for a term (e.g., Ministers, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers) and their positions end with changes in government.
Permanent Executives: Appointed based on qualifications, for longer terms (e.g., Civil Servants, IAS, IPS), and their positions endure through government changes.
Political executives hold more power in decision-making, as they represent the people's will in a democratic system.
Policy Making: Collaboration between experts (technical) and political representatives of public desires.

Understanding Policy Makers

Policy-making needs collaboration. Technical experts input knowledge, while politicians reflect public will.
Political Executives create policy while Permanent Executives implement the plans.

Prime Minister's Role

The Prime Minister is the most powerful person in a parliamentary system, heading the government.
They are indirectly elected by the President.
The position influences major national decisions.
The Prime Minister chairs Cabinet meetings, coordinates, makes decisions, oversees ministers, and appoints/dismisses them.
Political parties and media impact public perception and the Prime Minister's power.
Personality also plays a key role, influencing the Prime Minister's influence.

Coalition Government

Coalitions occur when a single party fails to secure a majority.
This necessitates power-sharing with coalition partners.
The Prime Minister needs to negotiate and accommodate partners to maintain stability.

Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers assists the Prime Minister.
Cabinet Ministers lead major ministries, are part of the core cabinet.
Ministers of State (with Independent Charge) lead smaller ministries and have cabinet access.
Ministers of State assist cabinet ministers.
Collective responsibility exists, where members support decisions, even if they disagree.
Civil servants (Cabinet Secretaries) provide expert assistance.

President's Role

The President is the head of state, with mainly ceremonial duties.
They are indirectly elected by Parliament and state legislatures.
They don't claim a direct popular mandate.
Ceremonial functions, appointments (Chief Justice, judges, governors, etc.), international agreements, and being Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces are part of their role.
However, the President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Executive Branch

The President is the nominal head of the executive branch.
The Prime Minister is the real head.
The Council of Ministers advises the President.
Presidential action is constrained to the Council's advice, with reconsideration options.
The President has the power to invite a leader to form the government if no single party wins a majority.

Legislative Branch

Composed of Parliament: Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Lok Sabha is directly elected, Rajya Sabha indirectly elected.
Both houses have law-making powers.

Judicial Branch

The Judiciary comprises Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts (integrated system).
The Supreme Court is the highest appellate court.
Interprets the Constitution and resolves disputes affecting citizens, governments, and states.
India's powerful Judiciary reviews legislation, protects interests, and upholds fundamental rights.
Their independence is ensured through the appointment process and limitations on removal (impeachment).

The Power of the Judiciary

Supreme Court and High Courts interpret the Constitution, ensuring legal compliance and fundamental rights.

Ensuring Judiciary Independence

Judiciary independence is ensured through the appointment process (President consults with the Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India) and limitations on judge removal (impeachment).

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Description

This quiz explores the workings of political institutions in India, focusing on the Mandal Commission and its significant recommendations. It examines the historical context of government orders, specifically the 27% reservation for backward classes, and highlights the importance of political institutions in governance. Test your knowledge on these critical topics!