Political Institutions in India: An Overview
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Questions and Answers

In a parliamentary system, how does the structure of the Prime Minister and Cabinet differ from that of the President of India?

  • The Prime Minister and Cabinet focus solely on foreign policy, while the President handles domestic affairs.
  • The President can override the decisions of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, ensuring a balance of power.
  • The President is directly elected, while the Prime Minister and Cabinet are selected from the legislature.
  • The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively responsible to the legislature, while the President is largely a ceremonial head of state. (correct)

How do the powers and functions of the Governor of a state compare to those of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers?

  • The Governor has executive powers over the state, while the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers focus on legislative matters.
  • The Governor can directly enact laws without the consent of the state legislature, unlike the Chief Minister.
  • The Governor acts as a representative of the central government, while the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers administer the state. (correct)
  • The Chief Minister and Council of Ministers determine the Governor's term length and responsibilities.

What distinguishes the composition and powers of the Lok Sabha from those of the Rajya Sabha in the Indian Parliament?

  • The Lok Sabha has greater financial powers, while the Rajya Sabha has exclusive authority over constitutional amendments.
  • The Rajya Sabha can introduce money bills, while the Lok Sabha can only debate them.
  • The Lok Sabha is directly elected and has more power in ordinary legislation, while the Rajya Sabha is indirectly elected and provides a check on legislation. (correct)
  • The Lok Sabha represents the states, while the Rajya Sabha represents the people directly.

How does the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court differ from that of the High Courts in India?

<p>The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction, while the High Courts primarily have appellate and writ jurisdiction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Indian federalism, what is the significance of the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution?

<p>They devolved power to local self-government institutions in rural and urban areas, respectively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Election Commission of India ensure free and fair elections, considering historical developments and electoral reforms?

<p>By implementing the Model Code of Conduct, overseeing electoral rolls, and regulating campaign finance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have measures like the Right to Information (RTI) and Public Interest Litigation (PIL) impacted the Indian political system?

<p>They have increased governmental transparency and accountability, empowering citizens to challenge governmental actions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the defining features of coalition politics in India, considering the evolution of political parties and regional parties?

<p>Coalition governments are characterized by power-sharing arrangements among multiple parties, often reflecting regional interests and diverse ideologies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Constitution

The fundamental principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people.

Constituent Assembly

The body of elected representatives who draft and adopt a constitution.

Preamble

A preliminary statement in a constitution that declares the fundamental purposes and guiding principles of the government.

Fundamental Rights

The basic rights guaranteed to all citizens, such as freedom of speech and religion.

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Fundamental Duties

Duties expected of all citizens towards their nation and society.

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Directive Principles

Guidelines for the government to follow in promoting the welfare of the state.

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President of India

The head of state, elected indirectly, with significant symbolic and constitutional powers.

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Prime Minister

The head of government, leader of the majority party, responsible for day-to-day governance.

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Study Notes

  • Political Institutions in India provides an in-depth understanding of the political structures, processes, and institutions governing the world's largest democracy.
  • A state's political institution refers to the distribution of power at various levels, including Centre, State, and Local.
  • Analyzing power distribution is significant for deciphering the functions of institutions in a polity and determining legislative, executive, and judicial functions.
  • The course examines the functions and decision-making processes of institutions, as well as their interactions.
  • Course evaluation includes two exams (mid and end semester) and two internal assignments consisting of critical essays.

Unit 1: Introduction to the Constitution of India

  • The unit covers the meaning and significance of the Constitution.
  • It discusses the Constituent Assembly's composition and objectives, alongside the Preamble and salient features of the Indian Constitution.

Unit 2: India's Constitution

  • This unit covers Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and Directive Principles.
  • It also covers the President of India's election, powers, and functions.
  • The structure and functions of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Unit 3: The Constitutional Law of India

  • This unit examines the Governor's powers and functions.
  • It covers the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, including their respective functions.
  • The composition and powers of Parliament, specifically the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are examined.
  • The composition and powers of the State Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council are touched upon.

Unit 4: Constitution of India

  • The unit reviews the structure and features of the judicial system in India.
  • The Supreme Court and High Court are discussed, including their composition and jurisdiction.
  • Features of Federalism in India.
  • Local Government -Panchayats –Powers and functions; 73rd and 74th amendments are explored.
  • The Election Commission’s composition, powers, and functions are covered.

Unit 5: Indian Political System: Historical Developments

  • This unit covers powers, functions, and electoral reforms, along with citizen-oriented measures.
  • Includes RTI and PIL – Provisions and significance
  • Includes the Evolution of political parties in India.

Unit 6: Federalism in India, Origin and Developments

  • This unit reviews party systems and electoral politics.
  • Electoral reforms and campaign finance are mentioned
  • Also, the role of coalition politics and regional parties is touched upon.

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Political Institutions in India Syllabus

Description

Explore the political institutions and processes in India, the world's largest democracy. This course examines power distribution, institutional functions, and decision-making. The intro covers the Constitution of India, its significance, and the Constituent Assembly.

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