Working of Institutions in Government

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What institution is empowered to administer justice and resolve legal disputes?

  • Judiciary (correct)
  • Executive
  • Legislature
  • Civil Service

Who is responsible for the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts?

  • The Parliament through a voting process
  • The Chief Justice without any consultation
  • The President on the advice of the Prime Minister (correct)
  • The electorate through direct election

What power allows the Supreme Court and High Courts to declare laws invalid?

  • Executive privilege
  • Constitutional amendment
  • Legislative override
  • Judicial review (correct)

Which principle indicates that the core principles of the Constitution cannot be altered?

<p>Basic structure doctrine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?

<p>A lawsuit filed against government actions for the public's benefit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can a judge of the Supreme Court be removed from office?

<p>By impeachment motion passed by two-thirds of members in both houses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the independence of modern judicial systems from the executive and legislature?

<p>Judges do not act under government direction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which court has the ultimate authority over all legal matters in India?

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

Who appoints the Prime Minister in the country?

<p>The President (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the Prime Minister resigns?

<p>The entire ministry resigns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Cabinet Ministers?

<p>They are top-level leaders in charge of major ministries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who usually coordinates the work of different departments in the government?

<p>The Prime Minister (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Council of Ministers is true?

<p>It includes ministers of different ranks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tenure status of a Prime Minister?

<p>No fixed tenure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for a minister who is not a member of Parliament at the time of appointment?

<p>They must get elected to Parliament within 6 months (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the President primarily exercise in the political system?

<p>Nominal powers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the President of India elected?

<p>Indirectly by an electoral college using the proportional representation system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the powers of the President is true?

<p>All government activities occur in the name of the President (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference between the President of India and the President of the United States?

<p>The US President can veto laws from Congress while the Indian President has limited legislative power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what situation does the President of India exercise discretion when appointing the Prime Minister?

<p>When no party or coalition has a clear majority (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation exists on the powers of the President of India?

<p>The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a role of the President of India during an emergency situation?

<p>To declare an emergency or President's rule (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following appointments is made in the name of the President?

<p>Judges of the Supreme Court (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for a bill passed by Parliament to become law?

<p>The President must give assent to it (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is regarded as the head of the government in India?

<p>The Prime Minister (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which institution is responsible for making new laws in India?

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

What is the primary method by which a major policy decision is taken?

<p>Government order (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which house of Parliament represents the interests of the states and union territories?

<p>Rajya Sabha (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the President of India play in Parliament?

<p>He/She is a part of Parliament but not a member of either house (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Parliament regarding government finances?

<p>It can approve all government spending. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If individuals or associations dispute a government order, where can they file their cases?

<p>Supreme Court or High Court (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the members of the Lok Sabha primarily elected?

<p>Through direct elections (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does Lok Sabha have over Rajya Sabha in financial matters?

<p>Lok Sabha's decisions on money matters cannot be influenced by Rajya Sabha. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if Lok Sabha passes a bill but Rajya Sabha suggests changes?

<p>Lok Sabha can choose whether or not to accept the suggested changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who has the power to appoint the Prime Minister in India?

<p>Only a person with the majority support in Lok Sabha can be appointed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about political and permanent executives is true?

<p>Permanent executives remain in office even with a change of the ruling party. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the political executive in a democratic country?

<p>They are elected for a specific period to take major decisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a permanent executive in the government?

<p>To assist elected officials and carry out daily administration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a duty of the Lok Sabha?

<p>Rejecting any money bills proposed by Rajya Sabha. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary differences between political and permanent executives?

<p>Political executives are elected officials whereas permanent executives are civil servants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Major Policy Decision

A significant decision made by the government, often through a government order.

Government Order

A written direction on an issue signed by a government official.

Parliament

The group of people elected to make and change laws in a country.

Lok Sabha

The lower house of India's Parliament, directly elected by the people.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rajya Sabha

The upper house of India's Parliament, representing states and regions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prime Minister

The head of the government who leads the administration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

President

The head of state, the highest formal authority.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Parliamentary Control

Parliament's direct and full control over the government's finances.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lok Sabha's Power in Money Bills

Lok Sabha has more power than Rajya Sabha in financial matters. They can pass budgets and money-related laws, with the Rajya Sabha only able to delay such bills for 14 days and suggest changes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lok Sabha and Confidence in Ministers

Members of Lok Sabha can vote to express "no confidence" in the Council of Ministers, potentially forcing their resignation, including the Prime Minister.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Political Executive

Elected officials who make significant decisions and are responsible for carrying out policy, answerable to the people.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Permanent Executive

Civil servants who are appointed and remain in office to manage the day-to-day operations of government.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Joint Session in Lawmaking

In cases of disagreements over laws between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, a joint session is held. The Lok Sabha generally has a decisive vote.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ordinary Laws in Parliament

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha need to approve ordinary laws in parliament, with Lok Sabha having the final say in case of conflicts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rajya Sabha's Limited Power

Rajya Sabha has a limited ability to influence money matters and can't remove the Council of Ministers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Executive Power

The power to make daily decisions in a government or country, but not the supreme power.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prime Minister's Role

The Prime Minister leads the government, exercising its powers. They are the most important political figure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prime Minister Appointment

The President chooses the Prime Minister, who usually leads the majority party or a winning coalition in Parliament.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cabinet Ministers

Top-level leaders (often from the ruling party) who head important government departments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Council of Ministers

The official group of all government ministers who form the executive branch.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Minister Appointment

The President appoints ministers based on the Prime Minister's recommendation and usually from the ruling party.

Signup and view all the flashcards

President's Limited Power

The President is the head of state but has little direct control over government activities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cabinet's Role

The core group of ministers responsible for making most of the government's important decisions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Prime Minister's Powers

The Prime Minister directs Cabinet meetings, coordinates departments, and dismisses ministers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electoral College

A group of people chosen to elect the President of India. It includes members of Parliament (MPs) and state legislative assemblies (MLAs).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Proportional Representation

A system where seats in the Electoral College are distributed based on the proportion of votes each party receives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Single Transferable Vote

A voting system where voters rank their preferences. Excess votes for elected candidates are transferred to the next choice.

Signup and view all the flashcards

President's Role in Lawmaking

The President can veto laws passed by Parliament, preventing them from becoming official. However, he can't reject laws entirely.

Signup and view all the flashcards

President's Emergency Powers

The President can declare a state of emergency or President's Rule in times of crisis, allowing them to take control.

Signup and view all the flashcards

President's Appointment Power

The President appoints key figures: Chief Justice, Supreme Court judges, Governors, Election Commissioners, etc.

Signup and view all the flashcards

President's Council of Ministers

The President must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is responsible for running the government.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Judiciary

The institution responsible for administering justice and resolving legal disputes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Supreme Court

India's highest court with jurisdiction over the entire nation, its decisions bind all other courts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

High Court

State-level courts with jurisdiction over their respective states.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws or actions by the executive invalid if they violate the Constitution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Judge Appointment

Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, in consultation with the Chief Justice.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Judge Removal

Removing a Supreme Court or High Court judge is extremely difficult, requiring a two-thirds impeachment vote by both houses of Parliament.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Anyone can approach the courts to address public interest issues arising from government actions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Guardian of Fundamental Rights

The Indian judiciary protects and enforces the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Working of Institutions

  • Government institutions—legislature, executive, and judiciary—play key roles in policy decisions.
  • Policy decisions are made through government orders, which are written directions from government authorities.
  • Decision-makers include the President (head of state), Prime Minister (head of government), and Parliament (President and two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
  • Lok Sabha represents the people, and Rajya Sabha represents states and territories.
  • Major decisions are made by the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, through cabinet meetings.
  • Citizens can challenge government decisions by filing cases in the Supreme Court or High Court.
  • Parliament, composed of elected representatives (directly or indirectly), is the final authority for making and changing laws.
  • Parliament controls the government's budget, debates public issues, and sets national policy.
  • Parliament has two houses: Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
  • Lok Sabha has real power, directly elected by people.
  • Rajya Sabha represents states and has special functions, such as representing interests of states.
  • The President is part of Parliament but isn't a member of either house.

Special Powers of Lok Sabha Over Rajya Sabha

  • Lok Sabha holds significant power in most decisions, including those related to money (budget).
  • Money bills can be delayed by Rajya Sabha but cannot be rejected.
  • Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers; only those with majority support in Lok Sabha can become Prime Minister.
  • If Lok Sabha loses confidence in the Council of Ministers, all ministers (including the Prime Minister) must resign.
  • Rajya Sabha does not have this power.

Political and Permanent Executive

  • Democratic countries have two types of executives: political and permanent.
  • Political executive are elected for a set period, make major decisions, and include political leaders.
  • Permanent executive (civil servants) are appointed for longer terms, assist the political executive, and remain in office even when the ruling party changes.

Prime Minister

  • Prime Minister is the head of government and exercises executive powers.
  • They are appointed by the President based on the majority party or a coalition in the Lok Sabha.
  • They chair Cabinet meetings, coordinate ministries and have broad power.

Council of Ministers

  • The Council of Ministers is the official body of ministers (60-80 members from different ranks).
  • Cabinet Ministers are high-ranking members of the ruling party, in charge of major ministries.
  • Ministers of State are in charge of smaller ministries.
  • The Cabinet Secretariat assistants in coordinating ministries.

President

  • President is the head of state with nominal powers (more ceremonial and symbolic).
  • President appoints the Council of Ministers on the Prime Minister's advice.
  • President supervises the functioning of political institutions.
  • The President is indirectly elected by an electoral college.

Powers of the President

  • The President is the formal head of the state.
  • The President appoints government officials, such as judges, governors, and election commissioners.
  • The President has emergency powers for critical situations.
  • The President appoints the Prime Minister, though the choice is made according to the party support in Lok Sabha.

Judiciary

  • Judiciary interprets the constitution, checks the legislative and executive actions.
  • Judicially review actions by legislature and executive — if declared unconstitutional, those actions cease.
  • It provides a mechanism to resolve legal disputes (Supreme Court, high courts, subordinate courts, etc).
  • Supreme Court's decisions are binding on all other courts.
  • Judges are independent from the executive and legislature.

Appointment and Removal of Judges

  • Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts appointed by the President, based on the advice of the Prime Minister and in consultation with the Chief Justice.
  • Removal of judges is difficult; requires impeachment by Parliament.

Role of the Supreme Court and High Courts

  • Supreme Court and High Courts interpret the constitution.
  • They can declare laws or actions invalid if unconstitutional.
  • They have the role of public interest litigation (PIL)—to act in situations where public interest is adversely affected.
  • They safeguard fundamental rights by checking the actions of the government and maintain a check on the administrative machinery.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser