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NCERT Class 9 Social Science Chapter 17 Working Of Institutions
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Working Of Institutions
Chapter: 17
DEMOCRATIC POLITICS – I (POLITICAL SCIENCE)
NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q. 1. If you are elected as the President of India which of the following decision can you take on your own?
(a) Select the person you like as Prime Minister.
Ans. Not possible.
(b) Dismiss a Prime Minister who has a majority in Lok Sabha.
Ans. Not possible.
(c) Ask for reconsideration of a bill passed by both the Houses.
Ans. It can be done.
(d) Nominate the leaders of your choice to the Council of Ministers.
Ans. It can be done under rules.
Q. 2. Who among the following is a part of the political executive?
(a) District Collector.
Ans. No.
(b) Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ans. No.
(c) Home Minister.
Ans. Yes.
(d) Director General of Police.
Ans. No.
Q. 3. Which of the following statements about the judiciary is false?
(a) Every law passed by the Parliament needs approval of the Supreme Court.
Ans. False.
(b) Judiciary can strike down a law if it goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
Ans. True.
(c) Judiciary is independent of the Executive.
Ans. True.
(d) Any citizen can approach the courts if her rights are violated.
Ans. True.
Q. 4. Which of the following institutions can make changes to an existing law of the country?
(a) The Supreme Court.
(b) The President.
(c) The Prime Minister.
(d) The Parliament.
Ans. (d) The Parliament.
Q. 5. Match the ministry with the news that the ministry may have released:
| 1 . A new policy is being made to increase the jute exports from the country. | (a) Ministry of Defence |
| 2. Telephone services will be made more accessible to rural areas. | (b) Ministry of Health |
| 3. The price of rice and wheat sold under the Public Distribution System will go down. | (c) Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution |
| 4. A pulse polio campaign will be launched. | (d) Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| 5. The allowances of the soldiers posted on high altitudes will be increased. | (e) Ministry of Communications and Information Technology |
Ans.
| 1 . A new policy is being made to increase the jute exports from the country. | (d) Ministry of Commerce and Industry. |
| 2. Telephone services will be made more accessible to rural areas. | (e) Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. |
| 3. The price of rice and wheat sold under the Public Distribution System will go down. | (c) Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution. |
| 4. A pulse polio campaign will be launched. | (b) Ministry of Health. |
| 5. The allowances of the soldiers posted on high altitudes will be increased. | (a) Ministry of Defence. |
Q. 6. Of all the institutions that we have studied in this chapter, name the one that exercises the powers on each of the towing matters.
(a) Decision on allocation of money for developing infrastructure like roads, irrigation etc. and different welfare activities for the citizens.
Ans. Ministry of development and planning.
(b) Considers the recommendation of a committee on a law to regulate the stock exchange.
Ans. Ministry of finance.
(c) Decides on a legal dispute between two state governments.
Ans. Ministry of law.
(d) Implements the decision to provide relief for the victims of an earthquake.
Ans. Ministry of welfare.
Q. 7. Why is the Prime Minister in India not directly elected by the people? Choose the most appropriate answer and give reasons for your choice.
(a) In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister.
(b) Lok Sabha can remove the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers even before the expiry of their term.
(c) Since the Prime Minister is appointed by the President there is no need for it.
(d) Direct election of the Prime Minister will involve lot of expenditure on election.
Ans. In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister. In the Indian democracy only the party system can do so.
Q. 8. Three friends went to watch a film that showed the hero becoming Chief Minister for a day and making big changes in the state. Imran said this is what the country needs. Rizwan said this kind of a personal rule without institutions is dangerous. Shankar said all this is a fantasy. No minister can do anything in one day. What would be your reaction to such a film?
Ans. In this film the hero becoming Chief Minister for a day and making big changes in the state. The film gives lesson to us that a person can do a lot in a short span of time. People like quick decisions. That is why after the end of day, people wanted him to remain in power. It also showed that due to the corrupt leaders the other agencies are also dragged in to the corrupt practices. If the leader is doing his work properly, he can do a lot like hero of the picture. He can also take actions against the corrupt officials and make the administration clean.
Q. 9. A teacher was making preparation for a mock parliament. She called two students to act as leaders of two political parties. She gave them an option. Each one could choose to have a majority either in the mock Lok Sabha or in the mock Rajya Sabha. If this choice was given to you, which one would you choose and why?
Ans. If the choice was given to me, I will choose to the part of Lok Sabha majority. Because, it is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. All the decisions are taken by Lok Sabha and it is a part of government. It can make bills and could do amendments in the constitution. In short Lok Sabha is more powerful than Rajya Sabba.
Q. 10. After reading the example of the reservation order, three students had different reactions about the role of the judiciary. Which view, according to you, is correct reading of the role of judiciary?
(a) Srinivas argues that since the Supreme Court agreed with the government, it is not independent.
(b) Anjaiah says that judiciary is independent because it could have given a verdict against the government order. The Supreme Court did direct the government to modify it.
(c) Vijaya thinks that the judiciary is neither independent nor conformist, but acts as a mediator between opposing parties. The court struck a good balance between those who supported and those who opposed the order.
Ans. (b) The view of Anjaiah is correct that judiciary is independent because it could have given a verdict against the government order. The Supreme Court did direct the government to modify it.
SOME OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Two features of Indian judicial system are:
(a) Independent Judiciary.
(b) Integrated Judiciary.
(c) Dependent Judiciary.
(d) Both (a) and (b).
Ans. (d) Both (a) and (b).
Q. 2. The task of the secretaries is to:
(a) take political decisions.
(b) provide the necessary background information to the ministers to take decisions.
(c) implement the decisions taken by the ministers.
(d) none of the above.
Ans. (b) provide the necessary background information to the ministers to take decisions.
Q. 3. What is the government formed by an alliance of two or more political parties called?
(a) Cooperation government.
(b) Coalition government.
(c) Consensus government.
(d) Cooperative government.
Ans. (b) Coalition government.
Q. 4. If any ordinary law needs to be passed by both the Houses. But if there is a difference between the two houses:
(a) the final decision is taken in a joint session in which members of both the houses sit together.
(b) Rajya Sabha takes the decision.
(c) Lak Saha takes the decision.
(d) President takes the decision.
Ans. (a) the final decision is taken in a joint session in which members of both the houses sit together.
Q. 5. Which is not a feature related to the President?
(a) The President is elected directly by the people.
(b) The elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and the elected Members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) elect him.
(c) A Candidate standing for President’s has to get a majority of votes to win the election.
(d) The President can never claim the kind of direct popular mandate that the Prime Minister can.
Ans. (a) The President is elected directly by the people.
Q. 6. What does the Supreme Court say over the Parliament’s power of amendment of the Constitution?
(a) The Parliament can amend the entire Constitution.
(b) The Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the Constitution.
(c) The Parliament can amend only the basic structure of the Constitution.
(d) The Parliament can frame a new Constitution.
Ans. (b) The Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the Constitution.
Q. 7. Who is the supreme commander of the defense forces of India?
(a) The Chief justice.
(b) The Prime Minister.
(c) The President.
(d) The chief of the defense force.
Ans. (c) The President.
Q. 8. Who is the head of the State?
(a) The President.
(b) The Prime Minister.
(c) Cabinet Ministers.
(d) Council of Ministers.
Ans. (a) The President.
Q. 9. What is ‘Parliament’?
(a) Assembly of elected representatives at
the national level.
(b) A body consisting of appointed ministers.
(c) Body comprising judges.
(d) Assembly of only appointed members.
Ans. (a) Assembly of elected representatives at the national level.
Q. 10. Who is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?
(a) Speaker.
(b) Vice President.
(c) President.
(d) Prime Minister.
Ans. (a) Speaker.
Q. 11. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Some of the delays and complications introduced by institutions are very useful.
Reason (R): The Constitution of any country lays down basic rules on the powers and functions of each institution.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (B) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (b) Both (A) and (B) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Q. 12. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): The Government of India had appointed the Second Backward Classes Commission in 1979.
Reason (R): It felt, this would give a fair opportunity to those communities who so far had adequately been represented in government employment.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) (A) is true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
Q. 13. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): In all democracies, an assembly of nominated representatives exercises supreme political authority on behalf of the people.
Reason (R): Parliaments all over the world can make new laws, change existing laws, or abolish existing laws and make new ones in their place.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) (A) is true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Q. 14. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Even if a civil servant is usually more educated and has more expert knowledge of the subject, the minister has the final say on policy matters.
Reason (R): The minister is an elected representative of the people and thus empowered to exercise the will of the people on their behalf and therefore is finally answerable to the people for all the consequences of his/her decisions.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) (A) is true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Q. 15. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and chose the correct option.
Assertion (A): In democracies, the public money can be spent only when the President sanctions it.
Reason (R): The President controls all the money that governments have.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (B) are false.
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Ans. (b) Both (A) and (B) are false.
Fill in the Blanks:
(i) __________ is the final authority for making laws in our country.
Ans. Parliament.
(ii) The President appoints the __________ of India.
Ans. Chief Justice.
(iii) The __________ is the Lower House of the Indian Parliament.
Ans. Lok Sabha.
(iv) In India we have an independent system of ___________.
Ans. Judiciary.
(v) The Supreme Court of India is located in ___________.
Ans. New Delhi.
True and False:
(i) Rajya Sabha exercises more powers in financial matters.
Ans. False.
(ii) There are two organs of the government in India.
Ans. False.
(iii) The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Ans. True.
(iv) In our country the Supreme Court controls the whole judicial administration.
Ans. True.
(v) The President is the real executive of the government of India.
Ans. False.
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Why democratic governments insist on institutions? Give two reasons.
Ans. Democratic governments insist on institutions because:
(i) Institutions involve rules and regulations.
(ii) Institutions bind the hands of the rulers as these involve meetings, committees and routines.
Q. 2. Explain No Confidence Motion.
Ans. Only a person who enjoys the support of the majority of the members of the Lok Sabha is appointed as the Prime Minister. If a no confidence motion is moved in the Lok Sabha, and passed, then, the Government has to resign.
Q. 3. “The Constitution of India has made necessary provisions for ensuring independence of judiciary.” Justify your answer by giving two reasons.
Ans. The judges are appointed by the executive on the basis of the prescribed qualifications, and according to a well established procedure. The Judges cannot be removed at the whims of the executive.
Q. 4. Why was the Mandal Commission’s Recommendations opposed by many?
Ans. Some of the people felt that this commission’s recommendations were quite unfair as it would deny equality of opportunity to those who did not belong to backward communities. They would be denied jobs even though they could be more qualified.
Q. 5. What is judicial review?
Ans. The Supreme Court and the High Courts can declare invalid any law or action of the legislature, if they find such a law or action is against the constitution. They can determine the Constitutional validity of any legislation or action of the executive in the country, when it is challenged before them. This is known as judicial review.
Q. 6. How can a judge be removed?
Ans. A judge can be removed only through impeachment motion passed by two-third members of the two houses of Parliament. This has never happened in the history of India.
Q. 7. How institution decisions lead to delays and complications?
Ans. Many rules and regulation of institutions are to be followed. The decision-making process includes lots of meetings. committees and routines. These factors lead to delays and complications.
Q. 8. How does the Lok Sabha exercise its control over the Council of Ministers?
Ans. The Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers i.e. if the majority of the Lok Sabha members say that they have no confidence in the Council of Ministers, all the ministers including the Prime Minister have to quit. No such power is with the Rajya Sabha.
Q. 9. Who are called “Permanent Executives”?
Ans. Permanent executives are appointed for a long term. They are also called civil servants. They remain in office even when the ruling party changes. They advice the political executives in their day-to-day work.
Q. 10. India has an integrated judiciary. Explain.
Ans. Integrated judiciary means that the Supreme Court controls the judicial administration in the country. Its decisions are binding on all the courts of the country.
Q. 11. What is parliament?
Ans. Parliament is an assembly of representatives. They are elected by the people. They exercise supreme political power on behalf of the people. In England and France this assembly is known as ‘Parliament’. In USA, it is known as the Congress.
Q. 12. What do you know about the Lok Sabha?
Ans. The Lok Sabha in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament. It is directly elected by the people. The tenure of the Lok Sabha is five years, but it can be dissolved before also.
Q. 13. What do you know about the ‘Supreme Court of India?
Ans. The Supreme Court of India is the highest court of appeal. It is also known as the Apex Court of India. Besides, it is the court of judicial review also.
Q. 14. Who acts as the chairman of Rajya Sabha?
Ans. Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Indian Parliament. The Vice-President acts as the chairman of this house.
Q. 15. How is the President of India elected?
Ans. The President of India is elected indirectly by the members of an electoral college.
Q. 16. When does the President declare emergency in India?
Ans. The President can declare an emergency in India when the council of ministers advice him to do so.
Q. 17. How is the Prime Minister of India elected?
Ans. The Prime Minister of India is elected by the elected members of Lok Sabha.
Q. 18. Which is more powerful- the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha?
Ans. Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha.
Q. 19. Who is the head of the central executive in India?
Ans. The President is the head of the central executive in India.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. Why is the Prime Minister in India not directly elected by the people? Choose the most appropriate answer and give reasons for your choice.
(a) In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister.
(b) Lok Sabha can remove the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers even before the expiry of their term.
(c) Since the Prime Minister is appointed by the President there is no need for it.
(d) Direct election of the Prime Minister will involve lot of expenditure on election.
Ans. (a) India is a Parliamentary democracy. In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister. In the Indian democracy only the party system can do so.
Q. 2. What was Mandal Commission? What are its recommendations?
Ans. I. It was appointed by the Government of India in 1979 headed by B.P. Mandal. Hence it was called Mandal Commission.
II. (a) It was appointed to determine the criteria to identify the socially and educationally backward classes in India.
(b) To recommend steps to be taken for their advancement.
(c) The Commission gave its report in 1980 and made recommendation of 27 per cent reservation for socially and educationally backward classes.
Q. 3. Describe briefly the powers of the Prime Minister.
Ans. Major powers of the Prime Minister:
1. He chairs cabinet meetings.
2. He coordinates the work of different departments. His decisions are final in case of disagreement arise between two or more departments.
3. He exercises general supervision of different ministries.
4. The Prime Minister distributes and redistributes work to the ministers according to their will.
5. When the Prime Minister quits the entire ministry quits.
Q. 4. Who is responsible for the judicial administration in the country?
Ans. The judiciary in India is an integrated system consisting of High Courts in the states, District Courts at the local level and Supreme Court for the entire nation.
The Supreme Court control the judicial administration in the country. It settles all the disputes:
(i) Between the Central Government and one or more states.
(ii) Between two or more states.
(iii) Between Governments at the Union and State level.
(iv) Between citizens of the country.
(v) Highest Court of appeal in all civil and criminal cases.
(vi) It can hear appeals against the decisions of High Courts.
Q. 5. What efforts did the British make to develop India as a major source of government income? Explain.
Ans. The British made following efforts to develop India as a major source of government income:
(i) The British directly encouraged the production of commercial crops like jute, sugarcane, wheat and cotton.
(ii) The demand for these crops increased in the nineteenth century Europe where food grains were required to feed the growing urban population and raw materials were required for industrial production.
(iii) In the early nineteenth century, the colonial government in India thought that forests were unproductive.
(iv) They were considered to be wilderness
that had to be brought under cultivation so that the land could yield agricultural products, i.e., wheat, rice, cotton, jute, sugar, etc. and revenue and enhance the income of state.
Q. 6. What is the relation between their President and the Prime Minister?
Ans. (i) According to the Constitution of India, the President makes the appointment of the Prime Minister. He cannot make this appointment at his own will. He has to appoint the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister.
(ii) All the powers of the President are exercised by the Prime Minister. Therefore, the Prime Minister is the real ruler while the President is only the constitutional head.
(iii) The Prime Minister serves as a link between the President and the Council of Ministers.
Q. 7. How is the Lok Sabha more powerful than the Rajya Sabha?
Ans. Lok Sabha is more powerful of the following reasons:
(i) The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected while those of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected.
(ii) Money bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. It originates in the Lok Sabha only It is sent for recommendation of the Rajya Sabha and not for passing. If the Rajya Sabha returns it after 14 days, it is assumed as passed.
(iii) The Lok Sabha controls the executive whereas the Rajya Sabha has no effective control over the executive.
Q. 8. State the powers of the Supreme Court.
Ans. In our country the Supreme Court controls the whole judicial administration. India comprises an integrated judiciary. The Supreme court takes up any dispute.
(i) Between citizens of the country.
(ii) Between citizens and government.
(iii) Between two or more state governments and between governments at the Union and State level.
Q. 9. What are the executive powers of the President of India?
Ans. (i) The President is the Chief Executive
of the country whole administration of the country is carried in his name.
(ii) He is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
(iii) He appoints the Prime Minister and the other members of the Council of Ministers at the Centre.
(iv) He makes high level appointments in the country, such as Governors of the States, the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Election Commissioner, Auditor General of India.
(v) He makes the appointments of Indian ambassadors to other countries and receives the ambassadors of other countries to India.
Q. 10. What is the difference between political and permanent executive?
Ans. In a democratic country, two categories make up the executive. One that is elected by the people for a specific period, is called the Political executive. Political leaders who take the big decisions fall in this category. In the second category, people are appointed on a long term basis. This is called the permanent executive of civil services. Persons working in civil services are called civil servants. They remain in office even when the ruling party changes. These officers work under political executive and assist them in carrying out the day-to-day administration.
Q. 11. Why do we need a parliament? Explain in four points.
Ans. (i) Law making final authority: The parliament has wide powers in the field of legislation. It can legislate on those subjects which have been given in the Union List.
(ii) Control over the executive: We need a legislative body to control over the executive. Thus, the political executives who run the government can be in the office as long as they enjoy confidence of the parliament.
(iii) Control and regulate finance: It is the parliament which controls money or finances of the country. In many countries the financial statement is prepared by parliament or legislature.
(iv) Provide platform of debate: Parliament is the highest forum of discussion and debate on public issues and national policies. Parliament has the power to obtain information and details on any matter. All the important issues are discussed and debated before coming to a final decision.
Q. 12. Why are parliamentary democracies seen as Prime Ministerial form of government in recent decades?
Ans. (i) Real head: The Prime Minister is the real executive of the government of India. He chooses his ministers. The ministers hold offices at the pleasure of the President but in effect can be dismissed if so desired by the Prime Minister.
(ii) Allocation of portfolios: The Prime Minister allocates the portfolios among the Ministers.
(iii) Bridge between the President and the Council of Ministers: The Prime Ministers acts as a bridge between the President and the Council of Minister. The President is periodically kept informed about cabinet decisions.
(iv) Chief spokesperson: The Prime Minister acts as the chief spokesperson of the government on the floor of the House. The Prime Minister also functions as the ex-officio chairperson of the Planning Commission.
Q.13. “Parliament is the final authority for making laws in any country.” Which values must be considered by the Parliament in discharge of this function? Mention any three.
Ans. The parliament must consider the following values:
(i) Welfare of the people.
(ii) Interest of the disadvantaged members of society such as SC’s, Ste, and OBCs.
(iii) Integrity of the country. and
(iv) Allow the representatives to take part in deliberations of the house.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. What is meant by independent judiciary? Which provisions make judiciary independent? Write any four.
Ans. (i) Independence of judiciary means that in not under the control of the legislature or the executive. The judges do not act on the direction of the Government or according to the wishes of the party in power.
(ii) The judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
(iii) In practice, the senior judges of the Supreme Court select the new judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. In such cases, there is very little scope for interference by the political executive.
(iv) The Supreme Court can declare any law or action of the executive invalid if they find such law or action against the spirit of the constitution.
(v) A judge can be removed from office only by an impeachment motion passed separately by two thirds members of the two houses of the parliament. Hence, absolute independence in the matter of judiciary is achieved in the country.
Q. 2. Differentiate between political and permanent executive, Why does the political executives have more power than the permanent one?
Ans. In democracy, two categories make up the executive. One that is elected by the people for a specified period, is called political executive. Political leaders who take the big decisions fall in this category. In the second category, people are appointed on a long-term basis. This is called permanent executive of civil services. Persons working in civil services are called civil servants. They remain in office even when the ruling party changes. These officers work under political executive and assist them in carrying out the day-to-day administration.
The political executives have more power than the permanent one. Since the will of the people is supreme in a democracy, the ministers elected by the people are empowered to exercise the will of the people on their behalf. It is the political executive which is ultimately answerable to the people for all consequences. The minister takes the advice of the experts on all technical matters and then finally decides the issue.
Q. 3. Explain the executive power of the President.
Ans. The Executive Powers of the President:
(i) Administration of the whole country is carried in his name.
(ii) He is the Chief Executive of the country.
(iii) He the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
(iv) He appoints the Prime Minister and the other members of the Council of Ministers at the Centre.
(v) He makes many big appointments in the country as Governors of the States, the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Election Commissioner, Auditor General of India, etc.
(vi) He makes the appointment of Indian Ambassadors in other countries and receives the Ambassadors of other countries in India.
HOTS QUESTION
Q. 1. Which house of the Indian Parliament is more powerful and how? Explain your viewpoint by giving any three points.
Ans. (a) Lok Sabha (the House of People of the Parliament) is more powerful.
(b) View point to prove that the Lok Sabha is more powerful than Rajya Sabha:
1. Larger number of members: In case of a joint session of both the houses to pass ordinary bill, the Lok Sabha is likely to prevail due to its large number of members.
2. On money matters: Lok Sabha exercises more powers in money matters. Any money bill passed by the Lok Sabha cannot be rejected by Rajya Sabha. At the most of the Rajya Sabha may delay it for 14 days or suggest changes which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept.
3. Control over the Union Council of Ministers: Only the Lok Sabha controls the Union Council of Ministers. If the majority of the Lok Sabha members say that they have no confidence in the Council of Ministers, all ministers including the Prime Minister have to resign.
Q. 2. Distinguish between the Cabinet and the Council of Ministers.
Ans. (i) The Council of Ministers is a constitutional body but the Cabinet is not. In Article 74 of the Constitution it has clearly been said that there will be a Council of Ministers under the leadership of the Prime Minister to assist and advise the President for performing his functions. But nothing has been said in the Constitution about the Cabinet. Establishment of the Cabinet has been done for the administrative convenience and feasibility.
(ii) Council of Minister is a big body while the Cabinet is a small body. It consists of all the four types of ministers, i.e.,
(a) Cabinet Ministers.
(b) Ministers of State.
(c) Deputy Ministers. and
(d) Ministers of independent charges.
Their number is near about 60. But the Cabinet is only a part of the Council of Ministers and it consists of a small group of about 20 minutes who are senior most, experiences, influential and popular leaders of the ruling party.
(iii) The Cabinet has more importance in comparison to the Council of Ministers. The Cabinet Ministers taken all important decisions about the formulation of Government policies. Whatever decisions are take by the Cabinet all the ministers are to abide by them. All the members of the Council of Ministers are to carry out those decisions. Thus, it is clear that the Cabinet has more importance than the Council of Ministers.
PASSAGE BASED QUESTIONS
1. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
The Parliament plays a central role in modern democracies, most large countries divide the role and powers of Parliament in two parts. They are called Chambers or Houses. One House is usually directly elected by the people and exercises the real power on behalf of the people. The second House is usually elected indirectly and performs some special functions: The most common work for the second House is to look after the interests of various states, regions or federal units.
(i) Which of the two Houses of the Parliament is more powerful?
(a) The Rajya Sabha.
(b) The Lok Sabha.
(c) The State Legislature.
(d) The State Legislative Assembly.
Ans. (b) The Lok Sabha.
(ii) Lok Sabha exercises more powers:
(a) in defense matters.
(b) in state matters.
(c) in money matters.
(d) in decision making.
Ans. (c) in money matters.
(iii) Who among the following is a part of the Parliament of India without being a member of it?
(a) The Chief Justice of India.
(b) The Chief Election Commissioner of India.
(c) The chief ministers of states of India.
(d) The President.
Ans. (d) The President.
(iv) The Rajya Sabha does not have power of:
(a) discussion on a bill.
(b) raising ‘no-confidence motion’.
(c) raising a bill in the house.
(d) passing the bill with majority.
Ans. (b) raising ‘no-confidence motion’.
2. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
The Government of India had appointed the Second Backward Classes Commission in 1979. It was headed by B.P. Mandal. Hence, it was popularly called the Mandal Commission. It was asked to determine the criteria to identify the socially and educationally backward classes in India and recommend steps to be taken for their advancement. The Commission gave its Report in 1980 and made many recommendations.
(i) What promise was made by the Janata Dal in its election manifesto?
(a) It promised guarantee of job for all.
(b) It promised that if voted to power, it would implement the Mandal Commission report.
(c) It promised 50 percent job reservation for the members of backward classes.
(d) It promised removal of poverty from the country.
Ans. (b) It promised that if voted to power, it would implement the Mandal Commission report.
(ii) What were the recommendations of the Mandal Commission?
(a) 27 per cent of government jobs be reserved for women.
(b) 27 per cent of government jobs be reserved for poor.
(c) 27 per cent of government jobs be reserved for the socially and educationally backward classes.
(d) 27 per cent of government jobs be reserved for religious minorities.
Ans. (c) 27 per cent of government jobs be reserved for the socially and educationally backward classes.
(iii) The benefit of job reservation was till then available only to:
(a) members of forward classes.
(b) Scheduled Tribes.
(c) Scheduled Castes.
(d) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Ans. (d) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
(iv) Though the Supreme Court judges in 1992 declared that the implementation of the Mandal Commission report was valid, the Supreme Court asked the government for its modification. It said that:
(a) poor people from forward classes to be also included in the benefit of reservation.
(b) women to be included in the benefit of reservation.
(c) well-to do persons among the backward classes should be excluded from getting the benefit of reservation.
(d) religious minorities to be included in the benefit of reservation.
Ans. (c) well-to do persons among the backward classes should be excluded from getting the benefit of reservation.
3. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
After the appointment of the Prime Minister, the President appoints other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Ministers are usually from the party or the coalition that has the majority in the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister is free to choose ministers, as long as they are members of Parliament. Sometimes, a person who is not a member of Parliament can also become a minister. But such a person has to get elected to one of the Houses of Parliament within six months of appointment as minister.
(i) What do you mean by ‘political institution’?
(a) It is the houses of the Parliament.
(b) It is the assembly of elected representatives of a state.
(c) It is a set of procedures for regulating the conduct of government and political life in the country.
(d) It is a group of civil servants assisting the government.
Ans. (c) It is a set of procedures for regulating the conduct of government and political life in the country.
(ii) How is the Prime Minister appointed?
(a) The leader of the minority party or the coalition of parties.
(b) The leader of the party that has won one-third seats in the Parliament.
(c) The leader of the majority party or the coalition of parties that commands majority in the Lok Sabha, as the Prime Minister.
(d) The leader of the party that is a major coalition partner.
Ans. (c) The leader of the majority party or the coalition of parties that commands majority in the Lok Sabha, as the Prime Minister.
(iii) In case no single party or alliance gets a majority, the President appoints the person as Prime Minister who is:
(a) well-known for his/her social works.
(b) well experienced in politics.
(c) a civil servant for more than ten years.
(d) most likely to secure a majority support.
Ans. (d) most likely to secure a majority support.
(iv) How long does the Prime Minister continue to be in power?
(a) Till the next general election.
(b) As long as he/she remains the leader of the majority party or coalition.
(c) As long as he/she remains popular in the eyes of the President .
(d) As long as he/she attains the age of 60 years.
Ans. (b) As long as he/she remains the leader of the majority party or coalition.
