Class 9 (Civics) Chapter 4 (Working of institutions )

 

Class 9 (Civics)

Chapter 4 (Working of institutions )

 

Notes

1. Introduction: In a democratic system, adherence to established rules and procedures is paramount for governance. Rulers operate within the framework of institutions, and representatives are elected through democratic processes at various levels within the country.
2. How is a major policy decision taken?

A. Government order: An important Office Memorandum, No. 36012/31/90-Est (SCT), was issued by the Government of India on August 13, 1990. Such significant decisions are not made solely by the individual signing the document. Instructions typically originate from the Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, under whose department the decision falls.

B. The Decision Makers: The highest formal authority in the country is the President, while the Prime Minister heads the government and wields executive powers. Most decisions are made during Cabinet meetings, where the Prime Minister plays a pivotal role.

3. Need for Political Institutions: Modern democracies rely on institutions to resolve disputes, with their powers and functions outlined by the Constitution. Examples of such institutions include the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Civil Servants, and the Supreme Court.
4. Parliament: Parliamentary discussions significantly influence government decisions, as it serves as the final authority on lawmaking and national policy debates.
5. Why do we need a Parliament? Parliament holds several functions, including lawmaking, amending laws, and serving as the highest forum for discussions and debates on public issues and national policy matters.
6. Two Houses of Parliament: India's Parliament consists of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). While the Rajya Sabha holds special powers over states, the Lok Sabha exercises supreme authority.
7. Political Executive: The political executive comprises individuals who make significant decisions but do not hold supreme power. This category contrasts with the permanent executive, composed of civil servants appointed on a long-term basis.
8. Prime Minister and Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister, appointed by the President, serves as a pivotal political institution. The Council of Ministers, consisting of various ranks, supports the Prime Minister in governance.
9. Powers of the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister chairs Cabinet meetings and coordinates departmental activities, with final decisions in case of conflicts.
10. The President: As the head of state, the President exercises nominal ceremonial powers, including government activities, law enforcement, and major policy decisions.
11. The Presidential System: In numerous countries, the President serves as both the head of state and government.
12. The Judiciary: Comprising the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district/local courts, the judiciary oversees judicial review, ensuring the constitutional validity of legislation and executive actions.
13. Public Interest Litigation: Courts play a vital role in protecting public interest and human rights, with directives and judgments guiding government actions in adherence to public interest and human rights principles.

 

Important Question Answers

 

Question 1: Why are political institutions necessary?

Answer:

• Decision-making: Political institutions are crucial for making decisions concerning the welfare of the people, formulating policies, and implementing various programs.
• Implementation: These institutions play a vital role in executing decisions once they are made, ensuring effective governance.
• Dispute resolution: Political institutions facilitate the resolution of disputes that may arise between different entities within the government or between the government and other stakeholders.
• Ensuring informed decisions: By providing platforms for deliberation and debate, political institutions aid in making well-informed and well-considered decisions.

Question 2: Differentiate between political executive and permanent executive.

 Answer: The political executive consists of elected representatives who hold positions of authority within the government and are responsible for making policy decisions and implementing laws. They derive their power from the people and are accountable to them. In contrast, the permanent executive comprises civil servants or bureaucrats who are appointed based on their expertise and qualifications. They provide continuity in governance across different administrations and are responsible for implementing policies formulated by the political executive.

Question 3: Compare the power, tenure, and functioning of both Houses of the Indian Parliament.

Answer: The Indian Parliament consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

• Power: The Lok Sabha holds more power in legislative matters, including the introduction and passage of bills related to money matters. The Rajya Sabha has limited powers concerning non-money bills, and it serves as a revising chamber.
• Tenure: Members of the Lok Sabha are elected for a term of five years, while members of the Rajya Sabha have a term of six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.
• Functioning: Both houses participate in lawmaking, budget approval, and oversight of the executive branch. The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people, whereas the Rajya Sabha members are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.

 

Question 4: What factors contribute to the political executives possessing greater authority compared to permanent executives?

 Answer:

• Democratic Mandate: In a democracy, the ultimate authority lies with the people, and political executives are elected representatives chosen by the populace.
• Accountability to the Electorate: Political executives are directly accountable to the electorate, who have the power to replace them if they fail to fulfill their obligations.
• Welfare Oversight: While permanent executives are experts in their respective fields, political executives must consider the welfare of the entire population, making decisions with broader societal implications.
• Strategic Vision: While permanent executives may offer expertise in specific areas, political executives are responsible for shaping long-term goals and policies, providing a comprehensive vision for the nation's development.

Question 5: Elaborate on the significant powers and responsibilities of the Prime Minister.

Answer:

• Liaison Role: The Prime Minister serves as the intermediary between the Cabinet and the President, conveying Cabinet decisions to the President and ensuring the President is informed on governmental matters.
• Cabinet Formation: The Prime Minister is responsible for assembling the Council of Ministers, presenting the list to the President, and reshuffling the Cabinet when necessary.
• Leadership in Parliament: The Prime Minister presides over Cabinet meetings, maintains coordination among government departments, and leads discussions in the Lok Sabha.
• Foreign Affairs: The Prime Minister plays a crucial role in formulating and managing the country's foreign policies.
• Party Leadership: As the head of the ruling party, the Prime Minister influences party policies and strategies.
• National Leadership: The Prime Minister is a key national leader whose opinions on domestic and international matters carry significant weight.

Question 6: Discuss the primary powers and functions of the Indian Parliament.

Answer:

• Legislative Authority: The Parliament holds the authority to make laws on subjects listed in the Union List and Concurrent List, and under certain circumstances, even on subjects in the State List.
• Financial Oversight: Parliament approves the annual budget of the Central Government and authorizes taxation and expenditures.
• Executive Control: Parliament exercises control over the executive branch by seeking information, passing resolutions of no confidence, and conducting question hours to hold the government accountable.
• Constitutional Amendments: No changes can be made to the Constitution without Parliament's approval.
• Electoral Functions: Parliament is responsible for electing the President, Vice-President, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Deputy Speaker, and Vice-Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Question 7: Briefly outline the powers and functions of the Supreme Court.

Answer:

• Original Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court has the authority to hear and decide cases involving disputes between citizens, citizens and the government, state governments, and inter-governmental disputes.
• Appellate Jurisdiction: It serves as the highest appellate court in civil and criminal matters, hearing appeals against decisions of High Courts.
• Advisory Role: The Supreme Court provides legal advice to the President of India on legal or constitutional matters referred to it.
• Guardian of the Constitution: It acts as the guardian and final interpreter of the Constitution, ensuring that laws and actions comply with constitutional provisions.
• Protector of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court safeguards the fundamental rights of citizens, intervening when these rights are violated by the government or individuals.

Question 8: Describe the composition of the Council of Ministers.

Answer: The Council of Ministers comprises three categories of ministers:

• Cabinet Ministers: These are senior leaders of the ruling party in charge of important ministries and participate in key decision-making processes.
• Ministers of State with Independent Charge: They oversee smaller ministries and are invited to Cabinet meetings when necessary.
• Ministers of State: These ministers assist Cabinet ministers and are associated with specific departments.

Question 9: Enumerate three functions or responsibilities of the government.

Answer:

• Revenue Collection and Allocation: The government collects taxes to fund administrative, defense, and developmental initiatives, allocating resources judiciously.
• Ensuring Security and Public Services: Governments prioritize citizen security and provide essential services such as education and healthcare.
• Formulation and Implementation of Welfare Schemes: Governments design and execute various welfare programs aimed at enhancing societal well-being.

Question 10: Define public interest litigation and elucidate its significance.

Answer: Public interest litigation allows individuals to petition the courts when governmental actions adversely affect public interests. This mechanism prevents the abuse of governmental authority, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Question 11: Define job reservation and discuss its importance.

Answer: Job reservation policies reserve a percentage of government job vacancies for economically or socially disadvantaged individuals and communities. These policies promote inclusivity, offering equitable opportunities to historically underrepresented groups in government employment.

Question 12: Identify the ethical values demonstrated by coalition governments. Answer: Coalition governments exemplify ethical values such as accommodation, alliance-building, interdependence, and cooperation, fostering collaboration among diverse factions for effective governance.

Question 13: Under what circumstances does the President exercise discretion in appointing the Prime Minister?

Answer: When no single party secures a clear majority in elections, a coalition of parties may stake its claim to form the government. In such cases, the President utilizes individual judgment to appoint a Prime Minister capable of providing stable governance.

Question 14: Why is there a need for political institutions?

Answer: Political institutions are imperative for decision-making, implementation of policies, dispute resolution, and ensuring informed governance. They facilitate effective governance by providing a structured framework for decision-making processes, promoting accountability and transparency.