Class 9 Social Science (Democratic Politics) Chapter 4 Working Of Institutions

Key Concept: Decision-Making Process

d) The Government of India

[Solution Description]

The Second Backward Classes Commission was appointed by the Government of India in 1979 to determine the criteria for identifying socially and educationally backward classes.

Key Concept: Role of Prime Minister

c) Prime Minister of India

[Solution Description]

The Prime Minister is the head of the Cabinet and is responsible for chairing Cabinet meetings in India. This is a fundamental role of the Prime Minister as per the syllabus.

Key Concept: Coalition Government

c) Accommodating different views

[Solution Description]

In a coalition government, the Prime Minister must accommodate the views of different groups and factions within the party and alliance partners. This ensures smooth functioning and consensus-building.

Key Concept: President’s Election Process

d) By the elected Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies

[Solution Description]

The President of India is not elected directly by the people. Instead, the President is elected by the elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and the elected Members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). This process ensures that the President represents the entire nation and does not claim a direct popular mandate like the Prime Minister.

Key Concept: Public Services, Policy Implementation, Civil Servants

c) To implement the decisions taken by ministers

[Solution Description]

Civil servants play a crucial role in the execution of policies formulated by the government. Their primary responsibility is to translate the decisions made by ministers into actionable steps and ensure their effective implementation at the ground level. They handle the administrative and operational aspects, making sure that the intended benefits of the policies reach the citizens efficiently and effectively.

Key Concept: Role of Political Institutions

b) The Prime Minister and the Cabinet

[Solution Description]

Political institutions are essential to manage various activities such as ensuring security, providing education and health facilities, collecting taxes, and implementing welfare schemes. These institutions ensure that decisions are made and implemented systematically, even when key personnel change. Institutions like the Prime Minister and the Cabinet take important policy decisions, while civil servants implement these decisions.

Key Concept: Ministerial Power

d) Ministers represent the will of the people

[Solution Description]

A minister has more power than a civil servant because they are an elected representative of the people and are accountable to them. The minister makes final decisions based on the overall framework and objectives, even though they may not be experts in technical matters.

Key Concept: Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.

[Solution Description]

The syllabus states that the Prime Minister is the most important political institution in the country and has wide-ranging powers. He chairs Cabinet meetings, coordinates the work of different Departments, and his decisions are final in case of disagreements between Departments. Therefore, both the Assertion and Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains why the Prime Minister is the most powerful institution in India.

Key Concept: Judicial Review

c) To interpret the Constitution and invalidate unconstitutional laws

[Solution Description]

The power of judicial review allows the judiciary to interpret the Constitution and declare any law or executive action invalid if it is found to be unconstitutional. This ensures that the judiciary acts as the guardian of the Fundamental Rights of citizens and maintains the rule of law.

Key Concept: Judiciary

c) Judiciary

[Solution Description]

The judiciary is the institution empowered to administer justice and provide a mechanism for the resolution of legal disputes. It includes all the courts in the country, with the Supreme Court being the highest authority in settling disputes between citizens and the government.

Key Concept: Cabinet Meetings

b) Only when specially invited

[Solution Description]

Ministers of State participate in Cabinet meetings only when they are specially invited. They do not attend these meetings regularly unless specifically called upon.

Key Concept: Political Executive

c) Political Executive

[Solution Description]

In a democratic country, the political executive is responsible for the execution of government policies. The political executive includes elected representatives like the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers who take major decisions on behalf of the people.

Key Concept: Fundamental Rights

c) By interpreting and upholding Fundamental Rights

[Solution Description]

The judiciary safeguards Fundamental Rights by allowing citizens to approach the courts when their rights are violated. Courts have the authority to strike down laws or actions that infringe upon these rights, ensuring their protection and enforcement.

Key Concept: Role of Civil Servants

c) To assist the political executive in implementing policies.

[Solution Description] Civil servants, or the permanent executive, assist the political executive in implementing policies and managing day-to-day administration. They provide expert advice, technical knowledge, and multiple options based on their expertise. However, they do not have the authority to make final decisions; their role is supportive and advisory, ensuring that policies are executed efficiently and effectively under the guidance of the political executive.

Key Concept: Political Executive, Ministers of State

c) To assist Cabinet Ministers in their duties

[Solution Description]

As per the syllabus, Ministers of State are attached to and required to assist Cabinet Ministers. They do not have independent charge but work under the guidance of Cabinet Ministers to manage specific tasks or portfolios assigned to them.

Key Concept: Powers of Prime Minister

c) The Prime Minister of India

[Solution Description]

The Prime Minister of India chairs the Cabinet meetings. As per the syllabus, the Prime Minister is the head of the government and coordinates the work of different Departments, including chairing Cabinet meetings.

Key Concept: Public Interest Litigation

c) To seek remedy when public interest is hurt by government actions.

[Solution Description] Citizens have the right to approach the courts to seek remedy in case of any violation of their rights or if public interest is hurt by the actions of the government. This allows for judicial intervention to prevent misuse of power.

Key Concept: Role of Civil Servants

b) Providing expert advice

[Solution Description]

The primary role of civil servants in policy decision-making is to provide expert advice and background information to the political executive. They assist ministers in understanding the technical aspects of policies but do not take the final decision.

Key Concept: Judicial Review

c) To declare any law or action unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution.

[Solution Description]

Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of laws and actions taken by the legislature or executive. If they are found to be against the Constitution, the Court can declare them invalid, thus safeguarding constitutional principles.

Key Concept: Judicial Independence

c) As it acts as the guardian of Fundamental Rights

[Solution Description]

The judiciary enjoys a high level of confidence among the people because it acts as the guardian of Fundamental Rights. It intervenes to prevent the misuse of government power and checks malpractices by public officials. Its independence allows it to make unbiased decisions, ensuring justice and protecting public interest.

Key Concept: Council of Ministers, Cabinet Meetings

c) They serve as the primary forum for collective decision-making

[Solution Description]

Cabinet meetings are crucial for decision-making within the Council of Ministers. They provide a platform for ministers to discuss and deliberate on important issues, ensuring that decisions are made collectively. While ministers may have differing opinions, they must unanimously support the final decisions taken in these meetings. This collective responsibility strengthens the unity of the government and ensures that all ministers work towards common objectives under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

Key Concept: Political Executive’s Power

c) Because they execute the will of the people

[Solution Description] In a democracy, the will of the people is supreme. The political executive, such as ministers, are elected representatives of the people. They are empowered to exercise the will of the people on their behalf and are accountable for the consequences of their decisions. This makes the political executive more powerful than the non-political executive.

Key Concept: Coalition Government, Prime Ministerial Constraints

c) It requires the Prime Minister to accommodate different groups and factions

[Solution Description]

In a coalition government, the Prime Minister cannot make unilateral decisions. They must accommodate various factions within their party and coalition partners, as the survival of the government depends on their support. This limits the Prime Minister’s ability to act independently.

Key Concept: Civil Servants, Implementation of Government Decisions, Mandal Commission

b) Issuing the Office Memorandum to implement job reservations

[Solution Description] The Department of Personnel and Training played a crucial role in implementing the Mandal Commission’s recommendations by issuing Office Memorandums. The first Memorandum announced the reservation of 27\% of government jobs for SEBCs, and later adjustments were made to exclude well-to-do persons among backward classes from this benefit. This shows that the department was responsible for executing the government’s policy decisions.

Key Concept: Permanent Executive

b) To assist the political executive in day-to-day administration

[Solution Description]

Civil servants are appointed on a long-term basis and assist the political executive in carrying out the day-to-day administration. They provide background information and expert advice to ministers, who make decisions based on this input. Civil servants remain in office even when the ruling party changes, ensuring continuity in governance.

Key Concept: Democratic Institutions, Decision-Making

d) To involve a wider set of people and ensure thoughtful decisions

[Solution Description]

Democratic governments insist on involving institutions in the decision-making process because institutions provide an opportunity for a wider set of people to be consulted, ensuring that decisions are well-thought-out and considerate of their consequences. This involvement makes it difficult to rush through bad decisions and ensures that decisions are taken in the spirit of democracy, even if it leads to delays and complications.

Key Concept: Resolving Disputes

b) High Court and Supreme Court

[Solution Description]

The Supreme Court and the High Courts in India settle disputes arising out of governmental decisions. This is evident from the case of reservations for backward classes where the Supreme Court played a crucial role.

Key Concept: Judicial Independence

c) The removal of judges through impeachment

[Solution Description]

The independence of the High Courts is ensured by the fact that judges do not act on the direction of the government or according to the wishes of the party in power. They can only be removed through an impeachment motion passed separately by two-thirds members of the two Houses of the Parliament.

Key Concept: President’s Discretionary Powers

c) When no party or coalition secures a majority in the Lok Sabha

[Solution Description]

The President exercises her discretionary powers when no party or coalition secures a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. She appoints a leader who, in her opinion, can muster majority support in the Lok Sabha.

Key Concept: Prime Minister Appointment

d) The President

[Solution Description]

The President of India appoints the Prime Minister. As per the Constitution, the President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. In case no single party or alliance has a majority, the President appoints the person most likely to secure majority support.

Key Concept: Constitutional Role of Institutions

c) By defining the powers and functions of institutions

[Solution Description] The Constitution lays down the basic rules regarding the powers and functions of each institution in a democracy. It defines the roles and responsibilities of these institutions, ensuring that they operate within a legal framework. This helps to maintain checks and balances, preventing the misuse of power and ensuring that each institution performs its assigned functions effectively.

Key Concept: Cabinet Meetings

b) Only when specially invited

[Solution Description] Ministers of State with independent charge participate in Cabinet meetings only when they are specially invited. Hence, the correct answer is “Only when specially invited”.

Key Concept: Leader of the Majority Party

d) The President of India

[Solution Description] The President of India appoints the Prime Minister. According to the Constitution, the President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister.

Key Concept: Role of Civil Servants in Decision-Making

b) Political Executive

[Solution Description]

In a democratic system, the political executive, which consists of elected representatives, is responsible for making the final decisions on policy matters. Civil servants provide technical knowledge and expertise but do not make the final decisions. The minister, as part of the political executive, takes the final decision based on the broader objectives and the will of the people.

Key Concept: Mandal Commission Report

c) 27%

[Solution Description]

The Mandal Commission Report recommended that 27% of government jobs should be reserved for the socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC). This recommendation was implemented through an Office Memorandum issued by the Government of India in 1990.

Key Concept: Government Order

b) 27%

[Solution Description]

The Office Memorandum issued on August 13, 1990, stated that 27% of the vacancies in civil posts and services under the Government of India were reserved for the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC). This decision was a major policy change introduced to provide job reservations for backward classes.

Key Concept: President’s Discretionary Powers

c) When no party or coalition secures a clear majority

[Solution Description]

The President exercises discretionary powers when no party or coalition secures a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. In such cases, the President appoints a leader who, in her opinion, can muster majority support in the Lok Sabha.

Key Concept: Judicial Independence, Public Trust

c) It reinforced public trust in the judicial system

[Solution Description]

The acceptance of the Supreme Court’s verdict by all parties involved was significant because it reinforced the judiciary’s role as an impartial arbiter in resolving contentious issues. This acceptance demonstrated public trust in the judicial system and ensured that the policy implementation was perceived as fair and legitimate. It also helped maintain social harmony by providing a final resolution to a highly divisive issue, thereby preventing further unrest or disputes.

Key Concept: Council of Ministers

b) The President of India

[Solution Description]

The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India. However, the person must enjoy the support of the majority of the members in the Lok Sabha. This ensures that the Prime Minister has the confidence of the lower house of Parliament.

Key Concept: Political vs Permanent Executive

c) The political executive represents the will of the people.

[Solution Description] The political executive comprises elected representatives who act on behalf of the people and are accountable to them. This democratic principle ensures that the will of the people is supreme, making the political executive more powerful than the permanent executive, which consists of civil servants appointed for long-term roles.

Key Concept: Functions of Institutions

c) Resolving disputes between citizens and the government

[Solution Description]

The Supreme Court is an institution where disputes between citizens and the government are finally settled. It ensures justice and interprets the laws.

Key Concept: Composition, Powers, Role of Speaker

b) The Lok Sabha can override the Rajya Sabha\’s decisions in a joint session due to its larger membership.

[Solution Description]

The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people and holds more power in money matters. It can override the Rajya Sabha in joint sessions due to its larger number of members. The Rajya Sabha, being indirectly elected, has special powers over the states but cannot reject money bills; it can only delay them for 14 days or suggest changes. The Speaker plays a crucial role in managing the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.

Key Concept: Judiciary Independence

c) Senior judges of the Supreme Court select the new judges

[Solution Description]

The independence of the Indian judiciary in the appointment of judges is primarily due to the fact that senior judges of the Supreme Court select the new judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts, with very little scope for interference by the political executive.

Key Concept: Appointment of Prime Minister

c) When no party or coalition gets a majority

[Solution Description]

The President exercises her discretion in appointing the Prime Minister when no single party or coalition secures a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. In such cases, the President appoints a leader who she believes can muster majority support.

Key Concept: President’s Election

c) By the Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assemblies

[Solution Description]

The President of India is not elected directly by the people. Instead, the President is elected by the elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and the elected Members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). This ensures that the President represents the entire nation and not just a specific group of people.

Key Concept: Impeachment of Judges

c) An impeachment motion passed by two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament

[Solution Description]

A judge of the Supreme Court or High Court can only be removed through an impeachment process. This requires an impeachment motion to be passed by a two-thirds majority of both Houses of the Parliament. This stringent procedure ensures the independence and security of judges in their positions.

Key Concept: Legislature

c) Enact laws

[Solution Description]

The primary function of the Legislature is to enact laws for the country. Additionally, it has the authority to raise taxes and adopt the budget and other money bills. This is explained in the glossary section of the syllabus. Therefore, the correct answer is “Enact laws”.

Key Concept: Formation of the Council of Ministers

d) The President of India

[Solution Description]

The President of India appoints the Prime Minister. The President appoints the leader of the majority party or the coalition of parties that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister.

Key Concept: Appointment of Judges

d) The senior judges of the Supreme Court

[Solution Description]

The senior judges of the Supreme Court select the new judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts. There is very little scope for interference by the political executive.

Key Concept: Importance of Institutional Delays

c) They ensure thorough deliberation and prevent rushed decisions

[Solution Description]

Institutional delays provide time for thorough deliberation and consultation, ensuring that decisions are well-considered and inclusive. These delays prevent rushed decisions, allowing for diverse perspectives to be incorporated. While they may slow down the process, they enhance the quality and legitimacy of decisions.

Key Concept: Joint Session of Parliament

b) A joint session is called to resolve the disagreement

[Solution Description]

If there is a disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha over an ordinary law, a joint session of both Houses is convened. Due to the larger number of members in the Lok Sabha, its view is likely to prevail in such a session.

Key Concept: Political Executive, Accountability

c) The political executive represents the democratic will of the people.

[Solution Description] The political executive, comprising elected representatives, holds more power because they are directly accountable to the people. They represent the democratic will and are responsible for making decisions that reflect public interests. The permanent executive, while knowledgeable, supports implementation but does not have the same level of accountability or decision-making authority.

Key Concept: Indira Sawhney Case, Reservation Policy

b) Exclude economically advanced individuals from reservation benefits

[Solution Description]

In the Indira Sawhney case, the Supreme Court upheld the Mandal Commission recommendations but directed the government to exclude well-to-do persons among the backward classes from receiving the benefits of reservation. This decision aimed to ensure fairness in the reservation policy.

Key Concept: Powers of the Prime Minister

c) Prime Minister of India

[Solution Description]

The Prime Minister has the final decision-making authority in case of disagreements between departments, as per the syllabus.

Key Concept: Ministers of State, Council of Ministers

c) Ministers of State with independent charge are in charge of smaller Ministries and make decisions independently within their ministries.

[Solution Description]

Ministers of State with independent charge are responsible for smaller Ministries and have full control over their respective ministries. Unlike other Ministers of State, they are not required to assist Cabinet Ministers and can take decisions independently within their ministries.

Key Concept: Political Executive, Civil Servants

c) The overall framework and objectives aligned with public interest

[Solution Description]

The minister, as an elected representative, is responsible for exercising the will of the people. While civil servants and experts provide technical advice, the minister’s decision is guided by the overall framework and objectives aligned with public interest. This ensures accountability to the electorate.

Key Concept: Judiciary

b) Administering justice and resolving legal disputes

[Solution Description] The judiciary is an institution empowered to administer justice and resolve legal disputes. It ensures that disputes between citizens and the government, or other conflicts, are settled fairly according to the law.

Key Concept: Role of Parliament

b) Lok Sabha

[Solution Description]

In India, the Lok Sabha exercises more power in money matters. Once the Lok Sabha passes the budget or any money-related law, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it but can only delay it or suggest changes.

Key Concept: Judicial Review

c) Judicial review

[Solution Description]

Judicial review is the power that allows the Supreme Court to declare invalid any law of the legislature or actions of the executive if they are found to be against the Constitution. This ensures the protection of constitutional principles.

Key Concept: Financial Control

b) It ensures public money is spent with parliamentary sanction

[Solution Description]

Parliament’s control over public money is significant because it ensures that the government cannot spend public funds without parliamentary approval. This control is crucial for maintaining financial accountability and transparency in governance.

Key Concept: Role of Civil Servants

d) The Civil Servants

[Solution Description]

In a democracy, civil servants are responsible for implementing the decisions taken by the ministers. As per the syllabus, civil servants work under the direction of the ministers and are tasked with executing the policies and decisions made by the government.