The Philosophy of the Constitution Class 11 Important Extra Questions Political Science Chapter 10

Here we are providing Class 11 Political Science Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 10 The Philosophy of the Constitution. Political Science Class 11 Important Questions with Answers are the best resource for students which helps in class 11 board exams.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Important Extra Questions The Philosophy of the Constitution

The Philosophy of the Constitution Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What is the need for political philosophy for Constitutions?
Answer:
The constitution is not only a framework of government but also an instrument of socio-economic transformation for which it needs direction and that direction is provided by political philosophy. It is because of this we need a political philosophy for every Constitution. It is the political philosophy that shows the- path and helps the society and government to set the objective and values.

Question 2.
What is the significance of political philosophy for a Constitution?
Answer:
The political philosophy to the constitution is needed not only to find out the moral content expressed in it and to evaluate its claims but possibly to use it to arbitrate between varying interpretations of many core values in our polity. Every Constitution of the world has philosophic content and base to move society in the desired direction.

Question 3.
Discuss the Constitution as an arbitrator?
Answer:
Constitutions are the product of the theory of constitutionalism which stands for the check arbitrariness of ruler and it facilitates the rule of .reason and rational deliberations. It is widely accepted that our reason for having constitutions is the need to restrict the exercise of irrational and arbitrary power.

Question 4.
Discuss the Constitution as a mean of the transformation of society
Answer:
Constitutions provide peaceful, democratic means to bring about social and economic transformation. It has philosophic backing which sets the direction and objectives of the society.

Question 5.
How the Constituent Assembly was constituted?
Answer:
During the National Movement, the demand for a Constituent Assembly was raised. It was a collective demand for self-determination. They argued that only a Constituent Assembly of elected representatives of the Indian people had the right to frame India’s Constitution. It was set up or per Cabinet Mission Plan 1946. The majority of the members were indirectly elected and others were nominated from different sections of the society.

Question 6.
Was the Constituent Assembly a sovereign body?
Answer:
In a technical sense, the Constituent Assembly was not sovereign because it was set up as per terms and conditions set by the British Government and Constitution will be approved by the British Government before the implementation. But we can say it a Constituent Assembly which was represented only by Indians and there was no kind of interference of the British Government. It was adopted and implemented on behalf of the people of India.

Question 7.
What is the preamble of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
The preamble of the Constitution is the introductory part of the constitution which includes the terms of Government, social, economic, and religious system. It also includes the philosophy of the constitution and values and direction and objectives of the Constitution.

Question 8.
What is Liberalism?
Answer:
Liberalism is one of the main philosophic content of the Indian Constitution. It seeks to liberate the Indian society from the shackles of social and economic backwardness and to take in the area of freedom, equality, and justice.

Question 9.
What are the main contents of the political philosophy of the Constitution?
Answer:
The main contents of the political philosophy of the Indian Constitution are as under.

  1. Liberalism
  2. Egalitarianism
  3. Social justice
  4. Secularism
  5. Federalism

Question 10.
What do you mean by Liberalism?
Answer:
Liberalism means openers and decisions by rational thinking, discussions, and debates. The liberalism of the Indian constitution differs from western liberalism in many ways. Indian liberalism seeks to achieve the goal of social justice for Indian society through the provision to achieve Fundamental Rights of equality and liberty and by the reservation of seats.

Question 11.
What is a federation?
Answer:
Since Indian society is a plural one, therefore it needs federal polity and economy. Federation stands for decentralization. India is a multilingual federation. All the major linguistic groups are politically recognized and all are treated as equals. A Federation is a group of equal units with decentralized powers.

Question 12.
What is Secularism?
Answer:
Secularism is important philosophic and idealistic content of Indian society and polity. It is a positive concept which does not stand on the complete separation of state and religion. It allows the state for positive intervention in religious matters.

Question 13.
What is national integration?
Answer:
National integration is both philosophies as well as the objectives of the Indian Constitution which are mentioned in the Indian Constitution. It is been the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to protect and deferred the national integration and not to harm it in any way. National integration means emotional, psychological, and intellectual unification of people of India and not allow, caste, color, sex and status, and region in its way.

Question 14.
What do you mean by individually and Dignity?
Answer:
Individual freedom and dignity of men are two important values of the Indian Constitution .which are based on Liberal Political Philosophy. Indian Constitution is committed to the individual freedom and dignity of men which are mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution. It is the result of continuous intellectual discussion and debate. The dignity of man means respect for human personality and human feelings. The state must be responsive to the needs of the people. It is for this that freedom of expression is an integral part of the Constitution.

Question 15.
On what basis the Constitution of India is criticized?
Answer:
The Indian Constitution is criticized on the following bases:

  1. It was written by a Constituent Assembly which was not representative.
  2. The Constituent Assembly was not sovereign
  3. The Procedure of taking the decisions was defective.
  4. The constitutional provisions have been borrowed from different countries.

The Philosophy of the Constitution Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What do you mean by the philosophy of the Constitution?
Answer:
The constitution is not merely an aggregation of rules, regulations, and laws. The constitution is not only a legal document but also has a moral and philosophic base and contents. Most of the laws are connected with the customs and values of society. Every Constitution is value ridden which provides the philosophy base to the Constitution. Philosophy provides the moral vision of the constitution. An attempt is made to work out a coherent vision of society and polity conditional upon an interpretation of the key concepts of the Constitution. Philosophy of the Constitution includes the set of ideas embedded in the Constitution. Political philosophy is needed not only to find out the moral content expressed in it and to evaluate its claims but possibly to use it to calibrate between varying interpretations of the many core values of our polity.

Question 2.
How the constitution is an instrument of socio-economic transformation?
Answer:
Constitution provides the framework of government to run the polity on a definite philosophical base. Constitution also provides the mechanism to bring about socio-economic transformation of the society. Constitution keeps a check on the arbitrariness of the ruler and paves the way for achieving the goals of the society set on the basis of a particular philosophy. To bring about the socio-economic transformation of the society, philosophic and value system support is a must which is provided by the political philosophy of the Constitution. For example, the Indian constitution is designed on such a philosophic base so as to get Indian society of age-old evils like illiteracy, casteism, peasantry, and exploitation.

Question 3.
What was the nature of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer:
Constituent Assembly was constituted as per the recommenda¬tions of the Cabinet Mission Plan 1946 in response to the demand of the leaders of the National Movement who were demanding the right to self-determination. Following are the features of the Constituent Assembly:

  1. Constituent Assembly was constituted on the principle of self-determination.
  2. It was constituted as per the terms and conditions set by the British Government.
  3. Constituent Assembly was constituted by indirect election which was not based on the adult franchise but on the limited right of vote.
  4. Most of the decisions were taken by consensus and accommodation.
  5. Many representatives of some groups were nominated
  6. It was made to write the Constitution of India.

Question 4.
Explain the main features of the Political philosophy of the Constitution of India.
Answer:
Following were some important elements of the political philosophy of the Indian constitution:

  1. Liberalization
  2. Social Justice
  3. Protection of rights and interests of minorities.
  4. Federation
  5. Individual freedom
  6. The dignity of man.
  7. National integration
  8. Democracy
  9. Secularism
  10. Universal Franchise

Question 5.
Explain social justice as the value of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
Social value is the highly cherished value of the Indian Constitution for which various measures have been incorporated in different parts of the Constitution. The value of social justice is referred to in the preamble. The other related values are as under:-

  • Justice Social:- economic and political
  • Liberty:- Thought and expression
  • Equality:- Status and opportunity

All these values are complementary to the1 value of Justice. For social justice economic and political justice are necessary. The value of Liberty and equality are also necessary to achieve the objectives of social justice which seeks to achieve egalitarian society free front inequality, exploitation, and wants.

Question 6.
How the Indian constitution seeks to achieve unity in diversity?
Answer:
It is said about India that India is not a country, it is a continent because there are numerous languages and dialects, regions, and religions. It has a multi-cultural society. People have different dress patterns, different food habits, different traditions, and different festivals but in spite of this diversity in socio, economic set up there is the threat of unity. This unity is achieved by the spirit of nationalism which is all-pervasive.

Indian Constitution is made on such values that spread equality, brotherhood and promote a sense of equality which strengthens nationalism. Therefore there is unity in diversity.

Question 7.
What is the importance of individual freedom?
Answer:
Indian Constitution is committed to individual freedom. Individual dignity found the place of importance m the preamble of the Indian constitution. Rights of individual expression are given in Art 19 of the Constitution Many social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy fought for the cause of individual freedom. Western liberal thinkers also influenced the cause of individual rights and expression. Therefore, the right to individual expression is an essential element of democracy. It is an integral part of the Constitution element of democracy. The individual expression has been the part and parcel of the charters of demand of self-determination and democracy. It is very necessary for the fuller development of an individual.

Question 8.
Define secularism as the value of the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
India is a country where people of different religions and faith life together. Art 25 of the Indian Constitution clearly gives the message of secularism. It is provided here that the state will neither patronize any religions nor will become the hindrance of any religion. In 1926 by the 42nd Constitutional amendment the word secularism was added in the Preamble of the Constitution to make it clear that India is a secular state. Our secularism is humanistic scientific and positive. The state is allowed to intervene in religious affairs for a positive purpose.

Question 9.
Explain Universal franchise.
Answer:
Constitution makers provided for Universal Adult Franchise which means that every adult person has been given the right to vote irrespective of his caste, color, sex, status, and religion. It is done in reference to the sense of decisions of a human being. It is trusted that man can take rational decisions.

Question 10.
Explain the provision of reservation for social justice in the Indian constitution.
Answer:
To achieve social justice the Constitution makers made the provision of reservation in services for the people of Scheduled castes and Scheduled tribes. They were of the view that more granting right of. equality will not help in achieving the cause of social justice, special constitutional measures were required to advance the interests of weaker sections. They also provided reservation of seats in Parliament and state legislatures.

Question 11.
Write the features of the Indian Federation.
Answer:
Indian society is plural therefore its polity is also federal which requires the development of unions and states in their respective areas. Its essential features are incorporated in the Indian Constitution which is as under

  1. Written constitutional with the supremacy of the constitution
  2. Division of powers between the center and the status as per the constitutional scheme.
  3. Bicameral Legislature in the center.
  4. Independent and strong judiciary.

Question 12.
Mention some unitary features of the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
Indian Constitution is based on federal value. It is federal in structure but unitary in spirit. Its striking unitary features are as under:

  1. Strong center pro center distribution of powers.
  2. Provision of Emergency power to center under Art 352
  3. President rule in States as per Art 356
  4. Unequal representation of States in Parliament
  5. Control of States by center by All India Government Service
  6. Provision of special status for some states under Art 370 to Jammu & Kashmir and under Art 371 to Northern Eastern State.

Question 13.
Comment on the Procedural achievements of the Indian Constitution and Constituent Assembly.
Answer:
Besides various achievement of the different values and features of the Indian Constitution there are some procedural achievements also which are as under:

  1. Decisions are taken by discussions, debate, and rational deliberation collectively. Public opinions are given due weight in the decision-making process. Constituent Assembly reflecting the different sections of the society also reflect different shades of opinion and different interest groups. There is the full scope of differing and dissent.
  2. There was a remarkable spirit of compromise and accommodation to create consensus on controversial issues. Besides a commitment to the idea that decisions on the most important issues must be arrived at consensually rather than by majority vote is equally morally commendable. Most of the controversial and thorny issues introduced in the best spirit of accommodation and consensus.

Question 14.
Comment upon the negative features of the Constituent Assembly.
Answer:
Constituent Assembly was constituted in 1966. It took two years, eleven months, and eighteen days to complete the constitution which indicates, how difficult work was to write the Constitution. Some of the negative features of Constituent Assembly are as under

  1. It was not a sovereign body
  2. It was an unrepresentative body
  3. It was Congress dominated
  4. It was Hindu dominated.

Ultimately it was the best option in the given circumstances and made a wonderful Constitution.

Question 15.
How far do you agree that the Indian Constitution is a borrowed bag?
Answer:
It is said about the Indian Constitution is an alien document. It is also said that it is a borrowed bag. These statements are correct to some extent. When we got independence and the Constitution was being written we did not have our own trusted institutions. Therefore we searched for the constitutions from different countries of the world suiting our requirement.

Since we were familiar with the working of the Parliamentary system of Britain. Therefore we adopted the Parliamentary system of Britain and also took other institutions and features from different countries, for example, we adopted, the post of Vice President, Fundamental Rights, power of judicial review from the USA. We took the Directive Principles of State Policy from Ireland. We took the concept of the Union of States from Canada. We took Emergency powers from the Constitution of Germany. In this sense, it is called a borrowed bag. But we did not have just carbon copies of these institutions and features. We . took them and modified them according to our situations and requirements.

Secondly, we have many things of our own that shaped and influenced the Constitution, our traditions, our past, and mainly the Government of India Act 1935 and Nehru Report also made the base of the Indian Constitution., Many-members of the Constituent Assembly also acknowledge the fact that our Constitution is a borrowed bag.

The Philosophy of the Constitution Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Explain the values and philosophy of the Indian constitution as given in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Answer:
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is the introductory part of the Constitution. It is an integral part of the Constitution. It helps in the explanation and interpretations of different provisions of the Constitution.

It starts with the people of India. It means that this Constitution which is written by Constituent Assembly is being adopted on behalf of the people. Further, it says that India will be sovereign, socialistic, secular, democratic. republic. It means that it clearly tells that the form of government will be democratic Republican, it will be based on socialistic economy and as regards the place of religion, it will be secular.

Further, it says that there will be

  • Justice – social, economic and Political
  • Liberty – of thought and expression
  • Equality – of status and opportunity.

These values of justice, liberty, and equality tell the liberal content of the political philosophy of the Constitution. Its preferences are to achieve social justice, economic justice, and political justice, where there will be liberty of expression and thought and equality of status and opportunity. All these values are ensured through Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of state policy.

The other values are dignity and national unity and integrity of the nation. Thus preamble speakers of forms of the social, economic, and political system. It speaks of the philosophy, values, and objectives of the Constitution.

Constitution as a Living Document Class 11 Important Extra Questions Political Science Chapter 9

Here we are providing Class 11 Political Science Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 9 Constitution as a Living Document. Political Science Class 11 Important Questions with Answers are the best resource for students which helps in class 11 board exams.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 9 Important Extra Questions Constitution as a Living Document

Constitution as a Living Document Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What do you know by the amendment of the Constitution?
Answer:
The amendment of the constitution means to change, adapt and adopt the provisions of the Constitution according to the demands of the new situations and circumstances-Amendment indicates the flexibility in the document of the constitution. Amendment also indicates the dynamism of society to which it represents.

Question 2.
Differentiate between a flexible and rigid Constitution. What is the nature of the Indian constitution?
Answer:
The flexible Constitution is one that can be amended easily i.e; by a simple method and the rigid constitution is one which is difficult to be amended ie; for which amendment a long and difficult procedure is adopted. Indian constitution is both flexible as well as rigid because some of the articles of the Constitution can be amended by a simple majority while other parts of the Constitution need a special majority and ratification by the 50% State Assembly.

Question 3.
What precaution is taken by the constitution-makers while giving the provisions of amendment in Art 368?
Answer:
The constitution-makers wanted to strike a balance. They wanted constitutional amendment when it becomes necessary but they wanted it protected from unnecessary and frequent changes. Therefore they made the constitution both flexible as well as rigid.

Question 4.
Describe Art 368?
Answer:
Art 368 of the Constitution, deals with the amendment of the Constitution. Parliament may in the exercise of its constituent power amend by way of addition, variation, or repeal any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this constitution.

Question 5.
What is special majority needed for amendment?
Answer:
Amendment of some of the articles (11 Art) needs the special majority of the Parliament which means the majority of the total members of the house and 2/3 majority of present and voting on the constitutional amendment bill.

Question 6.
Who is involved in the constitutional amendment?
Answer:
Following process/constitution are involved in the process of a constitutional amendment.

  1. Parliament
  2. State legislature
  3. President

Question 7.
When is the ratification of a constitutional amendment required?
Answer:
For the amendment of some articles, only a special majority is not sufficient. When the amendment aims to modify an article related to the distribution of power between the states and the central government or articles related to representation. The states must be consulted and they give their consent. The Constitution has ensured this by providing that legislatures of half the states have to pass the amendment bill before the amendment comes into effect.

Question 8.
Name the amendment which has been passed through political consensus.
Answer:
There is a large group of amendments that have been made as a result of consensus among the political parties. Some of them are as under.

  • 52 Amendment 1985
  • 61 Amendment 1988
  • 73 Amendment 1992
  • 74 Amendment 1992
  • 77, 8.1 & 82 Amendments.

Question 9.
What is the role of the President of India in the matter of constitutional amendment?
Answer:
President has a limited role in the matters of the constitutional amendment. He has no discretion and has to go by the advice of the council of ministers, as per Art. 74 (1) of the Constitution. A constitutional bill, after having passed by both the houses of the Parliament separately as per required procedure is sent to the President for his assent. President has no other choice but to give his assent. After his ascent, it comes in force.

Question 10.
What is the 52nd amendment?
Answer:
52amendment of the constitution was effected in 1985 by Rajiv Gandhi’s government to curb the evil of defection in Indian politics: Rajiv Gandhi was committed to check defection. This amendment made several provisions to check defection.

Question 11.
What were the main provisions of the 52 constitutional amendments?
Answer:
Followings were the main provisions of 52 amendments of the Constitution:

  1. A member elected on a political party’s Ticket will lose his membership if he joins another party.
  2. If an independent candidate joins a political party, he will lose his membership.
  3. In case of a merger of political parties and a split in the party, anti-defection, the law will not apply.
  4. The Speaker of the house will decide the split or merger of the political parties.

Question 12.
Why the 42nd amendment remained controversial?
Answer:
The 42nd constitutional amendment is known to be the most controversial. amendment due to the following reasons.

  1. It was enacted when the internal emergency was in force.
  2. When it was passed most of the top political leaders of all political parties were in jail.
  3. By this amendment, the Constitution was subverted.

Question 13.
What was the decision in the Keshwa Nand Bharti case 1973?
Answer:
In the Keshwa Nand Bharti case 1973 Supreme Court ruled that Parliament can amend any part of the constitution, including Fundamental Rights but cannot change the basic structure of the Constitution.

Question 14.
What was the aim of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments?
Answer:
When Narasimha Government assumed office in 1991 it brought the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment for which necessary political consensus was created. The purpose of this amendment was to restructure the local government by giving adequate representation to women and other weaker sections of the society and to make then local bodies more vibrant and functional.

Question 15.
What do you know about the constitutional review commission?
Answer:
For a long time, the need is being felt to switch over from the Parliamentary system to the Presidental system and to review the entire Constitution. When the NDA government assumed office under the leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999, it set up a National Constitution Review commission in 2000. Former Chief Justice Venkatechillia was made the Chairman of the Commission.

Constitution as a Living Document Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Define constitutionalism and constitution.
Answer:
Constitutionalism stands for a check on the arbitrariness of the ruler. Constitutionalism stands for rule of law and seeks to check the rule of whims and fancies of the rulers. Constitutionalism stands for discussion and debate on the issues of government. Constitutional development is a part of constitutionalism. Which is meant for evolving the norm and regulations for administrators.

The constitution can be defined as a body of rules and regulations which provide a framework for governance in a democratic setup. It defines the area of work for different organs of the government. It also decides the made and norms and philosophy and direction of the government as well as ‘ society.

Question 2.
Discuss how the Constitution is a living document.
Answer:
A constitution is a living document because it reflects the aspirations of living beings. This is a document-which keeps on responding to the situations and circumstances arising from time to time. Like a living being the constitution responds to experience. A constitution is a dynamic document reflecting the movement and dynamism of the society. It continues to work for society effectively because of its dynamism and response to the changing situations and the demand of the circumstances. The constitution protects the democracy and Fundamental Rights of the people and the existence of different constitutions. The constitution allows the evolution of new practices and also needs respect from the citizens.

Question 3.
Explain the contribution of the judiciary in the development of the Constitution.
Answer:
Judiciary plays important role in the development of the Constitution. Judiciary is the final authority in the matter of interpretation of the constitution. Judiciary examines and interprets the laws made by the parlia¬ment and state legislature and gives a final ruling on different issues which becomes the source of law and part of the Constitution. Judiciary ensures that all the laws of the legislatures and policies and programs of the executives are made within the framework of the constitution. Sometimes this leads to controversy between the judiciary and Parliament.

It has happened many times on different occasions when the Judiciary declared the laws of the Parliament as unconstitutional and Parliament amended the Constitution to nullify the ruling of the Judiciary. For example in 1967 in the Golakhnath case, the judiciary gave the ruling that Parliament cannot amend the Fundamental Rights but Parliament brought the 38th and 39th Amendments to nullify the effect of that ruling.

Question 4.
What is the basic structure theory case?
Answer:
To nullify the effect of the ruling in the Golakhnath case, the Parliament passed 38th and 39th amendments in the constitution in 1971. In 1973, in the Keshwananda Bharti case, these amendments were challenged by the Supreme Court, The court ruled that Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights but cannot amend the basic structure of the constitution. This particular case ie; Keshwananda Bharti Case is known as the Basic Structure Theory case.

Question 5.
Make a distinction between the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
Answer:
In the interpretation of the Constitution and in giving its ruling in different cases, the judiciary has made a distinction between the letter and spirit of the constitution. The court is of the view that in reading a text of a document, we must respect the intention behind that document. A mere text of the law is not so important as the social circumstances and aspirations that has produced that law or document or the aspiration which are reflected by that document. The circumstances and the background of the law or document can indicate the real intention and purpose of the document. Therefore spirit is more important than the letter of the Constitution.

Question 6.
Discuss the circumstances and main provisions of the 42nd amendment.
Answer:
42 amendment of the constitution is known to be the most con¬troversial amendment and it was passed in the most controversial circumstance. 42nd amendment was passed in 1976 when an internal Emergency was in force and top opposition leaders were in jail.

The main provisions 42nd Amendment are as under:

  1. The term of Parliament and state legislature were extended for six years in place of 5. years.
  2. Fundamental Rights were made. inferior to Directive Principles of State Policy.
  3. Important institutions like Judiciary were made weak and subordinate
  4. Two new words socialism and secularism were added in the Preamble of the Constitution.
  5. The position of the President is also reduced.
  6. The powers of the press were snatched
  7. Restrictions were put on the judiciary
  8. Chapter 10 of Fundamental Duties were added.

Question 7.
How far the Constitution should be flexible and rigid.
Answer:
The Constitution provides the framework of the government which is most suitable and responsive for the present and future society. The Constitution has to be. able to respond to the challenges that may arise in the future. Therefore it must be the quality and characteristic of the consti¬tution- that it has something that is contemporary and something that has a more durable importance suiting to the needs of the future. It should also show some rigidity also so that the Constitution does not become a plaything in the hands of the ruling, party and it is not misused at any stage.

Question 8.
Indian Constitution is both flexible as well as rigid. Explain.
Answer:
The makers of the Indian constitution were aware of both the needs of the Constitution ie; flexibility as well as rigidity. Therefore they struck a balance. They made the Constitution above law and expected that the future generation will respect this document. At sometimes were aware that in the future this document will require modifications because circumstances are bound to change according to the needs of the time. Due to differences of Opinion also change would become necessary. It is because of this they made it flexible and to save the Constitution from the atrocity of the ruling party they made it rigid.

Question 9.
Explain the significance of the 44th constitutional amendment.
Answer:
42nd amendment distorted the entire Constitution during the Emergency in 1976. In 1977 elections were held in which the Congress party under Mrs. Indira Gandhi was badly ruled out and Janata Party come to power under the Prime- ministership of Shri Morarji Desai. Janata Party Government was committed to correct the distortions of the 42nd amendment. Therefore the 44th constitutional amendment was passed by Janata Party Government in 1979 for this purpose its main provisions are as under:

  1. The tenure of Parliament and State legislature were again deduced to five years.
  2. The status and position of the President and judiciary were restored to them by this amendment.
  3. Fundament Rights were given primary position.
  4. The fundamental Right of the property was deleted from the Constitution.

Question 10.
Mention the main provisions of the 52 amendments of the Constitution.
Answer:
52nd amendment was passed in 1985 by Rajiv Gandhi Government to check the evil of defection in Indian politics. The main provisions of this Act are as under: It was based on the consensus of all political parties.

  1. A person who is elected on a ticket of a particular party will lose his/her membership if he/she joins another party after the election
  2. An independently elected member will also lose the membership if he/she joins any political party of the election.
  3. If a nominated member joins any political party he/she will also lose the membership of the house.
  4. However, in the case of a split and merger of the political parties, the membership will not be affected. For split 1/3 membership will be required and for a merger 2/3 majority of the legislative group of the party will be required.
  5. Speaker will be the final authority to decide the split or merger of the political parties.

Question 11.
What is the procedure of constitutional amendment as given in Art 368?
Answer:
The procedure of constitutional amendment is given in Art 368 of the Indian Constitution. There are two methods of amending the constitution and they apply two different sets of articles of the constitution. One method is that when some articles of the Constitution are amended by a simple majority of the Parliament for example changing the boundaries of the state, creation of new states, and increasing the pay and allowances of the members of parliament.

The other method of amendment is related to those articles of the constitution in which a special majority is required. Special majority includes

  1. Majority of the total membership of the house.
  2. 2/3 majority of the present and voting of the members on that particular bill.
  3. Some of the articles which are related to the distribution of power in states need the satisfaction by at least 50% of state legislature besides the requirement given in point 2.

Question 12.
Write some important features of a constitutional amendment in India
Answer:
Followings can be given as important features of a constitutional amendment

  1. We have adopted the process of constitutional amendment from South Africa.
  2. The procedure is given in Art 368 of the Constitution
  3. States have a limited role in the matter of constitutional amendment as the process of the amendment cannot be initiated in the state assemblies.
  4. There cannot be a joint session of Parliament to resolve the difference, between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  5. President cannot send back a constitutional amendment bill after reconsideration which is passed by the Parliament.
  6. Three methods are used separately to amend three different categories of the Constitution.

Question 13.
Describe the amendments through political Consensus.
Answer:
There is a large group of amendments that have been made as a result of the consensus among the main political parties of that time. This consensus made it necessary that some changes had to be made in order to reflect the prevailing political philosophy and aspirations of the Society. This consensus was also obtained during the era of coalition politics. The followings are some important amendments that may be put in this category.

  • 52nd Amendments as Anti defection Act 1985
  • 61st Amendment 1988 bringing down the minimum age of voting from 21 to 18 years.
  • 73rd Amendment 1992 empowering and restructure rural local government.
  • 74th Amendment 1992 empowering and restructuring the urban local government.

Question 14.
Describe the significance of the Basic Structure Theory Case.
Answer:
Kesha Nand Bharti case 1973 is popularly known as Basic Structure Theory Case in which it was ruled by Judiciary that Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution including Fundamental Rights of the Constitution but cannot amend the Basic structure of the Constitution. The followings are the main significance of this case.

  1. It has set specific limits to the Parliaments’ power to amend the Constitution. It means that no amendment can violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
  2. It allows the Parliament to amend any and all parts of the Constitution (within this limit)
  3. It places the judiciary as the final authority in deciding if any amendment has violated the basic structure and what constitutes the basic structure.
  4. The theory of basic structure has emerged with the interpretation of the Constitution.

Question 15.
Describe the main features of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment
Answer:
Following are the features of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amend¬ments.

  1. The local governments have been given constitutional status.
  2. Fixed tenure and uniform tenure of local bodies in all states.
  3. 1/3 seats of the local governments are reserved for women and l/3rd seats are reserved for scheduled castes in membership as well in the part of President and Sarpanches.
  4. The powers of the local bodies are increased
  5. Provision of State Election Commission
  6. Provision of State Finance Commission.

Constitution as a Living Document Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Explain the meaning, need of the amendment of the Constitution. Reflect the conflict between Judiciary and Parliament.
Answer:
The Constitution is a living and dynamic document hence needs an addition, change modification as per the demand of the situation which keeps on changing from time to time When these modifications and changes are effected in the Constitution it is called an amendment.

The constitution needs to be amended because it is dynamic and not a closed and static rule book. The constitution needs to reflect the efforts to take the problems that the society is facing at the time of the making of the society and in the time to come also. Constitution has to be able to respond to the challenges that may arise in the future. The Constitution is not a frozen document. It is a document made by human beings and for human beings therefore it needs amendments. ‘

The first amendment of the Constitution was effected in 1951 itself when the land reform laws were challenged in the court. The conflict between the judiciary and the Parliament became open in 1967 when the judiciary ruled that Parliament cannot amend the Fundamental Rights in the Golak Nath case in 1967. To overcome the ruling in this case, Parliament passed 38th and 39th con¬stitutional amendments in 1971, and again there amendments were challenged in the court in Keshwa Nand Bharti \case. In the face of the power of Judicial review and PI (Public Interest litigation) the conflict between the Parliament and Judiciary has become more bitter.

Local Governments Class 11 Important Extra Questions Political Science Chapter 8

Here we are providing Class 11 Political Science Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 8 Local Governments. Political Science Class 11 Important Questions with Answers are the best resource for students which helps in class 11 board exams.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 8 Important Extra Questions Local Governments

Local Governments Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What is Local Government?
Answer:
Local Government refers to the Government institutions at the local level which is very close to the people. Local Governments is about Government that involves the day to day life and problems of the people. The local government discusses and decides the local issues and problems with more and more involvement of the people of the area. Local governments include people friendly administration. It also involves the decentralization of powers and resources.

Question 2.
What is Grass-root democracy?
Answer:
Grass root democracy means strengthening the democratic process at the local level.

Grass root democracy ensures the meaningful participation of the people and also promote the accountability of the administration. For this strong and vibrant local governmental institutions are made.

Question 3.
What is the utility of the Local Governments?
Answer:
As Local governments involve the participation of the local people, therefore it ensures the solving the local problems with the involvement of the local people themselves. It is the mechanism of decentralization and efficient administration. -It gives the opportunity to the people to discuss and decide their own affairs. In this way it strong than democracy.

Question 4.
Who introduced the Gram Panchayat system in India?
Answer:
In 1882 Lord Rippon, who was the Viceroy of India at that time took the initiative in creating local governments in India. At that time they were called the Local boards. Lord Rippon is called the pioneer of Local governments in India. He wanted more and more involvement of the local people in solving the local problems. He was also in favor of the decentralization of the administration.

Question 5.
How Local governments strengthen democracy?
Answer:
In a democracy, the issues and problems should be given to the hands of the local people and their representatives because they are more familiar with their affairs and problems. They can have better control over the decision-makers and local administrators. We can say that strengthening local government means strengthening bf local democracy.

Question 6.
Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Local government.
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi was a very strong supporter of grass-root democracy for which he advocated the organization of local governments in rural and urban areas. He wanted to achieve economic and political decentralization through there; local governments. It is because of the wish of Mahatma Gandhiji that the concept of local government was introduced in the chapter of Directive Principles of State Policy.

Question 7.
Write the Government structure in rural areas per Balwant Rai Mehta Committee Recommendation.
Answer:
Governments of India appointed a committee under the Presidentship of Balwant Rai Mehta to go into the issue of organization and powers of the local governments in rural areas. This gave its recommendation in 1957 and suggested following a three-tier structure in rural areas.

  1. Village Panchayats at the village level.
  2. Block Samiti at Block level.
  3. Zila Parishad at the district level

Question 8.
What attention was given to local governments in the constitution?
Answer:

  1. Local governments did not get due attention in the Constitution
  2. The issue of local governments was left for the State governments
  3. The issue of Local governments was added in the chapter of Directive Principles of State Policy which is non-justiciable and primarily advisory in nature.
  4. Location was considered a threat to national integration.

Question 9.
Give four lessons for their poor functioning.
Answer:
In post-independent India, in many states, local governments were organized in rural and urban areas but they did not get the desired results became of the following reasons:

  1. Factional politics in the village
  2. Caste ridden society of the village
  3. Financial problems
  4. Bureaucratic apathy
  5. Violence

Question 10.
What was the position of women and scheduled castes in local governments?
Answer:

  1. Women were inadequately represented
  2. Women were discouraged in raising any local issue particularly related to the women.
  3. There were social taboos which became a hindrance in the participation of woman.
  4. Scheduled castes were also poorly represented as there was upper caste domination in rural society.

Question 11.
Write four main provisions of the 73rd amendment of the constitution.
Answer:

  1. Local governments were given a constitutional base.
  2. Elections to the local governments were made direct.
  3. The tenure of these elected bodies was fixed.
  4. 33% seats were reserved for women and 33% seats were reserved for the scheduled castes.

Question 12.
What is Block Samiti and what is its function?
Answer:
There is a three-tier structure in rural areas. At the village level, there is Gram Panchayats. At block, the level is the Block Samiti and at the district level, Zila Parishad works. Therefore Block Samiti stands between Village Panchayat and Zila Parishad.

The main concern and responsibility of the Block Samiti is the development of rural area block level and fulfill the agriculture needs of the people. It acts as a link between Zila Parishads and village Panchayats. It controls and supervises the village Panchayats in Block.

Question 13.
Write the function of Panchayats.
Answer:

  1. To discuss the issues and problems of the village
  2. To maintain law and order and co-operation in the village.
  3. To fulfill the agriculture-based needs of the village
  4. To co-ordinate with the government through the Block Samitis and Zila Parishad for the development of the village.
  5. To get and utilize the aids from the government
  6. To decide the disputes of the village.

Question 14.
How the reservations of women in local government have improved the status of women.
Answer:
The rural society is male-dominated which is why so far there is no adequate representation of women in local government. To ensure adequate representation of the women 33% reservation is made which has certainly helped in increasing the participation of women in politics and democratic institutions. Now there is a change in socio, economic status of women.

Question 15.
What are the powers of Local government?
Answer:
The Constitutional amendments (73rd and 74th) assigned as many as 29 subjects to the local governments. All these subjects are related to functions linked to local welfare and developmental needs of the people. But still lot of work is to be done to make their local governments truly representative functional and powerful.

Local Governments Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Discuss the meaning of Local Government.
Answer:
The local government refers to the institutionalized structures for governance at the local level both in rural as well as urban areas. Local governments are the mechanism of decentralized administration with the joint co-operation and co-ordination between the government’s machinery (Bu-reaucracy) and the people themselves. The concept of local government is based on the thesis that the local issues and problems of the people should be solved by the local people themselves because they know their problems better. The role of the Government should be only of facilitator and advisor.

As a part of democratic decentralization, the government should allow the local governments to raise and utilize their resources. The concept of local government aims at strengthening the people and democracy.

Question 2.
What is the significance of the Local government?
Answer:
Local governments can play a significant role in strengthening Grass-root democracy and so the state and national democracy. Local Governments promote responsibility and accountability. These institutions provide opportunities for active participation and involvement of the local people in the decision-making process. Local government is significant in the promotion of efficiency and decentralization of administration. This institution helps in solving the local people by their cooperation. Local people get the oppor¬tunity to control the administration. ‘ ‘

Question 3.
Trace the development of local governments in India.
Answer:
The concept and existence of Local governments are not new to India. There has been the existence of Local governments in different names in ancient India. They enjoyed good position and powers. In the course of time, ) these village bodies took the shape of Panchayats (an assembly of five persons) and there five persons solved the issues at the local level. Their role and position kept on changing at different points in time. However, in medieval periods the status and significance of the Local governments eroded due to changes in socio-economic and political scenarios.

During the British period, the significance of the Local government got the attention of Lord Rippon (Then Viceroy of India) who tried to strengthen them. During the independence movement, many leaders including Mahatma Gandhi demanded the strengthing of Local government. After Independence, we have the existence of Local governments but it is the subject of the state.

Question 4.
Discuss the constitutional position of the Local government.
Answer:
The issue of local governments was also discussed in the Constituent Assembly but the idea of decentralization of powers did not get adequate favor because of turmoil due to the partition of India. Most of the leaders wanted a strong center. Too much localism was considered a threat to national integration. At the same time, many leaders wanted decentralized administration and the participation and involvement of the people involving the local issues. Therefore the subject of local government is added in the chapter of Directive Principles of State Policy in part in the Constitution.

Question 5.
Discuss the working of local government in the post-independence period.
Answer:
As said earlier that local government becomes the state subject but this did not get the proper attention of the local government, so could not produce results due to the following reasons :

  1. Bureaucratic apathy
  2. Poor financial position
  3. Dy-functional for long times
  4. Poor representation of women and scheduled caste
  5. The dominance of upper castes
  6. Inadequate powers
  7. The dominance of anti-social elements
  8. Political interference
  9. No recognition of local initiatives
  10. Dependence of Local government on State and Centre.

Question 6.
What was Balwant Rai Mehta Committee? Report?
Answer:
After the implementation of the Indian Constitution, the Indian government appointed a committee under the Chairmanship of Balwant Rai Mehta to study the issue of Local government in the light of the issue of Local government given in the IVth Part of the Constitution in the chapter of Directive Principles of State Policy and recommended the mode of structure and function of these local governments in a rural area. Balwant Rai Mehta committee studied and discussed the issue in detail and gave its recommen¬dation which included three-tier structure in a rural area as under.

  1. Village Panchayat at the village level
  2. Block Samiti at the block level
  3. Zila Parishad at the district level

Question 7.
Discuss the background of the 73rd and 64th constitutional amendments.
Answer:
As the Local governments were not doing well in most of the states^ except Gujarat and Rajasthan, the issue of strengthening the focal Government by restructuring them had always invited the attention of the political leadership states as well as the center. Many times this issue was raised at different levels.

When Narshima’s Congress Government came to power in 1991, he took the issue of strengthening and restructuring the Local government seriously.

In fact, he meant business. He brought two constitutional amendments which were passed in 1992 and came into force in 1993. All the states were directed to change their laws of Local government as per the provisions of the 73rd and 74th amendments.

Question 8.
Write main features of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments.
Answer:
It was an exhaustive amendment and brought about far-reaching changes in the existing structure and status of the local governments. The main provisions are as under:

  1. The Local Governments were given constitutional status.
  2. Elections for these local governments were made direct.
  3. The tenure of these local government was fixed for five years.
  4. 33% reservation was made in total seats for. woman and 33% seats reserved for .the Scheduled castes.
  5. Provision of state Election Commissioner was made.
  6. Provision of the setting of state finance commission was made.

Question 9.
Discuss the utility of reservation of seats for women and scheduled castes and OBC in Local Government.
Answer:
Before the 73rd amendment and 74th amendment, women and weaker sections did not get adequate representation in proportion to thick numerical strength in the Local government because of the socio-economic structure’ at the grass-root level.

It is because of the provision of 33% reservation for women and 33% reservation for Scheduled castes in the 73rd and 74th amendment, these people have started to get the due representation in the local government. As a result of this representation, the^ have got empowered and are actively participating in the decision-making process. It has promoted their political recruitment and also has enhanced their social and economic status.

Question 10.
Discuss the composition of the state finance commission.
Answer:
As per the 73rd constitutional amendment, the state government is also required to appoint a state finance commission once in five years. This commission would examine the financial position of the local government in the state. It would also review the distribution of revenue between the state and local government on one hand and between rural and urban local government on the other hand. State Finance will monitor the financial health of the local government and will ensure the proper allocation and utilization of funds. It will also use the misuse of funds at the political and bureaucratic levels.

Question 11.
Discuss the main provisions of the 74th amendment.
Answer:
Local bodies at the urban level are organized to meet the needs of the urban areas. Since the needs of urban areas are different, their composition and functions are a bit different. 28% people in India like in urban area as per census 200%. The urban local Government is organized on the basis of population. The census of India defines an urban area as having.

  1. a minimum population of 5000
  2. 75% of the male working population engaged in non-agricultural occupations
  3. a density of population of a learned 400 persons per sq km.

74th amendment is a repetition of the 73rd amendment in matters of the election, tenure, reservation, transfer of subject, state Election Commissioner, and Finance Commissioner. Functions of the Local Governments have been listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution.

Question 12.
Discuss the implementation of the 73rd and 74th Amendments of the constitution.
Answer:
Local Government has been given constitutional status therefore as per the 73rd and 74th Amendments it has become mandatory for all states to changes their laws about local Government accordingly. Today there are nearly 500 Zila Parishad, about 6000- Block Samitis, and about 2.50,000 gram panchayats in rural areas in India. There are about 100 city corporations, 1400 town municipalities, and over 2000 Nagar Panchayats in urban India. More than 32 lakh members are elected to these local bodies for five years out of this 32 lakh, 10 lakh members are women 73rd and 74th amendments have brought uniformity in urban and rural local Governments.

Question 13.
State the improvement in the status of women as a result of reservation in seats in Local government.
Answer:
The provision of reservation for women at the Panchayat and Nagar Palika has ensured the presence of a significant number Of women in local bodies. As this provision of the reservation is also applicable for the position of Sarpanch and Presidents a large number of women elected representatives have been able to occupy these positions. This could become possible only because of the provision of reservation. There are at least 200 women Presidents in Zila Parishad another 2000 women are the Presidents of Block Samitis and more than8000 women are occupying the position of Sarpanch in Gram Panchayat.

Similarly, we have 30 women Mayors in corporations over 500 women our President of Town municipalities, and nearly 650 Nagar Panchayats are headed by women. This shows the sharp rise in the status of women as a result of reservation by the 73rd and 74th Amendments.

Question 14.
State the improvement in the status of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes as a result of reservation by the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
Answer:
Before the 73rd and 74th amendment, certain seats were reserved for Scheduled castes and Scheduled tribes in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Assemblies. There was no reservation for Scs. and Sts. in Local Government. In spite of adult Franchise, the Scheduled castes and Scheduled tribes remained underrepresented due to socio-economic structure. Liberal economic and social policies also did not ensure adequate representation of scheduled castes and tribes in social government. But now due to the provision of reservation of 33% seats reserved for Scheduled caste, the situation is changed appreciably and the people of Scheduled castes and

Scheduled tribes have been able to occupy the positions in local bodies. As the Indian population has 16.2 percent Scheduled castes and 8.2 percent Scheduled tribes, about 6.6 lakh elected members in the urban and local bodies • to belong to their two communities. This shows the rise of the status of the people of their two communities as a result of the 73rd and 74th Amendments.

Question 15.
Assess the performance of local government after the 73rd and 74th amendments.
Answer:
Local Governments are subjected not only to structure changes but wide powers are also given to them through 73rd and 74th subjects over the local resources. Now many important subjects have been brought up in the presence of local governments. Now there is real decentralization of powers and responsibility which is the result of democracy.

Now the structure of the local Government includes all the elected persons. Scheduled castes, back¬ward castes, women, bureaucratic officers, and politicians with combined opinions and co-operation of all the decisions are taken. With the addition of new subjects, the area of activities of local bodies is increased. Therefore we can say that the laws about the local governments are an important step in the direction of democratization and decentralization. We should make these provisions more and more real and practical.

Local Governments Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Discuss the main provisions of the 73rd and 74th amendments and also assess their significance.
Answer:
73rd and 74th amendments regarding the local government were passed in 1992 by the Narsimha Government and they came into force in 1993. The main provisions of these amendments are as under

  1. Direct election to the local government at different levels.
  2. It also provided a three-tier structure at the rural level
  3. It also provided fixed and uniform tenure for local governments
  4. It provided 33% reservation of seats for women and 33% reservation of seats for Scheduled castes.
  5. Constitutional status for local bodies
  6. Constitution for state Election commissioner
  7. Composition for state Finance commissioner
  8. Transfer of subjects to local bodies means giving more powers

Impact of these amendments

  1. Due to constitutional status, all the states were made to make their laws of local governments as per the provision of the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
  2. Now elections are held at regular intervals in all the states and their tenure is fixed uniformly.
  3. Women have got adequate representation
  4. Scheduled caste also have got adequate representation
  5. The status of women and scheduled castes is improved
  6. The local bodies have become more function
  7. Grass root democracy is strengthened.
  8. They have become the instrument of decentralization.

Federalism Class 11 Important Extra Questions Political Science Chapter 7

Here we are providing Class 11 Political Science Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 7 Federalism. Political Science Class 11 Important Questions with Answers are the best resource for students which helps in class 11 board exams.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 Important Extra Questions Federalism

Federalism Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What is federalism?
Answer:
Federalism is a system of government in which powers are distributed between the centre and states according to constitutional schemes. It ‘ is based on the territorial distribution of powers. This system of-Governance is considered essential in the plural societal states ie; where people of diverse. culture, religion, language and direct reside for their fuller development.

Question 2.
Name some countries with the Federal system of Government.
Answer:
There is a number of countries with the Federal system. Here we are naming four states.

  1. India
  2. U.S.A. (United States of America)
  3. Canada
  4. Switzerland and Australia

Question 3.
Write five essential features of a federal government.
Answer:

  1. Written constitution
  2. Supremacy of constitution
  3. Bicameral Legislature
  4. Independent and impartial Judiciary
  5. Double Government.

Question 4.
What is the utility of a federal Government?
Answer:

  1. It is based on the decentralisation
  2. It is more democratic and natural
  3. It gives an opportunity for better representatives and the development of regional and local areas.
  4. It checks the authoritarian tendency of Central Government

Question 5.
What are the demerits of the Federal Government?
Answer:
Followings are the main demerits of the federal government:

  1. It generates parochialism
  2. It breeds competition among the states.
  3. It generates secessionist trends.
  4. It is harmful for national integration
  5. It delays the decisions
  6. It is a costly system of government

Question 6.
Write four federal features of the Indian constitution.
Answer:

  1. Written and rigid Constitution:
  2. The supremacy of the Constitution
  3. Division of powers between centre and states.
  4. Bicameral Legislature in the centre.
  5. Independent Judiciary.

Question 7.
Why the Federal system of Government is necessary for India?
Answer:
India is a country of a plural society. There are people of several castes religions, regions, language, dialects and geography. For the fuller development of the people of these different complexions, the federal system is necessary which will generate unity in diversity. Therefore the federal system is necessary for India.

Question 8.
What is the nature of Indian federation?
Answer:
Although India has structural features of federalism there is no word federation in the Constitution. Article 1st the Indian Constitution says, “India, that is Bharat shall be the union of states” These words indicate the nature of Indian federal system. The word ‘union of states’ means that the centre will not be the creation of states. On the contrary, the states will be created by the centre.

Question 9.
How the powers are divided between the centre and states?
Answer:
The powers are divided between the centre and states on the basis of the following three lists.

  1. Central list with 97 subjects
  2. State list with 66 subjects
  3. Concurrent list with 47 subjects
  4. Residual powers rest with the centre.

Question 10.
Write four unitary features of Indian constitution.
Answer:

  1. Single constitution and single citizenship
  2. Unequal distribution of powers between centre and states. This distribution is twisted toward the centre.
  3. Emergency powers of the President. Art 352
  4. President rule in states under Art 356
  5. Governor is the appointment by President and his role as an agent of the centre.

Question 11.
What is the demand for provisional autonomy?
Answer:
Since in the Constitution of India the division of powers between the centre and states is tilted towards the centre, the states are dependent on the centre in administrative, legislative and financial matters. In their years there is a strong demand to review this existing position of distribution of powers from the different states and want more and more freedom of action. This is called as provisional autonomy.

Question 12.
What is co-operation federalism?
Answer:
Noted political scientist K. C. Where says that Indian federal system is a co-operative federal system in which there is a lot of co-operation between the centre and states for their mutual benefits.

Question 13.
What is the role of Governor in the State?
Answer:
Governor is given double responsibility in the states. First, he is the nominal executive head of the state. Secondly, he is made an agent of the centre who will see that national interest remain safe in that state. He sees all the laws and policies of the central government are implemented in the state and all her central property is safe.

Question 14.
Explain special provisions for some states.
Answer:
Some of the states are given special considerations, therefore special provisions are made for them in the contribution. It is done due to peculiar circumstances of few states and historical necessity in the case of Jammu and Kashmir.

Most of the special provisions pertaining to the North-Eastern States like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram etc. Under Art 371 Art 370 provides the special status of Jammu & Kashmir. Accordingly, Jammu & Kashmir has its own Constitution and its concurrence is required before any law is implemented there.

Question 15.
What is bargaining federal system?
Answer:
Different people say differently about the nature of the Indian federal system. Some say it completely Unitary system, others say it federal system with strong unitary features. K.C. Where calls it as a co-operative system based as cooperation. But Morris Jones calls it a Bargaining system which works on the basis of bargaining positions of centre and states which is competitive in nature.

Federalism Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Define federalism. Why it is needed in a plural society?
Answer:
Federalism is a system of government in which powers are divided between the centre and the states. In a true federation, the states surrender their certain powers and create a centre to administer on the issues which are of national and international importance. On local issues the states Government administrate. Such a system of Governance becomes necessary in a plural society because a number of states are formed on the basis of administration convince.’The regional aspirations and centres of the people of such formed states are realised in federal aspirations of the people remain unfulfilled and unrealised. Therefore for a fuller development of linguistic and cultural aspirations, the federal system is necessary.

Question 2.
Compare the federal system of India with a federal system of the United States of America.
Answer:
India and the United States of America both are the federal systems of Government but both have a different system. The USA is said to be a true federal system while different people say differently about the nature of the Indian federal system. Followings are the difference between India and USA

  1. In America centre is the creation of states while in India states are the creation of the centre.
  2. In the Constitution of India, the USA is described as a federation. In the Indian Constitution, India is described as Union of States.
  3. In the USA more powers are given to states. In India, the centre is given more powers.
  4. In USA residual powers are with states. In India, residual powers are given to the centre.

Question 3.
Explain the unity in diversity in India.
Answer:
It is rightly said about India that India is not a country, it is a continent. There are more than 20 major languages and several hundred minor ones. It has several major regions of different geography and Culture. In climate changes after every twenty kilometres. In spite of all such diversities, we share many common values, history and ethos. We all fought for national independence jointly in which Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christians participated. We do not share common part only we cherish common hopes and aspirations. This has led to national leaders to visualise India as a country where there is unity in diversity. India in its last 60 years of journey of the post-independent period has stood the test of this slogan ie, unity in diversity.

Question 4.
Write the main features of a federal system.
Answer:
Federalism, as a principle of Government, has evolved differently in different situations yet there are some basic features which are generally considered essential for a federal system. These areas under.

  1. Written Constitution & double Constitution
  2. Rigid Consitution
  3. The institutional mechanism to accommodate two sets of politics.
  4. Two sets of identities and loyalties of the people to their region as well as their nation.
  5. Distribution of powers between two sets of Government one at centra! level and other at the state level.
  6. Bicameral legislative
  7. Independent Judiciary
  8. Double Citizenship
  9. Supremacy of Constitution
  10. Residual powers with the states

Question 5.
Write federal features of the Indian constitution.
Answer:
Indian society is a plural society so there is a plural polity in India. Followings are the main dominant features in the Indian Constitution on the basis of which we can term the Indian Constitution as a federal system:

  1. Written Constitution
  2. Rigid Constitution
  3. Supremacy of Constitution
  4. Divisions of Powers between centre and states.
  5. Double sets of polity
  6. Double set of loyalties of the people. One for their regions and others for the nation
  7. Bicameral Legislature
  8. Independent judiciary to settle the dispute between the centre and states.

Question 6.
Write the main unitary features of Indian constitution.
Answer:
Structurally Indian Constitution appears to be federal but there are some features in Indian Constitution which make it unitary. These are as under:

  1. There is no word federation in the Indian constitution. Rather it is the union of states.
  2. Unequal distribution of powers between the centre and states.
  3. Unequal representation of the states in the upper House.
  4. Emergency powers of the President
  5. Integrated judiciary
  6. President Rule in the states
  7. Important appointment by the President
  8. Governor as the agent of centre in States.
  9. Single Constitution
  10. Single Citizenship
  11. The dominance of centre on Election Commission, Planing commission and NDC
  12. The increasing role of All India Government Service

Question 7.
Write Legislative relations between the centre and states.
Answer:
Subjects are divided between the centre and states for this purpose three lists are formed which areas:

  1. Central list 96 subjects (Parliament Legislates on their subjects)
  2. State list 66 subjects (State legislative legislates these subjects
  3. Concert List 47 subjects (on these issues central Parliament, as well as the state legislature, can legislate on their issue but in case of conflict central view will prevail)
  4. Residual powers rest with the centre.
  5. In Emergency Parliament can Legislate on any subject of state list
  6. In President Rule, Parliament will make law for a state w. which President Rule is in force.
  7. To fulfil international commitment Parliament can make law on a state subject.
  8. Governor can refer to President any bill which is passed by the State Assembly.

Question 8.
What is President Rule?
Answer:
Under Art 356 of the Indian Constitution Governor can recommend President Rule in the state in the following circumstances:

  1. If the law and order is broke down in the state
  2. There is political instability in the state
  3. No party has secured a majority for the formation of a Government and there is political hoarding
  4. If the constitutional machinery has failed and the government is not being run according to the provisions of the Constitution.

It is the discretionary power of the Governor to see that such a situation has arisen or not as to warrant the imposition of President Rule.

Question 9.
Explain the executive relations between the centre and states.
Answer:

  1. Art 257 of the Constitution says that the executive power of every state shall be so exercised as not to implode or prejudice the exercise of the executive powers of the union and the executive powers of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to- the government of India to be necessary for that purpose.
  2. States will make their policies as per in tune with the policies of the central government.
  3. During an emergency, the President may give any direction to the states as seems necessary. During an emergency, the administration of the states comes in the hands of President Rule because it becomes unitary in Emergency.
  4. Governor is the agent of the centre and he can recommend imposition of President Rule in the state in the given circumstances.
  5. All India Service (IAS and IPS other) control the states development and law and order.

Question 10.
Write the discretionary powers of the Governor.
Answer:
Governors are appointed by the President of India. He is given two roles in the states. No.l. He acts as nominal head of the states and No. 2. He acts as an agent of the centre. For this he is given discretionary powers which are as under:

  1. To refer a bill to the President which is passed by the state legislature.
  2. When no party gets the majority it is the discretion of Governor whom to call to form the Government.
  3. To judge the existence of political instability.
  4. Recommendation of the composition of President rule in the state

Question 11.
Enumerable main demands for provisional autonomy.
Answer:
In the last forty years, several demands have been raised in different states in the name of provisional autonomy. Main demands are as under:

  1. Division of powers in favour of states and not in favour of the centre which exists today.
  2. Independent source of revenue for the states and control of states on the source and resources.
  3. More and more powers are being demanded by the states, particularly in developmental and administrative fields.
  4. More rights are being demanded by the states for their cultural and linguistic development.
  5. More autonomy in financial and commercial matters.

Question 12.
Do you support the creation of new states?
Answer:
The demand for the creation of new states is becoming more and more vocal. In fact, there are several factors which are responsible for such frequent and strong demands. Misuse of constitutional measures and provisions and tension between the centre and states are responsible for such demand. Recently three new states Uttaranchal from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand from Bihar and Chattishgarh from M.P. have already been formed. Ther is the demand of Harit Pradesh, Gorkhaland and Telangana and other such numbers of states. At this stage, it is very difficult to check and control such demands. In the name of administrative convenience, we can justify the creation of new small states but ultimately it may force threat to national integration.

Question 13.
Discuss the controversy regarding the role of Governors in the state.
Answer:
Today the post of Governor is the most controversial post in India because of the dubious role played by most of the Governors in the last thirty years. The p9St of Governor is not elected These days Governors are appointed by violating the will established conventions. Sarkaria Commission has also suggested that appointments of Governors should be strictly non-partisan. Rejected politicians have occupied the post of Governor and they have worked in a partisan manner and thus have attracted criticism and controversy.

Names like Ram Lai Chauhan, J.D. Tapas, Rizvi and Buta Singh can be quoted who become the target of criticism due to their partisan role. The use of Art 356 dealing with the imposition of the President role in the states has created maximum controversy. Use of discretionary powers by the Governor has also been questionable. Some Governor behaved differently in similar conditions. It is also seen that the Governments enjoying a majority in the house have been dismissed on the recommendation of the Governor. It is due to all these factors the post of Governor has been in controversies.

Question 14.
Discuss the working of the federal system in India under the era of coalition Government.
Answer:
Gone are the days when there used to be the dominance of a single party, particularly the Congress party. Now the number of political parties has gone up very sharply in the wake of politics of populism. Regional parties have assumed power not only in the states but also in the centre.

All those developments have given a new direction to the Indian federal system. All there political parties like DMK AIDMK, Akali Dal and Left parties who have been demanding more and more powers for the states and reviewing the existing structure are at the helm of affairs at centre. The Janata Dal, National Front, United Front, NDA and UPA Government are alliances of the regional parties and one or more national parties. This is a situation of the cooperative federal system.

Question 15.
Mention special provisions in the Constitution for some states.
Answer:
The most extraordinary feature of Indian federal arrangement created in India is that many states have been given special status on this reason or that reason. The constitution has some special provisions for some states due to their peculiar social and cultural and historical circumstances. Most of such special provisions pertain to the North Eastern States like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram (Art 371) Jammu and Kashmir are also given special states under Art 370 due to historical compulsions. Jammu and Kashmir have their own Constitution and enjoys a lot of autonomy and control in most of the areas.

Federalism Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Explaining the measuring bf federalism, discuss the features and nature of Indian federalism.
Answer:
Federalism is a system of government where powers are divided between the centre and states. It involves the territorial distribution of powers.

It is very much needed for a divine plural society. Since India is also a plural society, the Indian constitution-makers also introduced dominant features of a federal Government like the written constitution, division of powers between the centre and states, bicameral legislature and independent judiciary. At /the same time many threats were emerging for national integration. Therefore they introduced the provision for national integration and a strong centre.

They adopted the concept of the union of states which crates federal structure with the strong unitary feature. The concept of the union of states was adopted from Canada. The most important unitary, the feature is:

  1. Unequal distribution of powers between the centre and states.
  2. Residual powers are with the centre
  3. Provision of Emergency powers for the President (Art 352)
  4. Provision of President rule in the states Art 356
  5. Integrated judiciary
  6. Integrated bureaucracy and dominance of All India Services in the states.
  7. Appointment of Governor by the President
  8. Governor’s role as the agent of the centre.
  9. Amendment powers are with the centre.
  10. The dominance of centre over NDC, planing commission UPSC and Finance Commission and Election Commission;

Therefore India is a federal system with strong unitary feature^ on the basis of its working during the last 60 years. K.C. Where has termed as the co-operative federal system and Morris Jones has termed it a Bargaining system.

Legislature Class 11 Important Extra Questions Political Science Chapter 5

Here we are providing Class 11 Political Science Important Extra Questions and Answers Chapter 5 Legislature. Political Science Class 11 Important Questions with Answers are the best resource for students which helps in class 11 board exams.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Important Extra Questions Legislature

Legislature Important Extra Questions Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What is Legislature?
Answer:
The legislature is one of the three organs of the Government of the modern state. Although its main function is to make a law it performs a number of other functions like representational and deliberate functions. The legislature has financial and administrative control over the executive.

Question 2.
How do you role the importance of the Legislature?
Answer:
The work, role, and importance of the legislature are on increase. It is the platform of high kind of discussions, debate, deliberations, discussions co-operation and opposition. All the decisions and policy matters are dis¬cussed and debated here. All these activities of the legislature serve vital purposes. -Indeed a genuine democracy is inconceivable without represen¬tative efficient and responsible legislature. The legislature also helps people in holding the representatives accountable. Therefore we can say legislature has high importance in a representative democracy.

Question 3.
What constitutes the Indian parliament?
Answer:
Followings are known as three organs of Indian Parliament:

  1. Indian President
  2. Lok Sabha (House of people)
  3. Rajya Sabha (Council of states)

Question 4.
What is a bicameral legislature?
Answer:
There are two types of legislatures. Where there is only one house, they are known as the unicameral legislature, and where there are two houses they are known as a bicameral legislature. India has a bicameral legislature in the center and in five states.

Question 5.
Give four arguments in favor of the bicameral legislature.
Answer:

  1. It gives the opportunity to re-discuss in detail a bill that is passed in haste in the lower house.
  2. It helps in making a public opinion.
  3. It is an essential federal system of government.
  4. A bicameral legislature is necessary to give representation to the minorities.

Question 6.
Give four arguments against the bicameral legislature.
Answer:
1. Bicameral legislatures are unnecessary
2. They cause avoidable delays.
3. They cause unnecessary expenditure and computation
4. They are unrepresentative in nature

Question 7.
Name the states which have bicameral legislation.
Answer:
Following five states of India have bicameral legislation

  1. Jammu & Kashmir.
  2. Bihar
  3. Karnataka
  4. Maharashtra
  5. Uttar Pradesh

Question 8.
Write the composition of Lok Sabha.
Answer:
Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament. It has a total strength of 543 members. However, it has a maximum of 550 members which is fixed on the basis of population. The members are elected directly by the people. The minimum age to became a member of the Lok Sabha is 25 years. Eligible voter of a minimum of 18 years cast their votes in this election.

Question 9.
What are the functions of the speaker of Lok Sabha?
Answer:
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha is known as the speaker of Lok Sabha who is elected by the members of Lok Sabha from themselves. Speaker conducts the proceeding of the house and maintains discipline and decorum in the house.

Question 10.
How the Rajya Sabha is compared?
Answer:
Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. It is known as the council of states because it represents the interest of the states.-Its maximum capacity is 250 members, out of it238 an elected by the members of state assemblies, and 12 members are nominated by the President of India from the people who have earned the name in different fields like science, literature, art, social service, cinema, and sports.

Question 11.
In which areas Rajya Sabha is weak in comparison to Lok sabha.
Answer:
Rajya Sabha is weaker in comparison to Lok Sabha in the following areas:-

  1. Legislative field (It can delay a bill only for 6 months)
  2. Financial field (It can delay money bill only for 14 days)
  3. Executive field (It can bring a no-confidence motion against the executive)

Question 12.
Who presides over the meetings of the Rajya Sabha?
Answer:
Vice President of India is the Capacity of ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha who presides over, the meetings of Rajya Sabha and conducts the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha.

Question 13.
What is Bill and when it becomes Law?
Answer:
The proposal to make a law is called a bill. When it is passed by both the Houses of Parliament and get the assent of the Indian President it became law.

Question 14.
Who amends the Indian constitution?
Answer:
Parliament has the power to amend the constitution by following the definite procedure given in Art 368. State Assemblies have limited power in the amendment of the Constitution.

Question 15.
Write two special power of Rajya Sabha.
Answer:

  1. It can declare a subject of National importance by 2/3 majority resolution.
  2. It can declare a service as AH India service by 2/3 majority resolution.

Legislature Important Extra Questions Short Answer Type

Question 1.
What is the main function of the Legislature in the modern state?
Answer:
Legislatures of modem state perform the following functions whatever may be the forms of government:

  1. Discussion, debate, and deliberations on public issues.
  2. Legislative function:- Enactment of law is the primary function of legislation.
  3. Financial functions:- Legislatures control the expenditure. The executive cannot spend even a single penny without the approval of the Legislature.
  4. Executive functions:- Executive is controlled by the legislature by different methods.
  5. Constitutional amendment functions
  6. Judicial functions.
  7. Electoral functions
  8. Emergency powers.
  9. Miscellaneous functions

Question 2.
Discuss the compositions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Answer:
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are two houses of the Indian Parliament. Lok Sabha is the Lower house and Rajya Sabha is the upper house. Lok Sabha has a maximum capacity of 550 members which are elected by the people by direct elections. A person of a minimum of 25 years of age can be a member of the Lok Sabha. Every person 18 years of age is eligible to cast his vote in this election.

Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and cannot be dissolved Every member enjoys the tenure of 6 years. Its one-third of members are retired after every second year and new members are elected by the respective state assembly by a single transferable vote system.

Its total strength is 250 members out of where 238 members are elected and the rest 12 members are nominated by the President of India. To become a member of the Rajya Sabha one should be a member of a minimum of 30 years of age. Vice President of India acts as ex-officio Chairman Parliament of Rajya Sabha and conducts its meetings.

Question 3.
What are the main functions of the Lok Sabha speaker?
Answer:
The speaker of Lok Sabha performs the following functions:

  1. To preside over the meetings of Lok Sabha.
  2. To maintain discipline and decorum in the house
  3. To allow the introductions of the bill in the house.
  4. To decide the nature of the bill
  5. To interpret the rules of the house
  6. To constitute different committees.
  7. To safeguard the privilege of the member of the parliament and house itself.
  8. To refer the bills to different committees.
  9. To conduct the business of the house and decide the term of the speakers.
  10. To exercise the casting vote in case of a tie on a bill.

Question 4.
How the parliament exercises control over the executive?
Answer:
The Parliament exercises administrative and financial control as the executive in the following ways:

  1. It discusses, debate and make a public opinion on different policy matters of the executive.
  2. It molds the decisions of the government.
  3. It controls the arbitrariness of the government.
  4. Executive can not make any expedition without the approval of the Parliament
  5. The executive has to give the report of expenditure before the Parliament.

Question 5.
Write main functions of Parliament.
Answer:
Parliament performs the following functions:-

  1. It discusses the issues of public importance
  2. It makes laws.
  3. It discusses, approves, and passes the budget.
  4. It exercises control on the executive.
  5. Parliament members take part in the election of President and Vice-President.
  6. Parliament makes amendments in the Constitution.
  7. Parliament brings and listens and passes the improvement against the President, Vice-Present, and judges of Supreme court and High Courts.
  8. Parliament approves the decision of declaration of emergency.

Question 6.
Tell the areas in which Rajya Sabha has equal powers.
Answer:
Rajya Sabha enjoys equal powers with Lok Sabha in the following areas:

  1. In discussion and debate on the issues of public interest and to help in making a public opinion.
  2. In the area of a constitutional amendment, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have equal power. No amendment bill will become Act until and unless it is passed by both houses separately. Amendment bill can be introduced in either house of Parliament.
  3. In judicial matters also Lok sabha and Rajya sabha have equal powers as Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha can initiate impeachment proceedings against the President, Vice President, and judges of the Supreme court and High court.
  4.  Rajya Sabha has also emergency powers which it shares with Lok Sabha.

Question 7.
Write the various steps in the Lawmaking process.
Answer:
Followings are various stages in the law-making process:

  1. Preparation of the bills
  2. Introduction of the bill in either House (First reading)
  3. Second Reading
  4. Committee stage
  5. Report stage
  6. Introduction of the bill in the second house.
  7. President’s assent.

Question 8.
Name the states which have a bicameral legislature and how bicameral legislature can be introduced.
Answer:
The following five states have bicameral legislature:

  1. Uttar Pradesh
  2. Bihar
  3. Jammu & Kashmir
  4. Maharashtra.
  5. Karnataka

The Upper house in a state can be withdrawn or introduced at the request of the concerned state by constitutional amendment

Question 9.
Differentiate between
1. Government bilk and Private member bill
2. Ordinary bill and a money bill
3. Private bill and ordinary bill
Answer:

  1. Government billAll the bills; which are introduced by the ministers are called Government bill while bills which are introduced by ordinal members are called private member bill.
  2. Ordinary bills and money billAll the bills which are dealing with income and expenditure are called money bills and all other rum-money bills are called ordinary bills.
  3. Private bill and an ordinary bill:-The bill that is related to a particular area, person a group is a private bill, and a bill that is related to the common general public is known as the General bill.

Question 10.
What is the importance of the committee system in the Indian parliamentary system?
Answer:
A significant feature of the legislative process is the appointment of different committees for a different purpose. These committees play a vital role not merely in law-making but also in day to day business of the house. Since the business of the Parliament is limited, it remains to enable to go into every detail of the bill.

Due to increasing demands also Parliament gets limited time for a bill. It is because of this committees are appointed to deal with different kinds of bills and examine these in detail and in all aspects like administrative, political, financial, and technical. These committees are very powerful and can ask for any detail from the concerned department. They can investigate corruption cases also. At present, there are much more than twenty department-related committees.

Besides the standing committees, there is also some Joint parliament committee (appointed for a specific function). They are appointed to discuss particular bills or for the purpose of investigating financial irregularities. Members of joint committees are selected from both houses.

The Committee system has definitely reduced the burden of Parliament and has helped a great deal in studying and examining the bills minutely, thus helped in making good laws.

Question 11.
How the business of the house is conducted?
Answer:
Parliament is a very auspicious forum for discussing, debating, and policy-making. Therefore it is very necessary that such discussions and debates must be meaningful and in an orderly manner so that functions of the Parliament are carried out in a smooth and dignified manner.

The Constitution has itself made certain provisions to ensure smoothness. conduct of business. Every house is presided by presiding offers who are the final authority in matters of regulating the business, of the house. There are many ways are which the presiding officer controls the behavior of the members and maintains the discipline of the house.’

The business of the house is carried out according to the well-established traditions, rules, and regulations of the house. The business of the house is conducted according to the well-established procedure. As said the presiding officer plays a decisive role in conducting the house in a given manner and maintains discipline and decorum of the house. He has weaponry in his arms for this purpose. He gives the rules on every issue as per his interpretation of a bill related to the business of the house.

Question 12.
What is defection? What are the provisions of the Anti-Defection law?
Answer:
Defection is a major disease of the Indian party system which has caused other ills in the Indian system.

The tendency and practice of the political leaders to change their political party on the tidal of which they have been elected to a house in search of better political and material fortunes are called Defection. For a lap time efforts were going on to check this menace. It is only in 1985, Rajiv Gandhi government passed the 52nd amendment in the constitution to have a check on the tendency of defections. This Amendment is known as the Anit- Defection law which provides the following features.

  1. A person elected on a ticket of a particular party will lose his or her membership if he/she joins another party after the election.
  2. If a person is elected as independent or nominated may have free membership may lose his/her seat if he/she joins any political party.
  3. It is also provided that in case of merger and split which will require ’necessary majority, the membership will not be affected.
  4. Speaker or other presiding officers of the house will have final decisions on the issue of deciding the merger or split.

This law has been further modified in the 91st Constitutional amendment.

Question 13.
What impressions you get on seeing the telecast of the proceeding of parliament.
Answer:
On watching the proceedings of the parliament of TV we feel that it is truly a rainbow of colorful dresses symbolizing the different regions of the country. Members of different regions speak different languages and wear different dresses. It appears that the whole of India is sitting here debating and deciding on different issues in a definite manner.

The speaker (presiding officer) is seen on his toes in conducting and controlling the behavior of the members to maintain discipline and decorum of the house. Members raise their questions as per their turn and put pressure on the minister concerned in particular and on the government in general. Another sad part is that there is a constraint increase in the unruly scenes in the house. Members often behave in an unruly manner. Sometimes violence also occurs. Allegations and counter-allegations seem to be the order of the house. It sends the wrong message to the people. There is a need to change this part of ‘ Parliamentary working. Ultimately this house represents the virtues of the people, occupies the highest position of power and responsibility.

Question 14.
Should Rajya Sabha be scrapped?
Answer:
Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament. It is known as the permanent house as it is not subjected to dissolution. It is known as the council of the state as it is the representative of the interests of the Sates. Due to the weakness of the Rajya Sabha in the number of areas like legislative financial and executive, it is considered that Rajya Sabha is a useless and unnecessary house, therefore it should be scrapped. B.ut this demand or proposition does not carry any weight because of the following reasons.

  1. India has a federal system and every federal system of Government needs an upper house in Parliament (Legislature).
  2. Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in a number of houses.
  3. Rajya Sabha has some special powers in many areas.
  4. It is the house of elders and experienced persons.

Question 15.
Write the legislative powers of the Indian President.
Answer:
President is the essential organ of the Indian Parliament and has power over the legislative process. Some of their powers are as under:

  1. He Summons prorogues and dissolves the Parliament.
  2. A bill passed by the Parliament becomes law only when it is signed by the President.
  3. President can send any message to the Parliament.
  4. He nominates two members of the Anglo Indian Community to Lok Sabha (if they do not get an adequate representation in the election) and 12 members to Rajya Sabha.
  5. He can issue an ordinance if Parliament is not a session.
  6. He can ask for the joint session and headdress the joint sessions of the Parliament.

Legislature Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
Discuss the powers and decline of the Indian Parliament.
Answer:
We haVe supremacy of the Constitution. Indian Parliament is the product of the constitution. It is the most powerful institution. Due to the Parliamentary system of Government, the power and prestige of the Parliament are further increased. Parliament is the representative of the people. It performs deliberative functions and makes a public opinion by enlightening discussion and debate. Parliament is called the soul of the people.

Parliament exercises control on the executive by a number of methods which are as under

  1. Deliberations and discussion on the policies of the Government
  2. Approval on the refusal of Laws.
  3. Financial control on the executive
  4. No-confidence motion against the Government

The executive is responsible to Parliament for every omission and commission. They are accountable to the people through the Parliament. The government cannot make any expenditure without the approval of Parliament. Parliament can remove even the President, Vice President, and judges from their offices by means of impeachment. The executive is the order of declaration of Emergency cannot last long without the approval of the Indian Parliament within a specific period.

Over the years the powers and prestige of Parliament are on the decline. The sitings of the Parliament are reduced. The atmosphere of the Parliament is polluted by ugly sums. Allegations and counter-allegations are exchanged. Due to the criminalization of politics, people of criminal backgrounds have entered Parliament. The commercialization of politics has also polluted the atmosphere of Parliament.

Due to frequent disturbances, a lot of valuable time of parliament is wasted for which people have to pay. The seriousness of the business of the house also is on the decline. There is no doubt that houses of the parliament have been plagued by the absence of a quorum, a boycott of sessions by members of opposition which deprive the house to control the executive through discussion.