Working of Institutions: Class 9 Political Science Chapter 4 Notes

Must-Remember Key Points

• In a democracy, major decisions are taken by elected leaders through established procedures in institutions.
• India has three key institutions: the Legislature (makes laws), the Executive (implements laws), and the Judiciary (interprets laws).
• The Parliament is the supreme law-making body in India, consisting of the President and two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• The Lok Sabha (House of the People) is directly elected by the people and holds more power, especially in financial matters.
• The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is indirectly elected and represents the states of India.
• The President is the formal Head of the State (de jure head), while the Prime Minister is the Head of the Government (de facto head).
• The Executive is of two types: Political Executive (elected for a specific term, like ministers) and Permanent Executive (appointed for a long term, like civil servants/bureaucrats).
• The Prime Minister is the most powerful institution, chairing Cabinet meetings and coordinating the work of different departments.
• The Judiciary in India is independent, meaning it is not under the control of the legislature or the executive.
• Judicial Review is the power of the judiciary to declare any law or executive order invalid if it violates the Constitution.

Key Terms for Exams

Institution

An established system of rules, procedures, and arrangements that shape the conduct of individuals and groups in a society to perform specific functions.

Legislature

An assembly of elected representatives that has the supreme power to make, amend, or repeal laws for a country. In India, it is the Parliament.

Executive

A body of persons having the authority and responsibility for the daily administration and implementation of laws passed by the legislature.

Judiciary

The system of courts that interprets the law, settles disputes, and administers justice. It acts as the guardian of the Constitution.

Office Memorandum (O.M.)

A formal communication issued by a government authority, like a ministry or department, to state a policy or decision. The Mandal Commission recommendation was implemented through an O.M.

Coalition Government

A government formed by an alliance of two or more political parties when no single party gets a clear majority in the elections.

Council of Ministers

The body of all ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. It includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and Ministers of State.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts, especially the Supreme Court and High Courts, to examine the constitutionality of any law or government action and declare it unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution.

The Prime Minister: The Real Head of Government

In India's parliamentary system, while the President is the head of the state, the Prime Minister is the most powerful political institution and the real head of the government. The President appoints the leader of the majority party or the coalition of parties that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. The PM does not have a fixed term and holds office as long as they enjoy the majority's confidence in the Lok Sabha.

Key Powers and Functions:

• Head of the Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister is the chairperson of the Cabinet and presides over its meetings. They choose other ministers, and the President appoints them on the PM's advice. The PM can also ask any minister to resign or can reshuffle the portfolios. If the Prime Minister resigns, the entire council of ministers resigns.
• Coordinator of Government Work: The PM coordinates the work of all government departments. Their decisions are final in case of disagreements between departments. They also communicate all decisions of the Council of Ministers to the President.
• Leader of the Nation and the House: As the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister is the leader of the House. They represent the country in international forums and are the chief spokesperson of the government. All major policy decisions are taken under their leadership.

Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha: A Quick Comparison

How a Bill Becomes a Law in India

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Exam Traps and Scoring Tips

A common point of confusion for students is the difference between the powers of the President and the Prime Minister. Remember: The President is the nominal (in name only) executive, while the Prime Minister is the real executive who wields actual power. For example, the President appoints ministers, but only on the advice of the PM.

Another key area is the Judiciary. Don't just list its functions. Emphasize its independence and the power of Judicial Review. Use the Mandal Commission case as an example to illustrate how the judiciary resolves disputes between citizens and the government. Questions on Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha are frequent; focus on their differential powers, especially concerning money bills and the no-confidence motion.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• What are the two houses of the Indian Parliament called? The two houses are the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• Who is the real head of the government in India? The Prime Minister is the real head of the government, exercising most of the executive powers.
• What is meant by the 'Permanent Executive'? The Permanent Executive refers to the long-term appointed civil servants or bureaucrats (like IAS, IPS officers) who assist the Political Executive in carrying out the day-to-day administration of the government.
• What is the primary role of the Supreme Court? The Supreme Court is the apex judicial body. Its primary roles are to interpret the Constitution, act as the guardian of Fundamental Rights, and settle disputes between the centre and states, or between states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions