NCERT Solutions for Class 11 

Political Science 

Chapter 6 

Judiciary 

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Textbook Questions Solved Question 1. What are the different ways in which the independence of the judiciary is ensured? Choose the odd ones out. (i) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is consulted in the appointment of other judges of Supreme Court. (ii) Judges are generally not removed before the age of retirement. (iii) Judge of a High Court cannot be transferred to another High Court. (iv) Parliament has no say in the appointment of judges. Answer: The different ways to ensure the independence of judiciary: (ii) The judges are generally not removed before the age of retirement. (iv) Parliament has no say in the appointment of judges. (i) and (iii) are the odd ones out. Question 2. Does independence of the judiciary mean that the judiciary is not accountable to any one? Write your answer in not more than 100 words. Answer: The independence of judiciary does not mean that judiciary is not accountable to any one. But it means: No other organ of the government would restrain the functioning of judiciary. The judges can perform their functions without any fear or favoritism. Judiciary is accountable to the constitution of India, to the people of India and to the democratic traditions. Question 3. What are the different provisions in the constitution in order to maintain the independence of judiciary? Answer: The independence of judiciary means that other organs of government should not interfere in the functioning and decisions of the judiciary and judiciary can perform its duties without any favour or f2ar. It enjoys various provisions in constitution to ensure independence of judiciary as follows: Parliament has no say in the appointment of judges to avoid politics. The judges enjoy a fixed tenure as they hold their office till the age of their retirement and the constitution prescribes very difficult procedure for exceptional cases if required. The action and decisions of the judges are immune from personal criticism. The salaries and allowances of the judges are not subjected to the approval of the legislature as per the constitution. The judiciary can penalise them who are found guilty of the contempt of court. The constitution specifically bars the Parliament from discussing the conduct of the judges except the impeachment proceedings. Question 4. Read the news report below and identify the following aspects: 1. What is the case about? 2. Who has been the beneficiary in the case? 3. Who is the petitioner in the case? 4. Visualize what would have been the different arguments put forward by the company. 5. What arguments would the farmers have put forward? Supreme Court orders REL to pay Rs 300 crore to Dahanu farmers: Our Corporate Bureau 24 March 2005: Mumbai: The Supreme Court has ordered Reliance Energy to pay Rs. 300 crores to farmers who grow the chikoo fruit in the Dahanu area outside Mumbai. The order comes after the chikoo growers petitioned the court against the pollution caused by Reliance’s thermal power plant. Dahanu, which is 150 km from Mumbai, was a self-sustaining agricultural and horticultural economy known for its fisheries and forests just over a decade ago, but was devastated in 1989 when a thermal power plant came into operation in the region. The next year, this fertile belt saw its first crop failure. Now, 70 per cent of the crop of what was once the fruit bowl of Maharashtra is gone. The fisheries have shut and the forest cover has thinned. Farmers and environmentalists say that fly ash from the power plant entered ground water and polluted the entire eco-system. The Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority ordered the thermal station to set up a pollution control unit to reduce sulphur emissions, and in spite of a Supreme Court order backing the order the pollution control plant was not set up even by 2002. In 2003, Reliance acquired the thermal station and re-submitted a schedule for installation process in 2004. As the pollution control plant is still not set up, the Dahanu Taluka Environmental Protection Authority asked Reliance for a bank guarantee of Rs. 300 crores. Answer: 1. A case of pollution by Reliance Thermal Power Plant. 2. The farmers have been beneficiary. 3. The chikoo growers of Dahanu. 4. The main contention of Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority and the Supreme Court was setting up of a pollution control plant. Reliance acquired the plant in 2003, so it pleaded for further extension of time limit for setting up of pollution control plant.’ The pollution was not wholly of its making as it had acquired the plant in 2003. Accordingly, it had argued for the reduction of penalty. 5. The farmers might have argued that since Reliance had failed in its commitment to install the pollution control unit in 2004, it did not have intentions to do it, so it must be penalized to some greater extent. Question 5. Read the following news report and, 1. Identify the governments at different levels 2. Identify the role of Supreme Court 3. What elements of the working of judiciary and executive can you identify in it? 4. Identify the policy issues, matters related to legislation, implementation and interpretation of the law involved in this case. Centre, Delhi join hands on CNG issue: By Our Staff Reporter, The Hindu 23 September 2001: NEW DELHI, SEPT. 22. The Centre and the Delhi Government today agreed to jointly approach the Supreme Court this coming week… for phasing out of all non-CNG commercial vehicles in the Capital. They also decided to seek a dual fuel policy for the city instead of putting the entire transportation system on the single-fuel mode “which was full of dangers and would result in disaster.” It was also decided to discourage the use of CNG by private vehicle owners in the Capital. Both governments would press for allowing the use of 0.05 per cent low sulphur diesel for running of buses in the Capital. In addition, it would be pleaded before the Court that all commercial vehicles, which fulfil the Euro-II standards, should be allowed to ply in the city. Though both the Centre and the State would file separate affidavits, these would contain common points. The Centre would also go out and support the Delhi Government’s stand on the issues concerning CNG. These decisions were taken at a meeting between the Delhi Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dikshit, and the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Mr. Ram Naik. Ms. Dikshit said the Central Government would request the court that in view of the high powered Committee appointed under Dr. R.A. Mashelkar to suggest an “Auto Fuel Policy’” for the entire country, it would be appropriate to extend the deadline as it was not possible to convert the entire 10,000-odd bus fleet into CNG during the prescribed time frame. The Mashelkar Committee is expected to submit its report within a period of six months. The Chief Minister said time was required to implement the court directives. Referring to the coordinated approach on the issue, Ms. Dikshit said this would take into account the details about the number of vehicles to be run on CNG, eliminating long queues outside CNG filling stations, the CNG fuel requirements of Delhi and the ways and means to implement the directive of the court. The Supreme Court had …refused to relax the only CNG norm for the city’s buses but said it had never insisted on CNG for taxis and auto rickshaws. Mr. Naik said the Centre would insist on allowing use of low sulphur diesel for buses in Delhi as putting the entire transportation system dependent on CNG could prove to be disastrous. The Capital relied on pipeline supply for CNG and any disruption would throw the public transport system out of gear. Answer: The central government and the Delhi Government. The role of the Supreme Court is to see that the government policies and actions at central and states levels should be in tune with the parameters of the pollution control regimes. If not, it has to see that governments should comply with these parameters. Example- the Supreme Court had asked for phasing out all non-CNG vehicles on 22 September 2001 within a week. But some difficulties arose in its implementation, hence the Supreme Court later breathed to the government that it had never insisted on CNG for taxis and auto rickshaws but it refused to relax the only CNG norm for city’s buses. The Supreme Court was concerned about the environmental degradation in the city and to stop delaying to the cities of Delhi Government, it had come heavily and had directed for phasing out of all non CNG commercial vehicles in a week. It is the duty of the government to ensure a pollution free environment on the basis of check and balance approach between the executive and judiciary. The judiciary has to see that the government does not bypass its commitments. The contempt of court may follow if the government does not comply with the direction of the Supreme Court. Question 6. The following is a statement about Ecuador. What similarities or differences do you find between this example and the judicial system in India? “It would be helpful if a body of common law, or judicial precedent, existed that could clarify a journalist’s rights. Unfortunately, Ecuador’s courts don’t work that way. Judges are not forced to respect the rulings of higher courts in previous cases. Unlike the US, an appellate judge in Ecuador (or elsewhere in South America, for that matter) need not provide a written decision explaining the legal basis of a ruling. A judge may rule one way today and the opposite way, in a similar case, tomorrow, without explaining why.” Answer: No similarity is found in this example between Ecuador and India because: In India, judicial decisions play an important role in the form of sources of law-making. The judges give their own interpretations to decide the cases to expand or modify laws. The rulings of the Supreme Court and high courts are often quoted by lawyers with effect and authority. In the example given above, it would be helpful if a body of common or judicial precedent existed to clarify a journalist’s right. In Ecuador, the judiciary does not work in the same manner, hence judicial decisions do not become the precedents and the judge may rule one way today and the other way tomorrow without explaining why. Question 7. Read the following statements. Match them with the different jurisdictions the Supreme Court can exercise – Original, Appellate, and Advisory. 1. The government wanted to know if it can pass a law about the citizenship status of residents of Pakistan-occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir. 2. In order to resolve the dispute about river Cauvery the government of Tamil Nadu wants to approach the court. 3. Court rejected the appeal by people against the eviction from the dam site. Answer: Original Jurisdiction: The cases which can be directly considered by the Supreme Court without going to the lower courts earlier. Appellate Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal against the decisions of the high courts but it should be certified that the case is fit for appeal. Advisory Jurisdiction: The President can refer any matter which is of public interest but is not binding on the President to accept the advice’s as it is. The government wanted to know if it can pass a law about the citizenship status of residents of Pakistan-occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an Advisory Jurisdiction. In order to resolve the dispute about river Cauvery the government of Tamil Nadu wants to approach the court.It is an Original jurisdiction. Court rejected the appeal by people against the eviction from the dam site. It is an Appellate Jurisdiction. Question 8. In what way can public interest litigation help the poor? Answer: Since 1979, the court has changed the trend for the poor in the situation or case, if the case was filed by others on behalf of aggrieved persons. This case involved an important issue of public interest which involved the betterment of life conditions of the poor. Even the voluntary organisations sought judicial intervention for protection of existing rights of the poor. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a tool. For judicial activism which include protection of environment, prohibition of trafficking especially of women, bonded labour, grievances of weaker sections and relief for under trial prisoners in jail, etc. Example: Hussainara Khatoon vs. Bihar case, a petition was filed by an advocate in favour of many prisoners in Bihar who spent long years in jail and released after the Supreme Court heard the case. The problems of the poor are of different kinds which can be solved by the intervention of Supreme Court after filing Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Question 9. Do you think that judicial activism can lead to a conflict between the judiciary and the executive? Why? Answer: Yes, the judicial activism can lead to a conflict between the judiciary and the executive because judicial activism has a great impact on the political system. Judicial activism make the electoral system much more easy by making it free and fair. The courts guided the candidates to file an affidavit which gives details of their assets and income alongwith educational qualification to let the voters know about them and to make executive much more accountable. This gives a dissatisfaction to the candidates and judicial activism has blurred the line of distinction between the executive and legislature on the one hand and the judiciary on the other. The court has been involved in resolving issues which belong to the executive. Reducing air or sound pollution or investigating cases of corruption or bringing about electoral reform is not the duty of judiciary, these are the duties to be performed by the executive. Hence, sometimes judicial activism can lead to a conflict between the judiciary and executive. Question 10. How is judicial activism related to the protection of fundamental rights? Has it helped in expanding the scope of fundamental rights? Answer: The constitution of India grants the following Fundamental Rights to its citizens: Right to Equality Right to Freedom Right against Exploitation Right to Freedom of Religion Cultural and Educational Rights Right to Constitutional Remedies All the said fundamental rights are protected under the ‘Right to constitutional Remedies’ (Article 32 and 226) by providing the writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, quo-warranto, prohibition and certiorari. The Supreme Court can declare the concerned law as unconstitutional and therefore non-operational. (Article 13). The power of judicial review of the Supreme Court on the ground that they violate the fundamental rights. Hence, judiciary is enabled to protect the constitution effectively and the rights of citizens as well. The practice of entertaining the Public Interest Litigation has also further added to the power of the judiciary in protecting the rights of citizens. Various writs under Right to Constitutional Remedies: Habeas Corpus: If somebody is taken into custody against the spirit of laws. The detainer is ordered to produce the detainee before the court. Mandamus: Issued by Supreme Court to the lower court, official, etc. To protect the right of petitioner and to get duties done by authority against whom writ is issued. Quo warranto: Issued to individual who has usurped a public office. Through the writ, the person is asked to hold the said office. Prohibition: Issued by a higher court to a lower court. It is issued when either the lower court exercises the powers beyond its limitations. Certiorari: Issued alongwith the writ of prohibition. A higher court orders a lower court to send the records concerned with a care therewith to the former. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Extra Questions Solved Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Very Short Answer Type Questions Question 1. What do you mean by judiciary? Answer: Judiciary is an important organ of the government to punish those who violate the laws passed by legislature. Question 2. Name the highest judicial authority in India. Answer: The Supreme Court of India in Delhi. Question 3. Mention the age of retirement of a judge of high court. Answer: The age of retirement of a judge is 62 years or he can resign also before completion of his retirement age. Question 4. In how many categories, can the court cases be divided? Answer: Civil cases, i.e. matters related to money, property, inheritance, marriage disputes, etc. Criminal cases, i.e. theft, robbery, murder, etc. Question 5. Mention the qualifications of a high court judge. Answer: He should be a citizen of India. He must have been an advocate in any high court of India. He must have worked for at least 10 years on judicial post. Question 6. Mention the jurisdiction of powers of the Supreme Court. Answer: Original, Appellate and Advisory jurisdiction. Question 7. What do you mean by Lok Adalats? Answer: Lok Adalats are popular courts which decide cases at a much quicker speed. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Short Answer Type Questions Question 1. Write down the composition of the Supreme Court of India. Answer 1. Supreme Court of India consists of a Chief Justice and 25 other judges. The judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President in the consultation with such judge to whom he feels appropriate for the same? In appointing other judges, the President will consult with the Chief Justice of India. A judge of Supreme Court holds office till the age of 65 years. Question 2. How can a judge of Supreme Court be removed from his office? Answer: A judge of the Supreme Court can be removed from his office before his term expires on the ground of incapacity or misbehavior if Parliament approves it by a majority of two-third members of the Parliament (Both the houses) present and voting. Finally, the President exercises the right to remove a judge if impeachment is proved. Question 3. What is the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court? Answer: The Supreme Court enjoys the original jurisdiction in the following: A case where jurisdiction can be initiated at first instance. Between the union of India and any state or states and one or more states on the either side. Between the union and one or more states. Between two or more states. Question 4. What are the Advisory Powers of the Supreme Court of India? Answer: The Supreme Court advises the President on matters of public importance and law after full consideration of the subject concerned. It is upto the President only either he accepts the advice or not. Question 5. What is the composition of a high court in a state? Answer: The number of judges in the high court is not fixed. It is fixed by the President only. Every high court has a Chief Justice and other judges to be fixed by the President. On the appointment of Chief Justice, the President consults the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the state concerned. While other members’ appointment is consulted with the Governor of state and Chief Justice of high court. Question 6. What is judicial review exercised by the high court? Answer: High court can strike down any order or law of the state of the executive if it violates the provision of the constitution or takes away the fundamental rights of people. Question 7. What are the powers of the high court? The matters concerning the fundamental rights, will and contempt filed directly in the high court. A high court controls the working of the lower courts as it lays down rules and regulation for their working. It entertains the appeals against lower courts in civil or criminal cases to be decided by session judge or district judge. Question 8. How can a judge of the high court be removed from the office? Answer: Under Article 124, the President will make order to remove a judge only after an address of each house of Parliament to be supported by two-third majority of members present and voting. Question 9. What are the powers of the District Court? Answer: Deals with the cases arising in a district. Considers appeals on decisions of lower courts. Decides cases of serious criminal offences Question 10. Give some suggestions to ensure speedy and inexpensive justice in India. Answer: The instruments of judicial activism should be availed, i.e. Public Interest Litigation which has expanded the idea of rights and duties even to those, who cannot approach the courts easily. The pendency of cases should be expediated and decided at the earliest possible. Some new courts should be established as well as the fees of courts and advocates should be controlled upto minimum extent. Lok Adalats should be established more and these should be publicised also, so that maximum people could get justice in a speedy manner. Question 11. What is the jurisdiction of the high courts? Answer: The high courts are empowered to issue orders, directions and writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and for any other purpose also. The high courts of Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata exercises original jurisdiction as they had before the enforcement of the new constitution on the cases involving hearing of Christians Parsis. The above-mentioned high courts also exercise the original jurisdiction when the amount involved is more than ? 2,000 and in criminal cases, it extends to cases committed to them by presidency Magistrates. The jurisdiction of the high courts also extends to the matters of administration, matrimonial, contempt of court and cases transferred from a lower court. Question 3. What are Lok Adalats? Explain. Answer: Lok Adalats resolve disputes on the basis of discussion, counselling to provide speedy and Chief Justice alongwith the mutual and free consultation of the parties concerned. Lok Adalats reduce time and expenditure also. These were established to eliminate delay in imparting justice and to speed up clearance of pending cases earliest possible. In 1985, in Delhi, the first Lok Adalat was held and 150 cases were decided within a single day. Question 4. What is Public Interest Litigation? Explain. Answer: The Public Interest Litigation was initiated by some judges of the Supreme Court. PIL can register a complaint through an application or mentioned on postcartd. PIL has been used to provide reliefs for undertrial prisoners in jails, acquisitions of cycle, rickshaws by licensed rickshaw pullers, prohibition of human trafficking, etc. Due importance is given to the weaker sections, bonded labour, women and children. The PIL acquired new dimensions under the leadership of former Chief Justice P.N. Bhagwati. Question 5. What is the importance of judiciary in a democratic country like India? Answer: Judiciary plays an important role in imparting justice to people due to complex nature of society. Hence, it performs the following functions: The judiciary acts as a custodian of the constitution by interpreting it in a proper manner as it can declare any law passed by legislature ultra vires and unconstitutional if it is against the spirit of constitution. The judiciary performs the legislative functions by way of giving judge made laws to fill up the gap between the legislature and society. The judiciary performs some administrative functions by keeping a check on the smooth functioning of each court. The judiciary advice’s the head of the state on the validity of particular law so that it can not be declared unconstitutional after it is passed. It is the duty of the judiciary to see whether the people could enjoy their fundamental rights without any contradiction. The judiciary look after minors, issues licenses, grant probates, bails and administer oath of office, etc. Question 6. Mention those factors which ensure the independence of the judiciary in India. Answer: Judges of Supreme Court and high court are appointed by the President of India on the consultation of Chief Justice and governor of the state in the case of high court. Hence, appointment of judges make it independent, free from any pressure of political parties. The judges of India are supposed to be highly qualified because a highly qualified person can judge the cases in an independent manner as’ well as they are expertise of law on the basis of experience of five or ten years as an advocate. The method to remove judges in India, is very difficult because no judge can be removed from the post before he attains the age of retirement. A judge enjoys a fixed tenure of his service till the age of retirement and avails more experience and delivers justice on honest and sincere basis. To make judges impartial they are provided with the handsome salaries so that they could not accept bribe or run after money. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Passage Based Questions Passage 1. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 141) given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: The Indian Constitution is based on a delicate principle of limited separation of powers and checks and balances. This means that each organ of the government has a clear area of functioning. Thus, the Parliament is supreme in making laws and amending the Constitution, the executive is supreme in implementing them while the judiciary is supreme in settling disputes and deciding whether the laws that have been made are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Despite such clear cut division of power the conflict between the Parliament and judiciary, and executive and the judiciary has remained a recurrent theme in Indian politics. Questions: 1. What is the base of Indian constitution? 2. What are the main functions of Parliament and executive? 3. Mention one important function of judiciary. Answers: 1. The Indian constitution is based on a delicate principle of limited separation of powers and checks and balances mean each organ of government has clear area of functioning 2. The Parliament is supreme in law making and amending the constitution while the executive implements them. 3. The judiciary is supreme in settling disputes and deciding whether the laws have been made according to the provisions of constitution. Passage 2. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 139) given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: Besides, as we saw in the section on jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, in the case of federal relations too, the Supreme Court can use the review powers if a law is inconsistent with the distribution of powers laid down by the Constitution. Suppose, the central government makes a law, which according to some States, concerns a subject from the State list. Then the States can go to the Supreme Court and if the court agrees with them, it would declare that the law is unconstitutional. In this sense, the review power of the Supreme Court includes power to review legislations on the ground that they violate fundamental rights or on the ground that they violate the federal distribution of powers. The review power extends to the laws passed by State legislatures also. Questions: 1. What is judicial review by the Supreme Court? 2. What does judicial review consist of? 3. How does judicial review extend in the federal distribution of power? Answers: 1. The judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of any law. 2. It consists that the Supreme Court can strike down a law that goes against fundamental rights. 3. Suppose, the central government makes a law concerning some subjects from state list. Then the state can go to the Supreme Court and if court agrees with them, can declare it unconstitutional. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Long Answer Type Questions Question 1. Explain the composition, original and appellate jurisdiction of Supreme Court of India. Answer: Composition: As per Article 124 (1) of the constitution provides that Parliament does not make provisions for the appointment of judges through a law as the Supreme Court shall have a Chief Justice and seven other judges. But this number has been increased several times by Parliament. Hence, at present there is a Chief Justice and 25 other judges. Appointment and Tenure: The Chief Justice is appointed by the President of India and other judges are also appointed by the President on consultation with the Chief Justice. The judges hold their office till the age of retirement till they complete 65 years of age. Original Jurisdiction: As per Article 32, the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court extends, to issue various writs to enforce Fundamental Rights of the people and the high court enjoys concurrent jurisdiction over them. The following cases of center and states directly come under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court: The dispute between the central government and state government. The central government and one or more states on the one hand and one or more states on the other or Two or more states are involved in the disputes. But no such case will come under its jurisdiction (original) which is concerned with a treaty of contract to be negotiated before the enforcement of the constitution or a contract in which it is given specifically that the contract will not be taken to the Supreme Court. Appellate Jurisdiction: The Appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is classified into three types as constitutional, criminal and civil: 1. Constitutional Appeals: An appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision of high court for the interpretation of the constitution. Such appeal can be brought to the Supreme Court if high court certifies to require an interpretation in that particular case. If the Supreme Court grants a special leave of appeal. 2. Criminal Appeals: If high court certifies that a case is fit to take to the Supreme Court for an appeal. If a criminal acquitted by a lower court and is sentenced to death by high court. If a high court awards death sentence in a case which it had taken from a lower court undecided. 3. Civil Cases’ Appeals: The 30th amendment in 1972 brought some significant changes in civil proceedings against a judgement of high court required that the amount involved in subject matter of dispute should not be less than ? 20,000 for invoking the Appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Question 2. Explain the composition and jurisdiction of the subordinate courts at the district level in India. Answer: The jurisdiction of the subordinate courts at the district level is classified into: (a) The Criminal Courts (b) The Civil Courts (c) The Revenue Courts (а) The criminal courts: The highest court in a district is the District and session judges’ court to be empowered to hear both the civil and criminal cases. The District and Session judges, both are the same person’ in case of hearing of civil cases, the same judge is known as session judge. He is appointed by the Governor of the state in the consultation with the Chief Justice of the high court under whose jurisdiction the state falls. Some other session judges can also be appointed if required. He hears appeals from subordinate courts in the matters of serious crimes, i.e. murder, dacoities, etc. He is empowered to award the sentence to death but this should be confirmed by the high court. The lowest criminal court in the district is third class Magistrate to hear small cases of beating and quarreling and is empowered to sentence one month’s imprisonment and fine of up to ? 50 only. The second class magistrate comes next to the above mentioned to hear the cases of some more graver nature and is empowered to sentence for six months’ imprisonment and fine up to ? 200 only. Then, comes first class Magistrate above them to enjoy appellate and original jurisdiction both in the cases involving a sentence of imprisonment up to two years and a fine up to ? 1,000. Against the first class Magistrate’s courts, the appeals can be filed in the district and session courts. (b) The Civil Courts: The district judge is the highest civil court in a district. There are many sub-judges under him under various courts, to be divided into several ranks. These sub-judges can hear the cases involving an amount of? 5,000 only, who possess original jurisdiction and hear the appeals against MursiPs court also. The Munsif court is competent to hear the cases involving an amount of ? 2,000 only. Some courts competent to hear small cases involving an amount of? 1,000 have also been established and against the decision of this court, no appeal can be made because very experienced persons are appointed as judges here. There are also some senior civil judges to help the district judges who generally possess the powers of a district judges. (c) Revenue courts: Revenue courts hear the appeals relating to revenue of the district. The lowest Revenue court is the court of Naib Tehsildar and above him, the court of Tehsildar to hear the revenue cases. The highest revenue court in the district is the court of Collector (Deputy Commissioner). Appeals against Deputy Commissioner’s court can be made in the court of commissioner. The appeals against commissioner’s court can be made in Board of Revenue and above it to the high court if required. Question 3. What is the importance of the judicial review of the Supreme Court of India? Answer: Judicial review is an examination by the courts in the cases of legislative status and executive and administrative acts to determine either they are prohibited by a written constitution or it is deemed to be in conflict with the basic law of constitution. The Supreme Court acts as the guardian and finds interpreter of the constitution: Under Article 32(2) of the constitution, the Supreme Court will decide whether a law in connection with the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights is void or not in its review, or issue the writs if required. Under Article 24, court can review the extent of law made by legislatures of states. Under Article 246(3), the legislatures of any state has exclusive powers to make law on the subject in state list. Under Article 254, the Supreme Court can also decide any inconsistency between the law made by legislatures of the state. Importance To interpret properly to the written constitution, the judicial review is necessary. To secure the public interests and safety of the states, the judicial review is necessary to protect the civil liberties. To understand some technical words and language in the constitution, the judicial review is must. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 NCERT Picture-Based Questions 1. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 135) given below and answer the questions that follow: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 6 Judiciary Picture Based Questions Q1 Questions: 1. What is the cartoon about? 2. What message is being conveyed through the cartoon? 3. What are the instruments of Judicial Activism? Answers: 1. The cartoon is about Judicial Activism. 2. The cartoon conveys that the judiciary has ruled that bandhs and hartals are illegal. 3. Public Interest Litigation or Social Action Litigation to file complaints of those who cannot reach the court and initiated by others for their grievances. Political Science Class 11 NCERT Solution

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 

Political Science 

Chapter 5 

Legislature 

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 NCERT Textbook Questions Solved Questions 1. Alok thinks that a country needs an efficient government that looks after the welfare of the people. So, if we simply elected our Prime Minister and Ministers and left to them the task of government, we will not need a legislature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. Answer: Alok’s thinking is ignorant because a simple election of the Prime Minister and minister will create only a dictatorship and a true representative democracy cannot be materialised: A legislature frames the laws and the executives run the government or administration. The legislature helps people to hold the council of ministers accountable. In the absence of legislature, council of ministers would become unresponsive to the people’s hopes and aspiration. Questions 2. A class was debating the merits of a bicameral system. The following points were made during the discussion. Read the arguments and say if you agree or disagree with each of them, giving reasons. (a) Neha said that bicameral legislature does not serve any purpose. (b) Shama argued that experts should be nominated in the second chamber. (c) Tridib said that if a country is not a federation, then there is no need to have a second chamber. Answer: (a) This statement is not true because in a large country like India, two houses of legislature are preferred to give due representation to all sections of the society as well as the monopoly of either the chamber can be approached as ‘check and balance’. (b) The President nominates 12 members in the Rajya Sabha from among the persons who have distinctions in the field of literature, art, social services, etc., who are experienced and possess intellectual depth. (c) Tridib’s argument is also not true because the second chamber is also required to give representations to all sections of society even though it might not be the federation. Questions 3. Why can the Lok Sabha control the executive more effectively than the Rajya Sabha can? Answer: The government is formed by the party who gets the majority in the Lok Sabha. The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the poeple. The Lok Sabha enjoys the power to remove any executive from the office while the Rajya Sabha cannot remove any executive from the office. Questions 4. Rather than effective control of the executive, the Lok Sabha is a platform for the expression of popular sentiments and people’s expectations. Do you agree? Give reasons. Answer: Yes, I agree to this view that rather than effective control of the executive, the Lok Sabha is a platform for the expression of popular sentiments and people’s expectations. Its reasons are: The members of the Lok Sabha express their views on the bill during discussion. These members carry sentiments and expectations of their constituencies’ people to the parliament. A debate on a particular bill takes place and opens the path for its modifications, etc. if required. Money Bills have to be introduced in the Lok Sabha only. The Parliament enjoys the powers to frame laws on the subjects given in the union list and concurrent list if required. Questions 5. The following are some proposals for making the Parliament more effective. State if you agree or disagree with each of them and give your reasons. Explain what would be the effect if these suggestions were accepted. (a) Parliament should work for longer period. (b) Attendance should be made compulsory for members of Parliament. (c) Speakers should be empowered to penalise members for interrupting the proceedings of the House. Answer: (a) Yes, I agree because the parliament is supposed to ensure a responsible government but in the absence of proper time as well as boycott of sessions and oppositions delay the important bills also remain pending for longer period. Hence, the parliament should work for some longer duration to control the executives through debates, discussions and censures to avoid pendency of bills. (b) Yes, I agree with the view because: The proceedings of the houses get suspended due to lack of quorum. Money Bills delays for a longer period. It shows an injustice towards the people who have elected them and whatever the constituencies are being represented by them. (c) Yes, I agree with this view also because: A speaker of Lok Sabha is a presiding officer to regulate the business of the House. Now-a-days, some members create noisy uproars and disturb the proceedings of ‘ the house. Sometimes, members create so much discomfort to compel the speaker to adjourn the House. Hence, the precious time of the house is wasted and not utilized in the constructive debates. Questions 6. Arif wanted to know that if ministers propose most of the important bills and if the majority party often gets the government bills passed, what is the role of the Parliament in the law making process? What answer would you give him? Answer: Because: The council of ministers is accountable to the lower house and if a bill does not succeed to be passed by the parliament, it shows the loss of majority of party in the house, hence the government will have to resign. A bill is introduced in either of the house in case of non-Money Bill and if Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha for the debates and discussions in various stages. If any bill does not fulfill the interest of the people, the parliament pressurizes the government to withdraw the bill but if it is in the interest of the people, it pressurizes the government to initiate the bill. The Money Bill cannot be denied by the Rajya Sabha, it can delay it only for 14 days and after the 14 days are passed, the bill is deemed to have been passed. If, there is a tussle between the two houses, a joint session of parliament resolves the issues. Questions 7. Which of the following statements you agree with the most? Give your reasons. (a) Legislators must be free to join any party they want. (b) Anti-defection law has contributed to the domination of the party leaders over the legislators. (c) Defection is always for selfish purposes and therefore, a legislator who wants to join another party must be disqualified from being a minister for the next two years. Answer: In all the above three statements, I agree most with the second statement because: Party leaders have issued the party-rules as if a member remains absent in the house on a particular day or votes against the instructions of the party, his membership of the party would be terminated. If a legislature is free to join any party, he wants, then it will be against the will of voters who have elected them. Questions 8. Dolly and Sudha are debating about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Parliament in recent times. Dolly believed that the decline of Indian Parliament is evident in the less time spent on debate and discussion and increase in the disturbances of the functioning of the House and walkouts, etc. Sudha contends that the fall of different governments on the floor of the Lok Sabha is a proof of its vibrancy. What other arguments can you provide to support or oppose the positions of Dolly and Sudha? Answer: On the live telecast of proceedings of the Parliament, the members fight bitterly, which create a wastage of nation’s time and fund. Some of the members who do not fulfill their duty honestly, create uproars in the house. Dolly views the decline of Parliament because less time is spent in discussions and disturbances are decreased in an unparliamentary any methods. The party leaders should restrain own party members from creating such disturbances in the proceedings. The presiding officers should take effective action on these misbehavior as well as the members should be made educated to the constructive behavior. Questions 9. Arrange the different stages of passing of a bill into a law in their correct sequence: (a) A resolution is passed to admit the bill for discussion (b) The bill is referred to the President of India – write what happens next if s/he does not sign it. (c) The bill is referred to other House and is passed. (d) The bill is passed in the house in which it was proposed. (e) The bill is read clause by clause and each is voted upon. (f) The bill is referred to the subcommittee – the committee makes some changes and sends it back to the house for discussion. (g) The concerned minister proposes the need for a bill. (h) Legislative department in ministry of law, drafts a bill. Answer: Correct sequence is: Legislative department in ministry of law, drafts a bill. The concerned minister proposes the need for a bill. A resolution is passed to admit the bill for discussion. The bill is referred to the subcommittee-the committee makes some changes and sends it back to the house for discussion. The bill is read clause by clause and each is voted upon. The bill is passed in the house in which it was proposed. The bill is referred to other house and is passed. The bill is referred to the Pi evident of India. Though the consent of the President results in the enactment of a bill into a law. But if the President does not sign it, he can withhold or refuse to give assent to the bill (other than Money Bill), passed by the parliament. The president can send the bill back for reconsideration’s. And if it is passed again by the parliament, the President is bound to give his assent to the bill. But, there is no time limit to send the bill back for reconsideration. Hence, the president can keep the bill pending with him without any time constant. Questions 10. How has the system of parliamentary committee affected the overseeing and appraisal of legislation by the Parliament? Answer: The Parliament meets only for sessions, hence it has limited time to consider a bill in depth. Parliament committees have been set up since 1983 in the various departments to discuss the particular bill. These committees include business advisory committees, estimate committee, the public accounts committee, etc. These committees have reduced the burden of Parliament as they gather whole information on the bill and can ask any member to appear before it. After that committee sends its report, the Parliament debates on it as well as provide some necessary recommendations and approve it. Without the approval of Parliament, no bill can become a law, but any suggestion is rarely rejected. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 NCERT Extra Questions Solved Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 NCERT VERY Short Answer Type Questions Questions 1. How is the Lok Sabha formed? Answer: The Lok Sabha is the Lower House of the Parliament having 545 members: Its members are elected by the people who enjoy the right to vote. To conduct its elections, the country is divided into constituencies, and members are elected from here. Two Anglo-Indians are nominated to it by the President. Questions 2. What is a Money Bill? Answer: A Money Bill contains the matters like imposing, reducing, expenditure, loan, payments, etc. A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha by a minister and not in the Rajya Sabha Questions 3. What is a State Legislature? Answer: The State Legislature consists of a Governor and one or two houses of legislature, i.e. Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council. In most of the states of India, only one House of Legislature is found, i.e. the Legislative Assembly. Questions 4. Name those states where Bicameral Legislature has been adopted. Answer: In six states Uttar Pradesh Bihar Jammu and Kashmir Maharashtra Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: have Bicameral Lagislature. Questions 5. Mention the qualifications for membership of Legislative Assembly. Answer: He/She must be a citizen of India. He/She must be 25 years old. He/She must not hold any office of profit under Government of India. He must not be of unsound mind. Questions 6. Mention the qualifications for the membership of State Legislative Council. Answer: He/She must be a citizen of India. He/She should not be less than 30 years of age. He should not hold any office of profit under Government of India. He should not be of unsound mind. He should not be disqualified to become the member of council. Questions 7. What is an Ordinary Bill? Answer: Ordinary Bills are concerned with the matters other than money matters. These are of two types, i.e. Government Bills introduced by a minister and Private Member’s Bill introduced by a member of Parliament. Questions 8. Why do we need a Parliament? Answer: We need a Parliament for the following reasons: For law making To help the people to hold representatives accountable. All political processes take place in a democratic manner. Questions 9. Mention the difference between a Bill and a Law. Answer: Bills are the resolutions introduced in the Parliament for law-making purposes and when a bill is passed by both the houses and sanctioned by the President, it becomes a law. Questions 10. Mention some important functions of the legislature. Answer: The legislature is to enact laws. To control the finance of the country. To amend the constitution if required. Questions 11. What is a legislature? Answer: Legislature is an organ of government to frame laws for the nation alongwith the expression of people’s will, in which all the sections of society participate. Questions 12. How is the speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? Ans. The speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by the members of parliament in the first sitting of a new government. He/she belongs to the party having majority in the Lok Sabha. He/ she is supported to conduct proceeding of Parliament in an impartial manner. Question 13. Mention the different types of Legislature. Answer: Legislature is classified into two types: Bi-cameral consists of two houses as in the USA, India, Switzerland, Canada, UK, etc. The British Parliament consists of the House of Lords and the House of Commons and India has the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Uni-cameral legislature consists of a single House as in Pakistan, Finland, China, Portugal, Czechoslovakia, etc. Question 14. What are the qualifications for a member in Lok Sabha? Answer: He should be a citizen of India. He should not be less than 25 years of age. He should not hold any office of profit under Government of India. No criminal case should be pending against him or should not be criminal or of unsound mind. His name should be in the voters’ list. Question 15. How is the Rajya Sabha formed? Answer: Rajya Sabha consists of 250 members. Out of 250, 12 members are elected by the President who have distinctions in the various fields. Rest of the members are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies. It has a tenure of six years and one-third members get retired after every two years. Question 16. Mention the qualifications to become a member of Rajya Sabha. Answer: He must be a citizen of India. He should not be less than 30 years of age. He should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India. He should not be a criminal or lunatic. He should possess the qualifications as determined by the Parliament. Question 17. What are the powers of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? Answer: The Speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha. He appoints the chairperson and other members of select committees. He is the guardian of the privileges of the members of the Lok Sabha. He enjoys the power to grant permission for the introduction of bill in the House. Question 18. How are the members of a Legislative Assembly elected? Answer: The members of the Legislative Assembly are elected by the people of concerned states on the basis of Universal Adult Franchise. Every state is divided into the constituencies on the basis of population. Every constituency elects only one member. Only those voters can participate in the election whose name is there in the voters’ list. Question 19. What are the powers of the Legislative Assembly? Answer: It can make laws on the subjects included in the state list and concurrent list. Money Bills can be introduced only in the Legislative Assembly . The members of Legislative Assembly participate in the election of the President. It exercises full control over the executive of the state. Question 20. What is the position of the Legislative Assembly in the administration of the state? Answer: The Legislative Assembly enjoys all the Legislative powers of the state. The council of ministers is directly under the control of the Legislative Assembly as it can pass a no-confidence motion against the minister to remove it from the office. The Legislative Council can delay an ordinary bill not more than 4 months and a Money Bill not more than 14 days. Question 21. How does the Legislative Assembly control the Council of Ministers? Answer: The Council of Ministers in the state is responsible to the Legislative Assembly for its functions and if Legislative Assembly passes no confidence motion against Council of Ministers, it has to resign. If a Money Bill is rejected by the Legislative Assembly, the Council of Ministers has to resign. Hence, the Legislative Assembly exercises full control over the Council of Ministers. Question 22. How is the Lok Sabha more powerful than the Rajya Sabha? Answer: Lok Sabha exercises full control over the executive while the Rajya Sabha does not exercise any effective control. The members of Lok Sabha are elected by direct participation of the people while Rajya Sabha is formed by an indirect election. The Money Bills are introduced only in the Lok Sabha and only sent for recommendations to the Rajya Sabha and if, within 14 days, it is not returned, it is assumed to be passed. Question 23. Mention power of Parliament to amend the Constitution. Answer: The Parliament can amend the Constitution: By passing the bill by simple majority in both the Houses of Parliament. By special majority in both the Houses of Parliament. By 2/3 majority of both the Houses of Parliament and the consent of more than half of the total states. Question 24. What are the privileges of the members of the Parliament? Answer: A member of the parliament has full freedom of speech in his house. No member can be arrested during the session of parliament except on the basis of an offence of criminal nature and the prior approval of the speaker or chairman. A member cannot be prosecuted for its speech or behavior in the house in any law court. Question 25. What is an Adjournment Motion? Answer: The Adjournment Motion is introduced either in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha or in both the Houses. It is to invite the attention of members towards the serious problem or even by suspending the routine work of the House. Mostly, council of ministers oppose it because it can expose the policies of government or opposition gets an opportunity to criticize the government. Question 26. Throw some light on the relationship between Governor and the Legislative Assembly. Answer: The Governor exercises the power either to the call the session or to suspend or to end it. The Governor addresses the Legislature and can send message to it. He signs all the bills passed by the Legislative Assembly and no bill can become a law without his sanction. He can dissolve the Legislative Assembly and arrange for new elections. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 NCERT Short Answer Type Questions Question 1. Give some arguments in favour of Uni-cameral legislature. Answer: Uni-cameral legislature helps to maintain uniformity and unity of legislature as well as the people cannot have two opinions at a time on the same subject. Uni-cameral proceedings save money and time because the salaries paid to the members of other house, can be used in some other useful works as well as any bill is not sent to any other house which saves time also. Question 2. What is a Bi-cameral legislature? Explain. Answer: A Bi-cameral legislature is a two-chambered legislature: The second chamber has its merits and demerits both. Bi-cameral system is getting popular now-a-days due to its merits. In countries like India, USA, UK, Switzerland, Canada, the Bi-cameral Legislature is experienced. Question 3. How can you say that “Upper House is permanent in Bi-cameral Legislature”? Answer: In Bi-cameral legislature, the two Houses exist, one is known as the Upper House and the other is Lower House. The Upper House is permanent: The members to the senate of Canada are nominated for whole life. The House of Lords in Britain is hereditary which never ceases to exist. The one-third members of the Rajya Sabha in India get retired after every two years and new members are elected there. Hence, they enjoy the tenure of six years as well as it never dissolves. Question 4. What is the composition of the State Legislative Council? Answer: 1/3 members are elected by the State Legislative Assembly and these persons are not to be the members of the State Legislative Assembly. 1/3 of the members are elected by the local bodies like corporations, Municipalities, Panchayats, Zila Parishad, etc. 1/12 of the members are elected by the teachers of not lower than Higher Secondary Schools. Teachers who have three years of standing are entitled to vote in the elections. 1/6 of the total members of the council are nominated by the Governor, who have distinction in the field of Literature, Science, Fine Arts and Social Service. 1/12 of the members are elected by the university graduates of atleast 3 years of standing. Question 5. Mention the special powers of the Rajya Sabha. Answer: The Rajya Sabha alone can initiate the proposal for removing the Vice-President and it can create one or more All India services on passing a resolution by 2/3 majority. Under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha may declare a resolution to be passed by 2/3 majority that Parliament should make laws with respect to any matter enumerated in the state list. Question 6. How is the speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? What are his main functions? Answer: The speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha and conducts its proceedings. The Lok Sabha elects him in the first sitting. The person who gets majority is elected as the speaker to impartially conduct the business of the House. The speaker conducts the following functions: To preside over the meetings of the Lok Sabha. To appoint the chairperson and other members of select committees. To maintain discipline in the House. To decide whether a bill is Money Bill or not. To grant permission to introduce any bill in the house. To protect the privileges of the members of the Lok Sabha. Question 7. How does Indian Parliament control the Executive? Answer: The Prime Minister and his Council is elected out of the parliament who participate in the proceedings of the Parliament. The members of Parliament can put up the questions from council of ministers and are entitled to get satisfactory responses. The Parliament can invite attention of council of ministers towards the serious problem in the nation through an adjournment motion. The ministers are responsible to the parliament for their actions and policies. Parliament has the right to enjoy the ‘no confidence motion’ also against the government. Question 8. What are the powers and functions of the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha? Answer: The Vice President of India is the chairperson of Rajya Sabha to perform the following functions: To preside over the meetings of Rajya Sabha. To allow members to speak. To maintain relevance in debates and to stop the members if anyone uses un¬parliamentary language. He is the custodian of the diginity of house and protects the privileges of the members of the Rajya Sabha. He preserves order in the house and if situation goes out of control he can suspend the meetings. He is not allowed to vote, but in case of equality of votes, he has a casting vote. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 NCERT Passage-Based Questions Passage 1. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 102) given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: The term ‘Parliament’ refers to the national legislature. The legislature of the States is described as State legislature. The Parliament in India has two houses. When there are two houses of the legislature, it is called a bicameral legislature. The two Hotsses of the Indian Parliament are the Council of States or the Rajya Sabha and the House of the People or Lok Sabha. The Constitution has given the States the option of establishing either a unicameral or bicameral legislature. At present only five States have a bicameral legislature. Questions: 1. What does the term ‘Parliament’ refer to? 2. What is a bi-cameral legislature? 3. How many states have bicameral legislature in India? Answers: 1. Parliament refers to the national legislature. 2. Bi-cameral legislature consists of two houses of the legislature. 3. There are six states in India which have bi-cameral legislature. Passage 2. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 121) given below carefully and answer the questions that follow If a member remains absent in the House when asked by the party leadership to remain present or votes against the instructions of the party or voluntarily leaves the membership of the party, it is deemed as defection. Experience of the past twenty years shows that the anti-defection amendment has not been able to curb defections, but it has given additional powers to the party leadership and the presiding officers of the legislatures over the members. Questions: 1. What is a defection? 2. Has the anti-defection amendment been able to curb defection? 3. Which Amendment Act is known as anti-defection amendment? Answers: 1. If a member remains absent from the house or votes against the instructions of the party or voluntarily leaves the membership of the party, it is deemed as defection. 2. Experience of the past 20 years shows that anti-defection amendment has not been able to curb defection, but it has given additional powers to the party leadership and the presiding officers over legislature. 3. 52nd Amendment Act, 1985 is known as Anti-defection Amendment. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 NCERT Long Answer Type Questions Question 1. What are the powers and functions of the parliament? Answer: The parliament is Bi-cameral legislature consisting of two houses alongwith the President of India. It enjoys the following powers and functions. Legislative Powers: To pass laws on the subjects given in the union list like foreign affairs, defence, war and peace, railway, etc. To pass laws on the subjects given in the concurrent list. The state legislature also have the same power on the subjects mentioned in the state list, but parliament also can pass laws on these subjects in the following circumstances: If the council of states passes a resolution by 2/3 majority declaring a subject to be of national importance to be valid for one year only. If emergency is proclaimed for the whole country or any part thereof, the parliament can pass laws on the state list also. But such laws will come to an end to the extent of unconstitutionality, six months after the end of emergency. If emergency is proclaimed due to the failure of constitutional machinery in a state, the laws made by parliament during such an emergency shall cease to operate to the extent of incompetency, one year after the proclamation ends. Financial Powers: To pass the budget No tax can be imposed without approval of parliament. No expenditure can be incurred without the sanction of parliament. The government has no authority to any change any amount of its own free will. The parliament has its, own committees to enquiry about the adequacy of the expenditure and estimate, etc. 3. Control over Executive: The ministers are responsible towards the parliament for their actions and policies. Parliament can draw the attention of the government towards serious problems and events through ‘Adjournment Motion’. Parliament can ask questions to the ministers and is supposed to get satisfactory responses. During budget, the parliament criticizes the policies of Government on the different departments of government. Parliament can enjoy ‘no confidence’ motion against the government or reject any government Bill or reduce the salary of any minister by a resolution. Hence, government has to resign. 4. Judicial Powers: To confer power of issuing writs and directions for any purpose other than the protection of fundamental rights on the Supreme Court of India. To confer some other powers also in the Supreme Court not to be against constitution, but essential for the performance of its duty. It may establish High Court in a centrally administered area as well as extend the empowerment or jurisdiction of a high court if required. It has the power to impeach against high dignitaries as the President, Judges of the Supreme Court, and High Courts. 5. Electoral Powers: The elected members of Parliament participate in the election of President with the elected members of Legislative Assemblies of the states. Parliament elects the Vice President. It elects the speaker. 6. Power to Amend Constitution: Parliament amends the constitution as per the Article 368. An amendment can be made only if it is passed by absolute majority or 2/3 majority of the members present and voting in both the houses separately. But approval of 50% states is required in addition to the procedure given above for amending the articles given in Article 368. Question 2. Describe the law-making procedure in the Parliament of India. Answer: An ordinary bill has to go through the various stages of law-making in the following manner: Introduction or the first reading: A request for introduction along with objects and reasons is sent to the presiding officer. On the appointed data member-in-charge of the bill moves the motion for permission to introduce the bill. No debate takes place and the presiding officer puts bill to vote. Sometimes opposition takes place, the presiding officer asks to make a brief explanation of bill. After, the permission of speaker, the bill is published in the Government Gazette. Second Reading: After the consideration, the data is fixed for the second reading. The bill may be referred to a select committee of house or The bill may be taken up for consideration or The bill may be circulated for the purpose of getting public opinion. Only main principles are discussed. Committee Stage: A committee of 20-30 members is appointed to go through the bill thoroughly. Committee gathers full information on the bill and discuss its pros and cons. Committee can make some changes also in the bill at this stage. Committee can ask any member to appear before it. Committee consists of the mover of the bill and few other members. 4. Report Stage: Committee submits reports within three months or the period assigned by the house. The reports are published and its copies are distributed among the members of parliament. A discussion takes place by supporters and its opposers. After that, voting takes place and if the majority votes in favour, it is passed otherwise rejected. 5. Third Reading: It is the last stage, where no substantial changes are made, only some amendments are allowed. Then it is put to vote and if majority supports it, it is declared passed. The speaker or chairman, as the case may be, certifies that the bill has been passed in the house, and sends it to other house. 6. Bill in other House: In other house also, the bill goes through various stages like the first house. If the bill is passed, it is sent to the President for his signature to become an Act or Law. Question 3. Describe the procedure for election, position and powers of the speaker of a State Legislative Assembly. Answer: Election: The speaker presides over the meetings of the Assembly and is responsible for conducting the business of the house. The members of newly elected Legislative Assembly elect the speaker from amongst themselves. The speaker remains along with the tenure of Assembly and he remains in his office even if Assembly is dissolved, till the first meeting of the Assembly. He may resign, if he desires. He may be removed only by an absolute majority which requires 14 days’ notice at least. Position: His office is one of the honour, dignity and authority. He presides over the meeting of the Assembly. He maintains the discipline of the house. He takes care of the privileges of the members. Powers and functions: Presides over its meetings and conducts its proceedings. The motions are admitted by him for discussion. He maintains discipline in the house. He safeguards the privileges of the members of parliament. He may punish the members for a breach of discipline or he can expel them from the house or suspend them for sometime. He asks members to vote whenever required and announces the result. He enjoys the right to cast a vote in case of equality of votes. He certifies the Money Bills. He sends the bills forward, i.e. to the Governor or to Legislative Council as the case may be. Question 4. ‘Rajya Sabha is less powerful than Lok Sabha’. Justify the statement. Answer: This statement can be justified by the following relationship between the two houses: Ordinary Bills: Ordinary Bills can be introduced in either of the house. After one house passes it, it is sent to the other house for amendments in the bill or to reject it. If the other house passes the bill in the original form, it is sent to the President’s sanction. If two houses do not agree on the bill, a joint session of Parliament is called upon by the President under Article 108 of the constitution. The decision is taken on the majority basis and the voice of Lok Sabha prevails due to its numerical strength. Financial Powers: Money Bills and Budget are originated only in the Lok Sabha. If the Lok Sabha passes a Money Bill, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha for amendment or recommendations. Rajya Sabha is supposed to return the Money Bill within 14 days and if within 14 days, it is not returned, it is considered to be passed by both the houses. id) It is up to Lok Sabha to accept the recommendations of Rajya Sabha or not. In case of disagreement of houses on money bill, no joint session is called upon. Hence, Lok Sabha enjoys absolute power over the finance of country. 3. Control over Executive: The council of ministers is responsible towards parliament for its policies and actions. Executive is answerable to the parliament only. Though Rajya Sabha can exert its influence on the Government in many ways but it cannot remove the government from its office. This power is exercised only by the Lok Sabha. Lok Sabha can exercise no confidence or reject a bill or money bill, hence government has to resign. Hence, government is supposed to be in touch with the Lok Sabha. Hence, it can be concluded that Lok Sabha is more powerful than Rajya Sabha. Question 5. Describe the amendment procedure of constitution. Answer: The constitution of India is partly rigid or partly flexible to make some necessary amendments in the following manner: By Simple Majority: The Parliament of India has the power to amend the constitution by its own initiatives in following cases: Article 3 of the constitution brought out States Reorganization Act of 1956 to form new states or to change in the name of the states. These matters are carried out by simple majority of both the houses of Parliament on the desire of President. Under Article 169, the formation or abolition of second chamber can also be decided by a simple majority only. Article 240 provides the provisions on the good administration of the centrally administered territories, if amendment is required. By Special Majority: Article 368 has the provisions for the process of amending constitution. Bill for such amendments can be introduced in either the house. If both the houses pass the bill with absolute majority or 2/3 majority of the members present and voting, it will be sent to the President for his signatures. All the subjects which are not mentioned in the first list and third list, can also be amended through this procedure only. By a special majority along with the consent of the states: If an amendment is concerned with the subjects given in Article 368, it is supposed to be approved by 1/4 of the state Assemblies after being passed by both the houses with absolute majority or 2/3 majority of the members present and voting. But the amendment will come into force after it is signed by the president: Election of president and his removal Extent of executive power of union Extent of executive powers of states Union judiciary The high courts in the states High court for union territories Legislative relations between the center and the states The representation of states in parliament Lists of the VII schedule Article 368 itself Question 6. Mention the powers of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature LAQ Q6 Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 NCERT Picture-Based Questions 1. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 108) given below and answer the questions that follow: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature Picture Based Questions Q1 Questions: 1. What does the cartoon represent? 2. How does Parliament control over executive financially? 3. What are the financial powers of the Parliament? Answers: 1. The cartoon represents the sanction of Money Bill to the different ministries. 2. Every government raises resources through taxation and the legislature controls taxation. If the Government introduces any new tax it has to get the approval of the Lok Sabha. 3. Grant of resources to the government to implement its programmes. The government has to give an account to the legislature about the money it has spent and resources that it wishes to raise. It also ensures that the government does not misspend or overspend through the budget and annual financial statement. 2. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 113) given below and answer the questions that follow: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature Picture Based Questions Q2 Questions: 1. What does the cartoon refer to? 2. In case of disagreement, how is the proposed bill resolved? 3. In case of deadlock, in whose favour the decision goes? Answers: 1. Cartoon refers to an individual discussion among members on a bill. 2. Through the joint session of Parliament 3. Lok Sabha. 3. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 118) given below and answer the questions that follow: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature Picture Based Questions Q3 Questions 1. Which measure is adopted frequently by the opposition to register its protests? 2. Has there been an overuse of this weapon? Answers 1. Walkout from the House during session. 2. Yes. 4. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 120) given below and answer the questions that follow: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature Picture Based Questions Q4 Questions: 1. What does the cartoon represent? 2. Why do you think such situation occurs? 3. Who takes the final decision on all such cases? Answers: 1. Some members or ministers have been ordered to go out of the Parliament. 2. This situation occurs only when a member decides to leave the party after getting elected. 3. The presiding officer of the House takes the final decision on all such cases. Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 NCERT Map-Based Questions 1. Study the map given below and answer the questions that follow: Question 1. Mark the states having bi-cameral legislature: Answers Andhra Pradesh Bihar Jammu and Kashmir Karnataka Maharashtra Uttar Pradesh. NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature Political Science Class 11 NCERT

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 

Political Science 

Chapter 4 

Executive 

 NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 Executive Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 NCERT Textbook Questions Solved Questions 1. A parliamentary executive means: 

(а) Executive where there is a parliament 

(б) Executive elected by the parliament 

(c) Where the parliament functions as the Executive 

(d) Executive that is dependent on support of the majority in the parliament 

Answer: (d) Executive that is dependent on support of the majority in the parliament.

Questions 2. Read this dialogue. Which argument do you agree with? Why? Amit: Looking at the constitutional provisions, it seems that the President is only a rubber stamp. Shama: The President appoints the Prime Minister. So, he must have the powers to remove the Prime Minister as well. Rajesh: We don’t need a President. After the election, the Parliament can meet and elect a leader to be the Prime Minister. 

Answer: We agree with the dialogue of Shama because the office of the President of India is the office of respect and nominal supremacy. He is not only a rubber stamp but he can use his discretionary power at the appointment of the Prime Minister in case of no single party gets majority. The Council of Ministers is answerable to the people. As soon as the council loses the confidence of the lower house it falls automatically. Hence, no need to remove the Prime Minister by the President.

Question 3. Match the following: I. Works within the particular State in which recruited

a) Indian Foreign Service II. Works in any central government office located either at the national capital or elsewhere in the country

b) State Civil Services III. Works in a particular State to which allotted; can also be sent on deputation to the center

c) All India Services IV. Works in Indian missions abroad

d) Central Services 

Ans. (b) (c) (d) (a) 

Question 4. Identify the ministry which may have released the following news items. Would this be a ministry of the central government or the State government? Why? 

(a) An official release said that in 2004-05, the Tamil Nadu Textbooks Corporation would release new versions for standards VII, X and XI. 

(b) A new railway loop line bypassing the crowded Tiruvallur-Chennai section to help iron-ore exporters. The new line, likely to be about 80 km long, will branch off at Puttur and then reach Athipattu near the port. 

(c) The three-member sub-divisional committee formed to verify suicide by farmers in Ramayampet mandal has found that the two farmers who committed suicide this month have had economic problems due to the failure of crops. 

Answer: (a) This news has been released from the Ministry of Education belonging to the State Government because Education subject is in the state list and a state can execute laws on it. 

(6) This news has been released by the Ministry of Railway and the subject mentioned in Union List (Central Government). 

 (c) This news item belongs to Ministry of Agriculture, the subject mentioned in the state list (State Government). 

Questionn 5. While appointing the Prime Minister, the President selects 

(a) Leader of the largest party in the Lok Sabha. 

(b) Leader of the largest party in the alliance which secures a majority in the Lok Sabha. 

(c) The leader of the largest party in the Rajya Sabha. 

(d) Leader of the alliance or party that has the support of the majority in Lok Sabha. 

Answer: (a) Leader of the alliance or party that has the support of the majority in Lok Sabha.

 Question 6. Read this discussion and say which of these statements applies most to India. Alok: Prime Minister is like a king, he decides everything in our country. Shekhar: Prime Minister is only the ‘first among equals’, he does not have any special powers. All ministers and the PM have similar powers. Bobby: Prime Minister has to consider the expectations of the party members and other supporters of the government. But after all, the Prime Minister has a greater say in policy making and in choosing the ministers. 

Answer: The statement of Bobby applies most to India. 

Questionn 7. Why do you think is the advice of the Council of Ministers binding on the President? Give your answer in not more than 100 words.

 Answer: The advice of the Council of Ministers is binding on the President because: The President is the formal head of the government in a parliamentary system. Article 74(1) states that there will be a council of ministers as a head to aid and advise the President. President will act in accordance with such advice by the council. After reconsideration, the President will act in accordance with the advice. 

Question 8. The parliamentary system of executive vests many powers in the legislature for controlling the executive. Why, do you think, is it so necessary to control the executive? 

Answer: In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the head of the government alongwith the President as a nominal head of the government The executive is responsible to the parliament and holds powers till it enjoys the confidence of the parliament. It is necessary to ensure the sensitivity towards public expectations and accountability to the needs and aspirations of the people.

 Question 9. It is said that there is too much political interference in the working of the administrative machinery. It is suggested that there should be more and more autonomous agencies which do not have to answer to the ministers. 

(a) Do you think this will make administration more people-friendly? 

(b) Do you think this will make administration more efficient? 

(c) Does democracy mean full control of elected representatives over the administration? 

Answer: (a) This will not make administration more friendly to the people. In a democracy, the elected representatives and the ministers are the in-charge of the government. Hence, the administrative officers cannot act in violation of the policies adopted by the legislature. The administrative machinery is supposed to be faithful and efficient in policy formation and implementation. 

 (b) Yes, if there would be autonomous agencies, it will make administration more efficient. (c) The elected representatives enjoy the right to make the policies but the administrative officers implement those policies effectively and efficiently. Hence, democracy does not refer full control of elected representatives over administration. 

Questionn 10. Write an essay of two hundred words on the proposal to have an elected administration instead of an appointed administration. Answer: An elected administration in place of an appointed administration would be harmful because an elected administration will have instability to implement the different policies whereas the appointed administration is selected on the basis of merit to handle the welfare policies of the government in an effective manner alongwith full knowledge and practical approach of their concerned departments. Hence, the appointed administration is more efficient and capable to implement and perform the developmental functions. An appointed administration will also be able to perform the functions of planning and social welfare.

  Very Short Answer Type Questions 

Questionn 11. Mention two ceremonial executives. 

Answer: Constitutional Monarchy (England) Parliamentary Republic (India) 

Question 12. In which country, we find Semi-Presidential Executive? Answer: In Sri-Lanka or France or Russia 

Questionn 13. Mention the tenure of the President of India. 

Answer: The tenure of the President of India is five years, he can resign if he likes before the completion of his term of office. or The President can be removed from his office through an action of impeachment if he does not work according to the constitution. 

Questionn 14. How is the Vice-President elected in India? Answer: The Vice-President is elected by the members of both the Houses of Parliament on the basis of proportional representation. 

Questionn 15. How can a Vice President be removed? 

Answer: A Vice President may be removed from his office by a resolution of Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha. But no resolution will be moved for this purpose without a notice of 14 days. 

Questionn 16. Write down any two powers of the Vice President of India. 

Answer: He is the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He shall act as acting President in the event of occurrence of vacancy in the office of president on account of his death, removal or resignation, etc. 

Question 17. What do you mean by ‘Council of Ministers’? Answer: Council of Ministers is a constitutional body. According to Article 74(1), there shall be a council of ministers to aid and advise the president, The President shall act on the advice of Prime Minister, the leader of ruling party. The number of members of Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total numbers of members of the Lok Sabha determined by 91st Amendment Act of 2003.

 Question 18. What is the tenure of Governor? 

Answer: A Governor is appointed for five years, though he can resign earlier also and the President, too, if he likes, can remove him from his office, as well as he can extend his tenure also. But the state legislature cannot remove a Governor.

 Question 19. What do you mean by Executive? 

Answer: Executive is an organ of the Government to enforce the will of the legislature and to maintain law and order in the society, and runs the administration of the country.

 Question 20. What is Plural Executive? 

Answer: In a Plural Executive, the authority to direct is exercised not by a single authority but by a group of persons having co-equal status of authority, e.g. Swiss Federal Council. 

Questionn 21. Who is the real executive in India? 

Answer: The Council of Ministers along with the Prime Minister as a head at the central level and the Chief Minister alongwith his council of ministers at state level are the real executives in India.

 Question 22. Mention the classification of Civil Services.

 Answer: All India services: Indian Administrative Services Indian Police Service Central Services: Indian Foreign Services Indian Revenue Services State Services: Sales Tax Officer 

Question 23. Mention the qualifications for a person to become the President of India.

 Answer: He should be a citizen of India. His age should not be less than 35 years. He should be qualified for the membership of the Lok Sabha. He should not hold the office of profit under the Government. He should not be a member of the Parliament or any state legislature and if he is, he must resign. 

Question 24. Mention the classification of the Council of Ministers. Answer: Cabinet Ministers are independent heads of their respective department. State Ministers assist the Cabinet Ministers and they are sometimes given independent charge of some portfolios. Deputy Ministers do not have any independent department but assist either to Cabinet or State Ministers.

 Question 25. What are the merits of a good executive? 

Answer: To maintain law and order in the country not to let fulfill the evil intentions of anybody. To protect and preserve the national boundaries to protect the country from external aggression. To avoid financial fluctuations in the country to maintain stability in economy. 

Question 26. What is the relation between the Council of Ministers and Legislative Assembly? Answer: Chief Minister along with his Council of Ministers is the leader of majority party in the Legislative Assembly. All these ministers participate in the meetings of the legislature, discuss the various topics and express their opinion on it. The sessions of legislature are called after the will of the Council of Ministers. 

Question 27. What is the relation between the Governor and the Legislative Assembly? 

Answer: The Governor calls the session of the Legislative Assembly as well as he only may suspend it or end the session. The Governor can send messages to the Legislative Assembly. He signs all the bills passed by the Legislative Assembly. No bill becomes law, till he does not sanction it. The Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly and call for fresh elections.

 Question 28. How is the Governor of a state appointed?

 Answer: The Governor of state is appointed by the President of India on the basis of qualifications mentioned in our constitution. But, Governor is a nominee of the central cabinet because the Prime Minister and the other members of his cabinet like to have a man of confidence on this post. 

Questionn 29. Mention the qualifications for a Governor of a state. 

Answer: He must be a citizen of India. He must be at least 35 years of age. He must not be a member of the parliament or of any state legislature and if he is, he must resign. He must not be holding any office of profit at any level of Government. He must not be a lunatic or insolvent. 

Question 30. How can the President of India be removed?

 Answer: The President of India is elected for a tenure of five years. He can be removed from his office by an impeachment only for violation of the constitution. This may be initiated by either house of parliament and if it is passed by 2/3 majority of the total membership of the house, then it is sent to the other house. And if the other house also passes it with the 2/3 majority, only then the President can be removed. 

Questionn 31. What are the Executive powers of the Governor? 

Answer: The Governor is the head of the state. All the laws are executed in his name and he maintains law and order in the state. All the important officers of the state are appointed by him. He appoints Chief Minister and other ministers also on the advice of the Chief Minister. He also has the power to dismiss the Council of Ministers. 

Question 32. In the absence of no single majority party, how is the Chief Minister appointed?

 Answer: The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor. If no single party commands majority in the Legislative Assembly, the Governor can use his discretion in appointing the Chief Minister to the person whom he thinks fit to get the support of the majority in the Legislative Assembly. Example: Appointment of Bhajan Lai, Congress (I) leader, by Governor G.D. Tagore in 1982 in Haryana. 

Short Answer Type Questions

  Question 1. What do you understand by the dominance of executive leadership? 

Answer: In the parliamentary system, the legislature is formed mainly by the elected representatives because the political party who gets the majority, the leader of that party is called upon by the President to form the government. The parliament enjoys many powers even to pass no confidence motion against the Prime Minister and his Council as well as to remove them from their office. But in fact, the Prime Minister leads the parliament whenever he wants, can dissolve the Lok Sabha. Hence, it is considered as dominance of executive leadership. 

Questionn 2. Write a short note on the relationship between the President and the Prime Minister.

 Answer: According to the constitution, the appointment of the Prime Minister is made by the President who calls upon to the leader of majority party to form the government. The President is the constitutional head while the Prime Minister is the real head of the state. The Prime Minster serves as a link between the President and the Council of Ministers. 

Question 3. How is the President of India elected? 

Answer: The President of India is elected by the electoral college which consists of: Elected members of both the houses of parliament. Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the states. The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of Delhi and Pondicherry have been authorized to be the part of Electoral College by 70th Amendment of 1992. The President should fulfill all the qualifications also as assigned by the constitution of India. 

Question 4. Distinguish between the Political executive and the Permanent executive. 

Answer: Political executives are elected by the people through the process of elections where permanent executives are appointed by the Government of India on the basis of merits. The tenure of Political executives depends on the popular election in order to formulate policy and give direction to administration as long as they command the support of the electorates whereas the civil servants continue in service till they reach the age of superannuation. Political executives keep on changing after some duration but the permanent executives are there to cooperate with whichever leader comes in power by maintaining political neutrality in the discharge of their official duties. 

Question 5. Mention the situations to when a Governor can use his discretionary powers.

 Answer: If any party does not get the absolute majority or the winning is unable to choose its leader, the Governor can appoint chief minister of his own choice. If constitutional machinery fails in the state, the Governor immediately sends the report to the President and he is not bound to consult with the council of ministers under such circumstances, he can work independently. If the President declares emergency in the state, the Governor acts as an agent to the president in place to act in accordance with the advice of council of ministers. If the Governor feels some bills to be contradictory to the Central Government, he can reserve this bill for the approval of the President. 

Question 6. In what circumstances, the President’s rule is imposed in a state? What role does the Governor play during this? 

Answer: Under the following circumstances. President’s rule is imposed in a state: If no political party gets the majority and formation of government in the state becomes quiet impossible then on the advice of the Governor, President’s rule is imposed. If the President gets information of failing of constitutional machinery in the state. Role of Governor: When a President’s rule is imposed, the legislative assembly is dissolved and all the powers of government come into the hands of the Governor who works as an agent to the President of India and the legislative powers of the state go into the hands of parliament.

 Question 7. What are the Emergency powers of the President of India? 

Answer: The President of India can declare emergency mainly in the following cases: If the President feels the internal disturbances in the country, external aggression due to war, an emergency can be proclaimed by the President when parliament has the authority to form laws and fundamental rights of the citizens are also suspended. If a constitutional machinery fails in any of the state and the state legislative assembly is dissolved and all the legislative powers of state go into the hands of the parliament. The President can declare a financial emergency also and may decrease the pay and allowances of government employees. Question 8. Write a short note on single and plural executive. Answer: Single Executive: Refers to a person who does not share powers with others as in USA. In the UK and other parliamentary form of governments, the executive authority is vested in the cabinet, a plural body but in fact constituting a singular executive. The British cabinet acts as a unit and goes out of the office together. It functions under the leadership of Prime Minister. Plural Executive: Refers to directing authority by one single individual for a term but a group of persons have co-equal authority as the Swiss federal council consisting of seven Councillors and the chairman of the council is selected only for a term of one year and is merely the first among equals. 

Questionn 9. Do you think that the Presidential form of Government is the most suitable for India? Justify. 

Answer: Sometimes, it is presumed to have presidential form of government to be the most suitable for India for it is considered to be strong and stable to meet emergencies effectively. In my opinion parliamentary form of government is the most suitable for India because the government is responsible to the legislature and the people. Relation between the legislature and the executive makes passing of good laws possible. Moreover, parliamentary form of government has been working in India for past long years, hence it is the most suitable for India. 

Passage-Based Questions Passage 1. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, page 95)  and answer the questions that follows: 

Thee Indian bureaucracy today is an enormously complex system. It consists of the All-India services, State services, employees of the local governments, and technical and managerial staff running public sector undertakings. Makers of our Constitution were aware of the importance of the non-partisan and professional bureaucracy. They also wanted the members of the civil services or bureaucracy to be impartially selected on the basis of merit. So, the Union Public Service Commission has been entrusted with the task of conducting the process of recruitment of the civil servants for the government of India. Similar public service commissions are provided for the States also. Members of the Public Service Commissions are appointed for a fixed term. Their removal or suspension is subject to a thorough enquiry made by a judge of the Supreme Court.

 Questions: 

1. What do you mean by bureaucracy? 

2. What does the Indian bureaucracy consist of? 

3. How are the public servants appointed? 

4. How can the public servants be removed? 

Answers: 1. Bureaucracy stands for the government officers and it includes all the government servants who hold office on permanent basis till they retire at a fixed age. 

 2. The Indian bureaucracy consists of the All-India services, state services, employees of the local governments and technical and managerial staff running public sector undertaking. 

 3. The public servants are appointed by the process conducted by Union Public Service Commission for their recruitment as well as similar public commissions have also been appointed at the state level also. 

 4. The public servants are appointed for a fixed term. Their removal or suspension is subject to a thorough enquiry made by a judge of the Supreme Courts.

 Passage 2. Read the passage (NCERT Textbook, pages 86—87)  carefully and answer the questions that follows:

 The President also has veto power by which he can withhold or refuse to give assent to Bills (other than Money Bill) passed by the Parliament. Every bill passed by the Parliament goes to the President for his assent before it becomes a law. The President can send the bill back to the Parliament asking it to reconsider the bill. This “veto’ power is limited because, if the Parliament passes the same bill again and sends it back to the President, then, the President has to give assent to that bill. However, there is no mention in the Constitution about the time limit within which the President must send the bill back for reconsideration. This means that the President can just keep the bill pending with him without any time limit. This gives the President an informal power to use the veto in a very effective manner. This is sometimes referred to as ‘pocket veto’.

 Questions: 1. What is the ‘Veto’ power of the President? 

2. How a bill can be passed in Parliament and become a law? 

3. What do you mean by a ‘Pocket Veto’? 

Answers: 1. The ‘Veto’ Power of the President is a power to withhold or refuse to give his assent to bills (other than money bill) passed by the Parliament. 

 2. Every bill passed by the Parliament goes to the President for his assent before it becomes a law. Though the President can send the bill back to the Parliament asking it to reconsider the bill. 

 3. After reconsideration, if the parliament passes the bill again and sends it to the President, then, the President has to give assent to the bill. However, there is no mention in the constitution about the time limit within which the President must send the bill back for reconsideration means the President can just keep the bill pending with him without any time limit. This gives the President an informal power to use the veto in a very effective manner. This is sometimes referred to as ‘Pocket Veto’. 

Classs 11 Political Science Chapter 7 NCERT 

Long Answer Type Questions

  Question 1. Describe the powers and functions of the President of India. Answer: The powers of the President can be summarised as follows: Executive Powers: The President appoints the Prime Minister who is the leader of the majority party and the other members also on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President appoints the high officials in India, i.e. Governors of the state, Lt. Governors of Union Territories, Attorney General, Controller and Auditor General, the Chairman and the members of UPSC, the Ambassadors or High Commissioners in other countries. The President of India is the supreme commander of the Defense forces. The President can declare war and make peace. 2. Legislative Powers: The President nominates 12 persons to the Rajya Sabha who are distinguished in the fields of art, literature, science and social service, as well as he can nominate two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha also. The President can summon both the houses, if there are some differences on any bill issued by the parliament, the joint session might be summoned. The President has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha before completion of its term and can order for fresh elections, but on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The President has the power to give his assent to the bill, because no bill passed by the Parliament can become an Act without the assent of the President. He has no power to reject the Money Bill passed by the Parliament. The President has the power to issue the ordinances during the intervals of the sessions of parliament which have the force of laws. 

3. Financial Powers: The President has the duty to place the budget before the beginning of financial year by the finance minister on behalf of the President. Money bills can be introduced only in the Parliament on the recommendation of the President. The President has a full control over the contingency fund to spend it according to his will even prior to the consent of the Parliament. The President has the power to distribute the share of income-tax among the states. 4. Judicial Powers: The President has the power to appoint the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts. The President of India has the power to pardon, reprieve or commute the punishment of any criminal for whom he thinks to deserve pardon. 

Question 2. Describe the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India. Answer: The Prime Minister forms the Council of Ministers according to the capability of the ministers, he assigns duty to them. The Prime Minister allocates the department to the ministers and if he does not find the working satisfactory, can change the departments of the ministers. The Prime Minister presides over the meetings of cabinet, he prepares an agenda for meetings and controls it. The Prime Minister makes the appointments of state Governors, Ambassadors, members of UPSC by giving the advice to the President to appoint the same. The Prime Minister works as a link between the President and the Council of Ministers. No minister can discuss the issues directly with the President without the permission of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister leads the cabinet in the Parliament as he explains the policy and decisions of the cabinet to parliament and if the President requires any information regarding the functioning of Parliament, he would demand such information from the Prime Minister only.

 Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 NCERT Picture-Based Questions 1. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 89) given below and answer the questions that follow: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 Executive Picture Based Questions Q1 Questions: 1. What does the cartoon represent? 2. What message does the cartoon convey? Answers: 1. The cartoon represents the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister. 2. The cartoon conveys the message that the Prime Minister is the head of the council of ministers which is sometimes bound by the words of the Prime Minister. 2. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 90) given below and answer the questions that follow: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 Executive Picture Based Questions Q2 Questions: 1. Why do people want to be ministers? 2. This cartoon seems to suggest that it is only for perks and status! Then why is there competition for some portfolios? Answers: 1. The people want to be minister for gaining the advantages of the perks and status. 2. There is competition for some portfolios for better status, more power and for more extra earning and more importance among people and leaders. 3. Read the cartoon (NCERT Textbook, page 93) given below and answer the questions that follow: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 Executive Picture Based Questions Q3 Questions 1. What does the cartoon represent? 2. The Chief Minister is not happy after winning the confidence motion! Can you imagine why this is so? Answers 1. The cartoon represents the need of a confidence vote by the members of the Legislative Assembly for the Chief Minister at the state level. 2. Because after the Chief Minister gets the confidence vote of the members, he is bound by the limitations set by members in place of the independent decision taken by himself or he has to make some compromises also to compensate the confidence vote of members. Political Science Class 11 NCERT Solutions