ExecutiveClass 11 India Constitution At Work NCERT Solutions
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Q1Exercises
A parliamentary executive means: a. Executive where there is a parliament b. 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
Solution
d. Executive that is dependent on support of the majority in the parliament
Explanation: In a parliamentary system, the executive (the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers) is drawn from the legislature and remains in power only as long as it commands the confidence or support of the majority in the parliament, specifically the lower house (Lok Sabha in India). The chapter states, "In a parliamentary system, executive and the legislature are interdependent: the legislature controls the executive..." and "The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This provision means that a Ministry which loses confidence of the Lok Sabha is obliged to resign."
Q2Exercises
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.
Solution
Among the three arguments, Amit's statement is the closest to reality, though it is an oversimplification. The President of India is largely a formal head of state, and most of their powers are exercised on the binding advice of the Council of Ministers.
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Amit's argument: This view has considerable merit. As Article 74(1) of the Constitution states, the President shall act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers. This advice is binding, which makes the President's role seem ceremonial, much like a rubber stamp. However, the chapter also highlights the President's discretionary powers, such as asking the council to reconsider advice, using a pocket veto, and appointing a Prime Minister in a hung parliament. These powers show that the President is not merely a rubber stamp but holds a position of authority and dignity.
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Shama's argument: This is incorrect. While the President appoints the Prime Minister, they do not have the power to remove the Prime Minister at will. The Prime Minister remains in office as long as they enjoy the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister loses office only upon losing this majority support, not at the President's discretion.
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Rajesh's argument: This view overlooks the crucial role of the President. The chapter explains that a parliamentary system requires a Head of State with a fixed term who can symbolically represent the nation and ensure governmental continuity. The President's role becomes critical in situations of political instability, such as when no single party secures a majority, where the President uses their discretion to appoint a Prime Minister who can form a stable government.
Q3Exercises
Match the following i. Works within the particular State in which recruited ii. Works in any central government office located either at the national capital or elsewhere in the country iii. Works in a particular State to which allotted; can also be sent on deputation to the centre iv. Works in Indian missions abroad a. Indian Foreign Service b. State Civil Services c. All India Services d. Central Services
Solution
- i. Works within the particular State in which recruited - b. State Civil Services
- ii. Works in any central government office located either at the national capital or elsewhere in the country - d. Central Services
- iii. Works in a particular State to which allotted; can also be sent on deputation to the centre - c. All India Services
- iv. Works in Indian missions abroad - a. Indian Foreign Service
Q4Exercises
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 failure of crops.
Solution
a. Tamil Nadu Textbooks Corporation Release:
- Ministry: Ministry of Education, Government of Tamil Nadu.
- Level of Government: State government.
- Reason: Education is a subject on the Concurrent List, but school education, including the creation and distribution of textbooks through state-run corporations, is primarily managed by the respective state governments.
b. New Railway Loop Line:
- Ministry: Ministry of Railways.
- Level of Government: Central government.
- Reason: Railways are a subject under the exclusive jurisdiction of the central government (Union List). All matters related to railway infrastructure, expansion, and operations are handled by the central government.
c. Farmer Suicides Verification:
- Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture or Ministry of Revenue, State government.
- Level of Government: State government.
- Reason: Agriculture and land revenue are state subjects. Issues concerning farmers' welfare, crop failure, and local administration (like a sub-divisional committee) fall under the purview of the state government.
Q5Exercises
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
Solution
d. Leader of the alliance or party that has the support of the majority in Lok Sabha
Explanation: The primary condition for appointing the Prime Minister is that the person must be able to prove they have the support of the majority of members in the Lok Sabha. While this is often the leader of the largest party or the largest alliance, the crucial factor is the majority support. The chapter clarifies this, especially in the context of coalition governments, stating, "the President has to decide whom to appoint as the Prime Minister. In such a situation, the President has to use his own discretion in judging who really may have the support of the majority or who can actually form and run the government."
Q6Exercises
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 '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.
Solution
Bobby's statement applies most accurately to the position of the Prime Minister in India.
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Alok's statement is an exaggeration. While a Prime Minister with a clear majority can be very powerful, they are not a king. The parliamentary system has checks and balances, and the Prime Minister is accountable to the Parliament and the people.
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Shekhar's statement is an understatement. The Prime Minister is not merely 'first among equals'. The chapter describes the Prime Minister as the 'linchpin of Government' who controls the Council of Ministers, leads the Lok Sabha, and has a pre-eminent place in the government. The death or resignation of the Prime Minister leads to the dissolution of the entire Council of Ministers, highlighting their unique and superior position.
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Bobby's statement provides a balanced view. It correctly acknowledges that the Prime Minister's power is not absolute and is constrained by the expectations of party members and coalition partners, especially in recent times. At the same time, it rightly points out that the Prime Minister holds a superior position with a "greater say in policy making and in choosing the ministers." This reflects the reality of the Prime Minister's authority as described in the chapter, which flows from control over the council, leadership of the house, and other sources.
Q7Exercises
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.
Solution
The advice of the Council of Ministers is binding on the President to uphold the principles of parliamentary democracy. In this system, the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is the real executive because it is composed of elected representatives who are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. The President is only an indirectly elected, nominal Head of State. Making the ministerial advice binding ensures that the will of the people, expressed through their elected representatives, prevails. This prevents a situation where an unelected head of state can overrule the decisions of a democratically elected government, thereby maintaining the supremacy of the Parliament.
Q8Exercises
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?
Solution
It is necessary for the legislature to control the executive to ensure democratic accountability, prevent the abuse of power, and ensure that the government remains responsive to the people. The executive, which includes the Prime Minister, ministers, and the vast administrative machinery, wields enormous power in implementing laws and running the country. Without legislative control, this power could become absolute and arbitrary.
As the chapter notes, the makers of the Indian Constitution wanted a government that would be "sensitive to public expectations and would be responsible and accountable." Legislative control, through mechanisms like question hour, debates, and the no-confidence motion, ensures that the executive is constantly answerable to the people's representatives. This oversight prevents the executive from becoming unresponsive and strengthens the democratic foundation of the government by making sure that power is exercised in the public interest.
Q9Exercises
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?
Solution
a. Do you think this will make administration more people-friendly?
No, creating autonomous agencies that do not answer to ministers may not necessarily make administration more people-friendly. While they might be free from political interference, they could also become insulated, unaccountable, and insensitive to the needs of ordinary citizens. Ministers are accountable to the people through elections, which provides an incentive to address public grievances. As the chapter notes, it is the democratically elected government's control over the bureaucracy that can handle problems of insensitivity. Autonomous bodies would lack this direct link of accountability to the public.
b. Do you think this will make administration more efficient?
It could potentially improve efficiency in certain technical or specialized areas by allowing experts to function without political pressure. Decisions could be based on merit and professional standards rather than political expediency. However, a complete lack of oversight could also lead to inefficiency, corruption, and a failure to align with broader national policies. Efficiency without accountability is not desirable in a democracy.
c. Does democracy mean full control of elected representatives over the administration?
Yes, in principle, democracy implies that the administration is under the ultimate control of the elected representatives. The bureaucracy is the instrument for implementing the policies decided by the elected government. It must be accountable to the ministers, who in turn are accountable to the legislature and the people. As the chapter states, "It is the responsibility of the ministers to retain political control over the administration." This control ensures that the administrative machinery works towards the goals set by the people's mandate, which is the essence of democratic governance.
Q10Exercises
Write an essay of two hundred words on the proposal to have an elected administration instead of an appointed administration.
Solution
The proposal to replace the current system of an appointed administration with an elected one presents a fundamental shift in the structure of governance. The primary argument for an elected administration is the enhancement of direct democratic accountability. If key administrative officers like district collectors were elected, they would be directly answerable to the citizens they serve, potentially making them more responsive and people-friendly.
However, this model poses significant challenges to the principles of merit, neutrality, and efficiency that underpin the modern civil service. The current system, based on recruitment through bodies like the UPSC, aims to select officials based on merit and ensure they are politically neutral. An appointed bureaucracy provides continuity and professional expertise, serving successive governments regardless of their political ideology.
In contrast, an elected administration would likely lead to the politicization of the bureaucracy. Officials might prioritize populist measures for re-election over sound, long-term policy implementation. The professional, non-partisan nature of the civil service, which the makers of the Constitution considered vital, would be eroded. This could result in administrative instability, as key officials would change with every election, and a decline in the quality of governance due to the replacement of professional expertise with political considerations. While the current system suffers from issues like political interference, an elected administration could institutionalize this interference, ultimately undermining effective and impartial governance.