Working of Institutions.docx

Working of Institutions

What are Political Institutions?

• Established organizations with specific functions in the government.
• Examples: Parliament, President, Prime Minister, Judiciary.

Need for Political Institutions

• Maintain order: Enforce laws, prevent chaos.
• Provide services: Education, healthcare, infrastructure.
• Resolve conflicts: Fair and impartial dispute resolution.
• Represent citizens: Voice concerns, make decisions.

Parliament

• Why do we need a Parliament?
  • Lawmaking body: Creates and amends laws.
  • Representation: Elected by people, reflects public opinion.
  • Oversight: Monitors government actions, holds them accountable.
  • Discussion and debate: Platform for diverse viewpoints.
• Two Houses of Parliament in India
  • Lok Sabha (House of the People): Directly elected by the people, more powerful.
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States): Represents states, indirectly elected by state legislatures.
• Why is Lok Sabha more powerful than Rajya Sabha?
  • Money bills originate and must be passed by Lok Sabha.
  • No-confidence motions against the government can only be introduced in Lok Sabha.
  • Joint sessions are rare and usually favor Lok Sabha's view.

Political and Permanent Executives

• Political Executives:
  • Elected officials (e.g., Prime Minister, Ministers).
  • Formulate policies, make major decisions.
  • Accountable to the public.
• Permanent Executives:
  • Bureaucrats (civil servants).
  • Implement policies, provide administrative support.
  • Remain in service regardless of government changes.

Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers

• Prime Minister:
  • Head of government, leader of the ruling party.
  • Appoints and dismisses ministers.
  • Chairs Cabinet meetings.
• Council of Ministers:
  • Cabinet Ministers: Head major government departments.
  • Ministers of State (Independent Charge): Head smaller departments.
  • Ministers of State: Assist Cabinet Ministers.

Powers of the Prime Minister

• Appoints and dismisses ministers.
• Chairs Cabinet meetings.
• Guides government policies.
• Represents India internationally.
• Can dissolve the Lok Sabha.

The President

• Head of state, ceremonial role.
• Appoints Prime Minister and Governors.
• Assents to bills passed by Parliament.
• Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
• Can return bills to Parliament for reconsideration.

The Judiciary

• The Supreme Court:
  • Highest court in India.
  • Judicial review: Power to strike down laws violating the Constitution.
  • Protects fundamental rights.
  • Interprets the Constitution.
• The High Court:
  • State-level courts, hear appeals from lower courts.
  • Original jurisdiction in some cases.
• The Chief Justice of India:
  • Head of the Supreme Court.
  • Appoints judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• The Supreme Court Judges:
  • Appointed by the President on the advice of the Chief Justice.
  • Hold office until the age of 65.
  • Independent of the executive and legislature.

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