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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate22 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
Chapter 4 titled 'Executive' discusses the structure, composition, and functions of the executive branch within a parliamentary system, highlighting the roles of the President, Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers. It explains the constitutional framework of the executive organs, their interrelationship, and the political nuances influencing their operation. The chapter also covers the concept of collective responsibility, the distinction between political and permanent executives, and the influence of coalition politics on executive functions.
Key Topics
- •Role and power of the Prime Minister
- •Collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers
- •Distinction between political and permanent executives
- •Presidential discretion and powers
- •Influence of coalition politics on executive functions
- •Mechanisms for parliamentary control over the executive
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the composition and function of the executive in India's parliamentary system.
- ✓Differentiate between the roles of the President and the Prime Minister.
- ✓Identify the significance of the Council of Ministers.
- ✓Explore the concept of collective responsibility within the executive.
- ✓Comprehend the implications of coalition politics on governance.
- ✓Evaluate the checks and balances on the executive branch.
Questions in Chapter
A parliamentary executive means:
Answer: Executive that is dependent on support of the majority in the parliament
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Read this dialogue. Which argument do you agree with? Why?
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Match the following
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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?
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While appointing the Prime Minister, the President selects
Answer: Leader of the alliance or party that has the support of the majority in Lok Sabha
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Read this discussion and say which of these statements applies most to India.
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Why do you think is the advice of the Council of Ministers binding on the President?
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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?
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It is said that there is too much political interference in the working of the administrative machinery.
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Write an essay of two hundred words on the proposal to have an elected administration instead of an appointed administration.
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Additional Practice Questions
What is the significance of the Prime Minister's role in a parliamentary system?
mediumAnswer: The Prime Minister acts as the head of government, responsible for forming the Council of Ministers, leading the executive branch, and being the principal link between the President and the Parliament. The Prime Minister has substantial influence over policy decisions and is essential for the stability and functioning of the government.
How does coalition politics affect the functioning of the executive in India?
mediumAnswer: Coalition politics often require negotiation and compromise among partner parties, which can dilute the Prime Minister’s authority in decision-making, making the role more of a negotiator than a forceful leader, thereby affecting the unity and execution of government policies.
Explain the concept of collective responsibility in the context of the Indian parliamentary system.
hardAnswer: Collective responsibility implies that all members of the government are collectively accountable to the parliament for their decisions and policies. If the government loses the confidence of the house, the entire cabinet is expected to resign.
Why is the President's role often seen as ceremonial despite holding significant powers?
easyAnswer: The President exercises powers on the advice of the Council of Ministers, acting mainly as a ceremonial head under normal circumstances. However, the President's role becomes crucial when no party has a clear majority, requiring impartial appointment of the Prime Minister.
What are the differences between political and permanent executives?
mediumAnswer: Political executives are elected leaders like the Prime Minister and ministers who take policy decisions, while permanent executives are civil servants who implement these decisions, maintaining continuity and expertise within the administration.
Discuss the discretionary powers of the President of India.
hardAnswer: The President has discretionary powers in keeping a legislative bill pending, in case of no clear majority support in Lok Sabha when appointing a Prime Minister, and in times of crisis where immediate decisions are necessary for the stability of the nation.
How does the Parliament ensure accountability of the executive in India?
mediumAnswer: The Parliament exercises control over the executive through mechanisms such as question hour, debates, and no-confidence motions, ensuring that the government remains responsible to the elected representatives and, through them, to the public.
Examine the role of bureaucracy within the executive framework.
easyAnswer: Bureaucracy acts as the administrative backbone, implementing government policies and providing stability and continuity. Bureaucrats, being permanent executives, are expected to remain neutral and work under the political leadership.