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Class 11 Political Science Chapter 4 Executive Solution
Section-A Indian Constitution
Selected Questions & Answers
A. Very Short Answer Type Questions: (Marks for each – 1)
1. The meaning of a parliamentary executive is:
(a) An executive with a parliament.
(b) An executive elected by the parliament.
(c) A parliament that functions as the executive.
(d) An executive dependent on the support of the parliamentary majority.
Ans: (d) An executive dependent on the support of the parliamentary majority.
2. What is the executive?
Ans: The executive is the organ of the government that is concerned with the implementation of laws.
3. Give an example of a nominal executive.
Ans: The President of India.
4. Give an example of a single executive.
Ans: The President of the United States of the United States.
5. Who is the real executive in a presidential system of government?
Ans: The President.
6. Give an example of a plural executive.
Ans: The Federal Council of Switzerland of Switzerland.
7. Who is the head of government in a parliamentary democracy?
Ans: The Prime Minister of India.
8. According to which Article of the Constitution of India will there be a Vice-President of India?
Ans: Article 63.
9. What is the tenure of the President of India?
Ans: Five years.
10. What is the minimum age required to become a candidate for the office of President?
Ans: 35 years.
11. In which Article of the Constitution of India is the office of the President provided?
Ans: Article 52.
12. Who is the head of the government in India?
Ans: The Prime Minister of India.
13. Give an example of a hereditary executive.
Ans: The King or Queen of United Kingdom.
14. Write the name of a country having a parliamentary executive.
Ans: India.
15. Who convenes the meeting of the Council of Ministers?
Ans: The Prime Minister of India.
16. Who administers the oath of office to the President of India?
Ans: The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India.
17. Who can declare a state of emergency in India?
Ans: The President of India.
18. Who is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces of India?
Ans: The President of India.
19. Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?
Ans: The President of India.
20. Who performs the duties of the President when the office becomes vacant?
Ans: The Vice-President of India.
21. Who can remove the President from office?
Ans: The Parliament of India.
Note: The President is removed through the process of impeachment by Parliament.
22. By which election method is the President elected?
Ans: By the indirect election method.
23. In which Article of the Constitution of India is President’s Role defined?
Ans: Article 365.
24. Who enjoys discretionary powers in the state administrative system?
Ans: The Governor of an Indian State.
25. According to which Article is the Chief Minister appointed?
Ans: According to Article 164.
26. Who presides over the meetings of the State Council of Ministers?
Ans: The Chief Minister of an Indian State.
27. Who appoints the Governor?
Ans: The President of India.
28. Who can remove the Governor?
Ans: The President of India.
Note: The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President. The State Legislative Assembly cannot remove the Governor.
29. What is the tenure of the Governor?
Ans: Five years.
30. How many members can the President nominate to the Lok Sabha?
Ans: Two.
31. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: The Vice-President of India.
32. How many members can the President nominate to the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: Twelve.
33. If a minister is not a member of Parliament, within how many days must he or she become a member?
Ans: Within six months.
34. Can members of State Legislative Assemblies participate in the election of the Vice-President?
Ans: No.
35. In the absence of both the President and the Vice-President, who performs the functions of the President?
Ans: The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India.
Note: If necessary, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court may also act in this capacity.
B. Short Questions and Answers: (Marks for each – 2)
1. What is meant by Executive?
Ans: The organ of government that carries out administrative functions is called the executive. The executive is composed of the Head of State, the ministers, and the administrative officials.
2. What is Political Executive?
Ans: The top officials of the government who attain their positions through election, nomination, or hereditary succession are known as the political executive. The political executive has a fixed tenure and they are accountable to the people for their actions.
3. What is Non-political or Permanent Executive?
Ans: The officials who are permanently appointed in administration are called the non-political or permanent executive. The civil service officers who are appointed through competitive examinations are known as bureaucrats. They are permanent employees and maintain continuity in administration; therefore, they are called the permanent executive.
4. Mention two qualifications of a candidate for the post of Governor.
Ans: Two qualifications required for a candidate for the post of Governor are:
(1) The candidate must be a citizen of India.
(2) The candidate must be at least 35 years of age.
C. Medium Answer Type Questions: (Marks for each – 4)
1. Discuss how the President of India can be removed from office.
Ans: The President is the constitutional head of India. No charge can be brought against him except for serious offences. Particularly, charges such as misconduct, incapacity, violation of the Constitution, or treason may be brought against the President through impeachment. Such a charge can be raised in either House of Parliament. For introducing the impeachment motion, a notice signed by at least one-fourth of the members of that House must be sent to the President 14 days in advance. The motion is then thoroughly examined in that House and must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the members. After it is passed in one House, the resolution is sent to the other House for investigation and approval. If the other House also passes the resolution by atwo-thirds majority, the President has to vacate the office.
2. Who selects the civil service officers in India? What kinds of civil services exist in India?
Ans: In India, the civil service officers are selected by the Union Public Service Commission.
There are three types of civil services in India:
(1) All-India Services
(2) Central Services
(3) State Services.
D. Essay Type Questions and Answers: (Marks for each – 6)
1. How is the Council of Ministers formed? Discuss its functions.
Ans: According to Article 75 of the Constitution of India, after the general election, the President appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. On the advice of the Prime Minister, the President appoints the other ministers. The ministers must be members of either House of Parliament. In 2003, through the 91st Constitutional Amendment, it was provided that the number of ministers in the Council of Ministers should not exceed 15percent of the total members of the party forming the government. There are three categories of ministers in the Council of Ministers, namely Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers. The trusted and experienced associates of the Prime Minister are appointed as Cabinet Ministers. The Prime Minister presides over the meetings of the Cabinet. The Council of Ministers is regarded as the real executive. The functions of the Council of Ministers are briefly as follows:
(1) Policy determination: One of the main functions of the Council of Ministers is to determine the internal and external policies of the government.
(2) Administration of departments: The Council of Ministers administers the executive branch of the country. It coordinates among various departments of the government and supervises different offices.
(3) Law-making: Another important function of the Council of Ministers is to control legislative work. Bills to be introduced in Parliament are generally prepared and presented by the ministers.
(4) Determination of foreign policy: The Council of Ministers formulates foreign policy. It decides how relations with foreign countries will be conducted.
(5) Control of appointments: The Council of Ministers selects suitable persons for important posts in the government. It also controls the appointment, transfer and supervision of high-ranking officials.
(6) Emergency powers: After the declaration of an emergency in the country, almost all powers of the state practically come into the hands of the Council of Ministers. In such a situation, the Council of Ministers becomes the real authority governing the country.
(7) Financial powers: The Council of Ministers is mainly responsible for the income and expenditure of the government. The Finance Minister prepares the annual budget and presents it in Parliament. Economic planning is also prepared and implemented under the initiative of the Council of Ministers.
2. Discuss the powers and functions of the Prime Minister.
Ans: According to Article 75 of the Constitution of India, after the general election, the President appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister plays a very important role in the system of administration. His powers and functions are discussed below:
(1) Formation of the Council of Ministers: The first and foremost duty of the Prime Minister is to form the Council of Ministers. The President appoints the members of the Council of Ministers according to the choice of the Prime Minister.
(2) Distribution of portfolios: After forming the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister distributes portfolios among the ministers. While distributing departments, the Prime Minister has to consider the personal preferences, party position, and influence of the ministers.
(3) Reshuffling of ministers: The Prime Minister can reshuffle ministers according to his will. As the leader of the Council of Ministers, he can remove any minister from the Council or nominate a new minister.
(4) Chairman of the Cabinet: The Prime Minister is the chairman of the Cabinet. He decides the agenda and matters to be discussed in Cabinet meetings.
(5) Communication with the President: The Prime Minister is the link between the President and the Council of Ministers. He informs the President from time to time about the internal as well as foreign affairs of the country.
(6) Responsibility for defence: The Prime Minister bears responsibility for the defence of the country. The nuclear department of the state is also controlled by the Prime Minister.
(7) Determination of economic policy: The Prime Minister also plays an important role in determining the economic policy of the country. He must keep a careful watch over the preparation of the annual budget.
(8) Leader of the party: As the leader of the majority party, the Prime Minister determines party policies, adopts programmes and maintains relations with other party leaders.
(9) Summoning sessions of Parliament: On the advice of the Prime Minister, the President summons, prorogues and may dissolve the Lok Sabha. The President may dissolve the Lok Sabha according to the advice of the Prime Minister.
3. Discuss the powers and functions of the President.
Ans: According to Article 52 of the Constitution of India, the President is the constitutional head of India. As the head of the state, he enjoys many powers. The powers and functions of the President are discussed below:
(1) Legislative powers: Although the President of India is not a member of Parliament, he is an integral part of it. He can summon or prorogue Parliament and may dissolve the Lok Sabha. He can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. He may nominate two persons of the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha. At the beginning of every session, he may address the joint sitting of both Houses. Any bill passed by Parliament becomes law only after the President’s assent.
(2) Executive powers: According to the Constitution, the President is the chief executive head of India. All administrative actions of the government are carried out in his name. He appoints the leader of the majority party in theLok Sabha as the Prime Minister and appoints the members of the Council of Ministers. He also appoints the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, the Chief Election Commissioner, the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission, and other high officials.
(3) Financial powers: At the beginning of every financial year, the President causes the annual budget to be presented before Parliament through the Finance Minister. No money bill can be introduced in Parliament without the President’s recommendation. The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on government accounts is submitted to Parliament through the President. The Contingency Fund of India is also under the control of the President.
(4) Judicial powers: The President appoints the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts of India. He may grant pardon, reprieve or reduce the punishment of a person convicted by a court of law.
(5) Diplomatic powers: The President represents the country in international affairs. He establishes diplomatic relations with foreign countries. He sends diplomatic representatives to other countries and receives the credentials of foreign ambassadors. Treaties and agreements with foreign states are concluded in his name.
(6) Military powers: The President is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces of India. He appoints the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force and may remove or replace them. As the supreme commander, he may declare war or conclude peace with other countries.
(7) Emergency powers: Articles 352 to 360 of the Constitution mention the emergency powers of the President. These are divided into three categories, namely National Emergency, Constitutional Emergency and Financial Emergency. During an emergency, the administration of the country practically comes under the authority of the President. The President may administer the country through his representatives such as the Governors or through Parliament.
4. Discuss the emergency powers of the President.
Ans: Articles 352 to 360 of the Constitution of India mention the emergency powers of the President. These powers are divided into three types: National Emergency, Constitutional Emergency and Financial Emergency. These are discussed below:
(1) National Emergency: If the security of India or any part of it is threatened by war, external aggression or internal disturbance, the President may proclaim an emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution. However, the proclamation must be approved by Parliament within two months.
(2) Constitutional Emergency: If a situation arises in a state where the government cannot be carried on according to the provisions of the Constitution, the President may declare emergency in that state under Article 356 on the basis of the report of the Governor. During this period the administration of the state comes under the authority of the President. The President may administer the state through the Governor or through Parliament.
(3) Financial Emergency: If the financial stability or credit of India or any part of it is threatened, the President may declare a Financial Emergency under Article 360 of the Constitution. During such a situation, the financial proposals of the state governments must be submitted to the President for approval. The states must follow the financial directions of the central government. The President may also order reduction of salaries of the employees of the central and state governments if necessary.
5. Discuss the discretionary powers and functions of the Governor.
Ans: According to Article 163(1) of the Constitution of India, the Governor possesses certain discretionary powers. In exercising these powers, the Governor is not bound to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers. The discretionary powers of the Governor are as follows:
(1) The Governor may reserve certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President instead of giving his assent.
(2) If a constitutional breakdown occurs in a state or if the Council of Ministers fails to run the government according to the Constitution, the Governor may submit a report to the President recommending the imposition of President’s Rule in that state.
(3) If the Chief Minister of a state dies suddenly, the Governor may appoint a person as interim Chief Minister until a new Chief Minister is elected.
(4) If a Chief Minister loses a vote of confidence and advises the Governor to dissolve the Council of Ministers, the Governor may exercise his discretion.
(5) The Governor also enjoys discretionary power in returning a bill, other than a money bill, to the Legislative Assembly for reconsideration.
6. Discuss the constitutional position of the Vice-President.
Ans: To assist the President in his duties, the Constitution of India created the office of the Vice-President under Article 63. The Vice-President is elected indirectly. He is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and secret ballot. The term of office of the Vice-President is five years. The Vice-President is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and all the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha are conducted under his chairmanship. In the absence of the President, he performs the functions of the President. Overall, the responsibilities of the Vice-President are limited. In the political system of India, the role of the Vice-President is not very significant. The office is often regarded as largely ceremonial. However, many distinguished, learned and experienced personalities have held this office and enhanced its dignity and prestige.
