Students must practice these AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 12th Lesson Government to boost their exam preparation.
AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 12th Lesson Government
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
What is Parliamentary Government and explain its features. [Sep. 2021; March. 2019]
Answer:
Meaning:
Parliamentary government is one in which the executive (the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister. owes to the legislature for its formation, continuation and survival in office. It is also known as Responsible government, Cabinet government, Prime Ministerial government, etc. Britain is a classical example of this form of government. Besides, many states 1 ike Australia, Canada, India, Japan, etc. have been following this system.
Prof. Garner defined Parliamentary government as “a system in which the real executive – the cabinet or ministry – is (i. immediately and legally responsible to the legislature for its political policies and acts and (ii. immediately or ultimately responsible to the electorate.”
Features of Parliamentary Government:
The features of parliamentary government may be explained as follows. They are:
i. Nominal and Real Executives:
Parliamentary government comprises two types of executive heads, namely nominal and real. The nominal executive enjoys all powers only in name, e.g.: The British Queen, the Emperor of Japan, the President of India, etc. In practice, all his executive powers are exercised by a group of persons namely Council of ministers with the Prime Minister as its head or leader. Hence, the nominal executive is only an executive in name and not the real executive in this system. On the other hand, there will be a separate person or body of persons namely real executive in this system. It exercises all executive powers in practice. It acts as an advisor of the nominal executive head.
ii. Collective Responsibility:
Collective responsibility is a salient feature of parliamentary government. The ministers are collectively responsible to the lower house of the legislature. They take policy decisions collectively under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The council of ministers cease to hold office when loses it the confidence of the lower house of the legislature. A minister may express his dissent towards the policy during unforeseen is discussed in the cabinet meeting. But he has to defend and support the cabinet decision. He is also individually and jointly responsible to the legislature for omissions and commissions made in his department.
iii. Political Homogeneity:
Political homogeneity is a paramount feature of Parliamentary government. In Parliamentary government the ministers normally belong to the same party. Sometimes when no single party is not able to form the government due to lack of securing majority seats in the lower house of the legislature, some parties join together as the United Front or National Democratic Alliance or some other coalitions for forming the government. In such a situation the coalition works on the basis of a Common Minimum Programme (CMP).
iv. Harmony between Executive and Legislature:
Parliamentary government brings harmony between the executive and legislative branches of the government. This is possible due to the simultaneous membership of the ministers in the above two branches. At first, the ministers are the legislators in one of the houses of the legislature. Later, they assume the office of the minister of Cabinet/deputy/ state rank in the executive. They implement the policies and programmes as approved by the legislature.
v. Party Discipline:
Party discipline is greatly found in a real parliamentary government. Every party in this system imposes discipline on its members by asking them to strictly adhere to its ideology, principles and programmes. Such a policy makes the members both in the party and government to fulfil their respective obligations with honesty, impartiality and sincerity. It ultimately secures political stability in the state.
Question 2.
Explain about the merits and demerits of Presidential Government. [May. 2022]
Answer:
Merits of Presidential Government:
The merits of presidential government may be explained as follows. They are:
1. Less scope for dictatorship:
Presidential government is based on the theory of separation of powers. In presidential system, all the organs of the government are independent. They exercise mutual control. So every organ can check the illegal affairs of the other organ. This provides no scope for dictatorship.
2. Stable government:
The presidential government is stable, because the head of the state, once elected run the government for the fixed term of office. He cannot be remarked easily.
3. No delay in action:
The executive authority in presidential system is centralised in a single person who takes decisions quickly. So, there will be no delay in solving the problems of the people.
4. Promotes efficiency:
Presidential government promotes efficiency in administration. The President has freedom to appoint any efficient person as his secretary even without considering the party affiliation. The secretaries or ministers are responsible to the President, not to the legislature. Therefore, the President provides efficient administration to the people by selecting capable persons into his ministry.
5. Responsible government:
Presidential government, even though non-responsible in nature, will carry out the element of responsibility in reality. The President is responsible to the people at large. He always takes into consideration popular views and aspirations in framing and enforcing the public policies. He exercises his powers and authority unmindful of the partisan and parochial attitude of the selfish political leaders and business groups.
6. Suitable for emergencies:
This government is more suitable than the parliamentary govt., to the country during the emergencies because the President is the real executive and he takes decisions independently and quickly without consulting his secretaries which is impossible in the parliamentary system.
Demerits of Presidential Government: The demerits of presidential government may be explained as follows. They are:
1. Disputes between Executive and Legislature:
The executive in this system is not chosen from the legislature. Hence there shall be no co-ordination between these two organs. When the legislature and executive are under the influence of two different political parties, there may arise a constitutional crisis.
2. Irresponsibility:
The President and his ministers are not responsible to the legislature. They are not even the members of the Parliament and they do not answer the questions in the Parliament. Hence, this government is an irresponsible government.
3. Fails to provide adequate representation:
Presidential government can’t provide adequate representation to the diverse sections of society. The President, being a nominee of a particular party prior to his election, may act partially. He may not always engage the services of dedicated, honest and impartial persons in the government.
4. No place for public opinion:
Presidential government assigns least significance to the public opinion. The President as well as the legislators, after their election, will act arbitrarily without considering the public opinion on various issues.
5. Insignificant position of legislature:
In presidential system, legislature becomes secondary. Executive receives top priority. The President is considered as the prime news maker on domestic and international affairs concerning the country. He will not attend or participate the legislative sessions.
6. Conservative Constitution:
Normally the Constitution of the presidential government remains traditional and conservative. It will also be rigid in nature. It will be very difficult to amend the constitutional provisions according to the changing public needs and aspirations.
Conclusion: In spite of certain demerits, presidential executive has been functioning quite successfully right from its inception in the U.S.A.
Question 3.
Describe the merits and demerits of Unitary Government. [Mar. 2018; Mar.’15 – T.S & A.P]
Answer:
Meaning: A unitary government is one in which all the powers are concentrated in the central government. The country may be divided into provinces for the administrative convenience. The central government delegate powers to those provinces and it enjoys the fullest authority to abolish the provinces.
Merits: The merits of the Unitary Government may be explained as follows:
1. Powerful Government:
All the powers in the unitary system concentrate in the central government alone. Hence it is powerful and defend the nation from external or internal attacks.
2. Efficient Rule:
The entire administration is in the hands of the central government. The provinces have to follow strictly the guidelines of the centred government. Hence the central government provides efficient administration to the nation.
3. Less Expensive and Time Saving:
Unitary Government is less expensive and time saving. Only the centred government is elected by the people. Provincial units may or may not exist. As a result, the formation and maintenance of unitary government requires less amount of finances. There will be no duplication of institutions. As a result public money and time are saved in unitary system.
4. Administrative Uniformity:
The administration throughout the nation is identical and similar. This paves the way for making clear administrative policies and the people need not to face any problems while moving from place to place in the Unitary System.
5. Quick decisions possible:
Unitary system comprises one government for the entire state. That government takes decisions quickly and promptly. As a result unitary government will tackle any unforeseen events in times of emergency.
6. Single citizenship:
The citizens in a unitary state will have single citizenship. So, there will be no discrimination between them within the four corners of the country. Ultimately, single citizenship promotes national unity, integrity and solidarity among the people.
7. Useful for Small Countries:
This system is suitable to small countries like Britain. Because these countries do not afford to have federal governments which are highly expensive in nature.
Demerits: In spite of the above merits the Unitary Government has also certain demerits as explained below.
1. Scope for Despotism:
As all the powers are concentrated in the hands of central government, it tends to become despotic and dictatorial.
2. More Burden on Central Government:
The central government becomes over burdened with heavy work in this system. The powers as well as responsibilities cannot be divided between the central and state governments in the unitary system. Therefore, the centre has to bear the burden of the entire administration, which leads to inefficiency in administration.
3. Growth of inefficiency:
The local or regional governments do not have much autonomy and independence in this system. So the former depend upon the centred government. People too lose their political initiative at local levels. This leads to the growth of inefficiency in administration.
4. Not suitable for large countries:
There exists only central government in this system. Hence, this system is not suitable for large countries. It is very difficult to administer the vast territorial state with a single government.
5. Irresponsibility:
The central government is not responsible to anybody in a unitary set up. The units cannot dictate terms to the central government. So there is a scope for the central government to behave irresponsibly.
Question 4.
What are the functions of Legislature?
Answer:
Functions of the Legislature: The legislature exercises the following function’s. These are:
1. Legislative Functions:
The basic function of the legislature is to frame laws. It is the important duty of the legislature to pass laws as per the will of the people. The legislature has powers to frame new laws and also to change, revise or cancel the outdated laws.
2. Executive Functions:
In a Parliamentary government, the council of ministers is responsible to the legislature. The legislature exercises control on the council of ministers in dealing with the problems cropping up in the country, through different resolutions and motions.
3. Financial Powers:
The financial powers of the legislature are of much importance in democratic countries. The legislature has to approve the income and expenditure under different heads shown in the budget. The legislature can decide the amount of expenditure under different heads. Levying new taxes or abolishing taxes already existing can be taken up with the consent of the legislature only.
4. Deliberative Functions:
Legislature serves as a deliberative body. It acts as the forum representing diverse interests and views of different sections of the community. It serves as a facilitator to the executive in policy formation, finalisation and execution. In this context legislators ventilate the popular grievances and highlight the lapses in the governance. As a result, legislature contributes to the growth of political consciousness among the people.
5. Judicial Functions:
The legislature, especially the Upper house performs some judicial functions. The House of Lords in England functions as the highest court of justice. In the U.S.A. and India, the legislature has to try cases of impeachment against the President or the Justices of Supreme 0ourt and High Courts.
6. Constitutional Functions:
The legislature has the right to amend the Constitution besides framing the laws. It can amend the Constitution as per the needs and requirements of the country which may change from time to time.
7. Electoral Functions:
Many of the legislatures in the world perform some electoral functions. In India Parliament takes part in the election of the President and Vice-President. It also elects the members of various committees of the House. Besides, it elects the Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officers.
Question 5.
Discuss the functions of the Executive.
Answer:
Meaning: The executive is the next important organ in the government. The Head of the State and the council of ministers under the leadership of Prime Minister is called the executive. Legislature frames laws. The executive implements those laws and policies passed by the legislature. That is why the executive is identified with government. Broadly speaking, the executive has three parts: 1. the head of the State, 2. the Council of ministers and 3. the bureaucrats, employees.
Functions of the Executive:
1. Administrative functions 2. Diplomatic functions 3. Military functions 4. Financial functions 5. Judicial functions 6. Constitutional Functions 7. Promulgation of ordinances 8. Welfare functions 9. Administrative Adjudication 10. Emergency operations 11. Miscellaneous functions.
Some of the functions of the executive may be explained as follows:
1. Administrative Functions:
The entire administration is carried on in the name of the executive. In this context, its functions include appointment of the officers in highest ranks allotting their duties, providing training, issuing directions to different administrative departments, changing the rules and regulations from time to time, to protect law and order, to appoint and advise the council of ministers in a parliamentary system.
2. Diplomatic Functions:
Executive maintains foreign relations. It appoints diplomatic personnel in foreign states. It receives the credentials of diplomats in the state. It concludes treaties and international conventions after negotiations. Such negotiations have to be ratified by the legislature.
3. Military Functions:
The chief executive head in many states acts as the supreme commander of the defence forces. The executive takes suitable decisions and implements them in case of any threat to the national independence and sovereignty and protects the country from foreign aggression.
4. Financial Functions:
It is the duty of the executive to prepare the annual budget containing income and expenditure of the government and gets the approval of the legislature. The legislature cannot levy new taxes without the consent of the executive. Levy or abolition of taxes, provision of capital funds, reduction of prices, etc. go under the domain of executive responsibility.
5. Judicial Functions:
The executive has certain functions like : implementation of judgements of the courts of law, reduction or cancellation of punishment, appointment of judges, appointment of special courts for the enquiry of certain special problems, etc. In some of the democratic countries the chief executive appoints judges of the highest courts of justice.
6. Promulagation of Ordinances:
Executive in many states promulgates ordinances. It undertakes such a responsibility keeping in view the urgency of tackling critical issues. It prepares the draft bills to be presented to the legislature and gets them enacted. In a parliamentary government, as the members are directly associated with the legislature, the ministers present the draft bills to the legislature and get its acceptance. On acceptance by the legislature, the draft bills become acts with the assent of the chief executive.
7. Welfare Functions:
It is the prime duty of the executive in modern times to undertake welfare measures. The executive has to work for the planned development and contribute for the improvement of the standards of living.
Question 6.
Point out the functions of the Judiciary. [Mar. ’16; May. ’17]
Answer:
Definitions: The term ‘Justice’ is defined by various political thinkers in different ways. Those are:
- According to Benn and Peters “Justice is to treat all men alike except where there are relevant differences between them”.
- Refel defines it as “The idea of Justice is plainly concerned with the general ordering of the society.”
Functions of the Judiciary:
1. Interpretation of Laws:
The primary function of judiciary is interpretation of laws. Judiciary interprets laws , and applies them to specific cases that come before it. It applies the elements of customs, statutes and constitutional provisions to specific cases.
2. Custodian of the Constitution:
The Judiciary safeguards the Constitution in democratic countries. It protects the spirit and sanctity of the Constitution.
3. Guardian of Civil Liberties:
Judiciary acts as guardian of civil liberties of the people. It protects individual liberties by punishing those who encroach upon it. It also protects the people against the arbitrary actions of the government.
4. Federal Equilibrium:
Judiciary plays a key role in the federal system. It solves disputes between the centre and the state governments and also between states. It sees that neither the central government nor the state government exceed the constitutional limitations.
5. Advisory Functions:
The highest court of justice provides advice to the head of the State on request. For instance in India, the President takes the advice of the Supreme Court on certain constitutional issues.
6. Appellate Jurisdiction:
The highest court of justice has to provide for the justice on the appeals made against the judgements of the lower courts.
7. Maintenance of Records:
The judiciary has to preserve all the records of the cases along with their judgements. These records will help lawyers and judges in the trial of similar cases that may occur in future.
8. Acting as Head of the State:
In some countries, under certain conditions, the Chief Justice of the highest Court assumes the powers of the acting head of the State in the absence of President and Vice-President in office.
9. Administrative Functions:
The Supreme Court and High Courts are entrusted with some administrative functions. They make suggestions to the executive head in appointing the judges of the lower courts. The higher courts supervise the functioning of the lower courts.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Discuss the traditional form of Governments.
Answer:
The ancient Greek political philosophers like Aristotle held detailed deliberations on the classification of states. The modern political scientists prefer to call such classification as ‘classification of governments’. On the whole, governments are classified into three types namely monarchy, aristocracy and democracy. Some of the traditional and modern classifications are mentioned below.
Aristotle classified governments on the basis of two elements, namely, (i. Number of persons holding power and (ii. end of the state. He again classified governments into normal and perverted forms.
He mentioned monarchy, aristocracy and polity as the normal form of governments. Tyranny, oligarchy and democracy are the perverted form of governments. According to him monarchy is a rule by one person, who exercises powers himself. When that person rules the state with good intensions, such government is known as monarchy. Otherwise it will degenerate into tyranny. Aristocracy is a noble form of government in which few persons by virtue of their birth, talents, status, wealth, etc. will act as rulers. When these persons exercise powers with selfish motivations, such a government is known as oligarchy. Polity is a form of government comprising many persons who have noble qualities such as set honesty, impartiality, wisdom, etc. on the other hand democracy is a perverted form of government in the sense that the rulers always assign priority to their self interests thereby ignoring popular wishes.
Question 2.
What are the features of Unitary Government? [March. 2019]
Answer:
The features of unitary government may be explained as follows. They are
1. Single and Supreme Central Government:
There exists only one Government i.e., central government in this type unlike the federal system. To facilitate administrative efficiency and to bring uniformity in the country, a single and supreme government, that is, the centred government alone does the whole work.
2. Provincial Governments:
Provincial governments may or may not exist in a unitary state. If they exist, they depend on the centred government for their powers and survival.
3. Flexible Constitution:
Unitary government normally will have a flexible Constitution. Besides, it may or may not possess a written Constituion. So there arises no scope for conflicts between the centre and the states. This ensures sound functioning of the various constitutional bodies.
4. Single Citizenship:
The unitary state is primarily a state with one or few nationalities created for bringing nationalist character. Only the national citizenship is conferred on the citizens.
5. Single Legislature:
A unitary state provides for a single legislature. A single legislature denotes the legislative centralization at the top level. However, there can be legislatures at a provincial level meant for subordinate legislation for the purpose of legislative convenience.
6. No division of powers:
In a unitary state there will not be a scope for any strict division of powers between the centre and the provinces.
Question 3.
Discuss the features of Federal Government.
Answer:
Features of Federal Government:
i. Dual Government:
A federal form of state must have two governments. One at the centre (central government. and the other at the province (state government).
ii. Rigid and Written Constitution:
A fedaration must have a rigid and written constitution because only a rigid and written constitution protects the spirit of the agreement entered into by different units of the fedaration and also ensure the status of the centre and the states.
iii. Division of Powers:
In a federal state, the powers should be divided constitutionally between the central and state governments.
iv. Independent Judiciary:
In a federal state, conflicts between the central and the state governments are inevitable. These conflicts need to be settled justifiably. This is possible only when there is an impartial and independent judiciary.
v. Dual citizenship:
All the citizens in the federal state enjoy dual citizenship. Every citizen possesses the citizenship of his province and the citizenship of his nation.
vi. Bicameralism:
Bicameralism is another important feature of a federation. In a federal state, we observe two chambers in the union legislature and some of the provincial legislative organisations. The first or lower chamber represents the interests of the people. The second chamber or upper house comprises the members representing the states.
Question 4.
What are the merits and demerits of parliamentary government? Discuss.
Answer:
Merits: The merits of the parliamentary government may be explained as follows:
1. Coordination between the Legislature and Executive Organs:
Executive is chosen from the legislature in this system. Hence, there is greater opportunity for good co-ordination and harmonious relationship between the legislature and executive organs.
2. No scope for despotism:
All the powers of the state will be equally distributed between the Prime Minister and the council of ministers. The executive is responsible to the parliament and it can be removed by ‘no confidence motion’. Hence, there is no scope for the executive to become despotic in this government.
3. Scope for distribution of powers:
Parliamentary government stands for the distribution of political power and administrative authority. The constitutional machinery of this system allocates governmental powers among severed persons who have commitment, commonsense, public spirit, etc.
4. Easy to form alternative government:
Parliamentary government enables easy formation of government. Normally, that party or those parties which secure majority seats in the lower house of the legislature, during general election, will be able to form the government. Similarly, changes in governmental policies could be initiated on easy lines. Whenever the party in power resigns or is removed from power, the opposition parties will make efforts to form alternative government.
5. Adequate representation:
Parliamentary government provides adequate representation to the various sections and regions. The executive and legislative branches in this system comprise members representing various walks of life. No one including the minorities is ignored in this system. As a result, it embodies national spirit and unity among the people.
6. Political Dynamism:
Parliamentary government promotes political dynamism among the people. Elections to the various representative bodies in this system will enable the people to have political awareness. The candidates and party leaders meet the people at grass roots levels and acquaint them with the contemporary national and international events. They seek the support of the people in forming a stable, viable and efficient government. People will be able to know about the working of the government due to the publicity campaign organised by the party in power and opposition. People in this system will have dynamic attitude in all matters.
Demerits: The parliamentary government has certain demerits. They may be explained as follows:
1. Against the theory of Separation of Powers:
Paliamentary government works against the letter and spirit of the theory of separation of powers. In this system ministers play a dual role as legislators and policy executors.
2. Unstable government:
The parliamentary government is not a stable government because the executive has always to prove its majority in the legislature. If there is multiple party system, the governments will be more unstable and uncertain.
3. Dictatorship of Cabinet:
If the ruling party has absolute majority in the parliament, the cabinet becomes despotic, because all the powers are centralised in the cabinet.
4. Difficulties in cabinet formation:
It is very difficult to form the ministry in parliamentary system. The Prime Minister, will have to consider several elements like region, religion, caste, party obedience, legislators efficiency, etc. in forming the ministry.
5. Not suitable to emergencies:
Parliamentary government is not suitable to tackle the issues arising in emergencies. This is due to the fact that decisions are taken after prolonged deliberations and with majority concurrence. So this makes delay in decision making and policy implementation.
6. Priority to party interests:
Parliamentary government is also known as party government. That party or those parties which form into a coalition will assume power and exercise authority. So normally the persons at top level in the government always consider various issues in terms of party interests. They are least bothered about public and national interests. Moreover they don’t exhibit wisdom and sagacity in solving various issues.
Question 5.
Explain the Theory of Separation of Powers. [May. 2022; Sep. 2021]
Answer:
The theory of separation of powers:
This theory was profounded by French writer Montesquieu in his book ‘The Spirit of Laws’. This theory was based on the principle of ‘Checks and Balance’ which means all the powers of the state are equally distributed among three organs of the government namely – i. Legislature ii. Executive iii. Judiciary. Each organ checks the remaining two organs of the government from crossing their administrative jurisdiction.
In the presidential form of government, the powers are distributed among the three organs of the government on the basis of the theory of separation of powers which prevents the government from becoming despotic or dictatorial. Critics criticise this theory as it deadlocks the administration. This theory is presently followed in the U.S.A.
Question 6.
Discuss any three functions of Legislature.
Answer:
The three functions of Legislature may be explained as follows. They are:
1. Legislative functions:
The basic function of the legislature is to frame laws. It is the important duty of the legislature to pass laws as per the will of the people. The legislature has powers to frame new laws and also to change, revise or cancel the outdated laws.
2. Executive Functions:
In a Parliamentary government, the council of ministers is responsible to the legislature. The legislature exercises control on the council of ministers in dealing with the problems cropping up in the country, through different resolutions and motions.
3. Financial Powers:
The financial powers of the legislature are of much importance in democratic countries. The legislature has to approve the income and expenditure under different heads shown in the budget. The legislature can decide the amount of expenditure under different heads. Levying new taxes or abolishing taxes already existing can be taken up with the consent of the legislature only.
Question 7.
Explain the merits and demerits of federal government.
Answer:
Merits of Federal Government:
1. Achievement of unity in diversity:
The federal government co-ordinates the issues of national integrity and liberty of regional governments.
2. Prevents dictatorship:
The Central and State governments rule independently. Hence, there is no scope for dictatorial tendencies.
3. Lesser burden on the Centre:
Due to the division of powers, the Central and State governments can discharge their functions efficiently.
4. Scope for new experiments:
In this system, there is much scope to launch new experiments in the economic, political and administrative spheres.
5. Political training to citizens:
There is much scope for the citizens to get training in political activity in a fedaration.
6. Helpful to a Welfare State:
Large number of the States, may give much scope for globed unrest due to militarism. The formation of fedarations by unification of small ones, promotes peace.
Demerits of Federal Government:
1. Scope for Central-State disputes:
In the federal system, there is very little scope for the States and government at the centre to move on the same track. Disputes may often arise between these two units.
2. Expensive:
The formation of a fedaration is very difficult and expensive. It is generally a complex problem to divide the powers between the Central and State governments.
3. Lack of uniformity in administration:
As the states are independent in Federal system, the laws and administration process may differ from state to state, which results in disuniformity in the administration of the Nation.
4. Promotes regionalism:
The federal system may promote regionalism among the people and the leaders.
5. Anti-developmental:
Normally, federal States will have rigid constitutions. These constitutions can be amended only with the concurrence of both the states and Central government. Sometimes the state governments may not accept the constitutional amendments. As a result, the administration cannot be carried on according to the changing needs. That is why some scholars viewed federations as anti-developmental.
6. Irresponsibility:
In a federal system, concurrent powers of legislation are given to both the Central and State governments on certain items. It creates a competition and misunderstanding between the Central and State governments.
7. Not suitable for small countries:
Federal system is not suitable for countries which are economically backward and also which have less population and small territory. Despite many drawbacks, federal system is considered to be the best system for big countries with large population, different races, religions and languages.
Question 8.
Write a short note on checks and balance.
Answer:
The theory of checks and balances is subsidiary to the theory of separation of powers. Montesquieu advocated this theory too. This theory denotes the functional aspect of the political organisation, i.e., government. It has a greater impact upon the founding fathers of American Constitution. It supplements the system of separation of powers. The two theories mainly aim at safeguarding individual liberties. The two are based on the maxim that power alone acts as a check against the abuse of power. In the case of the United States Constitution the executive authority in the federal government lies with the President. However, his powers and authority are restrained by the Congress (the supreme legislative body in the United States. and the Federal Supreme Court. The approved of Senate (upper house of American Congress. is mandatory.
Question 9.
Discuss the differences between unitary and federal government.
Answer:
Differences between Unitary and Federal Governments:
Unitary Government
- Single government exists in the unitary system i.e., Central govt.
- The powers of state are concentrated in a single central government.
- Unitary state may have a written or unwritten Constitution.
- The Constitution in unitary state may be flexible.
- In a Unitary state, a special Judiciary is not needed.
- The provinces are subordinate to the Central Government.
- Unitary govt, is less expensive.
- It is suitable for small countries.
- Central govt. has more administrative burden in Unitary government.
Federal Government
- There are two separate governments in the Fedaration. They are Central and State governments.
- The powers of the state are distributed between centre and state governments.
- Federal state must have a written Constitution.
- The Constitution in federal state must be rigid.
- A Federal state must have a special Judiciary.
- The provinces enjoy constitutional status in the Federal system.
- Federal govt, is more expensive.
- It is suitable for big countries.
- The burden over the central govt, in Fedaration is less.
Question 10.
Discuss the differences between presidential government and parliamentary government.
Answer:
Differences between Presidential and Parliamentary Government:
Presidential Government
- The executive is not chosen from legislature. It is rather elected by the people.
- The President acts as both the head of the government and the head of the state in this system.
- In the Presidential system, the President is the real executive. He enjoys real powers.
- In this system, the ministers do not enjoy equal status with the President. In fact, they are subordinates to the President.
- The President or his subordinates do not exercise any responsibility to the parliament. Hence, this government is known as ‘irresponsible government’.
- The President and his subordinates (Ministers. need not to be the members of the legislature in the Presidential executive.
Parliamentary Government
- The executive is chosen from the legislature.
- There are two separate persons. One acts as the head of the state and the other acts as the head of the government in this system.
- In the parliamentary system the Prime Minister is only the first among equals. He exercises powers on behalf of the President.
- In this system, all the ministers enjoy equal status with the Prime Minister. They are not subordinates to the Prime Minister.
- In this system, the Prime Minister and the council of ministers exercise individual and collective responsibility to the parliament. Hence, this government is called ‘responsible government’.
- The Prime Minister and the council of ministers must be the members of the legislature in the parliamentary government.
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Define Government.
Answer:
Government is an agency with the help of which, the aims and objects of the state are formulated, expressed and realised. Government is consisting of three organs. They are
- Legislative which makes laws,
- Executive, which executes laws,
- Judiciary, which interprets laws.
Question 2.
Write about Aristotle’s classification on Government. [May. ’17; Mar. ’20,’15]
Answer:
Aristotle classified governments on the basis of two elements, namely, i. Number of rulers ii. Aims of the state. He again classified governments into normal and perverted forms, He says monarchy, aristocracy and polity as the normal form of governments. Tyranny, oligarchy and democracy are the perverted form of governments.
Question 3.
Write the meaning of Aristocracy. [Sep. 2021; March. 2019]
Answer:
Aristocracy is a noble form of government in which few persons by virtue of their birth, talent, status, wealth, etc. will act as rulers. When these persons exercise their powers with selfish motivations, such a government is known as oligarchy.
Question 4.
Define Democracy.
Answer:
- Aristotle defines “Democracy as a perverted form of government of many rulers”,
- Abraham Lincoln defines “Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Question 5.
What is a Unitary Government?
Answer:
A Unitary Government is one in which all the powers are concentrated in the central government. The country may be divided into provinces for the administrative convenience. The centred government delegates powers to those provinces and it enjoys the fullest authority to abolish the provinces.
Question 6.
What do you mean by Fedaral Government? [March. 2019]
Answer:
A federation may be said to be an association of states. It comes into existence when two or more independent states unite together through an agreement and establish a new state. For ex. the USA. A fedaration may also be established by giving autonomous to the provinces in a large country and distributing the powers between the central government and the provincial (state. governments. India comes under this category.
Question 7.
Write briefly about the Theory of Separation of Powers. [Mar. 2018; May. ’16; Mar. ’15]
Answer:
Theory of separation of powers is propounded by Montesquieu in his famous book ‘The Spirit of Laws’. The powers among the three organs of the government in presidential executive will be distributed on the basis of the theory of separation of powers. Its main feature is ‘Checks and Balance’, which means the three organs of the govt, possess equal powers and each organ checks the other two organs from crossing their limits.
Question 8.
How many organs of government are there? Name them.
Answer:
There are three organs of government. They are
- Legislature
- Executive
- Judiciary.
Question 9.
What do you understand by Parliamentary Government?
Answer:
Parliamentary government is one in which the executive (the council of minister headed by the Prime Minister. owes to the legislature for its formation, continuation and survived in office. It is also known as Responsible government, Cabinet government, Prime Ministerial government, etc. Prof. Garner defined Parliamentary government as “a system in which the real executive-the cabinet or ministry – is (i. immediately and legally responsible to the legislature for its political policies and acts arid (ii. immediately or ultimately responsible to the electorate.”
Question 10.
What are the other names of Presidential Government?
Answer:
The presidential government is also known as single executive government, fixed tenure government and non-responsible government.