AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Model Paper Set 1 with Solutions

Thoroughly analyzing AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Model Papers Set 1 with Solutions helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses.

AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Model Paper Set 1 with Solutions

Time: 3 Hours
Max. Marks: 100

Section – A
3 x 10 = 30

Note :

• Answer any THREE of the following questions in 40 lines each.
• Each question cames 10 marks.

Question 1.
Explain the salient features of Indian Constitution.
Answer:
Introduction: The Indian constitution was prepared and adopted by the Constituent Assembly which was set up in 1946. The Constituent Assembly took nearly three years (From December, 1946 to 25th November, 1949) to complete the framing of the constitution.

The Constituent Assembly approved the Indian Constitution on 26th November, 1949. The Indian constitution came into force on 26th January, 1950. Which we have been celebrating as ‘The Republic Day”.

The following are the salient or basic features of the Indian constitution.
1. Preamble: The Indian constitution begins with a preamble. The preamble clearly defines the objectives of our constitution. It declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, democratic Republic. It provides liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice. It states that the people of India are the chief source of the political authority.

2. A lengthy Written Document: The Constitution of India is the most written, ‚engthy and detailed document in the world. In 1950, the Indian Constitution had 22 parts, 8 schedules, and 395 articles. After subsequent amendments, it contains 12 schedules and 444 articles for the present.

3. A combination of rigidity and flexibility: The constitution of India is a blend of rigidity and flexibility. Our founding Fathers were programatic enough to provide for rigidity and flexibility as the situation demands. Article 368 provides the details of the amendment procedure.

i) Some of the provisions lute admission of New states (Ex: Telangana), provisions relating to citizenship, salaries, and
allowances of the members of the constitutional bodies like President, Vice-President, Supreme Court, and High Court judges, etc. Can be amended by simple majority. It is said to be flexible.

ii) Some provisions can be amended by a special majority i.e., not less than Two-thirds of the members of the House present and voting. Ex: Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of state policy etc. It is said to be half rigid and half flexible.

iii) Some provisions can be amended by a two-thirds majority of the Parliament and with the concurrence of half of the states. Ex: Election of the President, executive powers of the union and the states, distribution of legislative powers between the union and the states, etc. It is said to be rigid.

4. Quasi-Federal polity: India is a states according to the constitution. Our constitution contains both the features of unitary and Federal Governments. It prescribed unitary system in emergencies and Federal system on ordinary occasions. Provisions of unitary state such as Single Citizenship, Single Integrated Judiciary, Single Election Commission, Role of All Indian services Personnel etc., are found in our constitution. At the same time certain federal features like written, rigid constitution, Dual government, Bicameralism, etc., are profoundly seen in our constitution. Thus it is a Quasi-Federal. Polity like Canada.

5. Republican government: Unlike the colonial Master, the UK, India preferred a Republican government. Here all public
offices right from World members to the top president of India are open to all eligible citizens and there is no place for hereditary principle.

6. Parliamentary government: The constitution of India provided Parliamentary government of the British type but with
an elected President of Irish Model. Accordingly, the features of Parliamentary government such as two executive heads, Ministerial accountability to the lower house of the legislature, Prime Minister leadership, etc., are prevalent in our political system.

7. Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties: Part -III of the constitution, Articles from 12 to 35, provides for a set of
basic human rights to all. They are justifiable and ensure basic freedoms.

They are six in number.

1. Right to equality
2. Right to freedom
3. Right against exploitation
4. Right to religion
5. Cultural and educational right and
6. Right to constitutional remedies.

The 42nd Amendment to the constitution in 1976 incorporated the fundamental duties in Article 51A under part – IVA. Though they are not justiciable. But they put an obligation on the citizens to render certain duties in return for the protection they have been enjoying through fundamental rights. Fùndamental duties relate to respecting the constitution, the National Flag and National Anthem, safeguarding public property, etc.

8. Single citizenship: Our Constitution provides for single citizenship for ail persons who are born in India and who resided in India for a specific period. It enables the citizens to possess and enjoy identical rights and privileges. It also promotes unity, integrity and fraternity among the people.

9. Universal and Adult Franchise: The makers of the Indian constitution provided for the universal adult Franchise for all
citizens without any discrimination based on caste, colour, creed, community, language, religion, region, sex, property etc. At the beginning, adult Franchise was given to all the citizens who attained the age of 21 years. Later voting age was reduced to 18 years through the 61st Constitution, Amendment Act in 1988.

10. Secular state: Our constitution stands for a secular state. It does not uphold any particular religion as the official religion of the Indian state. It ensures complete religious freedom to the people. It abolishes discrimination between individuals on religious grounds in the matters of employment, education, and legislation. It prohibits religious instructions in state-owned or state-aided educational institutions.

11. Independent judiciary: The Judiciary performs its functions independently. The legislature or the executive shall not
interfere in the working of the Judiciary. The Judiciary carries on its obligations according to the constitutional norms and democratic principles.

12. Directive principles of state policy: Our constitution hinted out certain directive principles as the policy of the state in
part IV from Articles from 6 to 51. These principles are drawn from Irish constitution. These principles reflect the welfare state concept. They are the directions to be followed by the various governments. Equal pay for equal work, provision of employment opportunities, fair distribution of wealth, old age pension, protection of ill health, provision of education, protection of women and children, etc., are the some examples of these principles. Though these principles are non-justiciable, No responsible government can afford to ignore them.

13. Bi-cameralism: The constitution of India introduced Bi-cameralism at the National level. Accordingly, The Indian
Parliament consists of two houses namely the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and the Lok Sabha (lower house). While the Rajya Sabha represents the states, the Lok Sabha represents the people.

14. Panchayati Raj and Nagar Palikas Acts: The Panchayati Raj and Nagar Palikas Acts are recent features of our constitution. The 73rd’ and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts gave constitutional recognition to the Rural and Urban local governments. Which came into force in 1993 and 1994 respectively had become operative all over the territory of India. The ideals of democratic decentralization or the grassroots democracy are realised by these acts. These acts provides for adequate representation for women, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other weaker sections in the policy-making bodies of the local governments.

Question 2.
Point out the Fundamental Rights of Indian citizens as guaranteed in the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
Our constitution embodies a list of fundamental rights in part – III from Articles 12 to 35. The makers of our constitution
have incorporated these rights, on the model of American constitution. At present, there are 6 fundamental rights.
They are :

1. Right to equality
2. Right to freedom
3. Right against exploitation
4. Right to Religion
5. Cultural and Educational Right and
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies.

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14 – 18): Article 14 guarantees equality before law to all persons. There can be no special privilege to any individual. All those who violate laws are given the same punishment. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. Article 16 provides equality of opportunity in the matter of public employment. Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice in any form an offence. Article 18 prohibits the State from conferring any title except a military of academic distinction.

2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19 – 22):
Article 19 is the most important part of the Constitution. it guarantees 6 freedoms to the citizens.
They are:

• Freedom of speech and expression.
• Freedom to assemble peacefully and without arms.
• Freedom to form associations or unions.
• Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India.
• Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India,
• Freedom to” practice any profession or to carry on any occupation.

Article 20 says that a person shall be convicted only for violating an existing law. Article 21 says that no person shall be derived of his life and liberty except according to the procedure established by law. Article 22 provides that every person should be informed the cause of his arrest.

3. Right Against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24): Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labour. Article 24 says that no child below the age of 14 years, shall be employed in any factory mine or engaged in any other dangerous work.

4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25 – 28): The state is neutral and impartial towards all religions. There is no state religion in India. Article 25 gives power to the State to regulate the secular affairs. Article 26 provides freedom of conscience to every religious group. Article 27 says that the State will not compel any citizen to pay any tax for the promotion of any religion. Article 28 says that religious instruction shall not be imparted in any educational institution maintained wholly or partly by State funds.

5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29 and 30):
Article 29 guarantees to every citizen to conserve his own language, script or culture. Article 30 provides that all minorities whether based on religion or language shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Article 32 deals with the right to Constitutional remedies. The citizens of India can protect their Fùndamental Rights through this right only. Dr. Ambedkar described it as the very soul and heart of the Constitution.

Question 3.
Explain the powers and functions of the President of India.
Answer:
Introduction: The President of India is the constitutional head of the Indian Republic. He is the First citizen of India. He
administers the affairs of the union Government either himself or through the officers subordinate to him. (Articles 52 and 53)

Qualifications: A person to be eligible to contest the office of the President shall possess the following qualifications:

1. He should be a citizen of India.
2. He should have completed the age of 35 years.
3. He should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
4. He should not hold any office of profit under the union, state or local Governments (Article 59 (i))
5. Possess such other qualifications as prescribed by the Parliament.

Election Procedure: The President of India shall be elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament. State Legislative Assemblies and elected members of Delhi and Pondicheri. The election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote system and secret ballot.

Oath of office: The person who is elected as President assumes office only after he takes oath of office and secrecy by the Chief Justice of India.

Term of office: The President continues in office for five years from the date of his assumption of office.

Salary and Allowances: The President now gets a monthly salary of ₹ 1,50,000/-. His official residence is Rashtrapathi Bhavan at New Delhi. On retirement, he will get a monthly pension of ₹ 75,000/-.

Removal (or) Impeachment: 4th President can be removed from the office by a process of impeachment for violation of the constitution. Impeachment is a quasi-judicial procedure adopted by the Parliament.

Powers and Functions: The President shall exercise his powers with the help of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

His powers may be analysed under the following heads:
1. Executive Powers: An executive action of the Union Government shall be expressed in the name of the President. The
President appoints the Prime Minister and other Ministers, Attorney General, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, State Governors, Judges of the Supreme Court and State High Courts, Finance Commission, Chairman and members of U.P.S.C., Election Commission and Chief Commissioners of Union Territories. He allocates portfolios to the Ministers.

2. Legislative Powers: The President is an integral part of Parliament (Art. 79) and as such enjoys extensive legislative powers.

They are:

• He summons from time to time each House of Parliament, adjours and prorogues either or both the Houses.
• He addresses either House separately or both the Houses Jointly.
• He can dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• He opens the first session of Parliament after the General Elections and at the commencement of the first session of each year.
• He can send messages to the Parliament.
• He arranges a joint session of both the Houses when there is a dead-lock over an ordinary bill.
• All bills passed by Parament require his assent for becoming in acts.
• He nominates 12 members to Rajya Sabha and two Anglo-Indian members to Lok Sabha
• He promulgates ordinances when the Parliament is not in session.
• He sends the annual reports of Finance Commission, U.P.S.C, etc., for the consideration and approval of Parliament.

3. Financial Powers: The President also enjoys some financial powers.
They are:

• He recommends the financial bills to be introduced by the members in parliament. The Budget is caused to be Paid down before the Parliament by the President.
• He operates the Consolidated Fund of India.
• He determines the shares of States in the proceeds of Income Tax.
• No Money Bill can be introduced in the Parliament except on his recommendations.
• He constitutes a Finance Commission for every five years etc.

4. Judicial Powers:

• The President can grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remission of punishments.
• He appoints the judges of the Supreme Court and State High Courts.
• He can also remove them on an address by the Parliament.

5. Military Powers: The President is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces of the Union. He appoints the Chiefs on the Staff for Army, Navy, and Air Force. He can declare war and conclude peace. But he has to take the approval of Parliament.

6. Diplomatic Powers: The president appoints Ambassadors to foreign countries to represent India. He receives the credentials of the Ambassadors appointed in India. I-le represents our Nation in International affairs. He makes treaties and agreements with other countries subject to the ratification by the Parliament.

7. Emergency Powers: In extraordinary conditions, the President can proclaim emergency to safeguard the security,
integrity and independence of our country.
They are of three types:

• Emergency caused by war or external aggression or armed rebellion (Article 352),
• Emergency due to failure of Constitutional machinery in the States (Article 356) and
• Emergency due to threat to the financial stability of India (Article 360).

Question 4.
Write about the composition, powers and functions of the Indian Parliament.
Answer:
Introduction: The Union Legislature (Parliament) is the highest legislative organ of the Union government. Articles 79 to
129 in part V of Indian Constitution deals with the composition, organization, powers, and functions of the Indian Union Legislature.

Composition: Indian Parliament consists of the

• President
• Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
• Lok Sabha (House of People)

The upper house Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories.
The lower house Lok Sabha represents the people.
The President of India has the power to summon or prorogue
the two houses of Parliament though he is not a member of either house.

He can dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Powers and functions of the Union Legislature (or) Indian Parliament: The Parliament enjoys extensive powers and performs variety of functions.

These powers and functions are under the following points.
1. Legislative Powers and Functions: The main function of the Indian Parliament is law-making. It makes laws on all the
subjects mentioned in the Union List and Concurrent List. Under certain circumstances, it also makes laws on the subjects mentioned in the State List. Further, it also makes laws on the matters that are not included in any of the three Lists i.e., on residuary matters.

2. Executive Powers and Functions: Another important function of the Indian Parliament is controlling the Executive
(Union Council of Ministers). Parliament controls the Executive through various ways, such as by asking questions, supplementary questions, and by introducing adjournment motions and no-confidence resolutions against the Ministry. Hence the survival of the Government depends upon the will of the members in the Lower House. The executive remains in office so long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha.

3. Financial Powers and Functions: The Parliament controls the financial resources of the nation. It accepts the budget and other money bills required by the government. Its permission is needed for the government for imposing and collecting tax and for revising the existing tax rates. In this regard, the Lok Sabha has more financial powers than the Rajya Sabha. All money, bills shall at first be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has to accept all money bills sent by the Lok Sabha within 14 days. It approves the railway budget, appropriation bill and other money bills.

4. Judicial Powers and Functions: The Parliament has certain judicial powers and functions has the power to remove the President and Vice President. The procedure is called impeachment. It has also the power to recommend to the President the removal of the higher officials of the country such as the Chief Justice and Judges of Supreme Court, High Court, and the Chairman, and other members of U.P.S.C., Chief Election Commissioner etc., for violation of certain principles.

5. Constitutional Powers and Functions: The Parliament takes initiative for changing the provisions of the Constitution according to the changing times. Bills relating to the Constitution amendments may be introduced in either House. The State legislatures also join with the Parliament in accepting certain important Constitutional amendment bills. There are three methods of amending the Constitution.

6. Electoral Powers: The Parlìament also serves as an electoral college. It participates in the election of the President and Vice President. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker who act as the presiding officers are elected by the members of Lok Sabha. The Deputy Chairman is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha.

7. Deliberative Powers and Functions: The Parliament acts as the highest forum and direct agency of public opinion. Its members discuss various issues of national and international significance. They demand the government to solve the people’s problems.

8. Miscellaneous Powers: In addition to the above, the Indian Parliament has also the power to

• create or abolish Legislative Councils
• change the names and boundaries of the States etc.

Conclusion: A look at the powers and functions of the Indian Parliament shows that it is the centre of legislative activity and political activity of our country.

Question 5.
Estimate the powers and functions of the District Collector.
Answer:
Power and Functions of District Collector: The District Collector enjoys vast power and performs several functions as the head of the district administration. These may be explained as follows :
A) The Collector as District Revenue Officer: The Collector is the Chief District Revenue Officer. He, in that capacity, serves as the chief guide to the farmers in the district by fulfilling several obligations. His revenue functions include various activities such as collection of land revenue, sanction of agricultural loans to farmers, rescuing the farmers in times of natural calamities by assessing the loss incurred by them, rendering assistance to the union and state authorities in emergency relief measures, etc.

B) The Collector as District Magistrate: The Collector acts as the District Magistrate. He will have supervision over the
activities of the district police personnel. He sees that law and order conditions in the district are normal. For this purpose, he will be assisted by a large number of police personnel. The district superintendent of police and other police officers owe a responsibility to the Collector in matters such as supervision over police personnel prisons etc,. The Collector can inspect the police stations in the district. He is empowered to issue prohibitory orders on the occasion of breakdown of law and order. He can issue firing orders when all peaceful efforts failed in the restoration of normal.

C) The Collector as Chief Coordinator: The District Collector acts as the chief co-ordinator of various government departments in the district. He acts as the chief counsel and co-ordinator of the departments such as agriculture, irrigation, cooperation, and Labour affairs.’ The heads of these departments shall oblige and implement the suggestions and guidelines of the collector in the district. Even though these heads formulate their policies independently, they are answerable to the District Collector in their discharge of their obligations.

D) The Collector as District Electoral Officer: The Collector acts the chief district electoral officer. He serves as the main agent of the Election Commission of India for conducting elections to the various representative bodies in the district. He takes steps for conducting the elections in fair and impartial manner. This mdude preparation of electoral list and its modification, hearing public grievances on voters list, registration of new voters, appointing returning officers assistant returning officers etc.

E) The Collector as the Chief Census Officer: The Collector acts as the chief census officer in the district. He on behalf of the union and state governments, takes steps for holding census operations in the district for every ten years. He also sees that the statistical data regarding the number of much cattle, trees, and domesticated animals in the district is collected properly. He also compiles such other information as required by the higher authorities in regard to the construction of houses for the poor, family welfare, women empowerment, rural infrastructure etc.

F) The Collector as Permanent invitee of Local Bodies:
The District Collector is a permanent invitee to the meetings of Panchayat Raj and urban local bodies in the district. He acts as a main link between the union and state governments and district local bodies on various matters. He participates in the normal emergency meetings of Zilla Parishad and mandal parishads in the district. He sends confidential reports to the state government on the nature of functioning of these bodies. He conducts the meeting meant for considering the no-confidence motion against the Zilla Parishad chairman.

Other Functions: This District Collector also performs the following functions

1. Matters concerning the welfare of Ex-servicemen,
2. Provision of irrigation facilities.
3. Supervision over sub treasuries.
4. Coordinating the activities of various government departments.
5. Supervising the training programmes for Junior Officers.

Role of District Collector in Local Government: The District Collector plays a crucial role in the affairs of local governments in the district. He serves as the friend, philosopher, and guide to the common men living in the district. He also serves as a link between people and local bodies in the district. Normally the common men seek guidance and solace from the Collector in times of natural calamities and other unforeseen contengencies.

The Collector makes recommendations to the state government in regard to the working of the local bodies in the district. His valuable remarks are required for constituting new gram panchayats and mandal parishads in the district. The entire administrative, revenue, police, health, educational, and agricultural personnel working in rural areas depend to a great extent upon the advice and suggestions forwarded by the Collector on many occasions. He sees that the farmers in the district receive sufficient agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, water, rural credit, marketing facilities, etc. He supervises the activities of village extension officers and sees that the farmers receive various types of assistance for carrying on their; agricultural operations smoothly. He also sees that all persons below poverty line will receive, ration and pension facilities.

The fact that the Collector heeds more than one hundred committees at the district level demonstrates his role in district affairs. He, like the Chief Minister at the state level, will have tremendous influence and powers in the district. Many programmes of union and state governments like National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Aam Admi Bima Yojana (AABY), Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme (RLEGP), Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).

The union and state governments rely on the District Collector in tackling the financial, political, and cultural matters of the people living in local areas. They nominate the District Collector as the chairman, co-ordinator or secretary of the above programmes at the district level. People regard the Collector as a repository of authority functioning independently with dedicated spirit. Even- though some states like Gujarat and Maharashtra relieved the Collector from the perspective.

Section – B
8 x 5 = 40

Note:

• Answer any EIGHT of the following questions in 20 lines each.
• Each question carries 5 marks.

Question 6.
“The preamble is the soul of the constitution”. Explain.
Answer:
A preamble is the most salient features of Indian constitution. It denotes the essential philosophy of Indian constitution. It reflect the aims, aspirations, and objectives of the makers of Indian constitution. Jawaharlal Nehru described the Preamble as a declaration, a firm resolve, a pledge, an understanding and something more than a resolution. The preamble begins with the sentence “We, the people of India’ adopt, enact and give to ourselves this constitution”. It declared India as a sovereign socialist, secular, democratic, and republic. It announced that Indians enjoy liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice. t clearly stated that sovereignty in India belongs the people of India., Justice Madholkar pronounced that Preamble is the essence of Indian constitution. Justice Hidayatullah praised the Preamble as “the soul of the constitution”.

The Preamble after the Constitution (Forty Second Amendment) Act, 1976 is as follows:
We, the people of India having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens.

“Sovereign” – which means its authority within the country is undisputed and externally it is free from others’ control. “Socialist” means a state that doesn’t allow any kind of exploitation – social, economic and political.
“Secular” – It gives equal freedom to all religions.
“Democratic” – Stipulates that the sovereign power vests with the people. They exercise it periodically through universal Adult Franchise.

A “Republican” state assures that public offices are open to every citizen without any discrimination. There is no place for hereditary principles.

• Justice – social, economic and political.
• Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship.
• Equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all.
• Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.

In our Constituent Assembly this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949 do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution”.

Question 7.
Explain any five differences between Fundamental rights and Directive principles of state policy.
Answer:

Fundamental rights	Directive principles
1) The concept was borrowed from American Constitution.	1) The concept was borrowed from Irish Constitution.
2) These aim at establishing a political democracy in the country.	2) These aim at establishing a social and economical democracy in the society.
3) These are justicable and then enforced by the courts.	3) These are non-justicable and cannot be enforced by the courts.
4) These are personal and Individualistic in nature.	4) These are societarian and socialistic in nature.
5) These promote the welfare of the Individual.	5) These promote the welfare of the society.

Question 8.
Describe the composition and powers of the Union Council of Ministers.
Answer:
Composition of Council of Ministers: Our Constitution did not mention the exact size of the Union Council of Ministers. But there are three kinds of Ministers:

1. Cabinet Ministers
2. Ministers of State
3. Deputy Ministers.

The Cabinet Ministers are entrusted with the maintenance of some important ministries. They enjoy independence and decision-making powers.
The Ministers of State act as the heads of some important sections in the ministry. They ‘’directly responsible to the Prime Minister for their activities.

The Deputy Ministers have t independent and discretionary powers. They assist the Cabinet Ministers and perform the functions assigned to them. The Cabinet or the Council of Ministers is the pivot around which the entire administration of our country revolves, flit is the steering wheel of the ship of the State”. It is the hyphen that joins the Executive and Legislative organs of the Government.

Powers and Functions:
1. Executive Powers: The Union Cabinet is a deliberative and policy formulating body. It discusses and decides all National and International policies of the country. The policies decided by the cabinet are carried out by the Ministers. It directs and leads the Parliament for action and gets its approval for all its policies. It coordinates and guides the activities of departments of the Government. It also plays an important role by suggesting persons for all major appointments. It considers the reports of various committees before they are presented to the Parliament.

2. Legislative Powers: The Cabinet plans the legislative programme of the Government at the beginning of each session of Parliament. It drafts Bills on all important matters and introduces them in the Parliament. It also decides the time of summoning and prorogation of Parliament. The inaugural speech of the President to the Parliament is prepared by the Cabinet.

3. Financial Powers: The Cabinet possesses important financial powers. It has complete control over national finance. It
prepares the Union Budget. It decides what taxes are to be imposed and how much of expenditure is to be incurred. Money Bills are always introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister.

4) Foreign Relations: In the field of foreign relations also the Cabinet plays an important role. It determines and formulates the foreign policy of the country and decides India’s relations with other countries. It considers and approves all international treaties and agreements.

Question 9.
Write a note on the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Answer:
Chairman of Rajya Sabha: The Presiding Officer of Rajya Sabha is popularly known as the Chairman. The Vice President of India acts as the Ex-Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He is not a member of the House. The members of Parliament elected him for every five years as the Vice-President of India. It implies that both the members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha cast their vote in the Vice-Presidential election. At present he is paid ₹ 1,40,000/- towards monthly salary and allowances. His salaries and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Rind of India. The Chairman of Rajya Sabha vacates his office only if he is removed from the office of the Vice President.

Deputy Chairman: The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha amongst the members. The Deputy Chairman receives a monthly salary of ₹ 90,000/- In the absence of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman acts as Chairman and presides over the meetings of the Rajya Sabha. Whenever the office of the Deputy Chairman falls vacant, the members of Rajya Sabha will elect another member to fill the vacancy.

Question 10.
Write about the composition of Supreme Court.
Answer:
The Supreme Court of India is the highest court of Justice in India part V of the India Constitution from Articles 124 to 147 deals with the coitiposition, Appointment, Qualifications of Judges, powers, and functions of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court of land was established in New Delhi on January 26, 1950.

Composition: The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India and such number of other Judges as is provided by the law. The parliament is authorised to determine the number of Judges in the Supreme Court. At present, there are a chief Justice and 30 other Judges in the Supreme Court. There may be some Adhoc Judges and retired Judges on temporary basis in the Supreme Court.

All general cases are adjudicated by division Bench comprising two or more judges. Cases involving the constitutional matters are heard by a constitutional bench consisting Five Judges. For considering special cases larger benches consisting of Five or more than Five Judges are constituted.

Question 11.
Explain any three powers and functions of the Governor.
Answer:
1. Legislative Powers and Functions: Article 168 describes that the Governor is an integral part of the State Legislature. In that capacity he exercises certain powers and performs functions related to the State Legislature.

• The Governor inaugurates the first sessions of the State Legislative Assembly after the general elections are over.
• He also addressing the first session of State Legislative Assembly every year i.e. budget session.
• He appoints Pro-tern Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly.
• He summons and prorogues the sessions of the two houses of the State Legislature.
• He addresses the Members of the state legislature and sends messages in relation to the state legislature.
• The Governor gives his assent to the bills passed by the State Legislature.
• He may return a bill sent the State Legislature for its reconsideration.
• He dissolves the State Legislative Assembly when he feels no party is in a position to form a stable and viable Government and the advice of the Chief Minister.
• He may promulgate Ordinances to meet an emergency which require immediate action during the recess of the State Legislature.
• He nominates members of Anglo-Indian community to the Legislative Assembly of the state if he feels that community is not represented in the house.
• The Governor nominates 1/6 of the total members of the State Legislative Council.

2. Executive Powers and Functions: The Governor has the following executive powers.

• The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and the members of the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.
• He allocates Portfolios among the ministers and reshuffles their portfolios.
• He removes the Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.
• He appoints the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities in the State. He acts as the Chancellor of the universities.
• He appoints the Chief Secretary and Advocate General of the State Government.

6. He appoints the Chairmen and other members of the State Commissions such as

• State Public Service Commission
• State Election Commission
• Official Language Commission
• Commission for Women
• Minorities Commission
• Backward Classes Commission and
• SC & ST Commission.

7. He regulates the postings and transfers of the Ail India Services personal working in the state.

3. Judicial Powers and Functions: The Governor also exercises the following judicial powers and functions.

• The Governor renders advice to the President of India in the appointment of Chief Justice and other judges of the High Court of the State.
• The Governor appoints the Advocate General of the State.
• He makes appointments postings and promotions of the District Judges in consultation with the Chief Justice of High Court of the State.
• He also appoints persons to the judicial services of the state (other than the district courts) in consultation with the Chief Justice of High court and State Public Service Commission.
• He can grant pardon, retrieve, remit and commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law of the concerned state.

Question 12.
Write a note on the Legislative Assembly.
Answer:
Legislative Assembly is the Lower House of the State Legislature. The Members of Legislative Assembly are called M.L.As. According to Article 170 of the Indian Constitution, it consists of not more than 500 members and not less than 60 members. It means that its strength depends on the population and size of the state. But small states have been allowed to have less number of members. Thus Goa and Mizoram have only 40 members, while Sikkim has 32 Members.

Composition of the Legislative Assembly: The Legislative Assembly is the popular and powerful chamber of the State Legislature. It is the lower house and resembles more or less the Lok Sabha at the Centre. It consists of representatives directly elected by the people of the State on the basis of universal adult franchise. Those who become members of State Legislative Assembly must be citizens of India and must be above 25 years of age.

Term of office: The normal term of Assembly is 5 years. It may be dissolved earlier by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. The Parliament may extend it’s term by one year when National Emergency is in force.

Presiding officers: The Presiding Officer of Assembly is known as Speaker. He is elected by the members of the assembly.
The Assembly also elects a Deputy Speaker to conduct the business of the House in the absence of the speaker.

Question 13.
Explain briefly the composition of High Court.
Answer:
The Constitution of India provides for a High Court for each state. But the Amendment Act, of 1956 authorised the Parliament to establish a common High Court for two or more states and a Union Territory Composition: Every High Court shall consist of a Chief Justice and some other Judges. The President of India may appoint them from time to time. Besides, the President has the power to appoint Additional Judges for a temporary period not exceeding
two years as an acting Judge, where a permanent Judge of a High Court is temporarily absent or unable to perform his duties. Such judges hold office until the permanent Judge resumes his office. The number of Judges varies from 5 in Gauhati High Court to 48 in the Allahabad High Court. Our Çonstitution does not specify the exact strength of High Court judge and leaves it to the discretion of the President. Accordingly, the President determines the strength of a High Court from time to time depending upon its workload.

Question 14.
Discuss the Administrative relations between the Union and the States in India.
Answer:
Articles 256 to 263 in Part XI of our Constitution deal with the administrative relations between the Union and States. They are discussed under the following heads :

• during emergencies,
• in normal times.

In normal times: In normal times, our Constitution has devised techniques of control over the states by the Union to ensure that the State Governments do not interfere with the legislative and executive policies of the Union. The Union Government exercises its influence over the State Governments in the following ways. The Union Government is empowered to issue directions to the State Governments in the following matters:

• To ensure due compliance with the Union laws in the implementation of the State laws.
• To ensure that the exercise of the executive power of the State does not impede the implementation of the Union laws.
• The ensure the Constitution and the Maintenance of the means of communication of military or national importance.
• To ensure protection of Railways within the state.
• To devise and execute schemes for the welfare of the tribal communities as mentioned in the directions.
• To secure the provisions of the adequate facilities for the instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage to linguistic minorities.
• To ensure the development of Hindi language.
• To entrust certain functions of the Centre to the State and its officers and the Centre will meet the additional expenditure involved in carrying out such functions.
• To issue directions to the State for the welfare of the scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• The State Governments have to see that the laws made by the Parliament and other laws prevalent in the State are properly executed. The Union Government is empowered to give directions to the States for this purpose.
• The Parliament can frame rules regarding the settlement of disputes between two States with regard to the use of water and boundaries.
• The President is empowered to constitute an Inter-State Council to advise the State in settling their disputes.
• The personnel belonging to All India Services working in the State are governed by the rules, regulations and service conditions laid down by the Central government only. They can be removed only by that government.
• The Central government dispatches the central resource power to the States for tackling any situation of disturbances affecting law and order conditions in the State.
• The Union can impose presidential rule in any State if there is a breakdown of the Constitutional machinery in the State.
• The Election Commission, an independent Constitutional body constituted by the Central Government conducts elections of the Union and State legislatures.
• The Parliament can empower to make grant in aid to any State which is in need of such assistance.

During Emergencies: During the operation of a national emergency, the Union Government will work as a powerful body. The state governments are brought under its complete control. However, they can’t be suspended by the union. When the President’s rule is imposed in a state the President can assume to himself the functions of the state government. He can assign such functions to the Governor. During the financial emergency, the union can direct the states to observe canons of financial propriety The President can issue directions including the reduction of salaries of persons serving in the state government and the High Court Judges.

Question 15.
Write briefly about the Historical background of local governments in India.
Answer:
Historical Background: Local governments in India have a long historical background. The Rigveda, the oldest of four Vedas, mentioned two institutions namely, Sabha and Samithi which performed several administrative and political functions at community level. They were the effective administrative state structures at local levels in ancient period. They relate to village panchayats and caste panchayats.

Which managed the administrative and judicial affairs of a village community. These institutions continued for several
years even without the effective support of the ruling classes of the time. Many eminent writers like Megasthanes, Kautilya, and Fahien have cited the existence of these bodies in their writings.

In medieval period, village panchayats flourished during the Chola dynasty in South India. The Cholas were renowned for their patronage of the local bodies. However, the local governments of the present form is attributed to the efforts of some British officers at higher levels. They developed these bodies to promote the colonial interests. Lord Mayo’s Resolution (1870) and Lord Rippon’s Resolution (1882) paved the way for the progress of these institutions in India. Earlier the East India Company established the Municipal Corporation of Madras in 1688 with the consent of Emperor George II.

Some Mayor councils were set up in Madras in 1726 for collecting taxes and administering justice. The Regulating Act of 1773 paved the way for the establishment of local governments at Calcutta (Kolkata), Madras, and Bombay (Mumbai). Lord Rippon, the Governor General of India moved the famous resolution for devolving financial and administrative powers to the local governments.

His resolution is known as the Magnacarta of Local Governments in India. He was described as the father of local self-government in India. Later on the successive British rulers in India have initiated many steps for providing more authority to the local bodies. Some of the notable legal enactments are Bengal Municipalities Act, 1884; Bengal Local Governments Act, 1885;

Bengal Village Self-government Act, 1919 etc. The Royal Commission on Decentralization headed by Sir Charles Hobhouse (1906) offered valuable suggestions for setting up of village panchayats constitution of district boards, entrusting primary obligations to municipalities, etc. The Government of India Act, 1919 introduced diarchy at state level. It gave impetus to the local governments. It empowered the Indian ministers to take decisions in regard to the maintenance of local bodies.

The Government of India Act, 1935 assigned the provincial governments with the obligation of making the local bodies energetic and efficient. It placed the subject of Local Self Government’ under Entry 12 of the provincial governments. Consequently, many provincial governments passed Acts delegating the local governments the powers of administration including criminal justice to the panchayats. Prominent leaders of national movements like Mahatma Gandhi supported the cause of local governments.

Question 16.
Write a short note on Electoral Functions.
Answer:
The electoral functions are different for the individual voter and for the political system. For the individual voter, elections may be regarded as a means of political participation and to some extent, of policy choice, although for many voters. Even in democratic societies, elections may be a customary at to which little significance is attached. For the political system, elections are important devices for assuring legitimacy and for system maintenance and support building. Hence, the electoral functions may be considered into four broad categories.

They are:

• Political choice
• Political participation
• Support- building and system – maintenance, and
• Linkage functions.

a) Political choice: The elections may be used or interpreted as a plebiscite, a referendum, or a mandate. They are the instruments for choosing the leaders and also determining the will of the people. They are devices for controlling political leaders. Control of leaders involves some degree of control of governmental choice and policies. They provide the means for the peaceful and orderly transfer of power.

b) Political participation: The major electoral function is to provide opportunities and channels for political participation. This function of elections is a central one as political participation is essential in the democratic system. The participation strengthens the democratic system.

c) Support-building and system – maintenance: The elections support the political system by providing legitimacy,
political stability, integration, and identification. The elections are therefore a contributing rather than a controlling factor of a political system. Rosenau uses the term support-building as function of elections and hence, all other functions could be subsumed under It.

d) Linkage functions: Elections are important agencies of political communication between the people and the government in the sense of political linkages. They provide a chance for the people to have more direct contact with their leaders.

Question 17.
What is political party? Explain its characteristics and functions.
Answer:
Political Parties are the lifeblood of democracy. Political parties mould public opinion and create an order out of the choice of individual opinion. In general sense, political party is an organized group of citizens having the purpose of controlling the government through shared interest, by replacing some of its members in public office.

Political parties are defined by various political scientists in different ways. Some of them are given below:
1. Gilcbrist: A political party as an organized group of citizens who profess to share the same political views and who
acting as a political unit try to control the Government”.
2. Leacock: ‘A political party is a more or less organized group of citizens who act together as a political unit.
Characteristics of Political Parties: The following are the important characteristics of political parties.

• A party should consist of a group of persons of common interest and shared values.
• A party should have its own ideology and programme.
• It should capture power only by constitutional means through elections.
• It should endeavour to promote the national interest and national welfare.

Functions of Political Parties: The following are the main functions of political parties.
1. They articulate and aggregate social interests of people: Parties express public expectations and demands of social groups to the political system. Parties put forward different policies and programmes for the welfare of people. These political parties are articulate and aggregate the people’s demands and channelize into political system for policies.

2. Political recruItment: Political parties perform the recruitment function in the political system. Parties recruit leaders, train them, and then make them ministers to run the government in the way they want. By this recruiting function, they provide leadership to the country.

3. Means of public opinion: They raise and highlight the peoples problems and issues. Political parties may agitate and launch movements for the solution the problems faced by people. Political parties demand the government for welfare policies their programmes will reflect the opinion of the people.

4. They promote political Socialization and participation of citizens: Political parties create a link between citizens and the political system; they enable political participation of individuals and groups with the prospect of success. They educate the citizens and prepare them for their adult roles are us citizens and voters.

5. Making laws: When parties come to power, they make laws for the country. Irrespective of their personal options. Opposition parties also participate in the discussion and debates and suggest the changes in the policies and programmes of the government.

6. Role of opposition: Parties that lose in elections play the role of opposition to the parties in power by criticizing the government for its failures or wrong policies. They can evaluate the performance of the ruling party and inform to the public about the merits and demerits of the policies and acts made by it.

7. Access to government machinery and welfare Schemes: For an ordinary citizen, it is easy to approach a local party leader than a government officer. That is why they feel close to parties even when they do not fully trust them. Parties have to be responsible to people’s needs and demands.

8. They contribute legitimacy to the political system: In establishing the connection between citizens’ social groups and the political system, the parties contribute in anchoring the political order in the consciousness of the citizens and in social forces.

Section – C
15 x 2 = 30

Note:

• Answer any FIFTEEN of the following questions in 5 lines each.
• Each question carries 2 marks.

Question 18.
Written Constitution.
Answer:
The constitution of India is the most written, lengthy, and detailed document in the world. In 1950 the Indian constitution had 22 parts, 8 schedules, and 395 articles. After subsequent amendments, it contains 12 schedules and 444 articles for the present.

Question 19.
Types of directive principles.
Answer:
On the basis of their content and direction directive principles of state policy can be classified into three broad categories namely socialistic, Liberal – intellectual, and Gandhian principles.

Question 20.
Composition of the Union Executive.
Answer:
The constitution of India provides for the Union Executive.
Articles 52 to 78 in part V of the constitution deal with the union executive.
The Union Executive consists.

• The President
• The Vice – President
• The Prime Minister and
• The Union Council of Ministers

Question 21.
Qualifications of Rajya Sabha member.
Answer:

1. He shall be a citizen of India.
2. He shall have completed 3d years of age.
3. He should not hold any office of profit under union’s state or local government.
4. He shall possess such other qualifications as prescribed by the Parliament.

Question 22.
Qualifications of judges of Supreme Court.
Answer:
A person to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court shall possess the following qualifications:

• He should be a citizen of India.
• He should have continuously worked as a judge in one or more High Courts at least for a period of 5 years.
• He should have continuously worked as an advocate of one or more High Courts for not less than 10 years or
• He should be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the president of India.

Question 23.
Qualifications of governor.
Answer:
Article 157 of our Constitution lays down the following qualifications for the appointment of a person as a Governor.

• He shall be a citizen of India.
• He should have completed the age of 35 years. ‘
• He should not be a member of either House of Parliament or state legislature.
• He should not hold any other office of profit.
• He should not be an insolvent declared by any court of law.

Question 24.
Qualifications of M.LA.
Answer:
A person who wishes to contest for the membership of the State Legislative Assembly must be possess the following qualifications.

• He should be a citizen of India.
• He should have completed the age of 25 years.
• He should possess such other qualifications as prescribed by any act of Parliament.
• However, no person can simultaneously be a member of any House of the Parliament and of a State Legislature.

Question 25.
Appointment of High Court Judges.
Answer:
The Chief Justice of High Court is appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the concerned State. The other judges of High Court are appointed by the President with the consultation of the Chief Justice of High Court of the concerned State. In case of a common High Court for two or more States, the Governors of concerned States are consulted by the President.

Question 26.
Any three relations between Union and States.
Answer:
The Union and State Relations in India are divided into three heads.
They are:

1. Legislative
2. Administrative and
3. Financial Relations.

Question 27.
Union List.
Answer:
The union list is a longest list. It consists of 100 subjects. The Union Parliament has exclusive power to make laws on these subjects like Defence, Foreign Affairs, Railways, Airways, Banking, Insurance, etc.

Question 28.
Rural Local governments.
Answer:
Rural Local Governments or Panchayati Ra] institutions in India. signifies the system of Rural Local Governments. They serve as the backbone of Indias political culture. These institutions are of three types, popularly known as the three-tier system.

1. Gram Panchayats
2. Mandal Parishads and
3. Zilla Parishads.

Question 29.
The Constitution seventy-third Amendment Act, 1992.
Answer:
The Union Government headed by the Prime Minister R V. Narasimha Rao strongly felt the need for immediate grant for constitutional status to the panchayat raj institutions. It introduced a bill to that effect in the Parliament in September 1991. After the bill was referred to a joint select committee in July 1992. The bills was accepted by the Parliament and the same referred to the State Legislatures for their approval. It become an act in the name of Seventy-Third Amendment Act, 1992.

Question 30.
Gram Sabha.
Answer:
There will be a Gram Sabha in every Panchayat. it comprises all the adult citizens who have been entitled to vote. It meets at least twice a year It discusses and approves the administrative and audit reports. It identifies the beneficiaries of development schemes. It takes steps for mobilizing voluntary labour for community welfare programmes. The Union Government directed the state governments to make arrangements for convening Gram Sabha on April 14 of every year. (Second one in the month of October).

Question 31.
Relations between Democracy and Elections.
Answer:
Elections are the central institution of democratic representative governments. In a democracy, elections are periodic. Elected officials are accountable to the people, and they must return to the voters at prescribed intervals to seek their mandate to continue in office.

This means that officials in a democracy must accept the risk of being voted out of office. In democratic system the elections are also inclusive. The definition of citizen and voter must be large enough to include a large proportion of the adult population. Democratic elections are definitive. They determine the leadership of the government. Subject to the laws and constitution of the country, popularly elected representatives hold the reins of power.

Question 32.
Electronic Voting Machines.
Answer:
An Electronic voting machine is a simple electronic device used to record votes in place of ballot papers and boxes which were used earlier in conventional voting systems. The advantages of the EVM over the traditional ballot paper system are given below.

• It eliminates the possibility of invalid and doubtful votes.
• It makes the process of coðnting of votes much faster that the conventional system.
• It reduces to a great extent the quantity of paper used, thus saving a large number of trees.
• It reduces cost printing as only one sheet of ballot papers required for each polling station.

Question 33.
Functions of a Political Party.
Answer:
The following are the main functions of Political Parties:

1. They articulate and aggregate social interests of people
2. Political recruitment
3. Means of public opinion
4. They promote political socialization and participation of citizens.
5. Making laws
6. Role of opposition
7. Access to government machinery and welfare schemes
8. They contribute legitimacy to the political system.

Question 34.
Types of Party system.
Answer:
There are different types of party systems which are discussed below. They are classified into a single-party system, a Bi-Party system, and a Multi-Party System.

1. Single party system: Single party system only one political party is an existence. Ex: Nazi party in Germany, Fascist party in Italy, Communist party in China and in former USSR.
2. Bi-Party System: Under a Bi-party system, two major political parties are in working in a political system; one forms the government, and the other functions as opposition. Ex: Viz, the labour and the conservative parties in UK or republican and democratic parties in the U.S.A.
3. Multi-party System: In a Multi-party system there are more than two parties operating in a political system. Ex: This type of party system is in existence in India, Sweden, Norway, France etc.

Question 35.
Gentlemen Agreement.
Answer:
In order to clear the doubts among the people, of Telangana that the Visalandhra may obstruct their interest, the gentlemen’s agreement took place on 20th February 1956 at Delhi based on the recommendations of Fazal All Commission. It was attended by Sri Bezawada Gopala Reddy the then Chief Minister of Andhra State, and his colleagues Sarvasi Neelam, Sanjeeva Reddy, Gouthu Lanchanna, Ahuri Satyanarayana Raju from Andhra region.

Sri Burgula Ramakrishna Rao the then Chief Minister of Hyderabad State and his colleagues Savaging K.VRanga Reddy Marri Chenna Reddy, J.V.Narsinga Rao from Telangana Region. They had signed on the Agreement.

Question 36.
JVP committee.
Answer:
The Jaipur Congress session appointed three men committee which consisted of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhaipatel, and Pattabhi Seetha Ramaiah popularly known as JVP Committee to reconsider the separate state demand. The committee submitted report in 1949 April stating that the separate state can be formed upon a condition that the Andhra people has to set a side the desire of Madras city.

Question 37.
Sri Bagh Pact.
Answer:
When the Andhra movement was in full swing the leaders of Rayalseema and Anðhra met at the residence of Sri Kasinadhuni Nageswara Rao Panttulu 14th November 1937 popularly known as “Sree Bagh” the following leaders were participated in the meeting. The meeting was held in a peaceful atmosphere. The following were the chief provisions of the pact.

1. The centers of Andhra universities will be established one at Waltair and another at Rayalaseema.
2. Giving importance to the development of Rayalaseema.
3. Equal representation in the assembly for all the districts.
4. To set up either new capital or high court in Rayalaseema.