AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Question Paper May 2019

Thoroughly analyzing AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Model Papers and AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Question Paper May 2019 helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses.

AP Inter 2nd Year Civics Question Paper May 2019 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 carries TEN 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 9th 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 Iengthy Written Document: 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.

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 like 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 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 -occassions. Provisions of unitary state such as Single Citizenship, Single Integrated Judiciary, Single Election Commission, Role of All India 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 member 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 justiciable 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. Fundamental 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 all 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 constiution, 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 stàte 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 ceriain directive principles as the policy of the state, in part IV from Articles from 36 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 ilthealth, 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 Rai and Nagar Palikas Acts: The Panchayati Raj and Nagar Palikas Acts are relevant features of our constitution. The 73rd’ and 74th Constitutional Amendments 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 decentralisation or the grass roof 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.
Explain the various types of Directive principles of State Policy mentioned in Indian Constitution.
Answer:
Directive principles of state policy are enumerated in articles from 36 to 51 in past -IV of the Indian constitution. They are borrowed from the Irish constitution. They help in realizing the objectives mentioned in the preamble.

Types of Directive principles of State Policy: Directive principles can be classified into three broad categories namely Socialistic, Liberal-intellectual and Gandhian principles.
Article 36 defines the term ‘State’.
Article 37 declares that the directive principles shall not be enforceable by any court. ,
1. Socialist Principles: Articles 38,39, 41, 42, 43 and 47 explains about the, socialistic ideology of the directive principles of state policy.
1. Article 38 prescribes that the state Shall strive to provide justice and promote welfare of the people by creating a proper economic, social and political atmosphere.

2. Article 39 directs the rate to secure its citizens.

• Adequate means, of livelihood for all citizens.
• Equitable distribution of wealth for sub-serving the common good.
• Equal pay for equal work for all.
• Protection of adult and child labour.
• Decentralization of nation’s wealth.
• Preserving the health and strength of workers, men and women.
• Protecting childhood and youth against exploitation.

3. To secure right to work and education for all people, relief in the case of unemployment; old age; sickness and disablement, and in other cases of under-served want. (Article 41).
4. To make provision for just and human conditions of work and maternity relief (Article 42).
5. To secure living wage and decent standard of life so as to ensure to the workers sufficient leisure and enjoyment of social and cultural opportunities. (Article 43).
6. Raising the level of nutrition and standard of living of the people and the improvement of public health (Article 47).

2. Liberal-intellectual Principles: The principles represent the ideology of liberalism and certain objective like provision of basic education, uniform civil code, independent judiciary and international peace. They are incorporated in Articles 44, 45, 50 and 51 of the Constitution.

1. The State shall secure for the citizens uniform civil code throughout the country (Article 44)
2. The State shall provide free and compulsory education for all the children below 14 years of age. The Constitution (Eighty-Sixth Amendment) Act, 2002 substituted the following words in Article 45. ‘The State shall endeavor to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years.” (Article 45)
3. The state organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines (Article 48)
4. The state protect monuments which are declared to be of national importance (Article 49)
5. The state protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wild life (Article 48 A)
6. The State shall take steps to separate judiciary from executive in public services of the State. (Article 50)

7. The State shall

• promote international peace, justice and security
• Maintain just and honorable relations with other nations
• protection of monuments and place of historical and cultural interest
• respect for inter-national laws and treaty obligations; and
• encourage settlement of international dispute by arbitration. (Article 51)

3. Gandhian Principles: These Principles are based on gandhian ideology. They represent the programme of reconstruction enunciated by Mahatma Gandhi during the national movement. These principles provide ideal rule in India. They are reflected in Articles 40,43, 46 and 47. They may be enumerated as under.

1. The State shall orgañz village Panchayats and endow them with adequate powers and authority so as to enable them to, function as the units of self-government. (Article 40)
2. The State shall strive for the promotion of cottage industries on individual or cooperative basis in rural areas. (Article 43) .
3. The State shall promote the educational and economic interests of thè SCs, STs and BCs of society with special care. (Article 46)
4. The State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health (Article 47)

Other Principles: The Constitution (Forty Second and Forty Fourth Amendment) Acts of 1976 and 1978 added a few more subjects to the list of Directive Principles. While the Constitution (Forty Second Amendment) Act inserted Articles 39A, 43A, and 48 A, the Constitution (Forty Fourth Amendment) Act included Article 39 Clause (2) They comprise the following provisions.

1. Providing opportunities for healthy development of children.
2. Promotion of equal justice and legal aid to the poor.
3. Securing participation of workers in the management of industries. ,
4. Protecting the environment, forests, and wild animals.

Question 3.
Write briefly the emergency powers of the President of India.
Answer:
Articles 352 to 360 of part XVIII of Indian constitution deals with three types of emergency powers of the indian president. They are:

1. National Emergency,
2. Constitutional Emergency,
3. Financial Emergency.

They may be explained as follows.
1. National Emergency: (Article 352)
The President exercises this power during the period of war external aggression or armed rebellion. He declares emergency if he is satisfied that the sovereignty and security of India or any part there of is threatened by external aggression. When National Emergency is in force, the federal, provisions of our constitution ceases to operate. So far, National Emergency was proclaimed on four occasions in our country.

They are:

1. Chinese Aggression (1962),
2. Indo – Pak war (1965),
3. Indo – Pak war in the context of Bangladesh Liberation Movement (1971),
4. Opposition’s call for blocking Parliament (1975).

2. Constitutional Emergency: (Article 356)
Article 356 of Indian constitution empowers the President to proclaim the constitutional emergency. If the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen- in which the government of a state cannot be carried on according to the constitutional provisions. He is empowered to proclaim this emergency. It is also called as the President’s Rule. So far this type of emergency was proclaimed for over 100 times.

3. Financial Emergency: (Article 360)
If the President is satisfied that a situation has arisen where by the financial stability or credit of India is threatened, then he may proclaim financial emergency in the country. During the period of financial emergency, the President enjoys the following powers.

• The President may reserve all the money bills or other financial bills of the state after they are approved by the state legislature.
• He may reduce the salaries and allowances of all or any person serving in the states.
• The President can reduce the salaries allowances of the persons working at the union level including the judges of the Supreme Court and the State High Courts. But so far the financial emergency has not been yet imposed in the country.

Question 4.
Explain the powers and functions of the Union Legislature.
Answer:
The Financial cåmmittees of Parliament endeavour of undertake. the task of detailed scrutiny of governmental spending and performance, thereby securing the accountability of the administration to the Parliament in financial matters.
There are three financial committees in Indian Parliament.
They are:

1. Public Accounts committee
2. Estimates committee and
3. Committee on public undertakings.

1) Public Accounts Committee: Public Accounts Committee was set up on 1921. It consists of 22 members. Out of them, 15 members belong to the Lok Sabha and 7 members to the Rajya Sabha. Their term of office is one year. They are elected by means of proportional representation and single transferable vote. The speaker nominates one of the members as the chairman of the committee. It became a convention to appoint one of the members of the opposition in the Lok Sabha as its chairman since 1967-68.

The Committee performs the following functions:

1. The Committee examines the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
2. It examines Public Expenditure not only from legal and formal point of view to discover technical irregularities but also from the point of view of economy prudence, wisdom and property.
3. It brings out the appropriation accounts and the finance accounts of the Union Government and any other accounts laid before the Lok Sabha.
4. It examines whether the public funds are disbursed properly.
5. It examines the accounts of Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous bodies, the audit of which is conducted by the CAG.
6. It investigates the money spent on any service during the financial year in the excess of the amount granted by the Lok Sabha for that purpose.

The Comptroller and Auditor General renders assistance to this committee. The members of this committee carryout a country-wide tour and meet the concerned officers non-officials, people and receive petitions from them and it submits a final report to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

2. Estimates Committee: The origin of this committee can be traced to the Standing Financial Committee setup in 1921. The Estimates Committee was at first constituted in April 1950 in free India. It consists of 30 members of the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has no representation in this Committee. These members are elected by the Lok Sabha every year from among its own members according to the principle of proportional representation by means of single transferrable vote. The members hold their office for a year. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints the Chairman of the Committee. If the Duty Speaker is a member of this Committee, the Speaker appoints him as the Chairman of the Committee. One third of the total members belong to newly elected members.

The Chairman of the Committee will be appointed invariably from the ruling party. Mr. M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar acted the first chairman of this committee in the first Lok Sabha. The members of this committee may visit different projects and hold discussions with the officers, non-officials, business groups and receive suggestions from them. The committee functions on permanent basis.

The committee performs the following four important functions:

1. It offers suggestions in regard to the economy in expenditure, improvement in organization, and efficiency of the Union Government.
2.  It examines as to whether the public funds are disbursed as per the estimates.
3. It also examines the matters assigned to it by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
4. It examines whether the money is well laid out within the limits of the policy implied in the estimates. Hence, it has been described as a continuous economy committee.

3. Committee on Public Undertakings: The Committee on Public Undertakings was created in 1964 on the recommendations of Krishan Menon Committee. It consists of 22 members out of which 15 are from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha. The members of the committee are elected by the Parliament every year from amongst its own members according to the principle of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote.

The purpose of the committee is to lighten the burden of Public Accounts Committee. The Chairman of the committee is appointed by the speaker from amongst its members who are drawn from the Lok Sabha only. The members of Rajya Sabha are not be appointed as a Chairman of the committee.

The functions of the committee are:

1. To examine the reports and accounts of Public Undertakings.
2. To examine the reports of the Comptroller and Audit of General on undertakings.
3. To examine whether the affairs of the public undertakings are being managed in accordance with sound business principles and practices.
4. To exercise such other functions vested in the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee.

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 a 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 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 break down 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. These include 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 othe information as required by the higher authorities in regard to construction of houses for the poor, family welfare, women empowerment, rural infrastructure etc.

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. Co-ordinating 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 contingencies.

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 may 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 heads 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 cames five marks.

Question 6.
Write a note on the sources of Indian Constitution.
Answer:
The constitution of India was formulated on the basis of various experiences. Almost all the noble features of the world constitutions have been incorporated in it. Similarly the peculiar political, social and cultural conditions present in India have been taken into account at the time of drafting the constitution. The makers of Indian constitution ignored those conditions prevalent in other countries which are contrary to the socio-economic and political background of India.

On the whole the following Source figure prominently in making the Indian constitution.
1. Many provisions of indian çonstitutiofl have been drawn on the basis of West Minister Model (british). These include
parliamentary traditions, rule of law, cabinet government, legislative-executive relations, single citizenship, nominal executive head etc.

2. Some provisions like fundamental rights, judicial review, federal system, president’s election, impeaching the president, etc., have been taken from the American constitution.

3. Items relating to Directive Principles of State Policy have been drawn from the constitution of Ireland.

4. The emergency powers of the President five been taken basing on the German constitution.

5. Matters such as Concurrent List, Business, Commerce, Inter-State trade, Special privileges of legislators etc., have been
added on the model of Australia.

6. The Union-State relations mentioned in Indian constitution have been designed basing on the Canadian constitution.

7) Matters of constitutional amendment procedure were drawn from South African constitution.

8. The idea of republic and the ideals of liberty; equality and fraternity have been taken from the constitution of France.

9. Most of provisions of Indian constitution were drawn from the Government of India Act, 1935.

Question 7.
Explain any three fundamental rights of a citizen.
Answer:
1. Right to freedom of Religion: This right denotes the secular nature of Indian political system. It aims at transforming India into a secular state. Both the citizens and aliens of India enjoy this right.
Article 25 empowers every persons to profess, practice, and propagate a religion of this liking.
Article 26 guarantees the following rights to every person.

• To establish and maintain religious and charitable institutions.
• To mange his their religious äffairs.
• To own and acquire moveable and immovable properties and
• To maintain such properties in accordance with the provision of the law.

Article 27 prohibits the state to impose or collect taxes from individual purely on religious grounds. It also prohibits the state to impose and collect taxes for the benefit and maintenance of any particular religion or religious denominations. Article 28 bans religious instructions in educational institutions wholly or partly maintained by the state funds.

2. Educational and Cultural Rights: Indian constitution provided several cultural and educational opportunities for Indian
citizens through this right. Article 29 enables every citizen to preserve and protect his own language and culture irrespective of one’s religion, language or region.

Article 30 prohibits special treatment to any citizen in the admission into educational institutions either wholly or partly funded by the state on the grounds of caste, religion, region, colour, language or sect. However, it allowed the minotities sorpe special facilities for preserving and promoting their language and culture. The state can grant financial assistance to them in this regard.

3. Right to Constitutional Remedies: This right enables the individuals to approach a high court under article 226 or the supreme court under article 32 to get any of the fundamental rights restored in case of their violation: The Supreme court and the state High courts issue various writs for the implementation of Fundamental Rights. Dr. Ambedkar described this right as the Heart and Soul of the Constitution.

Question 8.
Explain any three powers and functions of the Attorney General of India.
Answer:
Article 76 of our Constitution provided for the office of the Attorney General of India. The Attorney General is the highest law officer of the Union Government. He is appointed by the President. He holds the office during the pleasure of the President. He is entitled to all privileges and immunities allowed to a Member, of Parliament.

When he attends sessions of the House, he occupies a seat on the treasury government benches Qualifications :
The Attorney General of India Possess the same qualifications that are necessary for a judge of the Supreme Court. They are as follows.

1. He must be a citizen of India.
2. He must have served as a judge in some High Court for a period of at least five years.
3. He must have served as an advocate in some High Court for a period of at least ten years.
4. He must be a distinguished jurist in the opinion of the President.

Pay and Allowances: The Attorney General of India is paid not a salary but a remuneration that is determined by the President. The remuneration of Attorney General is equal to salary of a judge of the Supreme Court.

Removal: He may quit his office by submitting his resignation to the President. He can be removed by the President in case a special address is passed charging him with proved misbehavior or incapacity by each House of Parliament with its absolute majority and with two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.

Powers and functions:
The Constitution assigned sortie specific powers and functions to the Attorney General of India. They are mentioned as follows:

1. The Attorney General of India render advice to the Union Government upon such legal matters which are referred to him by the President.
2. He performs such other functions of legal character that are assigned to him by the President from time to time.
3. He discharges the Functions conferred on him by the constitution or any other Laws.
4. He appears in any court of Law on behalf of the. union government in all cases.
5. He represents the government in any reference made by the president to the Supreme Court.
6. He appears in any High Court on behalf of the union government.

Question 9.
Explain any three powers of the Chief Minister.
Answer:
The following are the three important powers and functions of the Chief Minister.
i) Formation of the Ministry: The first and foremost responsibility of the Chief Minister is the formation of Ministry of his choice. The CM has a free hand in the selection and appointment of Ministers. He chooses some members of his party (or coalition partners in the case of a coalition) and recommends their names to the Governor to be appointed as Ministers. He advises the Governor to allocate portfolios among the Ministers.

ii) Leader of the State Council of Ministers: The Chief Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers. As such he occupies a position of exceptional authority. He is the Chairman of the State Council of Ministers. The Chief Minister decides the time, venue and the agenda of Cabinet meetings. The CM presides over such meetings, discussions are carried under his direction. He guides, directs, controls and co-ordinates the activities of the Ministers.

iii) Link between the Governor and the State Council of Ministers: The Chief Minister is the principal channel of communication between the Governor and the State Council of Ministers. As part of his Constitutional duty he communicates all the administrative decisions and legislative proposals of the State Council of Ministers to the Governor. It is his responsibility to furnish any information related to the actives of the Ministers as the Governor may call for. No minister shall meet the Governor without the consent of the Chief Minister.

Question 10.
What do you know about Public Accounts Committee?
Answer:
Public Accounts Committee consists of 20 members out of which 15 members belong to Assembly and 5 members belong to Legislative Council. They are elected through indirect election by following the principle of proportional representation for a period of one year. The Chairman is normally the member of Opposition Party The Ministers of Cabinet cannot be member of Public Accounts Committee.

Functions: Public Account Committee performs the following functions.

1. The committee examines the accounts showing the appropriation of sums granted by the house for expenditure of the state government.
2. It scrutinizes the appropriation accounts of the state and the reports of the Comptròllef and Auditor General.
3. It shall be the duty of the Public Accounts Committee to examine such a trading, manufacturing and profit and loss accounts and balance sheets and the accounts of the state government and also to consider the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
4. The committee carefully considers the accounting and audit procedures.
5. The committee is not concerned with the question of policy approved by the legislature.
6. The committee investigates expenditure after it has already incurred. An overall, this committee is generally described as a ‘post-mortem committee’.

Question 11.
Write any two powers and functions of the State High Court.
Answer:
The following are the two powers and functions of the High Court.
1. Original Jurisdiction: Every High Court in India has original jurisdiction in regard to matters of admiralty, will, marriage, divorce. company laws, contempt of court and certain,revenue cases. Every High Court is empowered to issue directions, orders or writs for the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights. Every High Court is empowered to settle disputes relating to election of members of Parliament and State Legislatures. The High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta and Madras possess original jurisdiction in Civil as well as Criminal cases arising within the presidency towns. They are authorized to hear Civil Cases involving property of the value of ₹ 20,000/- Or more. They enjoy exclusive privileges and authority in t- this regard. In fact this power of I-Ngh Court was in vogue before independence. It has been retained in the new Constitution. The other High Courts also enjoy the same jurisdiction as was available to them before independence.

Under Article 226, the High Courts is empowered to issue writs for enforcing Fundamental Rights. The High Court issue writs like Habeas-corpus, Certiorari, Mandamus, Quo-warranto and Injunction for protecting the FUndamental Rights of the India Citizens.

2. Appellate Jurisdiction: Every High Court hears appeals against the judgement of the subordinate courts. The appellate Jurisdiction of the High Court extends to both Civil and Criminal Cases.
a) Civil Cases: An appeal to the High Court on the civil side is either a first appeal or a second appeal. In civil cases, appeal to the High Court lies from the decision of a District Court. Appeals can also be made from the subordinate courts directly provided the dispute involves a value of more than ₹ 5,00,000/- (or) a question of fact of law. When a court subordinate to the High Court decides an appeal differing from the decision of an inferior court, a second appeal can be made to the High Court.

b) Criminal Cases: In Criminal cases, it hears the appeals in which the accused his been sentenced to more than seven years imprisonment by the Sessions Judge. All cases involving capital punishment awarded by the Sessions Court come to High Court as appeals. Its approval is necessary for the imposition of death sentences by the District Sessions Judge. It also hears cases involving the interpretation of the Constitution.

Question 12.
Explain the composition, powers and functions of the Finance Commission.
Answer:
Composition: Article 280 of the Indian Constitution deals with the composition, powers and functions of the Finance Commission The President of India constitutes a Finance Commission, quasi. judicial body with Chairman and four members. The Chairman as well as the members is appointed by the President for a period of five years. They are eligible for reappointment. The constitution authorizes the Parliament to decide the qualifications of the members and Chairman of the Commission. Accordingly, the Parliament has specified the qualification of the Chairman and other members of the Commission. The Commission makes recommendations to the President on the distribution of financial resources between the Union and States. The Chairman should be a person having experience in the field of public affairs of the Union or the States. The other four members of the Finance Commission should be appointed from amongst the following fields.

• A high Court judge or one qualified to be appointed as such.
• A person having special knowledge of the finances and accounts of the government.
• A person having wide experience in financial matters and administration.
• A person having special knowledge of Economics.

Powers and Functions: The Finance Commission review the financial relations between the Centre and States from time to time and makes recommendations to the President of India in the following matters:

• It makes recommendations as to what proportion of the central taxes is to be distributed among the State.
• To determine the principles that should govern the grants- in-aid of the revenues of the State out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
• It aiso makes recommendations regarding the continuance or modifications of agreements entered into by the Union Government with any state.
• It makes suggestions on any other matter referred to the Commission by the President in the interest of financial stability.
• The functions of Finance Commission have been enlarged by 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment, which makes it the duty of the Commission to suggest measures needed to arugment the Consolidated Rind of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayat and Municipalities in the States.
• It also holds discussions with the higher officials and prominent leaders on açiministrative and political affairs, and invites suggestions from the heads of various financial institutions in the country for sound financial stability.

The Finance Commission submits its report to-the President of India, which is generally accepted by the Central Government. The President may or may not accept all or few of the recommendations of the Commission. These recommendations are applicable for a period of five years.

Question 13.
Evaluate the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission.
Answer:
The Union Government appointed a three – member Commission on Centre-State relations under the Chairmanship of R.S Sarkaria, a retired judge of the Supreme Court. B.Sivaraman, S.R.Sen and Rama Subrahmaniam were appointed as other members. The Commission was asked to overhaul and review the working of existing arrangements between the Union and States in all spheres as and recommend such changes and measures as may be appropriate. It was initially given one year time to complete its work, but its term was extended four times.

The final report was submitted on October, 27, 1987 and the summary was later officially released in January, 1988. The Sarkaria Commission made 247 recommendations to improve the Centre -State relations. The importan recommendations are mentioned below:

1. A permanent inter-State Council called the Inter Governmental Council should be set up under Article 263.
2. Article 356 (President1s Rule) should be used very sparingly in extreme cases as a lait resort when all the available alternatives fail.
3. The institution of All India Services should be further strengthened and some more such services should be created.
4. The residuary powers of taxation should continue to remain with the Parliament, while the other residuary powers should be placed in the Concurrent List.
5. When the President withholds his assent to the State bills, the reasons should be communicated the State Government.
6. The National Development Council (NDC) should be renamed and reconstituted as the National Economic and Development Council (NEDC).
7. The zonal councils should be constituted afresh and reactivated to promote the spirit of federalism.
8. The Union should have powes to deploy its armed-forces, even without the consent of States. However, it is desirable that the States should be consulted.
9. The Centre should consult the States before making a law on a subject of the Concurrent List.
10. The procedure of consulting the Chief Minister in the appointment of the State Governor should be prescribed in the Constitutional itself.
11. The net proceeds of the Corporation tax may be made permissibly shareable with the States.
12. The Governor cannot dismiss the Council of Ministers so long as it commands a majority in the assembly.
13. The Governor’s term of five years in a State should not be disturbed except for some extremely compelling reasons.
14. No commission of enquiry should be set up against a State Minister unless a demand is made by, the Parliament.
15. The surcharge on income tax should not be levied by the Centre except for a specific purpose and or a strictly limited period.
16. The present division of functions between the Finance Commission and the Planning Commission is reasonable and should continue.
17. Steps should be taken to uniformly implement the three-language formula in its true spirit.
18. No autonomy for radio and television but decentralization in their operations.
19. No change in the role of rajya Sabha and the Centre’s power to reorganize the States.,
20.  Giving powers to the Municipalities to issue tax-free bonds.

The Union Government has implemented 180 (out of 247) recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission. The most important is the establishment of the Inter-State Council in 1990 but it has not served the purpose.

Question 14.
Write a short note on composition and functions of Election Commission.
Answer:
Composition: The Election Commission of India consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and two other commissioners. They are appointed by the President of India.

Functions of Election Commission:

1. It prepares all periodically revisêd electoral rolls.
2. It makes every effort to ensure ‘that the voters list is free of errors like non-existence of names of registered voters or existence of names of that non-eligible or non-existent.
3. It notifies the dates and schedules of election and scrutinizes nomination papers.
4. During this entire process, the Election Commission has the power to take decisions to ensure a free and fair poll.
5.  It can postpone or cancel the election in the entire country or a specific State or constituency on the grounds that the atmosphere is vitiated and therefore, a free and fair election may be not be possible.
6. The Commission also implements a model code of conduct for parties and candidates. It can order a re-poll in a specific constituency.
7. It can also order a reunt of votes when it feels that he counting process has not been fully fair and just. ;
8. The Election Commission accords recognition to polifical parties and allots symbols to each of them.
9. It advices the President whether lections can be held in a state under Presidents rule in order to extent the period of emergency after one year.
10. It advices the Governor on matters relating to th disqualifications of the members of State Legislature.

Question 15.
Explain briefly about Bharatiya Janata Party.
Answer:
Bharatiya Janatha Party is one of the All India Parties in India. It was established on April 6, 1980. Earlier it was known as Bharatiya Jan Sangh founded by shyam Prasad Mukherjee on October 21, 1951, Deenadayal Upadhyaya, Atal Bihari Vaj Payee, lal Krishna Advani, Murali Manohar Joshi, Jana Krishna Mw-thy, Kushbhav Thakre and Venkaiah, Naidu acted at it’s presidents.

Although initially unsuccessful, Winning oniy two seats in the 1984 general election, it grew in strength on the back of the Ram Janmabhoomi and Babri Majid issue. Following victories in several state elections and better performances in national elections, the BJP became the largest party in the Parliament in 1996; however, it lacked a majority in the lower house of Parliament, and its government lasted only 13 days. After the 1998 general election, the BJP-led coalition known as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-formed a government under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for a year.

Following fresh elections, the NDA government, again headed by Vijpayee, lasted for a full term in office ; this was the first non-Congress government to do so. In the 2004 general election, the BJP led NDA suffered an unexpected defeat, and fbr the next ten years the BJP was the principal Opposition party. Lang time Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, a principal campaigner and charismatic leader of the party, led it to a landslide victory in the 2014 general elections, Since that election, Narendra Modi leads the NDA government as Prime Minister with the alliance of 13 states owned parties.

Sri Amith Shah is the present President of the party. The party had spread its influence in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, etc.

Policies:
Bharatiya Janatha Party favours a strong unitary state in place of the present quasi-federation. It has the following policies.

1. The party is committed to adopting the principles of nationalism, democracy, value-based politics, national integration, positive secularism, and Gandhian socialism.
2. It strives to implement five concepts, namely Suraksha, Sucharita, Swadeshi, Somrastha, and Suvajya.
3. It aims at the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya, abrogation of Article 3 to and implementation of Uniform Civil Code.
4. It also aims at adopting electoral reforms.
5. It believes in the implementation of Swadeshi and Swabhiman policies.
6. It also aims at the adoption of a practical non-aligned policy in foreign affairs. It favours settlement of all disputes with the neighbouring states through dialogue and discussion. It strongly believes in the utilization of nuclear energy and arms for achieving peace and prosperity. It demands more democratization of the United Nations Organisation by expanding the membership of the secunty council.
7. It favours the continuation of the economic reforms initiated by the earlier governments through the policies liberalization, privatization and globalization.
8. It vehemently opposes dynastic rule, assigning top executive offices and strongly supports decentralization of power an empowerment of women.

Question 16.
Describe the formation of Andhra State.
Answer:
During Vandhemataram movement, the senior congressmen of Andhra Region, Sri Bhoga Raju Pattabhi Seetha Ramaiah, Mutnur Krishna Rao, Konda Venkatappiah and Tanguturi Prakasam Met at Machiipatnam and discussed about formation of n Integrated Andhra state by uniting the regions of Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana In the Madras State, There are 58% of Telugu areas and 40% of Telugu people were remained backward. This created the feeling of separate state of Andhra among them strongly. In 1912 the joint session of Godavari, Krishna and Guntur was held at Nidadavole under the chairmanship of Sri Vemavarapu Ramadas and passed a Resolution for formation of separate Andhra State.

1. The First Andhra Mahasabha, Bapatla 1913: In 1913 at Bapatla of Guntur district, the First Andhra Mahasabha was held which was presided by Sri B.N.Sarma. It was attended by 800 delegates and 2000 Audience.
2. The Second Andhra Mahasabha, Vljayawada 1914: On 11th April of 1914 the second Andhra Iiahasabha was held at Vijayawada which was presided by Sri Nyapathi Subba Rao, Sri Ayyadevara Kaleswara Rao of Vijayawada was its Convener. It was attended by 1600 delegates.

3. The Third Andhra Mahasabha, Visakhapatnam 1915: In 1915, May the third Andhra Mahasabha was held at Visakhapátnam under the chairmanship of Sri Panagallu Raja Rama Rayanim. It pass two resolutions.

• Formation of separate Andhra State, Inevitable
• Teaching in mother tongue up to secondary school level

The Nagpur congress session in 1920 has declared officially by accepting the doctrine of linguistic states. It has Recoginsed 21 languages on that basis the separate Pradesh congress was latched. ‘Article 52 of Indian council Act of 1919 which was made on the Report of Montague – Chelmsford stated that the government may accept the proposal of separate Andhra State if such resolution is passed by majority in the state legislature.

In 1926, the Andhra university was established with a view to provide higher education to Andhra people due to sincere efforts by the then education minister, Sri Anem Parasuram Pathro.

In 1932, under the chairmanship of Sn Kadapa Kotireddy, The separate Andhra Mahasabha was held at Madras. Sri Kasinadhuni Nageswara Rao Pantulu and Prominent leaders of Andhra and Rayalaseema were participated.

4. Sri Bagh Pact: On 14th November, 1937 at Madras in the residence of Sri Kasinadhuni Nageswara Rao panthulu namely “Sri Bagh” the meeting of leaders of Andhra and Rayalaseema was held. Leaders from Andhra region were Dr. Bboga Raju, Pattabhi Seetha Ramaiah, Konda Venkatappaiah, Mahboob Alibegh, Desi Raju Hanumantha Rao, Mullapudi Pallam Rajuand Kasinadhuni Nageswara Rao Pantulu.

Leaders from Rayalaseema were Sn Kadapa Kotireddy, Seetha Ramf Reddy, Subbu Rami Reddy, T.N.Rama Krishna Reddy, Pappuri Ramachari and Varadachari.

On 30th march, 1938 Konda Venkatappaiah introduced a Resolution in Madras Assembly and it was seconded by Kadapa Koti Reddy. The then chief minister addressed the house on resolution. Later it was passed by. the house unanimously.

In 1938 The Andhra Mahasta was held which was by Dr. Sarvepilli Radha Krishna an4 discussed about capital.
The First Andhra Mahasabha Bapatla 1913
The Second Andhra Mahasabha, Vijayawada 1914
The Third Andhra Mahasabha, Visakhapatnam, 1915
Sri Bagh Pact
Events that led to the formation of Andhra State.
J.V.R Report
Hunger Strike of Swami Seetharam
Hunger Strike fast unto death of Potti Sreeramulu
Waanchu Committee 1953

5. J.V.R Report: The Jaipur congress session appointed three men committee which consists of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhaipatel and Pattabhi Seetha Ramaiah, Popularly Known as JVP Committee to re consider 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.

6. Hunger Strike of Swami Seetha Ram: With a view to get easy and speedy formation of separate Andhra State by over coming of all hurdles Sri Swami Seetha Ram (Sri Gollapudi Seetha Ram Sasthri) Started hunger strike on 15th August, 1952 at Guntur Town hail it was continued for 36 days.

7. Hunger Strike Fast unto death of Potti Sreeramulu: For the Separate state hood of Andhra Polli Sreeramulu has started fast un to death on 19th October, 1952 at the Residence of Maharshi Bulusu Sambamurthy and it was later named as Yagnasala”.

Under these circumstances 9th December 1952 the union government announced that the government would consider the issue of Saparate Andhra State if the Andhra people will agree for separate Andhra apart from Madras By that time Fast un to death of Potti Sriramulu has gone to 52m’ day on 15th December 1952 at 11.39 p.m. Potti Sreeramulu Possess away.

8. Waanchu Committee 1953: In Jan, 1953 the Government of India has appointed Justice Waanchu, the chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court to study the formation of separate Andhra state soon after the receipt of Waanchu report prime minister Nehru announced that the Andhra state will be formed on 18th October, 1953 and furtherly he stated it is the responsiblity of Andhra Legislators to decide the capital, which has to be set up in Andhra region except Madras.

Formation of Andhra State: The government of India appointed C.M. Trivedi as special officer to look into the New state formation activities. The separate state of Andhra was officially formed with ‘Kurnool’ as its capital on 18th October, 1953 as announced earlier. New Andhra State Consists of 11 Andhra districts Viz, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa, Anantapur and Kurnool.

High court was set up at Guntur on 4th July, 1954 Justice Koka Subba Rao was the first chief justice C.M. Trivedi was the First Governor of Andhra state. “Tanguturi Prakasam Panthulu” was the first chief minister Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru launched the Andhra State on 1st October, 1953. The people throughout the state had Celebrated it as great event and Festival.

Question 17.
What are the different options suggested by Sri Krishna Committee regarding the status of Andhra Pradesh State.
Answer:
The government of India constituted a Committee for consultations on the situation in Andhra Pradeh on 3’’ February, 2010 headed by Justice B.N.Sri Krishna. It Examined two main ‘issues namely: ‘
i) The demand for separate statehood of Telangana.
ii) Keeping the state united in the present form, Andhra Pradesh The Committee submitted its report on 30 December, 2010 to the union home ministry.

The Committee’s report contained the following six options. ‘

1. Maintaining the status quo.
2. Bifurcation of the state into Seemandhra and Telangana. Each state is to devekp its own capital. Hyderabad is to be converted into a union Territory.
3.  Dividing A.P into two states – one of Rayala Telangana with Hyderabad as its capital and the second one of the coastal Andhra Pradesh.
4. Dividing Andhra Pradesh into Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad metropolis as a separate union Territory. It will be linked geographically to guntur district in coastal Andhra via Nalgonda district in the south East and via Mahaboob Nagar district in the South to Kurnool district in Rayalaseema.
5. Bifurcation of the state into Telangana and Seemandhra as per existing boundaries with Hyderabadas capital of Telangana and Seemandhra fo have new capital.
6. Keeping the state united and providing for creation of statutorily empowered Telangana Regional council for Socio-economic development and political development of Telangana Region.

Section – C
(15 × 2 = 30)

Note:

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

Question 18.
Preamble.
Answer:
The Indian constitution begins with a preamble. The preamble clearly defines the objectives of our constitution, It declares India as a sovereign, as a socialist, Secular Democratic Republic. It provides liberty, equality, fraternity and justice. It states that the people of India are the chief sources of the political authority.

Question 19.
Quo – Warranto.
Answer:
Quo – Warranto literally means ‘What Warrant or Authority”. It enables the competent court to enquire into the legality of the claim which a party assets to a public office and to oust him from its enjoyment if the claim is not well founded.

Question 20.
Article 356.
Answer:
Article 356 of Indian Constitution empowers the President to proclaim the constitutional emergency. If the President on receipt of a report from the governor or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of a state cannot be carried on according to the constitutional provisions. He is empowered to proclaim this emergency. It is also called as the President’s Rule.

Question 21.
Collective Responsibility.
Answer:
Article 75 (3) of Indian constitution states that the union council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, for all their facts of omissions and commissions. They act as a team under the leadership of the Prime Minister. They sail together, they swim together and they sink together.

Question 22.
Quorum of Lok Sabha.
Answer:
Quorum implies minimum attendance of members required for conducting the meetings of the Lok Sabha. Quorum is fixed at of the total membership. The speaker. determines whether there is Quorun on a particular day for conducting the meetings. Whenever there is no Quorum, he postpones the meetings for an hour or two or for the next day. There are several instances where in the meetings of the Lok Sabha were deferred due to lack of Quorum.

Question 23.
Question Hour.
Answer:
In both houses of Parliament, first hour is allotted to question hour. The members, be giving notiœ to the presiding officer, can ask questions pertaining to public issues, administrative inefficiency or about the role of the government.

Question 24.
Court of Record.
Answer:
According to Article 141, the Supreme Court acts as court of Record. Being the highest court of the land, its proceedings acts and judgments are kept in record for perpetual memory and further verification and reference.

Question 25.
State Executive.
Answer:
‘Articles 153 to 167 deal with the matters of the state executive. The state executive consists of (a) the Governor (b) the Chief Minister and (v) Members of the State Council of Ministers. In our Parliamentary system, Governor is the titular or constitutional head of the state. The Chief Minister is the real executive head of the Government. The Chief Minister and the Ministers being represents the people.

Question 26.
Composition of the State Council of Ministers.
Answer:
The State Council of Ministers is generally a three-tier body It consisting of.

1. Cabinet Ministers
2. Ministers of state and
3. Deputy Ministers.

There will be some only Parliamentary Secretaries in some states on rare occasions. It constitutes the fourth wing of the, hierarchy of the Council of Ministers.

Question 27.
Quorum.
Answer:
Quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present in the house before it can transact any business. According to Article 188 of the constitution, the Quorum for conducting the State Legislative Assembly meeting was fixed at 1/10th of the total membership. However, in some states, where the strength of the State Legislative Assembly is very low, the quorum will be a minimum number of 10. The speaker decides whether there is a quorum or not on a particular day.

Question 28.
Types of Committees.
Answer:
The committees are of two types i.e., Standing committees and Ad-hoc committees.

• Standing Committees: Standing committees deal with specific business (financial matters) Ex: Estimates committee, Public Accounts Committee and Committee on Public Undertakings.
• Ad-hoc Committees: Ad-hoc committees are concerned with the matters of temporary nature. Tley cease to exist after completion of the work. They perform some specific functions assigned to them from time to time.

Question 29.
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 30.
Punchchi Commission.
Answer:
The UPA government set up a Commission on Centre-State Relations in April 28th 2007 under the Chairmanship of Madan Mohan Punchchi, a retired Chief Justice of lndia. The Commission was required to look into the issues of center-state relations keeping in view the sea-change that have taken place in Indian polity since the Sarkaria Commission had last looked at the issue of Union State relations over decades ago. The commission submitted its report to the government in April 20, 2010.

Question 31.
M.P.D.O.
Answer:
Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) is the administrative head of Mandal Parishad the plays a crucial role in the administrative affairs of the Mandai Parishad. He prepares the agenda of the Parishad meetings and participates in the meetings and renders advice to the members on several matters of the Mandal Parishad. He prepares the annual budget of the Mandai Parishad. He takes steps for the effective working of the Mandal Parishad.

Question 32.
Grama 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 yeat 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 33.
Electronic Voting Machine.
Answer:
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 system. 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 counting 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 34.
Electoral Reforms.
Answer:
The Electoral Reforms will ensure the free and fair elections in the country. The successful functioning of Indian democracy depends on the electoral reforms.
Some Electoral Reforms proposed:

1. The donation of companies to the political parties should be strictly banned.
2. The accounts of the political parties are to be audited by the Election commission periodically.
3. The number of members of the Election commission shall be raised.
4. The limit on election expenditure of the candidates must be proper practical and realistic.
5. The announcement of new policies, projects and programmes by the party in power during elections should be banned.
6. The members of the election commission should be appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and the chief justice of India.
7. The government should meet the election expenditure of the candidates.
8. The election commission should be authorised to invalidate the election of a candidate if it was proved that he had used government machinery during elections.
9. Notification should be issued to the voters and electronic voting machines should be introduced after fool-proof arrangements.
10. The candidate who secure 51 percent of the polled votes shall be declared as winner.

Question 35.
National Parties.
Answer:
A political party which participates in four or more states in Lok Sabha elections and secures 6% of valid polled votes plus 4 Lok Sabha seats can be recognised as National Party by the Election Commission of India. At present, there are 6 National Parties in India. Indian National Congress, BJP CPI, CPM, BSP, NCP.

Question 36.
Bahujana Samaj Party.
Answer:
It is a dominant party in India. It was established by Kanshi Ram in 1985 a retired civil servant. It’s main motto was the preservation and promotion of the interests of downtrodden sections in the society. It vehemently opposese the preaching of many and practices of upper casts in society. That is why it always opposed in B.J.P Its strength in the Thirteen Lok Sabha, stood at 14. This party came to power in U.P THrice under the leadership of Mayavathi. Mayavathi is the present President of this party.

Question 37.
J.V.P. Committee.
Answer:
The Jaipur Congress session appointed a three-man 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.