Union Government (LAQs)

Political Science-2 | 3. Union Government – LAQs:
Welcome to LAQs in Chapter 3: Union Government. This page features the most important FAQs for Long Answer Questions. Each answer is provided in simple English, with a Telugu explanation, and formatted according to the exam style. This will assist in thorough preparation and help you secure top marks in your final exams.

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LAQ-1 : Describe powers and functions of president of India. (OR) Describe the ordinary and emergency powers of president of India. (OR) Describe the ordinary powers of the president of India.

Introduction

The President of India is the head of the country and represents the unity and integrity of the nation. The President’s role is crucial in maintaining the democratic framework of India by ensuring that the government operates within the boundaries set by the Constitution. The President’s powers are broadly categorized into three types: Ordinary Powers, Emergency Powers, and Discretionary Powers. These powers enable the President to play a vital role in the functioning and governance of the country.

Powers and Functions of the President

Ordinary Powers

The Ordinary Powers of the President cover various routine and essential functions that are necessary for the smooth operation of the government.

Executive Powers

The President holds significant authority in appointing key officials, which is crucial for the governance of the country. Under Article 53, the President appoints the Prime Minister, who leads the government, and other important officials like the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. This power is similar to a principal selecting the best teachers and staff for a school to ensure that it runs effectively. The President’s appointments are vital as these officials make decisions that affect the lives of all citizens.

Legislative Powers

The President is also a part of the legislative process, which involves making and passing laws. According to Article 79, the President has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) when needed, summon joint sessions of Parliament to resolve disagreements between the two houses, and nominate members to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house). This role is like a coach who steps in to resolve conflicts between team members to ensure that the game continues smoothly. The President’s involvement ensures that the legislative process is fair and just.

Financial Powers

The President plays a key role in managing the country’s finances. This includes overseeing the contingency fund of India, initiating the annual budget, and authorizing government spending. These responsibilities are similar to a head of a household who plans the family budget, ensuring that there is enough money for essential needs and savings for emergencies. The President’s financial powers are crucial in maintaining the country’s economic stability.

Judicial Powers

The President has the power to grant pardons and reduce sentences for those convicted of crimes under Article 72. This is like a school principal who has the authority to forgive a student’s mistake, allowing them a second chance. Additionally, the President can seek advice from the Supreme Court on legal matters, ensuring that decisions are made within the legal framework.

Military Powers

As the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces, the President has the authority to declare war or negotiate peace. This role is akin to that of a commander-in-chief who must make critical decisions during times of conflict to protect the nation’s security. The President’s decisions in this area are crucial for safeguarding the country from external threats.

Diplomatic Powers

The President represents India on the global stage by appointing ambassadors, receiving foreign dignitaries, and signing treaties. This role is similar to that of a diplomat who builds and maintains relationships with other countries to secure the country’s interests. Through these actions, the President helps maintain peaceful and beneficial relationships with other nations.

Other Powers

The President also has the authority to appoint members to various national commissions, such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Right to Information Commission. These commissions play a crucial role in protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring transparency in government operations, much like a referee ensuring fair play in a game.

Emergency Powers

The Emergency Powers of the President are invoked during extraordinary situations where the normal functioning of the government is at risk.

National Emergency (Article 352)

The President can declare a national emergency in response to serious threats like war or armed rebellion. This power is similar to a head of a household who takes control during a crisis, ensuring that everyone is safe and the situation is under control. However, this power is subject to parliamentary approval, ensuring that the President’s actions are in the country’s best interest.

Constitutional Emergency or President’s Rule (Article 356)

When a state government is unable to function according to the Constitution, the President can impose President’s Rule, effectively taking over the state’s administration. This is like a school’s head office stepping in to manage a branch that is not performing well, ensuring that the school continues to operate effectively.

Financial Emergency (Article 360)

The President can declare a financial emergency to protect the country’s financial stability when there is a serious threat to the economy. This is comparable to a family deciding to cut down on expenses during tough times to prevent financial difficulties. The President’s financial emergency powers ensure that the government can take necessary measures to stabilize the economy.

Discretionary Powers

The President also holds Discretionary Powers, which are used in specific situations requiring independent judgment.

Veto Powers and Reconsideration of Bills

The President can use veto powers to send a bill back for reconsideration if it is deemed unsuitable or not in the best interest of the country. This is like a teacher asking students to revise their work to ensure it meets the required standards.

Appointment of Prime Minister in Case of No Clear Majority

If no party wins a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the President has the discretion to appoint the Prime Minister. This decision is similar to choosing a leader for a group project when no one has a clear advantage, based on who is most likely to lead effectively and achieve the best results.

Summary

The President of India has a wide range of powers that play a crucial role in the governance of the country. These powers include appointing key officials, managing financial activities, declaring emergencies, and making decisions independently when needed. These constitutional powers enable the President to fulfill the important role of protecting the nation’s identity and upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution, much like a guardian ensuring that the principles and operations of an organization align with its foundational mission.

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LAQ-2 : Write about the functions of Supreme court of India.

Introduction

The Supreme Court of India is the highest court in the country, playing a vital role in interpreting the law and ensuring justice for all citizens. It has a wide range of responsibilities that help maintain law and order and protect the rights of individuals. The Court’s functions are primarily classified into Original Jurisdiction, Appellate Jurisdiction, and Advisory Jurisdiction. Each of these roles is crucial in upholding the rule of law and the principles of the Constitution.

Functions of the Supreme Court of India

Original Jurisdiction

The Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court allows it to hear cases that involve disputes between different governments.

Resolving Disputes Between Governments

When there is a conflict between the central government and a state government, or between two or more state governments, the Supreme Court has the authority to resolve these disputes. This is similar to a referee in a sports match who ensures that the rules are followed fairly by all players. The Court’s role here is essential in maintaining harmony between the different levels of government and ensuring that everyone abides by the Constitution.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The Appellate Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court allows it to hear appeals against the decisions made by lower courts, ensuring that justice is served in all cases.

Constitutional Cases

The Supreme Court hears appeals related to the interpretation of the Constitution. This is like going to a higher authority for clarification on the rules of a game to ensure that everyone understands and follows them correctly. The Court’s decisions in these cases have a significant impact on how the laws of the country are applied.

Civil Cases

In civil matters, the Supreme Court can hear appeals against judgments made by High Courts, particularly when these cases involve important questions about the Constitution. Imagine a dispute in a community where the final decision needs to be fair and just for everyone involved; the Supreme Court acts as the final judge in such situations.

Criminal Cases

In criminal cases, the Supreme Court has the power to hear appeals against decisions made by High Courts, especially in cases where serious legal questions are involved. This is similar to a final review in a legal case, ensuring that the verdict was fair and based on sound legal principles.

Advisory Jurisdiction

The Advisory Jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to provide legal opinions to the President of India on important issues.

Advising the President

When the President of India seeks advice on legal or constitutional matters, the Supreme Court provides its expert opinion. This is like consulting a senior advisor who offers guidance on complex issues that require careful consideration. The Court’s advice helps the President make informed decisions that align with the Constitution.

Miscellaneous Functions

Apart from its main roles, the Supreme Court also performs several other important functions that are vital to the judicial system and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Court of Record

The Supreme Court acts as a Court of Record, meaning its judgments are recorded and can be used as legal precedents in future cases. This is similar to keeping a detailed logbook of important decisions that guide future actions, ensuring consistency in the application of the law.

Protection of Fundamental Rights

The Court has the authority to protect citizens’ fundamental rights by issuing various writs such as habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto. This function is like a guardian ensuring that the rights of individuals are not violated by any authority, safeguarding the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

Power to Punish for Contempt

The Supreme Court holds the power to punish individuals or entities for contempt of court, ensuring that its authority and dignity are respected. This is similar to a teacher enforcing discipline in a classroom to maintain order and respect, ensuring that the Court’s orders are followed.

Review of Judgments

The Court has the power to review its own judgments if it believes that an error was made. This is like revisiting a previous decision to ensure that it was fair and just, allowing the Court to correct mistakes and uphold justice.

Guardian of the Constitution

As the guardian and final interpreter of the Constitution, the Supreme Court ensures that all laws and government actions are in line with the Constitution. This is similar to a guardian ensuring that a family’s core values are upheld in all decisions, protecting the integrity of the country’s legal framework.

Judicial Review

The Court conducts Judicial Review to assess whether laws or executive actions are constitutional. This is akin to an auditor checking whether an organization’s activities comply with the rules and regulations, ensuring that the government acts within its legal limits.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Through Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Supreme Court allows citizens to bring issues of public concern to its attention. This is like opening the door for the community to voice their concerns, ensuring that the Court can address issues that affect the larger public and not just individual disputes.

Summary

The Supreme Court of India plays a crucial role in upholding justice and ensuring that the laws of the country are applied fairly and consistently. Its functions include resolving disputes between governments, hearing appeals, advising the President, protecting fundamental rights, and conducting judicial reviews. These diverse responsibilities highlight the importance of the Supreme Court in maintaining a just and effective judicial system, much like a guardian ensuring that the rules are followed and justice is served for all.

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LAQ-3 : Explain the powers of Indian Parliament (OR) Explain the powers and functions of Indian Parliament.

Introduction

The Indian Parliament is the highest legislative body in the country, responsible for making laws and representing the will of the people. It plays a central role in the governance of India by exercising a wide range of powers. These powers are categorized into various domains, including Legislative, Executive, Financial, Constitutional, Electoral, Judicial, and Deliberative functions. Each of these powers is essential for the effective functioning of the government and the protection of the rights of citizens.

Powers and Functions of the Indian Parliament

Legislative Powers

The Legislative Powers of the Parliament involve making and passing laws that govern the country.

Making Laws on Various Subjects

Parliament has the authority to legislate on subjects listed in the Union List and the Concurrent List. It also holds residuary powers to make laws on subjects not mentioned in any list. This is like having the final say in setting the rules for a large community, ensuring that everyone follows the same guidelines.

Passing Ordinary Bills

An ordinary bill becomes an Act of Parliament after it is passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. If there is a disagreement between the two houses, a joint sitting is held to resolve the deadlock. This process is similar to a committee reaching a consensus on a decision after thorough discussion, ensuring that the laws passed are fair and effective.

Executive Powers

The Executive Powers of Parliament involve overseeing the government and holding it accountable for its actions.

Controlling the Executive

Parliament exercises control over the Executive by holding the Council of Ministers accountable to the Lok Sabha. This is done through various tools like Cut Motion, Adjournment Motion, and Call Attention Motion. Imagine this as a board of directors reviewing the performance of a company’s management, ensuring that they are working in the best interests of the shareholders.

Vote of No-Confidence

Parliament can pass a Vote of No-Confidence against the Prime Minister, which can lead to the fall of the government if the majority of members do not support the Prime Minister. This is similar to a team leader being replaced if the team members lose confidence in their leadership.

Financial Powers

The Financial Powers of Parliament involve managing the country’s finances, including the approval of taxes and government spending.

Managing National Wealth

Parliament oversees the national wealth and ensures that the government’s financial activities are transparent and accountable. It has the authority to approve the annual budget, levy taxes, and authorize expenditures. This role is similar to that of a finance committee in a company, which ensures that all financial transactions are in line with the budget and the company’s financial goals.

Handling Money Bills

Money bills, which deal with taxes and government spending, can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and require the approval of Parliament. If a money bill is rejected by the Lok Sabha, it implies a vote of no-confidence against the Ministers, which can lead to significant political changes.

Power to Amend the Constitution

The Power to Amend the Constitution is one of the most significant powers of Parliament.

Amending the Constitution

Under Article 368, Parliament can amend the Constitution, making changes that are necessary to address the evolving needs of the country. Most amendments require a two-thirds majority in both houses, while some require the approval of state legislatures. This process is similar to updating the rules of a game to ensure they remain relevant and fair as circumstances change.

Electoral Functions

The Electoral Functions of Parliament involve participating in the election of key officials.

Electing National Leaders

Parliament plays a crucial role in the election of the President and Vice President of India. Members of Parliament also elect the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This is like a community coming together to choose their leaders, ensuring that the best candidates are selected to represent their interests.

Judicial Powers

Parliament also has significant Judicial Powers, particularly in holding high-ranking officials accountable.

Initiating Proceedings Against Officials

Parliament can initiate proceedings against high-ranking officials, such as the President, Vice President, Judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court, and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. This is similar to a board of directors holding senior executives accountable for their actions, ensuring that they adhere to the highest standards of conduct.

Deliberative Functions

The Deliberative Functions of Parliament involve discussing and debating important issues that affect the country.

Deliberating on National and International Issues

Parliament regularly deliberates on various national and international issues, contemporary matters, and public grievances. This is akin to a forum where different viewpoints are discussed to arrive at the best possible solutions for the country’s challenges.

Addressing Public Grievances

Parliament serves as a platform where the concerns and grievances of the public can be addressed, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs of the people.

Other Powers

Parliament also holds various Other Powers that are crucial for the administration and governance of the country.

Creating or Dissolving Legislative Councils

Parliament has the authority to create or dissolve Legislative Councils in states, modify state boundaries, or alter state names. This is similar to an organization restructuring its departments to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Summary

The Indian Parliament plays a central role in the governance of the country by exercising a wide range of powers. These powers include making laws, overseeing the executive, managing finances, amending the Constitution, participating in elections, and holding officials accountable. Parliament’s multifaceted role is crucial for maintaining a strong and effective government that serves the interests of the people, much like a governing body ensuring that an organization operates smoothly and in line with its goals.

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The Living World – VSAQs