Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class Political Science Book Solutions Chapter 9 Indian Democracy: Problems and Challenges Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
PSEB Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 9 Indian Democracy: Problems and Challenges
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is meant by Parliamentary system? Explain any four features of a Parliamentary System of Government.
Or
What is Parliamentary System? Discuss its essential features.
Answer:
What is a Parliamentary form of government? Parliamentary type of government is also called Cabinet government or Responsible government. In this form of government there is a nominal head of the State and all executive powers are exercised by a Cabinet of ministers. These ministers are usually members of the legislature. They are individually and collectively responsible to the legislature for their action and policies. They attend the meetings of the legislature and answer the questions put to them by the members of the legislature.
If the legislature passes a vote of no-confidence against them, they resign their offices. Other members who possess the confidence of the legislature are then appointed as ministers. The members of the Cabinet are usually selected from among the legislators or the party or parties which command a majority in the legislature. Each minister is incharge of one or more departments.
Garner observes, “Cabinet government is that system in which the real executive the Cabinet or Ministry is immediately and legally responsible to the legislature or one branch of it. (usually the more popular chamber) for its legislative and administrative act and ultimately or politically responsible to the electorate, while the titular or nominal executive the chief of the State occupies a position of irresponsibility.
Parliamentary system had its origin in Britain and now most of the countries have adopted it. India, England, Canada, Denmark, Australia, Belgium, Japan, Bangla Desh and so many other countries have adopted parliamentary form of government.
Features of Parliamentary Government:
The important features of Parliamentary government are as follows:
1. Head of the State is a Nominal Executive:
There is a titular executive head of the state either elected for a definite time or a hereditary monarch. Almost all the executive powers of the government are vested with the head of the State but it is only in theory and in practice all these powers are exercised by the real executive. The nominal head of the State always acts on the advice of the council of ministers. The head of the State cannot do anything at his own initiative. In fact, it is the council of ministers which exercises the power of the head of the State. The head of the State cannot do anything without taking the council of ministers into confidence.
2. Close Relationship between Executive and Legislature:
There exists a close relationship between the Cabinet and the Legislature. All the members of the cabinet are the members of the legislatures. They attend the meetings of the legislature and answer questions put to them by the members of the legislature. If an outsider is oppointed a minister he must become the member of the legislature within a definite period otherwise he ceases to be the member of the council of ministers. The ministers pilot the bills and see that they are passed. They are legislators as well as administrators.
3. Responsibility of the Cabinet:
The responsibility of the Cabinet means that so long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature, it remains in power. Whenever the majority party is turned into minority or a vote of no-confidence or a vote of censure is passed against the government, it must go out and give place to the party which can then command majority. The council of ministers always acts in accordance with the wishes of the legislature.
4. Tenure of the Cabinet is not fixed:
The tenure of the council of ministers is not definite. They can remain in office till the legislature wishes them to remain in office. The legislature can remove the members of the council of ministers from their office. If the majority of the members of the legislature passes a vote of no-confidence against the cabinet, then cabinet will have to resign.
5. Leadership of the Prime Minister:
In parliamentary system, Cabinet works under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Leader of the majority party in the Lower Chamber is appointed as the Prime Minister of the country and all other ministers are appointed by him. The head of the State neither appoints ministers of his own accord nor he can ask them to quit the office. The Prime Minister selects his colleagues from among the members of his party and the President approves them. He forms the Cabinet, he can alter it, he can destroy it altogether. If he resigns, the whole Council of Ministers goes out of office. He summons the meetings of the Cabinet and presides over them. He can ask any minister to resign.
6. Political Homogeneity:
Cabinet works as a unit. But it can work as a unit only when all ministers in the Council of Ministers are taken from the single political party. The Prime Minister includes all the “big guns’ of his party in the Council of Ministers. .
7. Secrecy:
Proceedings of the Cabinet are confidential. No minister can give publicity to the proceedings of the Cabinet. The decision of the Cabinet can be disclosed only by a minister authorised by the Prime Minister. At the time of the assumption of the office, every minister takes the oath of secrecy.
8. Dissolution of the Lower House:
One of the important features of the Indian and British parliamentary government is the right of the council of ministers to dissolve the Lower House of the Parliament.
Question 2.
Explain any six characteristics of Parliamentary Governing System in India.
Or
What is Parliamentary form of Government? Explain any four characteristics of Indian Parliamentary Government in detail.
Answer:
Meaning of Parliamentary form of Government:
What is a Parliamentary form of government? Parliamentary type of government is also called Cabinet government or Responsible government. In this form of government there is a nominal head of the State and all executive powers are exercised by a Cabinet of ministers. These ministers are usually members of the legislature. They are individually and collectively responsible to the legislature for their action and policies. They attend the meetings of the legislature and answer the questions put to them by the members of the legislature.
If the legislature passes a vote of no-confidence against them, they resign their offices. Other members who possess the confidence of the legislature are then appointed as ministers. The members of the Cabinet are usually selected from among the legislators or the party or parties which command a majority in the legislature. Each minister is incharge of one or more departments.
Garner observes, “Cabinet government is that system in which the real executive the Cabinet or Ministry is immediately and legally responsible to the legislature or one branch of it. (usually the more popular chamber) for its legislative and administrative act and ultimately or politically responsible to the electorate, while the titular or nominal executive the chief of the State occupies a position of irresponsibility.
Parliamentary system had its origin in Britain and now most of the countries have adopted it. India, England, Canada, Denmark, Australia, Belgium, Japan, Bangla Desh and so many other countries have adopted parliamentary form of government.
Features of Parliamentary Government:
The important features of Parliamentary government are as follows:
1. Head of the State is a Nominal Executive:
There is a titular executive head of the state either elected for a definite time or a hereditary monarch. Almost all the executive powers of the government are vested with the head of the State but it is only in theory and in practice all these powers are exercised by the real executive. The nominal head of the State always acts on the advice of the council of ministers. The head of the State cannot do anything at his own initiative. In fact, it is the council of ministers which exercises the power of the head of the State. The head of the State cannot do anything without taking the council of ministers into confidence.
2. Close Relationship between Executive and Legislature:
There exists a close relationship between the Cabinet and the Legislature. All the members of the cabinet are the members of the legislatures. They attend the meetings of the legislature and answer questions put to them by the members of the legislature. If an outsider is oppointed a minister he must become the member of the legislature within a definite period otherwise he ceases to be the member of the council of ministers. The ministers pilot the bills and see that they are passed. They are legislators as well as administrators.
3. Responsibility of the Cabinet:
The responsibility of the Cabinet means that so long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature, it remains in power. Whenever the majority party is turned into minority or a vote of no-confidence or a vote of censure is passed against the government, it must go out and give place to the party which can then command majority. The council of ministers always acts in accordance with the wishes of the legislature.
4. Tenure of the Cabinet is not fixed:
The tenure of the council of ministers is not definite. They can remain in office till the legislature wishes them to remain in office. The legislature can remove the members of the council of ministers from their office. If the majority of the members of the legislature passes a vote of no-confidence against the cabinet, then cabinet will have to resign.
5. Leadership of the Prime Minister:
In parliamentary system, Cabinet works under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Leader of the majority party in the Lower Chamber is appointed as the Prime Minister of the country and all other ministers are appointed by him. The head of the State neither appoints ministers of his own accord nor he can ask them to quit the office. The Prime Minister selects his colleagues from among the members of his party and the President approves them. He forms the Cabinet, he can alter it, he can destroy it altogether. If he resigns, the whole Council of Ministers goes out of office. He summons the meetings of the Cabinet and presides over them. He can ask any minister to resign.
6. Political Homogeneity:
Cabinet works as a unit. But it can work as a unit only when all ministers in the Council of Ministers are taken from the single political party. The Prime Minister includes all the “big guns’ of his party in the Council of Ministers.
7. Secrecy:
Proceedings of the Cabinet are confidential. No minister can give publicity to the proceedings of the Cabinet. The decision of the Cabinet can be disclosed only by a minister authorised by the Prime Minister. At the time of the assumption of the office, every minister takes the oath of secrecy.
8. Dissolution of the Lower House:
One of the important features of the Indian and British parliamentary government is the right of the council of ministers to dissolve the Lower House of the Parliament.
Features of Indian Parliamentary Government:
Following are the features of Indian Parliamentary System or democracy:
1. Distinction between the Real and the Nominal Executive:
It is the first characteristic of Indian Parliamentary System that it recognises a distinction between the real and the nominal executive. Indian President is only a nominal head, while Council of Ministers is the real executive. No doubt he has been vested with many powers and is empowered to use them in person or through officials subordinate to him. Theory is, however, not practice. He does nothing by doing everything. It is the Cabinet which exercises the powers given to the President. Under the Constitution, he has the right to be informed about the decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.
He may even exercise his influence over the decisions of the Council of Ministers. But it should be understood that influence is not power. To what extent he can influence the policy of the Cabinet depends upon his personality and his relations, particularly with the Prime Minister. According to 42nd Amendment, President is bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers. But according to 44th Amendment bill, the President may require the Council of Ministers to reconsider any advice tendered by them and that the President shall act in acccordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration.
2. President remains outside the Cabinet:
Another feature of Indian Parliamentary System is that the President is not a part of the Cabinet and remains outside it. President cannot attend the meetings of the Cabinet. He is only informed of the decisions taken in the meeting.
3. Close relation between the Executive and Legislature:
The Indian Parliamentary System, works on the principle of close relationship between the executive and legislature. On the one hand, in India, the Ministers are entrusted with a portfolio and on the other they are members of either House of Parliament. According to the provision of the Constitution, the President may appoint a person as a Minister for six months even if he is not a member of either House.
Such a Minister will have to quit office if during the period of six months he has not been able to become a member of either House. A minister can be taken from either House the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. The Cabinet is the connecting link between the executive and the legislature. A Minister, under the Cabinet form of Government, works in a dual capacity.
He is in-charge of one of the departments of the Government. He also shares in the law-making function. Each Minister has a right to sit in either House and take part in its discussions. He can vote in a House of which he is a member. Since each Minister holds charge of a particular department, therefore, he is responsible for the efficient conduct of that department. He is responsible for the acts of his subordinates. He cannot escape responsibility.
4. Leadership of the Prime Minister:
The Council of Ministers is headed by the Prime Minister and not by the President. The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on the advice of the Prime Minister, other ministers are appointed. The Ministers are, thus, the nominees of the Prime Minister and not of the President. Whatever the prejudices of the President, he must accept and endorse the list prepared by the Prime Minister. The Cabinet is a team and plays the game of politics under the captaincy of the Prime Minister. Rightly, it has been said that “Government is the master of the Country and Prime Minister is the master of the Government.”
He forms the Cabinet, he can alter it or he can destroy it altogether. He summons the meetings of the Cabinet and presides over them. He exercises complete control over the agenda of the Cabinet. It is he who distributes portfolios among his colleagues. He can re-allocate departments among his colleagues any time he wishes. He can ask any Minister to resign. He can get him dismissed from office by the President.
If a Minister is unable to accept the lead or policy of the Prime Minister it is the Minister who will go. The Prime Minister is the connecting link between the President and the Cabinet. He is also the link between the Council of Ministers and the Parliament. Equally, he is the link between Parliament and the people. The decisions of the Council of Ministers are communicated to the President by the Prime Minister. It is his constitutional right as well as duty.
5. Political Homogeneity:
Another feature of the Indian Parliamentary Government is that the Cabinet is formed on the basis of Political Homogeneity. It works as a unit. However, it can work as a unit only when all ministers in the Council of Ministers are taken from a single political party. The leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha is appointed the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister includes all the big guns of his party in the Council of Ministers. For the efficient working and success of the Cabinet form of Government it is essential that all the ministers in the Council of Ministers must be drawn from a single political party. It is only in this way that the unity of purpose and unity of thought of the Cabinet can be maintained.
Political homogeneity does not mean that the Prime Minister cannot go out of the party rank. To the advantage of the nation or the expediency of his party, he may appoint a person as minister not belonging to his own party. Moreover when coalition government is formed then ministers are taken from the partners of the coalition government.
6. Unity of the Cabinet:
“Cabinet is a unit a unit as regards the sovereign and a unit as regards the legislature.” It means the cabinet is a team. All the ministers come and go together, they stand and fall together. In the meeting of the Cabinet, the Ministers have the right to express their opinions and views freely. But once the Cabinet takes a decision, it commits every minister. Whatever opinion they might have expressed in the meeting of the Cabinet, the decision of the Cabinet is the decision of the whole Council of Ministers.
Every Minister has to support that decision though personally he might have been opposed to it. A Minister, not agreeable to the decision of the Cabinet, must quit. Though all the Ministers do not take part in the formulation of the policy, yet it binds every Minister. Under the Cabinet Government, the ministers are responsible not only for the conduct of their department but also for the policy and performance of all departments of Government. Mistakes committed by one minister may cause the fall of the whole Government.
7. Secrecy:
Proceedings of the Cabinet are confidential; they are not meant for public consumption. No minister can give publicity to the proceedings of the Cabinet. The decision of the Cabinet can be disclosed only by a Minister authorised by the Prime Minister. A minister who indulges in loose talk may invite punishment for himself. At the time of the assumption of the office every minister takes the oath of secrecy.
But from the point of view of efficient administration as well as from the point of unity of the Cabinet, it is imperative that discussion of the Cabinet should not leak out. Otherwise mutual confidence shall not be attained. When a minister resigns on a difference of opinion, under Rule 218 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Parliament, he can make a personal explanation to the House without raising a debate.
8. Responsibility of the Cabinet:
The Council of Ministers is responsible to Parliament for its actions and policies. The ministers are required to answer to questions put to them in either House. The Council of Ministers has no fixed term of office. It remains in office so long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha can oust the Council of Ministers from office by passing a resolution of no-confidence in the Council of Ministers by rejecting a Money Bill or rejecting a Government Bill. The members of Parliament can put the Government in the dock by putting questions, supplementaries, adjournment motions, call attentions, etc.
According to the Constitution, the responsibility of the Council of Ministers is collective. As said earlier, collective responsibility means that ministers are responsible for the efficient performance of the department allotted to them as well as for the policy and performance of all departments of Government. No-confidence in one minister means no-confidence in the whole of the Council of Ministers.
9. No fixed term of the Cabinet:
It is another feature of Indian Parliamentary Government that the Cabinet has no fixed tenure. It remains in office only during the pleasure of the Parliament. Only that party which has an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha is asked to form ministry and so long it retains its majority it remains in office. The Cabinet with a majority support cannot be voted out. It is only when the Cabinet loses its majority in the Lok Sabha that it has to resign. Thus the executive depends upon the will of the legislation for its office.
10. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha:
Another important feature of Indian Parliamentary Government is the right of the Prime Minister to dissolve the Lok Sabha. In Dec., 1970, President V.V. Giri dissolved the Lok Sabha on the advice of Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. In January, 1977, President Ahmed also dissolved the Lok Sabha on the advice of Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. Similarly, on 6 Feb. 2004, President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam dissolved the Lok Sabha on the advice of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Question 3.
Briefly discuss various social and economic factors conditioning Indian democracy.
Or
Examine the social factors which affect the Indian Democracy.
Answer:
Democracy has been adopted in India and every effort has been made to strengthen it. In the preamble India is declared ‘A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.’ In the preamble it is mentioned that the aim of the Constitution is to provide social, economic and political justice to all citizens. Adult franchise is introduced in India. In April-May 2019, the number of voters in the election of the 17th Lok Sabha were 90 crores.
The Part III of the Constitution describes Fundamental Rights of the citizens. In Part IV of the Constitution, Directive Principles are mentioned so that economic democracy can be established in India. It has been tried in the Constitution to establish a system of ideal democracy in principle. But in practice, Indian democracy is suffering from various social and economic evils which have proved a curse. These evils are as under:
1. Social and Economic Inequality.
2. Poverty.
3. Illiteracy.
4. Unemployment.
5. Casteism.
6. Untouchability.
7. Communalism.
8. Regional Imbalances.
9. Feudal Values.
10. Social Tension and Violence.
1. Social and Economic Inequality:
To make democracy a success, social and economic equality is essential, social and economic inequality is still found here. All the citizens of society are not treated equally and they are discriminated on the basis of caste, colour, creed and sex. Economic inequality • also exists in India. Some people in India are millionaires while millions don’t get two square meals-a day. People cannot use their rights properly because of social and economic inequality.
2. Poverty:
Most of the people in India are poor. A poor citizen can neither use his rights to vote independently nor can he contest elections.
3. Illiteracy:
About 35 percent of the people in India are illiterate. An illiterate person can neither understand his rights and duties properly nor can he co-operate in solving the problems confronting the country. An illiterate person can’t use his right to vote.
4. Unemployment:
Thousands of educated and uneducated people are unemployed in India. They remain indifferent to democracy and do not take interest in elections.
5. Casteism:
Though all the political parties speak against casteism yet in practice it plays an important role in politics. All the parties give importance to caste in the selection of party candidates in elections and even the voters think in terms of caste while casting their votes.
6. Untouchability:
Though Constitution has abolished untouchability, yet it is prevalent in practice. Atrocities against the Harijans are still committed.
7. Communalism:
Communalism is the greatest hurdle in the success of democracy. The communal feelings lead to clashes which threaten national integrity. Several communal riots took place in India during 1990-91 and in Dec., 1992-93.
8. Regional Imbalances:
India is a vast country and people belonging to various religions and castes live here. Many regions in the country are developed while others are underdeveloped. The standard of living of the people of Himachal Pradesh, U.P., Bihar, Assam and Nagaland is very low than the people of Punjab and Haryana. The regional feeling and regional imbalances pose a great threat to democracy.
9. Feudal Values:
Feudal values still exist in India. Feudal system is traditional and orthodox in which social and economic equality are least important. The members of Indian Administrative Services consider themselves superior to other citizens. The elected representatives and ministers are also victims of feudalism. Rajputs, Thakurs and other people of high castes living in villages hate HarijAnswer: Thus feudal values are antidemocratic.
10. Social Tension and Violence:
Social co-operation and peace are essential for democracy. But in India social tension and violence always exist in one part of the country or the other because of economic inequality and regional feelings.
Conclusion:
If future of Indian democracy is not dark, it is also not very bright. The above mentioned social and economic evils are to be eradicated to brighten the future of democracy.
Question 4.
Write a short note, indicating three main causes of illiteracy in India. Also explain the impact of illiteracy on democracy.
Answer:
Illiteracy is a curse. That person is called illiterate who cannot read or write at all. At the time of independence only 14 per cent people in India were literate. But the progress in literacy is miserably slow. Even today, only about 65 percent people are literate. Illiteracy is widespread among women. Following are the main causes for the illiteracy in India:
1. Poverty:
Poverty is the main cause of illiteracy. According to an estimate 20 to 25 percent people of India are living below the poverty line. During 1990-91 about two crore people were unable to get two square meals a day. It is not possible for a poor man to send his children to school.
2. Over Population:
Over population is another cause of illiteracy. There were about 30 crore people in India after independence. At present population of India is more than 130 crores. Thus, on an average more than one crore people increase every year. It is not possible for an under-developed country like India to provide education to such a huge population.
3. Agricultural country:
India is mainly an agricultural country and more than 70 percent people are dependent on agriculture. Farmers instead of sending their children to school, prefer to send them to the farm.
4. Orthodox customs:
In Indian society, there are many orthodox customs, like spending money on marriages and mundan and other religious ceremonies. Big amount of money is spent on the ceremonies connected with death. Illiterate people spend their money on these orthodox customs and do not realise the importance of literacy in life. Orthodox parents borrow money for the marriage of their daughter and do not prefer to educate her. Thus, illiterate mothers give birth to illiterate society due to orthodox customs.
5. Lack of sufficient funds:
espite the fact that a large number of professional institutions have been set up after independence, still there is lack of sufficient funds to fight a battle against illiteracy. Government is unable to open school in every village and give free primary education. In remote villages, people do not have sources to literate their wards due to inadequate facilities of education.
Impact of Illiteracy on Democracy:
Education is the very basis of good life and it is all dark in the absence of literacy. Democracy survives on the basis of the support from rational minded citizens and rational minded intelligent citizens are prepared through education. But in India seventy per cent people are illiterate. Our survey has established the fact that half of the eighty crores of illiterate people of the world live in India. According to official statistics, about 10 crore of people are illiterate from 15 to 35 years of age.
An uneducated person lacks confidence and possesses no capacity to understand and solve the problems facing the country. He can neither understand his rights nor duties. He can’t safeguard his rights if they are encroached upon unreasonably and at the same time he can’t perform his duties properly. Besides this, an illiterate person has a narrow outlook towards life and believes in casteism, communalism and regionalism.
Because of illiteracy of Indian provincialism, casteism and communalism are widespread in the country these days. In democracy, only public opinion can control the unreasonable tendencies of the government and only out of the fear of unfavourable public opinion the government frames policies for public welfare. But in India, healthy public opinion can’t be developed because of illiteracy.
The ruling party too exploits this weakness of the masses and does not bother to fulfil its promises it held out to the people at the time of elections. An uneducated individual is fascinated by the catching slogans pertaining to religion, caste, language and casts his vote accordingly. So the masses in India should be literate and alert for the success of democracy.
Question 5.
Explain the impact of casteism on Indian Democracy.
Or
Write a short note on casteism in India.
Answer:
Casteism is vital and integral part of Indian society and it has immensely influenced Indian politics. Casteism is still prevalent in Indian society and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi has expressed deep concern over the rising number of caste-disputes. The politics of all the states in India suffers from the abuse of casteism. Prof. Morris Jones has rightly pointed out that the prominent leaders of the country may raise catching slogans of casteless society, but the new voters of rural areas are acquainted only with casteism. Democracy is deeply affected by casteism in India. The following are ways of casteism:
- Generally the candidates are selected for election only on the basis of caste. In the election of 2019 almost all the political parties selected their candidates on the basis of caste.
- Election propaganda is also carried out on the basis of caste.
- The voters usually cast votes in favour of candidate of their caste.
- Caste factor is very important in the formation of government.
- Caste considerations are determining policies and decisions at the national level. Sometimes caste interest gets priority and national interests are ignored.
- Casteism has led to violence and extremism in Indian politics. There are clashes between the Brahmins and the Sudras, the Shias and the Sunnis weakening of foundation of democracy.
The basis of caste in elections must be removed to make democracy successful in India. Following steps should be taken to eliminate this factor:
- The names of educational institutions referring to castes should be given up.
- All the political parties should decide to discourage casteism.
- The political parties based on caste should be removed from political horizon.
- The facilities provided by government on the basis of caste should be immediately stopped.
Question 6.
Examine the five adverse effects of Communalism on the democratic system of India.
Or
Write a short note on Communalism.
Answer:
Communalism is a legacy of British rule in India. Britishers followed the policy of divide and rule. They introduced Communal Suffrage in 1909. Communalism means discriminatory feelings of an individual against others on the basis of caste and religion. Religion has always influenced Indian politics. Narrow outlook towards religion turned Indian politics into an arena of communal riots before independence.
Hindus and Muslims kept on fighting in the name of religion and it ultimately resulted into India’s partition. But this partition couldn’t eliminate communalism and communal disharmony is growing strong again. In recent years, religious fundamentalism and fanaticism have raised their head again, leading to religious intolerance, riots, ill-will, hatred and even violence. Communalism has affected Indian polices in the following ways:
1. Several political parties in India have been formed on the basis of religion.
2. Communal feelings play a vital role in elections. Generally speaking, almost all the political parties nominate their candidates on the basis of caste and community. This communal basis aims at mustering maximum votes of same caste.
3. Not only political parties but voters are also influenced by religion while casting their votes. Usually, the Muslim or Sikh voters vote in
favour of the candidates belonging to their religion.
4. Communal riots and political clashes take place in the name of religion. About 304 communal riots took place in 1979-80. On Dec. 6, 1992 the three domes of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya were destroyed. There was a country¬wide rioting and within days the rioting left over 1200 dead and 5000 wounded.
Question 7.
Discuss the role of regionalism in Indian Politics.
Or
‘Regionalism is a curse.’ How can it be curbed? Give any four suggestions.
Answer:
Regionalism has played a very important role in Indian politics. Role of Regionalism in politics can be proved thus-
1. The states bargain with the Central Government on the basis of regionalism at times for economic development and to solve many other problems. Haryana state came into being owing to such pressures.
2. The political parties strengthen their stand by sticking to regionalism. The Akali Dal in Punjab and Dravida Munnetra Kazgham in Tamil Nadu turned out to be powerful on the basis of regionalism.
3. The members of cabinet work for the development of their own regions to have their stronghold in future. Shri Bansi Lai did wonders in Bhiwani and Shri Sukhadia dedicated his powers to the development of Udaipur.
4. Regionalism is widely talked of even in elections. The political parties select their candidates on the basis of regionalism and they again try to get votes by provoking the regional sentiments of the people.
5. Regionalism, to some extent, has inflamed violent activities in Indian politics. Some political parties make it a medium of their popularity.
6. Regional tendencies are fully exhibited in the formation of Cabinets. Representatives of different regions quite often are inducted into the cabinet.
In fact, the solution to the problem of regionalism doesn’t lie in the formation of small states, but it depends upon economic development of backward areas, elimination of corruption and to work for the welfare of people.
Regionalism is a curse:
Regionalism has enormously affected Indian politics and democracy. In fact regionalism is a curse because people are so much dominated by regional and provincial sentiments that they are ready to sacrifice national interests for the sake of regional or provincial welfare. Various regional movements have been launched from time to time for secession from Indian Union. Many selfish politicians raised the bogey of a demand for separate statehood in different parts of the country from time to time.
Suggestions to Check Regionalism:
- Progress of Different States: Attempt should be made to have balanced progress of all the States in India.
- Spread of Right Type of Education: In school and colleges such type of education should be imparted which promotes national feelings.
- Secular Politics: Politics should be kept free from the influence of language, caste, religion and region.
- Strict Action: Activities and movements of regionalism and separatists should be curbed by force.
- Minorities’ Interest: Minorities’ interest should be protected and their grievances should be redressed.
Question 8.
What do you understand by Separatism? Describe the causes of emergence of separatism in India.
Answer:
India is a country of diversities. People of different religions, castes, values, customs reside here. They have their different cultures, language and socio-economic status. These diversities lead to separatism. Separatism means to secede from the country and become an independent state. Separatism is an extreme form of regionalism. Following are the reasons that cause separatism in India:
1. Geographical and Cultural Causes:
After independence the states were reorganised on the basis of old boundaries and so the people living in one state couldn’t develop the feeling of oneness. Generally, language and culture lead to regional sentiments. The inhabitants of Tamil Nadu consider their language and culture to be superior to Indian culture. They are very critical of Rama and Ramayan and burnt effigies of Rama and Lakshaman in 1975. They demanded secession from Indian Union in 1960 only on this basis.
2. Historical Causes:
History has contributed to the origin of regionalism doubly i. e. positively and negatively. Origin of Shiv Sena is a proof of positive contribution and Dravida Munnetra Kazgham a negative one.
3. Language:
Norman D. Palmer believes that much of the politics concerns the question of regionalism and language. He opines that problem of regionalism is candidly connected with language. India is a multi-lingual country and people speaking various languages initiated intense movements for separate states. Indian Government, by organising states on linguistic basis, has created a never ending problem.
4. Caste:
Caste, too, has, contributed significantly to the origin of regionalism. Domination of a single caste at a place leads to violent form of regionalism. That is why regionalism is at its worst in Haryana and Maharashtra and is absent in Uttar Pradesh.
5. Religious Causes:
Religion, at times, heightens regionalism. The Akalis’ demand for ‘Punjabi Suba’ was largely the result of religious influence.
6. Economic Causes:
Economic causes play a vital role in the origin of regionalism. There has been an unequal economic development in India because individuals in power paid attention to the development of their own regions. Therefore people belonging to backward areas inspired for power to make some development. So the feeling of regionalism originated and they demanded separate states.
7. Political Causes:
The politicians have a hand in inflaming regional feelings among the people. The politicians think in terms of grabbing power to satisfy their political ambitions in case their areas are declared separate states.
Question 9.
What are the factors responsible for emergence of violence? What threat it poses to democracy?
Answer:
The phenomenon of violence in our country has been widespread for a long time. Violence is a threat to Indian democracy. Communalism, casteism, linguism and separatist tendencies all account for growing violence in our society.
Factors Responsible for emergence of violence. Many factors collectively worked in the favour of violence. The reasons for the emergence of violence are as following:
1. Caste:
Caste system has divided society in many groups. The tendency of upper and lower caste leads to violence. There are clashes between the Brahmins and Shudras, the Shias and the Sunnis. Caste wars have taken a heavy toll on lives in the states of Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana and Tamil Nadu etc. In December, 1997 the Ranveer Sena, a private army of upper caste Landowners killed about one hundred Dalits at Lakshmanpur in Bihar.
2. Separatist Elements:
Various separatist elements encourage violence. They follow the path of violence and kill innocent people. Pak inspired separatist elements such as Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Hurriyat Conference, Lashkar-e- Toiba etc. are very active in Kashmir.
3. Linguism: Linguism also causes violence. People of South India opposed Hindi as a national language. This dispute leads to violence.
4. Communalism:
Various communal differences lead to violence. In Meerut, Muradabad, Indore occassionally communal differences has caused violence. Communal riots are encouraged by the political parties.
5. Linguistic State:
The demand of linguistic state leads to violence. In 1952, Telugu speaking people demanded for a separate state. In 1966 Punjab and Haryana were divided on the basis of language.
6. Political Power:
Politics is the root cause of violence. The tendencies such as communalism, Linguism, separatism, casteism are all encouraged by politics. Political leaders for their own personal reasons provoke violent tendencies. To get power they encourage communal wars, caste wars and linguistic wars. Thus, all the tendencies caused by politics encourage violence in society.
7. Terrorist gangs:
Various terrorist gangs are spreading violence in the country. To achieve their aims they kill people and thus encourage violence tendencies in society.
8. Illiteracy:
Violence is spreading because people in large number are illiterate. They are unable to understand the complicated problems of nation and unknowingly encourage violence.
9. Socio-Economic Reasons:
There is a great disparity among people on socio-economic basis. In India, on one hand exists highly influential and rich people and on the other hand poor and illiterate people. This socio-economic disparity causes violence, because to safeguard their existence the poor people adopt the way of violence.
Violence is a serious threat to Indian democracy. Violence weakens the foundation of democracy and gradually people are loosing faith in the constitutional methods which will be dangerous for democracy. Democracy can develop only in a peaceful atmosphere and if violence will remain in the society and people will do what¬ever they think beneficial for them then government will fail to give equal rights and liberty to the people. If government does so then it will be a failure of democracy because it is a system by and for the people.
Question 10.
Examine the different patterns of violence in India.
Or
Analyse the various forms of violence in Indian politics.
Or
To what extent the steps taken have been able to curb it?
Answer:
Violence is becoming a dominant aspect of political life of our country. Although the phenomenon of violence has been with us for long, the decade of the eighties has been quite dismal. By violence we mean the use of physical force including the deployment of bombs, arms, ammunition and other means of inflicting physical injury to human beings and destruction of property. In extreme form, violence may cause death of individuals, either targeted or totally unconnected with the perpetrators of violence. Destruction of property through arson, looting, bombing of buildings and installations etc., also forms part of physical violence.
Forms of violence. There are many forms of violence in India. Some of the major forms of violence are given below:
1. Caste Wars and Caste promoted violence:
In the early time Hindu society was divided into four major castes—Varnas. But with the passage of time four castes (Varnas) have been divided into hundreds of castes. Caste conflicts and caste violence are increasing day by day. Caste wars have often taken a heavy toll of lives in the states of Bihar, Southern part of Uttar Pradesh, Northern part of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Tamil Nadu etc. In December, 1997 the Ranveer Sena, a private army of upper caste landowners, killed about one hundred Dalits at Lakshmanpur in Bihar. There are many other Caste Senas in Bihar.
2. Inter-communal violence:
Inter-communal violence took its most horrible form at the time of partition of India in 1947. Inter-communal riots is increasing day-by-day and the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Kashmir etc. are prone to communal riots.
3. Violence by Terrorist Gangs:
Violence by terrorist organisations is increasing day-by-day. These days terrorist organisations are spreading violence for achieving different objectives in different parts of the country.
4. Violence by Separatist Elements:
Separatist elements follow the path of violence and they oppose the government weapons and killed innocent people. Pak inspired separatist elements have been very active in Punjab and Kashmir for the last many years, Jammu-Kashmir Liberation Front, Harkat-ul- Mujahidden, Lashkar-e-Toiba etc. are very active in Kashmir.
5. Violence by left Insurrectionary Elements:
The ultra-left elements Naxalite spread violence in West Bengal, Andhra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.
6. Political Violence:
Though political violence has no place in democratic set up but selfish interest of politicians and political parties gave birth to political violence in the country. Political violence is used to achieve political objectives. The political violence is committed by organised gangs or adhoc groups to influence governmental decisions, to settle scores with political opponents and to ventilate the deep-rooted grievances.Violent activities of the north eastern states in India, violence due to the demand for the reorganisation of states etc. are the examples of the political violence.
7. Violence by Interest groups and Professional groups:
Strikes, demonstrations, Bandh etc. resorted to by pressure groups and professional unions sometimes take violent form.
8. Individual or Group Violence:
Individual or group violence committed for personal gains by the anti-social elements and goondas of the society are increasing day-by-day in many cities.
Methods to Curb Violence:
Violence like communalism, casteism, illiteracy, linguism, poverty etc. is an evil and is danger to democracy. The acts of violence are increasing day-by-day. Whatever the form or motive of violence may be, its use is vitiating the democratic atmosphere of our country. Because of the increasing role of violence in the political life of our country, it is generally felt that the politics of our country is being criminalised. In a system where violence prevails, there can be no social, economic and political reconstruction. There is a great need to curb violence because people are losing faith in the constitutional and peaceful methods which will be dangerous for democracy.
Government has enacted a number of laws to curb various types of violence in our country. There is no doubt that caste prompted violence has sufficiently been controlled but it has not been completely eliminated. Caste-wars often take place in various parts of the country and they disturb the democratic equilibrium in India. Same is the case with terrorist related violence. Militancy has been curbed in various parts of the country through different means but the government has failed to eliminate terrorist violence completely. The prevalent political, economic and social circumstances indicate the fact that violence in our country cannot be completely eliminated.
Question 11.
Write down about the problems and challenges to Indian Democracy.
Or
Discuss the main problems of Indian Democracy.
Or
Explain six weaknesses or defects of Parliamentary Democracy in India.
Answer:
No doubt the Constitution established a system of ideal democracy in principle. But in practice Indian democracy is suffering from various social, economic and political evils which have proved a curse. These evils are as under:
1. Social and Economic Inequality:
To make democracy a success social and economic equality is essential, social and economic inequality is still found here. All the citizens of society are not treated equally and they are discriminated on the basis of caste, colour, creed and sex. Economic inequality also exists in India. Some people in India are millionaires while millions don’t get two square meals a day. People cannot use their rights properly because of social and economic inequality.
2. Poverty:
Most of the people in India are poor. A poor citizen can neither use his right to vote independently nor can he contest elections.
3. Illiteracy:
Majority of the people in India are illiterate. An illiterate person can neither understand his rights and duties properly nor can he cooperate in solving the problems confronting the country. An illiterate person can’t use his right to vote properly.
4. Unemployment:
Thousands of educated and uneducated people are unemployed in India. They remain indifferent to democracy and do not take interest in elections.
5. Casteism:
Though all the political parties speak against casteism, yet in practice it plays an important role in politics. All the parties give importance to caste in the selection of party candidates in elections and even the voters think in terms of caste while casting their votes.
6. Communalism:
Communalism is the greatest hurdle in the success of democracy. The communal feeling leads to clashes which threaten national integrity. Several communal riots took place in India during 1992-93.
7. Regional Imbalances:
India is a vast country and people belonging to various religions and castes live here. Many regions in the country are developed while others are underdeveloped. The standard of living of the people of Himachal Pradesh. U.P., Bihar, Assam and Nagaland is very low than the people of Punjab and Haryana. The regional imbalances pose a great threat to democracy.
8. Feudal Values:
Feudal values still exist in India. Feudal system is traditional and orthodox in which social and economic equality are least important. The members of Indian Administrative Services consider themselves superior to other citizens. The elected representatives and ministers are also victims of feudalism. Rajputs, Thakurs and other people of high caste living in villages hate HarijAnswer: Thus feudal values are antidemocratic.
9. Social Tension and Violence:
Social co-operation and peace are essential for democracy. But in India social tension and violence always exist in one part of the country or the other because of economic inequality and regional feelings.
10. Multiple Party System:
Another defect of Indian democracy is the multiple party system. Election Commission recognised seven national political parties and 59 state level parties. Multiple party system poses a threat to Parliamentary form of Government as it endangers national unity. It is not possible to maintain national unity at a critical time because of numerous political parties.
11. Dominance of a Single Party:
Another important defect of Indian democracy is the dominance of Congress. The Congress secured 364, 371, 361 and 283 seats in the elections of 1952, 1957, 1962 and 1967 respectively. The Congress didn’t succeed much in states in the election of 1967, which resulted in the formation of non-Congress ministries in many states. But the non-Congress ministries didn’t avail of this golden opportunity and they
tried to achieve their vested interests instead of serving the people.
Consequently these ministries could not stay for long. Mrs. Indira Gandhi held mid-term poll in 1971 and Congress swept the elections and it secured 352 seats in Lok Sabha. Out of 19 States, elections were held in eight states and Congress secured majority in all the eight states. Due to the dominance of Congress party, some preceptive students of Indian politics have expressed the view that India has a ‘One party dominance system’ (Rajni Kothari) or ‘One dominant party system.’ (W.H. Morris Jones).
In 1977, with the formation of Janata Party, the monopoly of the Congress party ended for a short period. But in the elections of January 1980 and Dec. 1984, Congress (I) won big majority in the Lok Sabha. There was no official opposition in the Lok Sabha. But the dominance of Congress came to an end in November, 1989 when the Congress was badly mauled in the 9th General elections and the other parties entered the 9th Lok Sabha with sufficient strength. It was repeated from 1991 to 2019 elections of Lok Sabha. The present position clearly indicates that the era of one party dominant system has come to an end.
12. Lack of Effective Opposition: Another problem of Indian democracy is lack of organised opposition as it exists in England.
13. Less Contact with the Masses:
Another defect of Indian democracy is that the legislators do not maintain proper contact with the masses. The leaders of the political parties realise the importance of public contact during the elections but they forget it as soon as the elections end. According to Dr. P.V.C. Rao, no political party except Communist party claims to have direct contact with the masses.
14. Defections:
Indian democracy is known for defections. Defection is posing a threat to Parliamentary Democracy in India. There are many examples of defections from first to fourth general elections but the number of defections after the fourth general elections increased so much that parliamentary form of government seemed to be an utter failure in India.
Question 12.
Discuss the effects of violence and population explosion on Indian Democracy.
Answer:
1. Violence:
Though political violence has no place in democratic set up but selfish interest of politicians and political parties gave birth to political violence in the country. Political violence is used to achieve political objectives. The political violence is committeed by organised gangs or adhoc groups to influence governmental decisions, to settle scores with political opponents and to ventilate the deep-rooted grievances. Violent activities of the north eastern states in India, violence due to the demand for the reorganisation of states etc. are the examples of the political violence.
2. Population explosion:
Population explosion is another problem of Indian Democracy. There were about 30 crore people in India after independence. At present population of India is more than 130 crores. Thus, on an average more than one crore people increase every year. It is not possible for an under-developed country like India to provide education and food to such a huge population.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What do you mean by Parliamentary government?
Answer:
In a parliamentary government there is a close relationship between the legislature and the executive. The Cabinet (Executive) is the real executive and it is responsible to the legislature for its functions and policies. The Cabinet can remain in office as long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature. If legislature passes a vote of no confidence then cabinet has to resign. Parliamentary government is also called responsible government because government is responsible to the legislature. It is also known as Cabinet form of government because in this form of government executive powers are exercised by the Cabinet.
Question 2.
Discuss any four characteristics of Parliamentary System.
Answer:
Following are the three main features of parliamentary government:
1. Head of the State is a Nominal Executive:
In a parliamentary form of government executive powers are vested with the Head of the State but it is only in theory and in practice all these powers are exercised by the real executive. Head of the State is a nominal head and he always acts on the advice of the council of ministers.
2. Close Relation between the Executive and the Legislature:
All members of the cabinet are the members of the legislature. They attend the meetings of the legislature and they answer those questions which are put to them by the members of the legislature.
3. Responsibility of the Cabinet:
Cabinet is collectively responsible to the legislature for its policies and functions. If a vote of no-confidence is passed by the legislature against the Cabinet then the Cabinet must resign.
4. The Council of Ministers is headed by the Prime Minister and not by the President.
Question 3.
Explain any four characteristics of a Parliamentary Government in India.
Answer:
- President is only a nominal head whereas Prime Minister is the real head of the government. All the powers vested in the President are exercised by the council of ministers.
- Another feature of Indian Parliamentary system is that the President is not a part of the cabinet and he remains outside it.
- One more feature of Indian Parliamentary system is that the Cabinet has no fixed tenure.
- In India Cabinet is collectively responsible to the Parliament.
Question 4.
Who is the Real Executive in India?
Answer:
Indian President is only a nominal head, while Council of Ministers is the real executive. It is the Cabinet which exercises the power given to the President. According to 42nd Amendment, President is bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers. But according to 44th Amendment, the President may require the Council of Ministers to reconsider any advice tendered by them and that the President shall act in accordance with the advice tendered after reconsideration.
Question 5.
Write down about Nominal Executive in India.
Answer:
Indian President is only a Nominal Executive head, while Council of Ministers is the real executive. No doubt, he has been vested with many powers and is empowered to use them in person or through officials subordinate to him. Theory is, however, not practice. He does nothing by doing everything. It is the Cabinet which exercises the powers given to the President.
Under the Constitution, he has the right to be informed about the decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation. He may even exercise his influence over the decision of the Council of Ministers but it should be understood that influence is not power. To what extent he can influence the policy of the Cabinet depends upon his personality and his relations, particularly with the Prime Minister.
Question 6.
Mention four demerits of Indian Parliamentary System.
Answer:
1. Multiple Party System:
For the success of parliamentary system two party system is the best. But in India multiple party system exists. Due to multi-party system coalition govt, and weak govt, is formed at the Centre.
2. Defections: Defection is another drawback of Indian Parliamentary System.
3. Indiscipline: Indiscipline among the members of Parliament is another demerit of the Indian parliamentary system.
4. Communalism is the greatest hurdle in the success of Indian Parliamentary system.
Question 7.
How does Economic inequality influence Indian Democracy?
Answer:
Economic inequality exists in India. Some people in India are millionaires while millions don’t get a square meal a day. A poor citizen can neither use his right to vote independently nor can he contest election. The poor man sells his vote. Poverty adversely affects working of democracy in India.
Question 8.
How has illiteracy affected Indian democracy?
Or
How does the illiteracy affect Indian Democracy?
Answer:
In India 47 per cent people are illiterate. One survey has established the fact that half of the eighty crore of illiterate people of the world lives in India. According to official statistics, about 10 crore of people are illiterate from 15 to 35 years of age. An uneducated person lacks confidence and possesses no capacity to understand and solve the problems facing the country. He can neither understand his rights nor duties.
He can’t safeguard his rights if they are encroached upon unreasonably and at the same time he can’t perform his duties properly. Besides this, an illiterate person has a narrow outlook towards life and believes in casteism, communalism and regionalism. Because of illiteracy of Indians, provincialism, casteism and communalism are widespread in the country these days.
Question 9.
Why is Communalism considered a serious problem for Indian Democracy?
Or
Write the effects of Communalism on Indian Democracy.
Answer:
Communalism has affected the Indian democracy in the following manner:
- Several political parties in India have been formed on the basis of religion.
- Communal feelings play a vital role in elections. Almost all the political parties field their candidates on the basis of caste and community.
- Voters are also influenced by religion while casting their votes. Generally the Muslim or Sikh voters vote in favour of the candidates belonging to their religion.
- Communal riots and political clashes take place in the name of religion.
Question 10.
How has poverty been a threat to the working of democracy in India?
Or
What is the impact of poverty on Indian Democracy?
Answer:
Working of Indian democracy has been adversely affected by poverty of the masses. The poor citizen cannot develop physically and mentally as he can’t get a square meal a day. He remains worried about earning his livelihood and has no time to think over the problems facing the country. A poor person does not even think about the elections. He can’t even use his right to vote independently. He can’t cast his vote against his employer. During elections the rich distribute blankets, cycles, sewing machines and other things among the poor so that they can get the votes of the poor. The poor person sells even his vote. Every political party tries to take political advantage of the people’s poverty.
Question 11.
What is the effect of casteism on Indian Democracy?
Or
How Casteism affects Indian democracy?
Answer:
Indian democracy is deeply affected by casteism. Casteism has affected the Indian democracy in the following ways:
1. Selection of Candidates on the basis of Caste:
Caste considerations are given great weight in the selection of candidates. Generally a candidate of that caste is fielded which dominates a particular constituency. All the political parties attach great importance to casteism while selecting their candidates in the general elections.
2. Election Propaganda:
Caste plays a vital role in election propaganda. Victory or defeat of a candidate largely depends upon caste based propaganda.
3. Casteism has led to violence and extremism.
4. Formation of Government: Caste plays a significant role even in the formation of government. Caste politics carries on its process in the formation of cabinet. Generally a state has its Chief Minister belonging to a caste enjoying majority in the state.
Question 12.
Mention four social, political factors which affect the Indian democracy.
Answer:
- Multi-Party System: In India Multi-Party System exists. Due to this, Government becomes unstable.
- Illiteracy: An illiterate person cannot use properly his right to vote.
- Casteism: The increasing role of casteism is polluting Indian Democracy.
- Unemployment: Unemployed people remain indifferent to democracy and do not take interest in election.
Question 13.
Which of the social factors influence Indian democracy?
Answer:
Indian democracy is suffering from various social evils which have proved a curse. These social evils are as under:
-
- Social and economic inequality.
- Illiteracy
- Casteism.
- Unemployment.
Question 14.
How do the prevailing social inequalities affect democracy in India?
Answer:
- Social inequality has increased despair and discontent among the people. People of low castes many times demanded protection through movements. Women also held demonstrations to improve their social status.
- The violent activities of the Naxalites were the result of social inequality.
- The attitude of the people has become narrow because of social inequality. Every class thinks in terms of its own interest and not of national interest.
- The upper castes have their monopoly established in administration.
Question 15.
Explain the meaning of the term ‘Regional Imbalance’ -and give any two causes thereof.
Answer:
Regional Imbalance means vast disparities in standard of living of people between one region and the other region. Following factors are responsible for Regional Imbalance:
- Benefits of planning do not reach every region.
- The geographical factors are also responsible for the backwardness of some regions.
Question 16.
Suggest any four measures to remove Regional Imbalance which you think can be implemented by the Govt, of India.
Answer:
- There is need of preparing different programmes for the development of different areas.
- Development programmes should be taken up with the support and cooperation of the people.
- Benefits of planning should reach every person and all areas.
- In school and colleges such type of education should be imparted which promotes national feelings.
Question 17.
Write about the hindrances which come in the way of success of Indian Parliamentary democracy.
Answer:
- Social and economic inequality is the major hindrance in the smooth functioning of democracy in India.
- Poverty is another hindrance. Most of the people in India are poor.
- Majority of the people in India are illiterate.
- The regional imbalances pose a great threat to democracy.
Question 18.
Give any three suggestions to solve the problems of Indian democracy.
Answer:
-
- Economic inequality should be minimised.
- Social equality should be established.
- Illiteracy should be removed. Steps should be taken for mass education.
- Democracy cannot flourish best without the freedom of press. The government should not impose restrictions on newspapers.
Question 19.
What is meant by Collective Responsibility under Parliamentary Government?
Or
What do you mean by Collective Responsibility?
Or
What do you mean by collective responsibility of executive in Indian Parliamentary System?
Answer:
In a parliamentary government the council of ministers is collectively responsible to the parliament for its actions and policies. Collective responsibility means that ministers are responsible for the efficient performance of the departments allotted to them as well as for the policy and performance of all departments of government. No confidence in one minister means no confidence in the whole of council of ministers.
The council of ministers works as a unit. All the ministers stand and fall together. The decisions of the cabinet are binding on all the ministers. It is immaterial even if any minister is opposed to the decision which has emerged at the cabinet meeting. No minister can run his department as he wishes. He must work in unity with his colleagues. It is the only way by which the principle of collective responsibility can be enforced.
Question 20.
Give economic factors influencing Indian Government.
Answer:
1. Majority of the people in India are poor:
Poor people are worried about their meals and have no time to think about the problems of the country. A poor person can neither contest election nor even vote independently. The poor man sells his vote. Poverty adversely affects the working of democracy in India.
2. In India more than 4 crore people are unemployed:
Unemployment has greatly affected Indian democracy. An unemployed person does not care for his rights and performance ‘of his duty. He readily even sells his vote.
3. Economic inequality is an important hinderance in the working of Indian democracy.
4. Some people in India are millionaires while millions do not get two square meals a day.
Question 21.
Describe the effects of unemployment on Indian democracy.
Answer:
- Unemployed persons are so much involved in their own problems that they have no time to ponder over problems facing the society and the country.
- An unemployed person does not care for his rights and performance of his duties. He readily sells even his vote.
- The character of the citizens has also declined because of unemployment. It has resulted in dishonesty, corruption and theft. An unemployed person is prepared to resort to immoral means to get a job.
- Unemployment has led to violence in Indian politics.
Question 22.
Write down three problems of Indian Democracy.
Or
Write down four main problems of Indian Democracy.
Answer:
1. Poverty:
Most of the people in India are poor. A poor citizen can neither use his right to vote independently nor can he contest election.
2. Dliteracy:
24% of Indian population in India is illiterate. An illiterate person can neither understand his rights and duties properly nor can he cooperate in solving the problems confronting the country. An illiterate person can’t use his right to vote.
3. Unemployment:
Thousands of educated and uneducated people are unemployed in India. They remain indifferent to democracy and do not take interest in elections.
4. Communalism:
Communalism is another problem of Indian democracy. The communal feelings lead to clashes which threaten National Integrity.
Question 23.
How do Regional imbalances affect Indian Polity? Explain.
Answer:
All the regions in India are not on equal footing, rather sharp diversities are found and hence the problem of regional imbalance exists. Regional imbalances have greatly affected Indian democracy.
- Regional imbalance creates a psychological tension among the people of different regions. People belonging to various regions develop an attitude of laying much stress on regional interests ignoring the national interest.
- Many political parties have been formed under the spell of regionalism.
- The voters cast their votes under the urge of regionalism and don’t bother about national interests.
- Regional imbalance creates tensions between centre and states.
Question 24.
Mention any three conditions essential for the success of Indian Democracy.
Or
Write down four conditions necessary for the success of democracy.
Answer:
- Enlightened citizenship is very essential to strengthen democratic traditions.
- Education is very essential to strengthen democratic traditions. Education makes people responsible and responsive.
- Political consciousness among the people is very essential for the success of democracy.
- Economic equality is very essential for the success of democracy.
Question 25.
What is meant by the term Political Homogeneity?
Answer:
Political Homogeneity is one of the important features of Parliamentary form of government. In Parliamentary form of government ministers are taken from that party which has majority in the Lower House of the Parliament. In this system all ministers work as a unit. Because they belong to a single party, so question of arising differences among members of the council of ministers is very nominal. Notable thing is that in a coalition government Political Homogeneity is not quite possible. That is why coalition governments are not stable.
Question 26.
How is linguism a danger to India?
Answer:
Linguism means the influence and impact of the factor of language. The factor of language has added another fissiparous tendency in the Indian body politic and it is influencing our democracy in the following ways:
- The factor of language is an emotive issue. Because of its emotional nature it has given rise to lingual fanaticism in some parts of our country.
- Linguism is a threat to unity of country.
- The opposition to Hindi as the official language of the Indian Union is causing bitterness between the Hindi and the non-Hindi speaking people of our country.
- The problem of language is responsible for the rise of regionalism in our country.
Question 27.
What is meant by ‘Regionalism’?
Answer:
Regionalism in the ordinary usage refers to particularism of regional patriotism. Regionalism is derived from the word ‘region’. A region is a homogeneous area with physical and cultural characteristics distinct from those of other areas. Whereas Communalism means the love of the Community in preference to nation, regionalism means the love of a particular region in preference to the country and in certain cases, in preference to the state of which the region is a part. This feeling may arise due to continuous neglect of the region by the ruling authorities. It may also spring up as a result of increasing political awareness of the henceforth backward people that they have so far been discriminated against.
Question 28.
How does regionalism come in the way of bringing about unity in diversity?
Answer:
Regionalism hampers the growth of unity in diversities in the following ways
- It encourages the growth of fissiparous and divisive tendencies in the society and thus the cause of unity in diversities receives a serious setback.
- Regional loyalties overwhelm individuals so much that they forget their obligation towards the nation as a whole and prefer their regional interests to national interests.
- Regionalism sometimes takes the form of communalism or linguism which hampers the path of unity among diversities.
- Regionalism, to some extent, has inflamed violent activities in Indian politics.
Question 29.
What are the two bases of separatist tendencies in India today?
Answer:
The bases of separatist tendencies in India are:
1. Communalism:
Communalism is the greatest hurdle in the success of democracy. The communal feelings lead to clashes which threaten national integrity. Religion has always influenced Indian politics.
2. Casteism:
Caste has always been a significant and decisive factor in Indian politics. Though all the political parties speak against casteism yet in practice it plays an important role in politics. All the parties give importance to caste in the selection of party candidates in elections and even the voters think in terms of caste while casting their votes.
Question 30.
Describe the impact of violence on Indian democracy.
Answer:
Violence is becoming a dominant aspect of political life of our country. Its effects on Indian democracy are:
- The violent atmosphere stifles the voice of truth. Because of the fear of violence a great majority of political leaders even do not express the voice of their conscience.
- The democractic institutions work under the fear of violence. Elections do take place but in many cases, the results thereof do not represent the real will of the voters.
- Violence is a threat to Election Process also.
- Political parties do not work independently, rather sometimes they are constrained to take decisions to appease the perpetrators of violence.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is Parliamentary model of government?
Answer:
In a parliamentary government there is a close relationship between the legislature and the executive. The Cabinet (Executive) is the real executive and it is responsible to the legislature for its functions and policies. The Cabinet can remain in office as long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature. If legislature passes a vote of no confidence then cabinet has to resign.
Question 2.
Discuss any two characteristics of Parliamentary System.
Answer:
Following are the three main features of parliamentary government:
1. Head of the State is a Nominal Executive:
In a parliamentary form of government executive powers are vested with the Head of the State but it is only in theory and in practice all these powers are exercised by the real executive. Head of the State is a nominal head and he always acts on the advice of the council of ministers.
2. Close Relation between the Executive and the Legislature:
All members of the cabinet are the members of the legislature. They attend the meetings of the legislature and they answer those questions which are put to them by the members of the legislature.
Question 3.
Discuss any two characteristics of a Parliamentary Government in India.
Answer:
-
- President is only a nominal head whereas Prime Minister is the real head of the government. All the powers vested in the President are exercised by the council of ministers.
- Another feature of Indian Parliamentary system is that the President is not a part of the cabinet and he remains outside it.
Question 4.
Write down about Nominal Executive in India.
Answer:
Indian President is only a Nominal Executive head, while Council of Ministers is the real executive. It is the Cabinet which exercises the powers given to the President. Under the Constitution, he has the right to be informed about the decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation.
Question 5.
Mention two demerits of Indian Parliamentary System.
Answer:
- Multiple Party System: For the success of parliamentary system two party system is the best. But in India multiple party system exists. Due to multi-party system coalition govt, and weak govt, is at the Centre.
- Defections: Defection is another drawback of Indian Parliamentary System.
Question 6.
How does economic inequality influence Indian Democracy?
Answer:
Economic inequality exists in India. Some people in India are millionaires while millions don’t get a square meal a day. A poor citizen can neither use his right to vote independently nor can he contest election. The poor man sells his vote. Poverty adversely affects working of democracy in India.
Question 7.
How has illiteracy affected Indian democracy?
Answer:
An uneducated person lacks confidence and possesses no capacity to under-stand and solve the problems facing the country. He can neither understand his rights nor duties. He can’t safeguard his rights if they are encroached upon unreasonably and at the same time he can’t perform his duties properly.
Question 8.
Write any two ill-effects of communalism on Democracy.
Or
Write any two impacts of communalism on Indian Democracy.
Answer:
Communalism has affected the Indian democracy in the following manner:
- Several political parties in India have been formed on the basis of religion.
- Communal feelings play a vital role in elections. Almost all the political parties field their candidates on the basis of caste and community.
Question 9.
Write any two effects of Poverty on Indian Democracy.
Answer:
1. Working of Indian democracy has been adversely affected by poverty of the masses. The poor citizen cannot develop physically and mentally as he can’t get a square meal a day. He remains worried about earning his livelihood and has no time to think over the problems facing the country.
2. A poor person does not even think about the elections. He can’t even use his right to vote independently. He can’t cast his vote against his employer.
Question 10.
What is the effect of casteism on Indian Democracy?
Answer:
1. Selection of Candidates on the basis of Caste:
Caste considerations are given great weight in the selection of candidates. Generally a candidate of that caste is fielded which dominates a particular constituency. All the political parties attach great importance to casteism while selecting their candidates for the general elections.
2. Election Propaganda:
Caste plays a vital role in election propaganda. Victory or defeat of a candidate largely depends upon caste based propa-ganda.
Question 11.
Mention two social, political factors which affect the Indian democracy.
Answer:
- Multi-Party System: In India Multi-Party System exists. There are national as well as regional parties.
- Illiteracy: An illiterate person cannot use properly his right to vote.
Question 12.
Which of the social evils influence Indian democracy?
Answer: Indian democracy is suffering from various social evils which have proved a curse. These social evils are as under:
-
- Social and economic inequality.
- Illiteracy
- Casteism.
- Unemployment.
Question 13.
Write down any four methods to stop Communalism.
Answer:
Following suggestions can prove helpful in this direction:
1. Right Type of Education:
Communalism is a mental malady and hence needs a mental remedy. Through well designed text-books, articles the student at different levels should be taught the feeling of toleration, love, harmony, brotherhood and peace.
2. Right use of Media:
T.V., Radio and media should use their power in right direction. Instead of covering the incident to create communal feeling these should deliver the message of love, harmony, brotherhood, unity and integrity, peace etc.
3. Decommunalisation of Political Parties:
Political parties should be decommunalised. Election Commission should not recognize any political party that is based on religion and spreads communal feelings.
4. Positive and Active Role of Government:
The government should play an active and positive role in this direction. The government should try to root out the causes of communalism before its root gets too deep to cut out.
Question 14.
Describe any two conditions essential for the success of Democracy in India.
Answer:
- Enlightened citizenship is very essential to strengthen democratic traditions.
- Education is very essential to strengthen democratic traditions. Education makes people responsible and responsive.
Question 15.
Write any two types of separatism.
Answer:
- Ethnic Separatism.
- Religious Separatism.
Question 16.
Write any two economic factors effecting the democracy.
Answer:
- Poverty: Poverty is an important factor effecting democracy.
- Economic Inequality: Economic inequality is another factor, effecting democracy.
One Line Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What do you know about Parliamentary System?
Answer:
Parliamentary Government is that system of governance wherein the real executive or the cabinet is responsible to Legislature or its Popular House.
Question 2.
What is meant by nominal executive?
Answer:
Nominal executive means that executive which has been given all the executive powers by the Constitution, but in reality, it does not exercise any of these powers.
Question 3.
What do you mean by the Real Executive?
Or
Who is the Real Executive in India?
Answer:
The real executive is that executive which exercises executive powers in reality. The Prime Minister and Cabinet of India is an example of the real executive.
Question 4.
Mention any one feature of Parliamentary System.
Answer:
1. Parliamentary System has two kinds of executive nominal and real.
Answer:
1952
2. Every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than ……………. years of age has the right to exercise his vote.
Answer:
Eighteen
3. Sayyad Kazi and Shibban Lai Saxena supported the ……………. form of govt, in Consrtituent Assembly.
Answer:
Presidential
4. K.M. Munshi and Krishna Swami Ayyer supported the ……………. form of govt. in Consrtituent Assembly.
Answer:
Parliamentary
5. There is a close relation between ……………. and legislature in parliamentary form of govt.
Answer:
Executive
6. There is a difference between Nominal Executive and ……………. Executive in Parliamentary form of govt.
Answer:
Real.
True Or False Statement
1. Increasing Literacy is one of the main challenges to Indian Democracy.
Answer:
False
2. In Parliamentary System, Head of the State is Real Executive.
Answer:
False
3. Article 21-A, under 86th Amendment of Constitution provides free and compulsory education.
Answer:
True
4. Criminalisation of politics is becoming a dominant aspect of political life of our country.
Answer:
True
5. Social Inequality has greatly affected India democracy.
Answer:
True
6. Poverty is not a main curse of illiteracy.
Answer:
False
Choose The Correct Answer
Question 1.
Main challenges of Indian Democracy are:
(a) Poverty
(b) Illiteracy
(c) Unemployment
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(d) All of the above.
Question 2.
Main reason of poverty in India is:
(a) Increased Population
(b) Education
(c) Development
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(a) Increased Population
Question 3.
Regionalism means:
(a) Love for the Nation
(b) Loyalty for Religion
(c) Love for a Region
(d) Loyalty for Caste.
Answer:
(c) Love for a Region
Question 4.
Which is the main reason of illiteracy in India?
(a) British imperialism
(b) Lock of industry
(c) Lock of sufficient funds
(d) Violent activities of Naxalities.
Answer:
(c) Lock of sufficient funds