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What powers does the independent judiciary have over the functioning of other branches of government?
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The judiciary has the power of judicial review to ensure laws align with the Constitution and acts as a check on the legislature and executive to prevent misuse of power.
What significant impact did the office memorandum issued on 13th August 1990 have?
It introduced 27% reservation for socially and educationally backward classes in government jobs, leading to political debates and protests.
How does the Indian Prime Minister form the Council of Ministers?
The Prime Minister forms the Council of Ministers by advising the President, who formally appoints them. The council includes Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State.
Distinguish between political and permanent executives. Why do political executives hold more power?
Political executives are elected by the people (e.g., the Prime Minister), whereas permanent executives are civil servants (e.g., IAS officers). Political executives hold more power as they are elected representatives with public mandates.
How does the Mandal Commission report relate to the concept of affirmative action in India?
The Mandal Commission's recommendations for reservations are a form of affirmative action aiming to uplift socially and educationally backward classes through positive discrimination.
Discuss the significance of the Department of Personnel and Training in the context of the office memorandum.
The Department of Personnel and Training, responsible for human resource policies in government service, issued the office memorandum which mandated the reservation for backward classes.
What was the main purpose of the Mandal Commission appointed in 1979?
To identify socially and educationally backward classes and recommend measures for their upliftment, such as the 27% reservation in government jobs.
How does the parliamentary system ensure accountability of the executive to the legislature?
Through mechanisms like questioning, debates, no-confidence motions, and budget control, Parliament holds the executive accountable, ensuring it remains answerable to the elected body.
Explain the principle of separation of powers with regard to the executive, legislature, and judiciary in India.
Separation of powers divides governance among the executive (implements laws), legislature (creates laws), and judiciary (interprets laws) to prevent concentration and abuse of power.
Identify the key functions of the judiciary in India.
The judiciary resolves disputes, interprets the Constitution, and protects fundamental rights. It ensures impartial justice and acts as the guardian of the Constitution.
Define the functions of the Lok Sabha and explain why it is considered more powerful than the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha is directly elected and is responsible for law making, budget approval, and controlling the government. It is more powerful as it can vote the government out.
In what ways do educational resources like Unacademy serve as supplementary aids for understanding civics concepts?
Platforms like Unacademy offer classes, exams, and quizzes that provide learners with additional opportunities to practice and enhance their understanding of civics beyond traditional textbooks.
What role does the Prime Minister play in the budgetary process?
The Prime Minister guides the government in forming the budget, ensuring it aligns with policy priorities, and leads budget presentations in Parliament for approval.
Explain the role of the President in the Indian government.
The President is the ceremonial head and first citizen of India, appoints the Prime Minister, and approves laws. The President acts based on the Council of Ministers' advice.
What are the responsibilities of the Rajya Sabha in the Indian Parliament?
The Rajya Sabha represents the states in Parliament and is involved in the legislative process, reviewing bills proposed by the Lok Sabha, and can propose amendments.
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