Overview
This chapter explains how major decisions are made and implemented in Indian democracy through the roles and interactions of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, using the example of the 1990 reservation order.
Major Policy Decisions in Democracy
- In a democracy, rulers must follow rules and procedures, working within institutions.
- The 1990 Office Memorandum reserved 27% of central government jobs for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).
- Major decisions involve Cabinet, Parliament, and are implemented by government officials.
- Disputes on such decisions can be resolved by the Judiciary.
The Role of Institutions
- Institutions include the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet, Parliament, civil services, and Judiciary.
- The Constitution assigns powers and functions to each institution.
- Institutions ensure continuity, accountability, and democratic decision-making, even causing delays for broader consultation.
Parliament: Structure and Functions
- Parliament is the supreme law-making body; in India, it includes the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
- Lok Sabha (lower house) has more members and greater power, especially in money matters and controlling the Council of Ministers.
- Rajya Sabha (upper house) represents states, reviews legislation, but has less power in financial matters.
The Executive: Political and Permanent
- The Executive includes political (elected leaders) and permanent (civil servants) executives.
- Political executives make policy decisions and are answerable to the people; civil servants implement these decisions.
- The Prime Minister is the head of government, appoints ministers, and leads the Cabinet.
President and Cabinet
- The President is the nominal head of state, acting mainly on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
- The President’s key discretionary power: appointing the Prime Minister when no party has clear majority.
- Laws and major decisions require the President's assent but can be returned only once for reconsideration.
Judiciary: Independence and Powers
- Judiciary includes the Supreme Court, High Courts, and lower courts, forming an integrated system.
- Judges are appointed independently and cannot be easily removed.
- The Judiciary can review laws/actions for constitutionality and protect fundamental rights (Judicial Review).
- Public Interest Litigation allows any citizen to seek court intervention for public causes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Legislature — Elected body that makes laws (Parliament in India).
- Executive — Body implementing government policies (political leaders + civil servants).
- Judiciary — Courts resolving disputes and interpreting laws.
- Office Memorandum — Official government order or statement of policy.
- Reservation — Policy reserving jobs/positions for disadvantaged groups.
- Coalition Government — Alliance of parties jointly forming government.
- Judicial Review — Courts’ power to declare laws/actions unconstitutional.
Action Items / Next Steps
- List five cabinet ministers at the union and state level.
- Watch/read news on Parliament’s proceedings and note roles of Speaker and opposition.
- Follow a major court case and summarize verdicts and reasons.
- Do textbook exercises (p.72–73) for review and application.