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NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Civics Chapter 4 Working of Institutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Political Science Chapter 4 covers How is a Major Policy Decision Taken?, Parliament & Its Two Houses, Executive (Political and Permanent), and Independent Judiciary.

Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)

1. Decision-Makers & The Office Memorandum

Short Note:

• Office Memorandum: An official order issued by the Government of India (e.g., the August 13, 1990 order implementing 27% reservation for SEBC based on the Mandal Commission report).

• Key Decision-Makers:
1. President: Head of State and the highest formal authority.
2. Prime Minister: Head of Government who exercises all executive powers.
3. Cabinet: Group of senior ministers making key policy decisions.

2. Parliament: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Short Note:

• Role of Parliament: Supreme law-making body, exercises control over government money, and serves as the highest forum of debate.

• Lok Sabha (House of the People): Directly elected, exercises supreme power on money bills and can pass a No-Confidence Motion against the Council of Ministers.

• Rajya Sabha (Council of States): Indirectly elected, represents state interests, acts as a permanent body (not subject to complete dissolution).

3. Political & Permanent Executive & The Judiciary

Short Note:

• Political Executive: Elected by the people for a specific tenure (Ministers, Prime Minister). They take major political decisions.

• Permanent Executive (Civil Services): Appointed on a long-term basis (IAS, IPS officers) to assist ministers and execute day-to-day administration.

• Judiciary: Integrated and independent system (Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts). Supreme Court guards fundamental rights and has the power of Judicial Review.

Intext & Conceptual Questions

Q1: Distinguish between Political Executive and Permanent Executive.
Political Executive Permanent Executive
Elected by the people for a fixed tenure (e.g., 5 years). Appointed on a long-term basis through civil service examinations until retirement.
Includes Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and State Ministers. Includes Civil Servants (IAS, IPS, Foreign Service officers).
Takes final policy decisions based on public mandate. Helps carry out day-to-day administration and implements decisions.
Q2: Why does Lok Sabha exercise supreme power over Rajya Sabha in India?
Answer:
1. Money Bills: Money bills can only originate in Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha can only delay it for 14 days or suggest changes.
2. Joint Session Dominance: In case of a disagreement on ordinary bills, a joint sitting is called where Lok Sabha's view usually prevails due to its larger membership.
3. Control over Executive: Lok Sabha controls the Cabinet. If a majority of Lok Sabha members pass a 'No Confidence' motion, the Prime Minister and all ministers must resign.

Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions

Q1: Which of the following statements about the Judiciary is false?
(a) Every law passed by the Parliament needs approval of the Supreme Court.
(b) Judiciary can strike down a law if it goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
(c) Judiciary is independent of the Executive.
(d) Any citizen can approach the courts if their rights are violated.
Answer: (a) Every law passed by the Parliament needs approval of the Supreme Court. (Parliament passes laws independently; courts intervene only if a law is challenged as unconstitutional).
Q2: Who among the following is a part of the Political Executive?
(a) District Collector
(b) Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs
(c) Home Minister
(d) Director General of Police
Answer: (c) Home Minister
Q3: What is Judicial Review and Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?
Answer:
1. Judicial Review: The power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to determine the constitutional validity of any legislation or government action, and declare it invalid if it violates the Constitution.
2. Public Interest Litigation (PIL): A legal mechanism through which any citizen can approach the court on behalf of public interest if government actions harm public well-being or fundamental rights.
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Class 9 › Social Science (Political Science) › Working of Institutions
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Topics in this chapter: Decision-Makers & The Office MemorandumParliament: Lok Sabha and Rajya SabhaPolitical & Permanent Executive & The Judiciary