Telangana Inter 2nd Year 2024 : Political Science Paper-I Important Question with Answers

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Telangana Inter 2nd Year Class 12 exams have started and you have very little time left for the Political Science- Paper 1 exam. Therefore, we are providing important questions in this article. You can study them well and score well in your exams.

Students often find themselves in need of effective study materials to prepare for challenging subjects like Political Science- Paper 1. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive revision important short, and long question have emerged as a valuable resource for students.

Very Short Answer Quenstions

Question 1. Moderates in Indian National Movement.

Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji, Copala Krishna Gokhale, Surendra Nath Benarjee, Umesh Chandra Benarjee are the prominent moderate leaders. They adopted peaceful and constitutional methods in articulating their demands in the National Movement. There include prayers, petitions protest and mediatious.

Question 2. Methods of Extremists.

Answer:

Boycott of British goods, honorary titles and Govt., offices.
Encouraging native education.
Striving for membership to Indian in Legislative Councils.
Patronizing native goods and industries.
Practicing passive resistance.

Question 3. Simon Commission.

Answer: The Commission had seven English men as members and Sir John Simon as Chairman. Hence, the Congress decided to boycott the Commission’s prceedings throughout the country and raised the slogan “Simon Go back”. Indians wholeheartedly obliged the call and protested against thes Simon Commission. Black flag demonstrations greated the Commission wherever it went. In Lahore, the boycott demonstrations were led by lala Lajpat Rai who became a victim of police latticharge that resulted in his death three weeks later.

Question 4. Right to Equality.

Answer: Articles 14 to 18 deals with this Right Article 14 guarantees equality before law to all persons. These can be no special privillege to any individual. All those who violate laws are given the same punishment. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. Article 16 provides equality of opportunity in the matter of public employment Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice in any form an offence. Article 18 prohibits the State from conferring any title except a military or academic distinction.

Question 5. Right to Freedom.

Answer: Right to freedom (Articles 19 – 22): Articles 19 to 22 deals with this Right. Article 19 is the most important part of the Constitution. It guarantees 6 freedoms to the citizens. They are :

Freedom of speech and expression.
Freedom to assemble peacefully and without arms.
Freedom to form associations or unions.
Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India.
Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.
Freedom to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation.

Article 20 says that a person shall be convicted only for violating an existing law.

Article 21 says that no person shall be deprived of his life and liberty except according to the procedure established by law.

Article 22 provides that every person should be informed the cause of his arrest.

Question 6. Right to Religion.

Answer: This Rights denotes the Secular Nature of Indian Political System. It aims at transforming India into a secular state. Both the citizens and Aliens of India enjoy this Rights. Articles from 25 to 28 in Part – III of Indian constitution deals with Right to freedom of Religion. This Right enables the individuals to profess, practice and propagate any religion according to their conscience.

Question 7. Composition of Electoral College.

Answer: Electoral College is a body that elects the Indian President. The Following are the members of Electoral College: a) Elected members of both Houses of Parliament i.e., 238 from Rajya Sabha and 543 from Lok Sabha 781. b) Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies and c) Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of Delhi and Pondicheri.

Question 8. The composition of Union Council of Ministers.

Answer: India has the three tier ministry consisting of

i) Cabinet Ministers, ii) Ministers of State iii) The Deputy Ministers.

The cabinet ministers entrusted the maintenance of some important ministries. They enjoy independence and decision making power.
The ministers of State acts as Heads of Some important Sections in the ministry. They are directly responsible to the Prime Minister for their activities.
The Deputy ministers have no independent and discretionary powers. They assist the cabinet ministers and perform the functions assigned to them.

Question 9. Legislative powers of President.

Answer: The President of India performs the following Legislative powers.

He summons and prorogues the meetings of the Parliament.
He dissolves the Lok Sabha.
He inaugurates the first session and annual session of the Parliament
He nominates two (2) Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha and twelve (12) members to the Rajya Sabha.
He convenes of joint sitting of the two houses incase of a disagreement on a bill.
He proclaims ordinances during the interval of Parliament

Question 10. State Executive.

Answer: Article 153 to 167 of Indian Constitution deal with the matters relating to the State Executive-The State Executive consists of the Governor and the Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister. Besides, there are some administrative personnel who assist the ministers in the functioning of state government.

The Governor is the constitutional head of the State Government where as the council of ministers is the real executive. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the State Legislature.

Question 11. Any two legislative powers of the Governor.

Answer: i) The Governor convenes and prorogues the two Houses of the State Legislature. He dissolves the Lower House of the State Legislature, ii) He addresses the State Legislative Assembly in person or through messages.

Question 12. Composition of State Council of Ministers.

Answer: The State Council of Ministers include :

The Chief Minister.
Ministers of Cabinet rank.
Ministers of State rank and some times deputy ministers. All the ministers including the Chief Minister are appointed by the Governor. The Chief Minister enjoys the privilege to select a few Legislators of his party and recommend their names to the Governor for appointment as ministers.

Question 13. What are the two elements that determine the union-state legislative relations?

Answer: The Legislative sphere between the union and the states are determined on the basis of two Jurisdictions.

1) Territorial Jurisdiction

2) Subject-wise Jurisdiction. As regards the territorial jurisdiction our constitution clearly specifies the geographical boundaries of Legislation between the union and state governments. It enables every state legislature to formulate laws applicable to the while area of state or part there of. As regards the subject-wise Jurisdiction, our constitution has retained the three fold distribution of legislative powers. The three Legislative lists enumerated in the constitution relate to

Union list
state list
The concurrent list.

Question 14. How are the Legislative matters divided between the union and the states?

Answer: The constitution of India provides three lists in order to distribute the Legislative powers between the centre and the states. The three lists are

union list
state list
concurrent list.

Question 15. Write a note on the union list.

Answer: The union list consists of 97 subjects. The union Parliament is empowered to make laws over the subjects included in the list. The subjects included in the list are of National Importance. Example : Defence, Foreign Affairs, Railway, Banking, Currency and coinage, posts and telegraph, Insurance etc.

Question 16. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee.

Answer: The government of India had constituted Balwant Rai mehta Committee in 1957. The committee made several recommendations such s three tier structure of Panchayats and provision of adequate financial resources to rural local governments. The Recommendations of Balwant Rai Mehta Committee were accepted by the government of India. Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh were the first states to implement the Panchayat Raj System.

Question 17. Ashok Mehta Committee.

Answer: The Janata Government led by Morarji Desai appointed 13 members committee under the chairperson of Ashok Mehta in 1977 to give suggestions for strengthening of the Panchayat Raj institutions in India. This committee submitted its report in 1978 with 132 suggestions some of them as follows.

The three-tier system of the Panchayat Raj should be replaced by the two-tier system, i.e., Zilla Parishad at District level and below it, the Mandal Parishad consisting of a group of villages.
The Zilla Parishad should be the executive body and be made responsible for planning at the district level.
Seats for SCs and STs should be reserved on the basis of this population.

Question 18. L.M. Singhvi Committee.

Answer: L.M. Singhvi Committee was constituted by the government of India in 1986. This committee recommended for the “Constitutional Recognition of Panchayats for strengthening their identify and integrity. It gave certain suggestions for the recognition of Local Self Governments. The Recommendations of L.M. Singhvi Committee were accepted by the government of India. It was during the Prime Ministership of RV. Narasimha Rao, the Constitutional Amendment Bills were passed by the Union Parliament and were ratified by the State legislatures. They received the assent of the President. Finally, the bills emerged as Amendment Act, 1992 and the constitution 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 and the constitution 74^th Amendment Act, 1993.

Telangana Board 2nd Year Study Material
Telangana Board Class 12th Previous Years Paper	Telangana Board Class 12 Model Paper

Question 19. State Election Commission.

Answer: Article 243(K) explains how the State Election Commission is to ensure free and fair elections to the Panchayats. It calls for the appointment of a State Election Commissioner to be appointed by the State Governor. His conditions of service and tenure of office shall also be determined by the Governor. Powers and functions fo the Election Commission is as follows.

To prepare and update the electoral rolls of the voters to Panchayat elections.
To conduct free and fair elections to the Panchayats.
To allot symbols to the contesting candidates during the elections.

Question 20. What are Electronic Voting machines?

Answer: An Electronic voting machine is a simple electronic device used to record votes in place of ballot papers and boxes which were used earlier in conventional voting system. The advantage of the EVM over the traditional ballot paper system are given below. a) It eliminates the possibility of invalid and doubtful votes. b) It makes the process of counting of votes much faster that the conventional system. c) It reduces to a great extent the quantity of paper used, thus saving a large number of trees. d) It reduces cost printing as only one sheet of ballot papers required for each polling station.

Question 21. When is National voters Day observed?

Answer: The Election Commission of India is established on January 25, 1950. To mark the commissions foundation day, every year January 25 is celebrated as National voters day. The Government decided to celebrate this day to encourage more young voters to enroll and take part in the political process.

Question 22. Explain the Growing Money Power in Elections.

Answer: It is found that money has an increasingly important role in elections. Unaccounted black money is used by some candidates leading to corrupt practices during elections. Large amounts of money spent on campaigning by some candidates deprive other genuine candidates from winning in elections. Infact money is used by some leaders to buy votes, present gifts such as cricket bits, bribe leaders of caste associations and other groups and donate for community assets in particular area.

Question 23. Coalition politics at National Level.

Answer: Many coalition governments were formed at the national level. The first coalition Government was formed at the Centre in 1977 with certain major political parties such as Bharatiya Lok Dal, Congress (O), Jan Sangh, Socialist Party and other smaller parties decided to form Janata Party. It is popularly known as Janata experiment. This Government was led by Morarji Desai. This is the first non Congress Government at the Centre. However, some critics did not consider this as coalition government as all parties merged into one Janata Party.

During its rule from 1977-79, government at the national level. Between 1996-98, two United Front Governments assumed office as coalition governments. Again coalition government with 13 political parties led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed office as National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government between October 1999 and May 2004. Again in May 2004 and May 2009 the United Progressive Alliance led by the Indian National Congress (INC) assumed office. Again in 2014 General election, the BJP led National Democratic Alliance assumed office at the national level.

Question 24. Merits and De-merits of coalition politics.

Answer: Merits and Demerits of coalition politics: Coalition politics in India led to politics of accommodation and adjustments. Consequently, the nature of Indian federation is transformed to a cooperative federation with minimum instances of dispute between the Central Government and State Governments. Further, coalition politics in India have successfully brought an alternative to congress party at all levels. As the regional necessities and aspirations are well articulated and grievances are ventilated, Indian political system enhanced its capabilities to meet public demands.

There are also certain’demerits with the emergence of Coalition politics. Many a time, the Governments engaged the coalition partners in politics of bargain. At times, this has also resulted in manipulative politics and instability. Many of the parties have hidden agenda filled with vested interests and resulted in blackmail and mareover. Inspite of many limitations coalition politics have come to stay in India as no party enjoys the nationwide mandate for electoral victories. Due to the limitations and weakness, coalition poljtjcs are also evolving certain workable arrangement for stability. Devising the Common Minimum Programme (CMP), establishing art advisory body or co-ordination committee with all coalition partners and holding periodical consultations on important decisions and policy formulations are some of the initiatives for successful continuance of coalition politics.

Question 25. Characteristics of Terrorism.

Answer: Many studies on Terrorism pointed out certain similarities or patterns in the acts of terrorism.

They are:

Terrorism is an organised, planned and deliberate act of violence carried out by a handful of people.
Terrorism is directed against innocent civilians or a particular community, police officials, armed personnel or government employees of state or central.
Terrorism is a motivated violence to challenge the social and political order of the society.
Terrorism engages itself in an unofficial war with the Government and political system.
Terrorism is a weapon of blackmail and coercion. It aims to highlight its demands with violence.
Terrorism is always unlawful, in human and anti-democratic.

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. Explain any four causes for the Indian National Movement.

Answer: The British rule contributed to the emergence of Modern Indian Nationalism. The National movement united people of different groups to fight the Britishers. The following are the some causes for the birth of Indian National Movement.

1. British Colonial Rule: British colonial rule is said to be one of the important cause for the birth and growth of Nationalism in India. The British rulers developed communication facilities such as road, rail, press, posts and telegraphs for preserving their administrative, political and economic interests in India. The leaders of Indian National Movement properly availed such facilities and informed the Indian masses about the tyrannic and exploitative policy of the British colonial rulers. The political unity rendered by tbe British rulers also brought the feelings of unity among the Indians.

2. English Education: English was introduced in India as a medium of instruction and correspondence by the British rulers on the recommendations of ford Macaulay committee. A few educated elite among Indians travelled in England to gain proficiency in English language. They were able to study and understand the views of eminent thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseaue, J.S. Mill and Karl Marx on several concepts like liberty, equality, fraternity, independence, democracy etc.

3. Economic Exploitation: The British government transformed India into a safe citadel for British investments, markets and export of Indian raw materials. It suppressed the growth of Indian cottage, village and small scale industries for safe guarding the British investments on permanent basis. The British Governor generals like Lord Lytton and Curzon, implemented such policies suited to the British investors exploiting the national wealth of India.This has caused bitter resentment among the Indian industrialists, cottage and small scale artisans. Hence, they were attracted towards the freedom movement in India.

4. Press: Many Journals and dailies were published and circulated in India during freedom movement. Ex : Amrit Bazar, Kesari, Marata, Hindu, Andhra Patrika etc. They created, enhanced national feelings among themselves. They played a crucial role in spreading, National feelings and conveyed the desires and demands of people to the Britishers.

Question 2. Explain the role of the extremists in Indian National Movement.

Answer: The second stage of the National Movement (from 1906 to 1919) was dominated by the extremists. During this period, the Congress entered the militant stage. The prominent leaders were Lala Lajpat Roy, Bala Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra pal (Lai – Bal – Pal). The extremists criticised the moderates for pursuing the policy of “Mendicancy with a begging bowl” and advocated-the use of radical methods to realise Swaraj.

The extremists proposed new methods to achieve their objective! of self government. They declared openly that they had no faith in the goodness of the British. The extremists advocated (1) Boycott of foreign goods (2) Swadesi (3) Boycott of the Government controlled schools and colleges (4) Promoting National education and (5) Passive resistance.

The extremists appealed to the people not to assist the Government to rule. They wanted to create trouble to the Government to rule. They wanted to create trouble to the Government in collecting revenue. They were also against fighting beyond the frontiers or outside India with Indian blood and money. They even advocated that people must organise parallel courts to die British courts. Boycott of foreign goods and the use of Swadesi goods were popularised by the extremists.

They also adovacated boycott of British courts, municipalities and legislative councils. The extremists popularised education on national lines. In national education, the focus was on things Indian. The regional Indian language was to be the chief medium of instruction. The message of Swadesi began to reah the masses due to the methods used by the Extremists.

The extremists introduced new methods of political organisation and new ways of continuing political struggles. But the methods of passive resistance and non-co-operation remained mere ideas. It must also be said that over emphasis on Hindus religious symbols during the extremist National Movement created a rift between the Hindus and the Muslims. The mass of the common people were also outside the mainstream of national politics during the extremist movement despite their radical methods.

Question 3. What are the emergency powers of the President of India?

Answer: Emergency Powers: The Constitution of India empowers the President to proclaim three kinds of emergencies.

National Emergency, Article 352.
Constitutional Emergency, Article 356.
Financial Emergency, Article 360.

1. National Emergency: If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists in the country or any part of its territory and threatened by war or external aggressions or armed rebelltion he may impose National Emergency on the written advice of the Union Council of Ministers. Such proclamation has to be approved by the Parliament with a majority of not less than 2/3^rd members present and voting in each House within a month. Then the proclamation shall be in force for six months.

It can be extended with approval of Parliament for another six months. During this emergency Union Government can issue any direction to the states and the Parliament can make legislation on any matters included in State list. Except Article 20,21 all or any of the fundamental Rights can be suspended. This type of emergency was imposed in 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1975.

2. Constitutional Emergency (President Rule): On the, receipt of a report from the Governor of a State that a situation has arrived in which the Government of that State cannot function according to the Constitutional provisions, the President may proclaim emergency in that State. It is also called as President Rule or Constitutional Emergency.

The effects of such a proclamation may be as follows. a) The President may assume to himself all or any of the function of the State Government. b) The powers of State Legislature may be exercised by the Parliament.

This emergency proclamation shall be approved by the Parliament within two months. It will be in force for a period of six months. It can be extended for another six months by the approval of the Parliament. So far, Presidents Rule has been imposed more than 100 times in different states in India.

3. Financial Emergency: Article 360, deals with Financial Emergency. The President can proclaim such emergency if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen whereby the financial stability or credit of India is threateneded.

The effect of this emergency are: 1)The President can reduce the salaries and allowances of all 2) All money bills passed by any State legislature can be reserved for the consideration of the President. So far this kind of emergency has not been proclaimed in our country.

Question 4. What is impeachment procedure of Indian President?

Answer: The President may be removed from the office by following a procedure called Impeachment. The Impeachment procedure is exercised in ParliamentThe Impeachment of President has the following procedure.

The impeachment resolution has to be moved in with 14 days prior notice in writing signed by not less than 1/4^th of the total members of that House. Such resolution has to be passed by not less than 2/3^rd of the total members of the House.

The resolution is then sent to the other House for the consideration and approval. The second house investigates the allegations and constitutes a committee to enquire into the charges. At this stage the President has the right to present his views on the charges directly or through his representative.

If the charges are established and adopted by the second house with 2/3^rd majority of the total members, from that moment the President stands removed from the office.

Question 5. What are the emergency powers of the President of India?

Answer: Emergency Powers : The Constitution of India empowers the President to proclaim three kinds of emergencies.

National Emergency, Article 352.
Constitutional Emergency, Article 356.
Financial Emergency, Article 360.

Question 6. What is impeachment procedure of Indian President?

If the charges are established and adopted by the second house with 2/3^rd majority of the total members, from that moment the President stands removed from the office.

Question 7. Describe the Legislative Relations between union and states.

Answer: Our constitution prescribed the legislative and administrative relations between the union and die states in a clear cut manner in Part XI, Articles 245 to 255. Both the union and state Governments formulate jaws for die peace, pleasure and progress of Indian citizens. While the Union Parliament can make laws in matters inducted in the union and concurrent list the state Legislatures were empowered to pass legislation on matters in the state list and concurrent list.

The makers of our constitution classified legislative powers of the Union and die states under three lists.

Union List: The untonCovemmenthas exclusive powers to make laws with respect to any matter enumerated in the Union List Initially there were 97 subjects. At present there are 98 items in this list. Some of them are defence, citizenship, foreign affairs, railway, post and telegraphs telephones, currency coinage, banking, insurance, atomic energy and mineral, resources, income, tax, customs, taxes on stock exchange transactions etc.

State List: There are 59 subjects in the state list of them, the more important are : police, local governments; public health, sanitation^ hospitals and dispensaries, land revenue, agriculture, state public services etc.

Concurrent List: The union Parliament as well as the state legislatures have the power to make legislation dri the subjects listed in the concurrent list The main subjects Included in this list are criminal fdw, marriagaand divorce, transfer of property other than agriculture land, contracts, bankruptcy and insolvency, forests, education, iabouf welfare, trade union, stamp duties etc. Atpresentthereare

The peculiarity of this list is that both the union and the state legislatures can make legation OYef jtfe« items of this list- in an incident of conflict between the union parliament and state legislature on a par^arjim of this (ist, the jaw enacted by the Union Partiament prevails over that of the State legislature.

Residuary Items: Accordingto 248 Article of Indian Constitution residuary powers are vested in Union Government. The Parliament has power to make legislation on residuary items. These Items are not mentioned in the above three lists.

Question 8. Point out the administrative relations between Union and states.

Answer: Articles 2S6 and 263 deal with the administrative relationship between the centre and the states. In normal conditions, the administrative authority of the states applies to all the subjects included in the state list. Under certain circumstances, the Central Government exercises control over the administrative affairs of the state. The following points show the administrative relations between the centre and the states.

The state Governments shall exercise their executive authority without impeding the Union Governments executive power.
The executive powers of every state should be exercised in such a way as to comply with the laws made by Parliament The Central Government is empowered to give such directions whenever necessary.
The Union Government may also give directions to the states for the maintenance and construction of means of communication declared to be of national or military importance.
The Union Government is empowered to give directions to the states regarding the steps to be taken for tire protection of railways in the state.
The Union Government is also empowered to construct and maintain means of communication and information required for Army, Navy and Air Force.
The Governors of the states are appointed and removed by the President on the advice of the union cabinet. They are supposed to act as the representatives of the Union Government in the exercise of their functions.
The Union Government has the duty to protect every state from external aggression and internal disturbances.
The Union Government by constituting an Inter-state Council can settle the disputes between the states etc.

Question 9. Write about a brief historical background of local governments in India.

Answer: Historical Background: Local governments in India have a long historical background. The Rigveda the oldest of four Vedas, mentioned two institutions namenly. Sabha and Samithi which performed several administrative and political functions at community level. They were the effective administrative state structures at local levels in ancient period. They relate to village panchayats and caste panchayats. Which managed the administrative and judicial affairs of a village community. These institutions continued for several years even without the effective support of the ruling classes of the time. Many eminent writers like Megasthanes Kautilya and Fahieh have cited the existence of these bodies in their writings.

In medieval period, village panchayats flourished during the Chola Dynasty in South India. The Cholas were renowed for their patronage of the local bodies. However, the local governments of the present form is attributes to the efforts of some British Officers at higher levels. They developed these bodies to promote the colonial interests. Lord Mayo’s Resolution (1870) and Lord Rippon’s Resolution (1882) paved the way for the progress of these institutions in India; Earlier the East India Company established the Municipal Corporation of Madras in 1688 with the consent of Emperor George II. Some Mayor courts were setup in Madras in 1726 for collecting taxes and administering justice.

The Regulating Act of 1773 paved the way for the establishment of local governments, at Calcutta (Kolkota), Madras and Bombay (Mumbai). Lord Rippon, the Governor General of India moved the famous resolution for devolving financial and administrative powers to the local governments. His resolution is known as the Magna Carta of Local Governments in India. He was described as the father of local self-governments in India. Later on the successive British rulers in India have intiated many steps for providing more authority to the local bodies. Some of the notable legal enactments are Bengal Municipalities Act, 1884.

Bengal Local Governments Act 1885, Bengal village self-government Act, 1919 etc. The Royal Commission on Decentralizatin headed by Sir Charles Hobhouse up of village panchayats, constitution of district boards, entrusting primary obligations to municipalities etc. The Government of India Act 1919 introduced diarchy at state level. It gave impetus to the local governments. It empowered the Indian ministers to take decisions in regard to the maintenance of local bodies.

The Government of India Act 1935 assigned the provincial governments with the obligation of making the local bodies energetic and efficient. It placed the subject of Local Self Government under Entry 12 of the provincial governments. Consequently many provincial governments paused Acts delegating the local governments the powers of administration including criminal justice to the panchayats. Prominent leaders of national movements live Mahatma Gandhi suggested the cause of local governments. Gandhi supported the cause of local governemnts.

Question 10. Describe the main provisions of the 73^rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992.

Answer: The Union Government headed by the Prime Minister RV. Narasimha Rao strongly felt the need for immediate grant of constitutional status to the Panchayat Raj Institutions. It introduced a Bill to that effect in the Parliament in September 1991. Later, the bill was referred to a joint select committee which studied the former and submitted its report in July 1992. The; bill was accepted by the Parliament and the same was referred to the state legislatures for their approval. As majority state legislative assemblies accepted the Bill, it became an Act in the name of the constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act, 1992. The Act came into force April 24, 1993.

The Act reinserted Part IX which was deleted by the constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956 and added a new schedule, namely 11^th Schedule. The Act deals with Articles 243 to 243(0) of the Indian Constitution.

Main provision of the act: 1. Gram Sabha: Article 243 (A) deals with the Gram Sabha. Every village has to have a Gram Sabha consisting of all registered voters of a village. It shall meet atleast twice a year.

2. Constitution of Panchayat: The Act envisages a uniform three tier system of Panchayats at Rural level throughout the Country. They are : Gram panchayat at village level 2) Mandal Parishad or Pahchayat Samithi at Mjandal level and 3) Zilla Parishad at District level.

3. Reservation of Seats: The Act provides reservations in Panchayat Raj institutions for SCs, STs and BCs proportion to thjeir population. It also provides 1/3 of seats reserved for women.

4. Duration of Panchayat: The Duration of Panchayat is five years at every level. Incase of dissolution, election should be conducted within six months.

5. Composition of Panchayat: Every Gram Panchayat comprises four organs, namely, i) Panchayat ii) Sarpanch, iii) Panchayat Secretary and iv) Gram Sabha.

6. Qualifications and Disqualifications: The Act specified qualifications and disqualifications of the candidate to contest the Panchayats. i) He should be of 21 years of age ii) He should be voter in that area iii) He shall not hold any office of profit, iv) He should pay an amount as deposit specified by the State Legislature.

7) Powers and Functions: Article 243 (G) explains the powers and functions of the Panchayats. It has powers on 29 items listed in the XI^th schedule of the constitution. They are Agriculture,

Health and Sanitation, Drinking water, Fisheries, Social Foresty, Rural housing, Roads etc.

8) State Finance Commission: Article 243(1) provides for the state finance commission. The governor of the state shall constitute a finance commission for every five years. It shall make the following recommendations to the Governor i) To review the financial position of the Panchayats ii) The distributioin of Funds between the state and Panchayats iii) The grants-in-aid to the Panchayats from the consolidated fund of the state. It consists of a chairman and four other members.

9) State Election Commission: Article 243(K) explains how the state Election Commission is to ensure free and fair elections to the Panchayats. The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the governor to perform the following functions.

To prepare and update the electoral rolls of the voters for Panchayat elections.
To conduct free and fair elections to the Panchayats
To allot symbols to the contesting candidate during the elections.

Question 11. Explain about Central Election Commission.

Answer: In India, all elections are conducted under the control and supervision of an Election Commission According to Article 324 of the constitution, The Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election commissioner and such number of other Election commissioners, if any, as the president may from time to time fix and the appointment of Chief election commissioner and other Election commissioners shall, subject to the provisions, if arty, be made in that behalf by the President’.

Thus, the Election Commission of India is an independent body. The constitution vested the Election Commission the powers to supervise, control and direct all elections in India. Presently, the Central Election Commission consists of a chief Election commissioner and two other Election Commissioners. The chief Election commissioner is the chairman of the Election commission.

He is appointed by the president of India and emainin office during his pleasure. Normally, he is appointed for a period of 6 years. He can resign on his own or can be removed from his position on grounds of misbehaver or incapacity to discharge his constitutional obligations. However, the removal process involves passing of a resolution in each house of Parliament by an absolute majority of not less than two-third members present and voting.

Question 12. Briefly write about Electoral Reforms in India.

Answer: The Electoral Reforms will ensure the free and fair elections in the country. The successful functioning of Indian democracy depends on the electorial reforms.

Some Electoral Reform proposed:

The donation of companies to the political parties should be strtctiy banned.
The accounts of the political parties are to be audited by the Election Commission periodically.
The number of members of the Election Commission shall be raised.
The limit on election expenditure of the candidates must be proper, practical and realistic.
The announcement of new policies, projects and programmes by the party in power during elections should be banned.
The members of the election commission should be appointed by the president president on the advice of the prime minister, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and the chief justice of India.
The government should meet the election expenditure of the candidates.
The Election Commission should be authorised to invalidate the election of a candidate, if it was proved that he had used government machinery during elections.
Notification should be issued to the voters and electronic voting machines should be introduced after fool proof arrangements.
The candidate who secure 51 percent of the polled votes shall be declared as winner.

Question 13. Explain the reasons for the emergance of coalition politics in India.

Answer: Coalition Politics means a system where, political parties join together with an aim to secure the power of government or put up a combined opposition to democratize the political process. Generally, the political parties make arrangements with a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) to carryout an agreed agenda.

Reasons for Coalition Politics: There are many factors that contribute for the formation of Coalition Governments. The decline of Congress from the position of acquiring majority to managing electoral victories only in certain pockets led to the rise of other parties. Further, the emergence of Regional Political Parties to challenge the Congress in various States and attempts to forget alliance with regional parties by other national parties led to coalition politics.

The reasons for coalition politics may be summed up as following:

The decline of one party dominance.
The emergence of regional political parties to satisfy the regional aspirations of the people.
Spread of social and political movements as a result of assertion of rights by various groups.
Political compulsions to form a national level and state level alternative to congress.
Cleavages in national parties due to ideological differences.

Phases of Coalition Politics:

Coalition Politics in India can be traced from the late 1960’s through various phases. Started in 1967 with signs of decline of one party, Congress party dominance, this pattern assumed its complete vigor in the later decades. The history of the evolution of Coalition Politics can be understood under different phases of their functioning. The First Phase of Coalition Politics between 1967-1971 marked the emergence of regional parties in various States to challenge the dominance of the Congress Party. The Bharatiya Jan Sangh, Lok Dal, Socialist Party, Samyuktha Vidhayak Dal are emerged in some North Indian States and made coalitions.

During the Second Phase of coalition politics between 1977-1980 Left Front Governments were formed in Kerala, Tripura and West Bengal with various parties based on Leftist ideology. Some consider the Janata experiment at centre is also part of coalition politics.

The Third Phase of coalition politics was between 1989 -1991 at the level of National Government and at various State Governments. However, these coalitions experienced a new pattern of relationship among the coalition partners. Some of the political parties extended ‘outside support’, by not joining in the government and actively involving in coalition politics.

The Fourth Phase of Coalition Politics between 1996-1999 mark instability, political manoeuverability and frequent fall of Governments. During this phase, political parties frequently distanced from coalitions and this resulted in fall of Central Governments and many State Governments.

The Fifth Phase of coalition Governments between 2004-2014 are formed on rational basis under Common Minimum Programme among the coalition partners. Both the NDA coalition and UPA coalitions have evolved an agenda known as ‘Common Minimum Programme’.

Question 14. Elucidate various types of Terrorism in Indian Context.

Answer: Terrorism is the systematic use of force or threat of use of force (Violence) to achieving political religious or ideological goals. Terrorism posed the greatest danger and threat to many countries in the world and created law and order problem. The temples, mosques, churches, markets, railway stations, multi storied buildings and other places where people densely move, are the targets of terrorism.

Types of Terrorisms:

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission in India, in its report in 2008 classified Terrorism into 5 types based on different goals and objectives of Terrorist groups. They are i) Ethno-Nationalist Terrorism ii) Religious Terrorism iii) Ideology oriented Terrorism iv) Statesponsored Terrorism v) Narco Terrorism. On the basis of the methods used by terrorists the other type also emerged such as (a)Environmental Terrorism (bio Terrorism) b) Cyber Terrorism c) Suicide Terrorism and so on.

i) Ethno – Nationalist Terrorism: Terrorist groups resort to violence demanding secession from Indian union or the creation of a new state in the Indian Federation. Demands for Khalistan, Jammu and Kashmir, Greater Nagaland are some of the examples. The insurgent tribal groups in North East India also indulge in this sort of terror.

ii) Religious Terrorism: This terrorism is perpetuated in the name of religious fundamentalism. The terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 26 November 2008 and other attacks in different parts of the country by ISI of Pakistan are acts of Religious Terrorism. This is popularly known as Jehadi Terrorism.

iii) Ideology oriented Terrorism (Left wing extremism): This form of Terrorism is also known as Left wing extremism which condemns the economically exploitative and socially suppressive nature of the society. It aims at revolutionary change through violence and terror. The ideology of Karl Marx, Mao Zedong, Lenin and others are considered as the basis for this type of extremism.

iv) State sponsored Terrorism (Cross border Terrorism): This type of Terrorism is a type of ‘ warfare by proxy emanating from neighbouring countries. The terrorist groups are allowed to make frontal attach on nations across the border to create insecurity in neighbouring countries. India has been facing this problem from Pakistan since independence. Terrorist groups in India are supported by Pakisthan ISI and other agencies.

v) Narco Terrorism and Sandalwood Terrorism : This form of Terrorism focuses on indulging in prohibited trade of narcotics and sandalwood. The attempts to make illegal traffic zones in North, West India and Jammu & Kashmir and ensuring Terrorism by illegal traders on officials is an example. Similarly, the sandalwood smugglers in reserve forest areas of Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka resort to Terrorism against forest officials and police.

Based on means employed by terrorists, terrorism can be further classified as:

a) Environmental Terrorism (Bio-terrorism): Environmental terrorism is a premeditated damage caused to the nature and natural resources. Using weapons of mass destruction, chemical weapons and biological weapons to create insecurity and massacre in the society. Sometimes, the deliberate use of viruses, bacteria, or other germs (agents) to kill people, animals and plants and destroy natural resources is called bioterrorism. There are instances of Terrorists using these techniques unsuccessfully.

b) Cyber Terrorism: The criminal activities perpetuated by the use of computers and telecommunications capabilities resulting in violence, destruction and disruption of services to create fear and confusion among people. Spreading misinformation and lies, harassing women, posting sensitive comments on individuals and incidents with Facebook, Twitter e-mail and so on (social media) come under their purview.

c) Suicide Terrorism: Terrorist groups resort to this type of Terrorism by employing suicide bombers to create large scale massacre in the society. The first suicide attack by the Fedayeen was on July 13, 1991 on Border Security Post. The attacks on Jammu and Kashmir Assembly complex in October 2001, Indian Parliament in Dec 2001 and storming of Akshardham Temple in Gujarat in 2002 are some of the examples. In fact, the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi along with 18 others was assassinated in May 1991 by a suicide bomber employed by LTTE.

Though, the aims and objectives, means and methods differ, all the Terrorist groups have a unanimous intention of creating fear, violence, insecurity and confusion among Indians.

d) Terrorism and Insurgency: There is a very little thin layer of difference between Terrorism and Insurgency. While Insurgency is confined within the National boundary and directed against one’s own Government, Terrorism can transcend the National boundary and may be directed against one’s own country as well as other countries.

Question 15. Explain the provisions of Gentlemen’s Agreement.

Answer: In order to clear the doubts among the people of Telangana that the visalandhra may obstruct their interests, the Gentlemen’s Agreement took place on 20^th February, 1956 at Delhi basing on the recommendations of Fazal Ali Commission. It was attended by Sri Bezawada Gopala Reddy the then chief minister of Andhra State, and his Colleagues Sarvasi Neelam, Sanjeeva Reddy, Goiithu lanchana, Alui Satyanarayan Raju from Andhra Region.

Sri Burgula Ramkrishna Rao the then chief minister of Hyderabad state and his colleagues savaging K.V.Ranga Reddy, Mari Channa Reddy, J.V. Narsinga Rao from Telangana Region. They had signed on the Agreement which contains the following aspects.

The administrative expenditure of the state shall be contributed in proportion of both Andhra and Telangana should be confined for its development up to five years and it may be extended for another five years at the request of Telangana legislators.
The educational opportunities which are in Telangana shall be provided for them only more development is.to be extended. Technical education and seats in Universities shall be allocated up 1/3 for Telangana students.
The Vacancies arise in Future shall be allocated to both regions in proportion to their population.
12 Years of Residency is must for Andhra people to get job in Telangana.
Regional Development council shall be constituted for over all development of Telangana.
In Council of ministers there shall be 60% from Andhra and 40% from Telangana respectively there must be one muslim from Telangana part.
If the Chief Minister is belongs to Andhra region, the deputy chief minister must be from Telangana region and vise-versa. At least 2 poof folios must be given to Telangana out of Home, Finance, Revenue, Planning, Development, Commerce and Industry.

Question 17. Write a note on Telangana Agitation in 1969.

Answer: Consequent to the violation of Gentlemen’s Agreement by the successive Governments in Andhra Pradesh, particularly the violation of Mulki Rules, cumulatively resulted in the emergence of eruption of separate Telangana agitation in 1969. It was reported that as many as 25,000 Government jobs were occupied by migrant Andhra’s in Telangana a region. Added to it large number of students and employees felt betrayed in view of violation of Mulki Rules. It is against this background that 1969 agitation for separation of Telangana from Andhra received impetus. Originally, the 1969 agitation was started in Khammam District by a student of Ostnania University who undertook fast unto death for the formation of Telangana. Subsequently, it spread all over the region.

The Government employees and opposition members of the State Legislative Assembly came out and threatened “Direct Action” in support of the students. Subsequently, their were protests all over the region, people from all walks of life including employees, teachers, students, intellectuals, women, and general public joined the movement. Even the political leaders like Konda Laxman Bapuji, the then minister, resigned and joined the movement. Prominent student leaders like Madan Mohan, Mallikarjun, V.B.Raju and Puli Veeranna etc., joined the agitation.

The students questioned the violation of Telangana safeguards and demanded the genuine implementation of these safeguards which were guaranteed by the Gentlemen’s Agreement. It was also recorded that as many as 370 students lost lives in police firing during the nine months agitation. As many as 70)000 people were arrested including 7,000 women. The Government led by Kasu Brahmananda Reddy adopted repressive policies through the deployment of police and military.

Question 18. Explain the provisions of A.P. Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Answer: The parliament is empowered to create a New State by following a certain procedure prescribed “under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. The Union Government followed the required steps prescribed by Article 3 of the constitution. The President of India referred the AP.

Recongnisation Bill, 2014 to the state legislature for its consideration. The A.R State Legislature rejected the Bill.

However, the parliament had the power either to accept or reject the opinion of the State Legislature. Finally, the Bill was referred to parliament by th president.

Both, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha passed the Bill and president Pranab Mukherjee had signed the A.R Reorganisation Bill, 2014 which became an Act on 1^st March, 2014. The Government of India declared that on 2^nd June, 2014 the Act Would come into force. By this the Telangana State was formed on 2^nd June, 2014 as the 29^th State in the Union of India.

Question 19. What is E-Governance? Explain its merits.

Answer: E-Governance means Electronic Governance. It can be also called as Paperless Governance. Under this, the government functions on the basis of utilization of Information Technology. This will enhance efficiency and effectiveness of services. Internet and other web-based telecommunication technologies are used. Speed & accuracy are the other additional features. Groups, institutions & citizens enjoy quality and continuous services.

E-Governance secures, Transparency, Efficiency, and Accountability. It is practiced in the state of Chhattisgarh. By 2017 it will move towards a Paperless administration.

Definition: According to the former President of India. Late Dr. A.RJ. Abdul Kalam. E-Gover-nance in the Indian context means.

A transparent Smart E-Governance with seamless access, secure and authentic flow of information crossing the inter-departmental barrier and providing a fair and unbiased service to the citizen.

Further, the UNESCO started, that “E-Governance is the public sector’s use of information and communication technologies with the aim of improving information and service delivery, encouraging citizen participation in the decision-making process and making government more accountable, transparent and effecitve”.

The above definitions & interpretations enlighten us about the elimination of the age old paperwork. Technology will connect and act as an interface between Citizen and Government. Hence, transparency can be seen. Presently, in India, National E-Governance Plan has been implemented (NEGP).

Merits of E-Governance:

Informing & consulting the citizen
Reforming the process of Governance
Access to Information
To improve quality services for citizens
Simple rule
Efficiency
Accountability
Transparency
Quality service for more citizens

Question 20. Discuss the merits and demerits of E-Governance.

Answer: E-Governance means Electronic Governance. It can also be called as Paperless Governance. Under this, the government functions on the basis of utilization of Information Technology.

Definition: According to the former President of India, Late Dr. A.RJ. Abdul Kalam, E-Gover-nance in the Indian context means, “A transparent Smart E-Governance with seamless access, secure and authentic flow of information crossing the inter-departmental barrier and providing a fair and unbiased service to the citizen”.

Merits of E-Governance:

Informing consulting the citizen.
Reforming the process of Governance.
Access to information.
To improve quality services for citizens.
Simple rules.
Efficiency.
Accountability.
Transparency.
Quality service for more citizens.

Demerits of E-Governance:

High cost of implementation and maintenance.
Lack of integrated services.
Poor infrastructure.
A weak legal framework and poor laws.
Need to reform legal, administrative, Police and Judiciary.
Difficulty in understanding the citizen’s needs and linguistic barriers.
Poor Public Financial Management System.
Denial of role and participation by the civil society in public decision making.

Question 21. Explain any two features of Indian Foreign policy.

Answer: Opposes Colonialism and Imperialism India’s foreign policy mainly opposes colonialism and imperialism. India expresed her solidarity with the people living in the colonies of Africa and Latin America. It strongly condemned the policy of suppression of the people in colonies. It rendered all types of asistance-political, diplomatic, and economic for achieving independence of these colonies. It also opposed the imperialist, strategy adopted by the super powers.

Opposes Racial Discrimination: India since a long time has opposed all kinds of discrimination based on race, culture etc. It has aptly highlighted the problem of racial discrimination at international level. It has severely criticized the policy of racial segregation of the Governments of South Africa and Rhodesia (now Zimbabew).

Question 22. Write a note on the role of Non-Aligned Movement

Answer: NAM can be explained as a policy of not aligning with any power bloc particularly the western or the communist bloc. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, M. Tito, K. Sukarno, K. Nkrumah and G. Abdul Nasser were the founding statesmen of this movement.

Objectives of NAM:

Peace and disarmament.
Right to Self-determination of all colonial people.
Racial Equality as a Right for everyone.
Attaining Economic Equality.
Opposing cultural domination or cultural imperialism.
Support to Internationalism.

NAM Summits: The NAM group commands the largest membership next to the United Nation Organization. India advocated idealism by refusing to join either of two camps during the Cold War. As on today it has 120 member States. The first NAM Summit was held in 1961 at Belgrade and was attended by 25 member States. The recent 16^th NAM Summit that was concluded at Teheran in 2012 saw a huge participation by 120 Countries. The upcoming 17^th NAM Summit will be held on 2015 at Carcass. Venezuela.

Role of NAM: The Non-aligned movement (NAM) made significant contributions during the course of its several decades functioning. Firstly, NAM demanded the total and unconditional abolition of colonialism and supported the people fighting for the right to national self determination and independence. This resulted in decolonization. Secondly, the proliferation of NAM helped ending cold war and bipolarism with mobilization of nations of Asia, Africa and Latin America against super power rivariy. Thirdly, the NAM made the world aware of the dangerous implications of arms race (both conventional and nuclear arms race) and contributed towards achieving disarmament. Fourthly, many underdeveloped countries who are members of NAM could able to receive economic aid and assistance from both the superpowers for their development.

Fifthly, the NAM brought the principles of equality and justice in the international system and helped democratization from Euro-centric international relations. Sixthly, NAM has successfully demanded for the establishment of a New International Economic Order (NIEO) based on Political and Economic equality among nations. It has initiated the process of dialogue between developed nations and developing nations (North-South Dialogue) and cooperation among developing nations (South-South Co-operation). NAM has also made efforts for the achievement of New World Information and Communication order (NWICO), Thus the NAM played a positive role in International relations and made itself relevant to International Relations.

Question 23. What is SAARC? Explain.

Answer: SAARC is an acronym that stands for South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation. President Zia-ur-Rehman of Bangladesh played an important role in creating the SAARC grouping. SAARC was formally launched on 8th December. 1985 by Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indian Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Afghanistan became a member State on 3rd April 2007. A present the SAARC club consists of eight member States.

SAARC Objectives:

To promote the welfare of South Asian region population by improving their quality of life.
Strengthen collective self reliance among the countries of South Asia.
Accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development
Appreciation of each other’s problems and creating mutual trust.
Collaboration for promoting mutual assistance in the economic, social cultural, technical and scientific fields.

SAARC Million Developmental Goals: They are Education, Connectivity, Food Security, En-ergy Security, Terrorism and Global Climate Change.

18th SAARC Summit (Nepal – 2014): The Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi empha-sized on co-operation in every area. It means contacts between our people and all through seamless connectivity. India visualised Trade, Investment, Assistance, Co-operation in every area through the SAARC. The Kathmandu Declaration issued on November 27^th, 2014 describes the need to intensity regional co-operation on connectivity. To renew their commitment to a South Asian Economic Union, strengthen the Social Window of the SAARC Development Fund, and reiterate their commitment to free South Asia from poverty.

The first SAARC Summit was held at Dhaka in 1985, India hosted 2^nd, 8^th and 14^th Summits in the years 1986, 1995, and 2007 respectively.

SAARC emerged as an important association towards the realization of developmental goals. One of the greatest achievements was the continuation of the organizational work. Criticism about the future was raised to the political differences of the member states. In future, a better regional integration may be realized.

Question 24. Describe the powers and functions of General Assembly.

Answer: General Assembly is the principal Legislative and deliberative organ of the United Nations Organization. It is called “meeting venue of the world towns”. At present it consists of 194 member States. Each member State can send five delegates, but enjoys the right of one vote on resolutions.

Functions: General Assembly acts as a deliberate body on international affairs. It can discuss, investigate, review, supervise, recommend and criticize on the overall working of the united nations. Organizations. It performs the following functions.

To discuss and recommend on all matters relating to the international peace and security.
Directing and supervising the matters concerning the international social and economic co-operation.
It considers the reports and information on the administration of non-self governing territories.
It approves the annual budget and exercise exclusive control over the finances of the United Nations Organization.
It elects 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council, 54 members of the Economic, and social Council, 15 Judges of the International Court of Justice, and the Secretary General of the United Nations Organization.
It adopts all the international conventions.
General Assembly can make the necessary Amendments, if any to the charter of the UNO.
Takes steps to admit the states or to suspend or expel the existing member States.

Question 25. What is the composition of the security council? Describe any TWO powers and func-tions.

Answer: Security Council is the principal executive organ of the United Nations Organization. It consists of 15 members. Five members are known as big powers or they enjoy permanent status and veto Assembly. Of the 10 non-permanent members are elected for every two years by the General Assembly. Of the 10 non-permanent members, 5 belong to Afro-Asian Nations, I belong to East-Europe, 2 belong to Latin America and West Europe and the remaining 2 belong to other Nations.

Besides, any member State or non-member State who is party to a dispute or who is invited by the Security Council may also participate in its discussions. The Presidency of the council rotates among the member States according to their alphabetical order for a term of two months. The Security Council is assisted by three standing committees.

Powers and Functions: Security Council enjoys considerable powers in the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers and functions are mentioned here under:

It strives to settle the international disputes peaceably.
It takes preventive steps and enforces action to maintain international peace and security.
It renders advice to the General Assembly for admitting new member States or expelling the existing member States.
It elects the Judges of the International Court of justice and the Secretary General along with the General Assembly.
It makes recommendations to the General Assembly on the amendment of the Charter as and when necessary.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. Explain the causes for the Origin of Indian National Movement.

Answer: Indian National Movement was organized during 1857 -1947 in both Violent and Non – Violent forms. The First war of Independence in 1857 known as a Great Revolt by Indian Soldiers sowed the seeds of Nationalism among Indians. With the formation of Indian National Congress in 1885, the movement for National Independence took a Non – Violent form. The National Movement united people of different groups to fight against the British Repression.

The Following are the causes for the birth of Indian National Movement:

1) British Colonial Rule: British colonial rule is said to be one of the important cause for the birth and growth of nationalism in India. The British rulers developed communication facilities such as road, rail, press, posts and telegraphs for preserving their administrative, political and economic interests in India. The leaders of Indian National Movement properly availed such facilities and informed the Indian masses about tyrannic and exploitative policy of the British colonial rulers. The political unity rendered by the British rulers also brought the feelings of unity among the Indians.

2) Socio – Cultural Renaissance: Several Social and Cultural Movements were witnessed in India during the 19^th century which brought social awakening and the ideas of Cultural Nationalism. The Brahma Samaj founded by Raja Rammohan Roy, pioneered these movements and gave a call for reform against social evils such as Sati, Child marriages, Widowhood, Idol Worship, Seclusion and others. This was followed by Arya Samaj, The Ramakrishna mission, The Theosophical Society, Prartana Samaj, the Aligarh movement, Satyasodhak Samaj, and Wahabi Movement. These movements have infused the ideas of rationalism, socio-cultural identity and patriotism and indirectly motivated the people to have an urge for self-rule.

3) Great Revolt: 1857 Revolt was the first great challenge to the British rule in India. The Revolt inspired the struggle for Indian Independence. It gave courage to Indians against the British.

4) English Education: English was introduced in India as a medium of instruction and correspondence by the British rulers on the recommendations of ford Macaulay committee. A few educated elite among Indians travelled in England to gain proficiency in English language. They were able to study and understand the views of eminent thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseaue, J.S.Mill and Karl Marx on several concepts like liberty, equality/fraternity, independene, democracy etc. They communicated the value and importance of these ideas to Indians in various regional languages This inspired the Indian masses to participate in the freedom struggle.

5) Economic Exploitation: The British government transformed India into a safe citadel for British investments, markets and export of Indian raw materials. It suppressed the growth of Indian cottage, village and small scale industries for safe guarding the British investments on permanent basis. The British Governor generals like Lord Lytton and Curzon, implemented such policies suited to the British investors exploiting the national wealth of India. This has caused bitter resentment among the Indian industrialists, cottage and small scale artisans. Hence, they were attracted towards the freedom movement in India.

6) Famines and Acute poverty: During 19^th century several famines took place, but the British government had not done anything for the people. Poverty is another cause. Number of people died because of starvation. This led to great dissatisfaction among the Indians and enabled them to fight against the British government.

7) Press: Many Journals and dailies were published and circulated in India during freedom movement. Ex : Amrit Bazar, Kesari, Marata, Hindu, Andhra Patrika etc. They created, enhanced national feelings among themselves. They played a crucial role in spreading National feelings and conveyed the desires and demands of people to the Britishers.

8) Repressive Rule: The Arms Act and Vernacular Press Act passed by Lord Lytton and his Kabul invasion hurt the sentiments of Indians. The llbert Bill Proposed by Lord Rippon and its withdrawl made the Indians understand the racial hatred of the British.

9) Racial Discrimination: Indians were treated as second rate citizens and were excluded from higher posts. The British ploicy of racial discrimination aroused and strengthened Nationalism in India.

10) Emergence of the Indian National Congress: 1885 was a landmark in the history of Indian National Movement. A.O. Hume, the British Civil Servant established the Indian National Congress on 28^th December, 1885 at Mumbai in Gokul Tejpaul Sanskrit College and developed the nationalist feelings among the people. W.C. Banerjee was the first President of the Congress.

Question 2. Describe the various phases of Indian National Movement.

Answer: Stages of the Indian National Movement : Dr. Ramesh Chandra an eminent historian, has divided the history of Indian National Movement into three stages, namely :

Moderate stage (1885 – 1905)
Extremist stage (1905 – 1920)
Gandhian stage (1920 – 1947)

Let us examine these three stages in detail.

1) Moderate stage : The early leaders of the Congress are known as the “Moderates”. They dominated the first stage of the freedom movement from 1885 to 1905. They had full faith in the British sense of justice and fair play. They emphasised the use of peaceful and constitutional methods to achieve their aims and objectives. They did not believe in agitation or unconstitutional methods. They carried on their work by means of public debates, propaganda, petitions, demonstrations and deputations.Their motto was “reform, not revolution”.The prominent leaders of this group are W.C.Benerjee, Pherozshah Mehta, Dadabhai Baoroji, Surendranath Benerjee, Bodaruddin Toyabji, Dinshaw Wacha R.E. Dutt., L.M. Chose, Ranade, G.K. Gtokhale etc.

Demands of Moderates: The demands of the Moderates are:

Reduction in the military expenditure.
Abolition of the Indian Council.
Holding Civil Service Examinations in India simultaneously with that of England.
Expansion of the Legislative councils so as to include more and more Indians.
Separation of judiciary from executive.
Reduction in land revenue and granting occupancy rights to the tillers.
Irrigation facilities to the farmers.
Stoppage of export of food grains.
Higher jobs to the Indians.
Reduction in taxes.

2. Extremist stage (1906 -1919): The second stage of the National Movement was dominated by the extremists from 1906 to 1918. During this period the congress entered the militant stage. The prominent leaders of this group are Bala Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Roy and Bipin Chandrapal. They advocated the use of militant methods.They raised the slogans of “Swaraj” and “Swadesi” and Laid stress on National Education.

Demands of Extremists:

Extremists regarded the British rule as a curse for India. They had faith in the superiority of Vedic culture, literature language and civilisation. They demanded the introduction of self government in the country. They did not demand petty concessions but favoured complete Swaraj. They gave the people the slogan that “Freedom was their birth right and they must have it”.

The moderates preferred action to peaceful methods for achieving the goals. They had no faith in petitions and representations. They laid emphasis on boycott of foreign goods and use of Swadesi goods.

3. Gandhian stage (1920 -1947): The third stage of the National Movement was dominated by Mahatma Gandhi from 1920 to 1947. That is why this period is known as the “Gandhian period”. He launched his first non-violent and non-cooperation movement in 1920.

The movement included the boycott of foreign goods, legislative councils, law Courts, schools and colleges. But, when the movement look a violent course, he suspended it abruptly in 1922. In 1924, he vvas elected as congress president and called upon to organise demonstrations against Simon Commission in 1927. In 1929, the Congress at its Lahore session declared its goal as achievement of’complete independence”.

In March, 1930 Gandhiji started his second agitation known as “Civil disobedience Movement” or “Salt Satyagraha”. Gandhiji asked the British to “Quit India” and gave a call of “Do or Die”.

After the Second World -War, the labour party, headed by Clement Atlee came to power in England. He sent cabinet mission to India. On the basis of cabinet mission plan and Mountbatten plan, the British) parliament passed the Indian Independence Act. India became independent on 15th August, 1947.

Question 3. Explain the Fundamental Rights as incorporated in the Indian constitution.

Answer: Fundamental Rights are one of the salient features of the Indian Constitution. They were borrowed from American Constitution. They are incorporated in our constitution under Part-IIl Articles from 12 to 35. They are six in number, which can be explained as follows.

Right to Equality (Articles 14-18)
Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22)
Right to Against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24)
Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25 and 28)
Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29 and 30)
Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)

The 44^th Constitutional Amendment passed by the Parliament in 1978, has excluded the Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights. Hence, we have at present, only six Fundamental Rights. They are:

1) Right to Equality (Articles 14-18) : Article 14 guarantees equality before law to all persons. There can be no special privilege to any individual. All those who violate laws are given the same punishment. Article 15prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them. Article 16 provides equality of opportunity in the matter of public employment. Articlel 7 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice in any form an offence. Article 18 prohibits the State from conferring any title except a military or academic distinction.

2) Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Article 19 is the most important part of the Constitution. It guarantees 6 freedoms to the citizens. They are :

Freedom of speech and expression.
Freedom to assemble peacefully and without arms.
Freedom to form associations or unions.
Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India.
Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.
Freedom to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation.

Article 20 says that a person shall be convicted only for violating an existing law.

Article 21 says that no person shall be deprived of his life and liberty except according to the procedure established by law.

Article 22 provides that every person should be informed the cause of his arrest.

3) Right to Against Exploitation (Articles 23 and 24): Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labour. Article 24 says that no child below the age of 14 years, shall be employed in any factory, mine or engaged in any other dangerous work.

4) Right to Freedom of Religion: Article 25 gives all people freedom of conscience, and right to profess, practise and propagate any religion.

Article 26 permits religious denominations or organisations to manage their own affairs in matters of religion.

Article 27 lays down that no person shall be compelled to pay any tax for promotion or maintenance of any religion.

Article 28 says that no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds.

5) Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29 and 30) : Article 29 guarantees to every citizen to conserve his own language, script or culture. Article 30 provides that all minorities whether based on religion or language shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

6) Right to Constitutional Remedies(Article 32): Article 32 deals with the right to Constitutional remedies. The citizens of India can protect their Fundamental Rights through this right only. This right enables the individuals to approach a High Court under Article 226 or the Supreme Court under Article 32 to get any of the Fundamental Rights Restored in case of their violation. The Supreme Court and the State High Courts issue various writs for the implementation of Fundamental Rights. Dr.Ambedkar described this right as the Heart and Soul of the Constitution.

Question 4. Explain the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Answer: Directive Principles of State Policy are enumerated in Articles from 36 to 51 in Part – IV of the Indian Constitution. They are borrowed from the Irish Constitution. They help in realizing the objectives mentioned in the preamble.

Types of Directive Principles of State Policy : Directive principles can be classified into three broad categories namely., Socialistic, Liberal-intellectual and Gandhian principles.

Article 36 defines the term “State”.

Article 37 declares that the Directive principles shall not be enforceable by any court.

I. Socialist Principles : Articles 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, and 47 explains about the socialistic ideology of the Directive Principles of State Policy. 1) Article 38 prescribes that the state shall strive to provide Justice and promote welfare of the people by veeating a proper economic, social and political atmosphere.

2) Article 39 directs the state to secure its citizens.

Adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
Equitable distribution of wealth for subserving the common good.
Equal pay for equal work for all.
Protection of adult and child labour.
Decentralization of nation’s wealth.
Preserving the health and strength of workers, men and women.
Protecting childhood and youth against exploitation.

3) To secure right to work and education for all people, relief in the case of unemployment; old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of underserved want(Article 41);

4) To make provision for just and human conditions of work and maternity relief (Article 42);

5) To secure living wage and decent standard of life so as to ensure to the workers sufficient leisure and enjoyment of social and cultural opportunities(Article 43).

6) Raising the level of.nutrition and standard of living of the people and the improvement of public health(Article 47).

2. Liberal-intellectual principles:

The principles represent the ideology of liberalism and certain objectives like provision of basic education, uniform civil code, independent judiciary and international peace. They are incorporated in Articles 44, 45, 50 and 51 of the Constitution.

The State shall secure for the citizens uniform civil code throughout the country(Article 44).
The State shall provide free and compulsory education for all the children below 14 years of age. The Constitution (Eighty Sixth Amendment) Act,2002 substituted the following words in Article 45. “The State shall endeavor to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years”(Article 45).
The State organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines (Article 48).
The State protect monuments which are declared to be of national importance (Article 49).
The State protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wild life (Article 48A).
The State shall take steps to separate judiciary from executive in public services of the State (Article50).
The State shall (a) Promote international peace, justice and security. (b) Maintain just and honorable relations with other nations. (c) Protection of monuments and place of historical and cultural interest. (d) Respect for international laws and treaty obligations; and (e) Encourage settlement of international dispute by arbitration (Article 51).

3. Gandhian Principles: These Principles are based on gandhian ideology. They represent the programme of reconstruction enunciated by Mahatma Gandhi during the national movement. These principles provide ideal rule in India. They are reflected in Articles 40, 43, 46 and 47. They . may be enumerated as under.

The State shall organize village Panchayats and endow them with adequate powers and authority so as to enable them to function as the units of self-government (Article 40).
The State shall strive for the promotion of cottage industries on individual or cooperative basis in rural areas (Article 43).
The State shall promote the educational and economic interests of the SCs, STs and BCs of society with special care (Article 46).
The State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health (Article 47).

Other Principles:

The Constitution (Forty Second and Forty Fourth Amendment) Acts of 1976 and 1978 added a few more subjects to the list of Directive Principles. While the Constitution (FortySecond Amendment) Act inserted Articles 39A, 43A and 48A, the Constitution (Forty Fourth Amendment) Act included Article 39 Clause (2). They comprise the following provisions.

Providing opportunities for healthy development of children.
Promotion of equal justice and legal aid to the poor.
Securing participation of workers in the management of industries.
Protecting the environment, forests and wild animals.

Question 5. Describe the powers and functions of President of India.

Answer: The President of India is the Constitutional Head of the State. He preserves the Nation’s identity and upholds the Constitution and its values. He is the caretaker of the Nation as a whole and even a citizen in particular.

Qualifications:

To become eligible for the office of the President of India a person must possess the following qualifications.

He shall be a citizen of India.
He shall have completed 35. years of age.
He shall be qualified for election as a member of the House of the people i.e. Lok Sabha.
He shall not hold any office of profit under union, State and local governments.

Election:

The President of India is elected by an Electoral college which consists of elected members of

Both Houses of Parliament.
State Legislative Assemblies.
The Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of Delhi and Pondicheri.

The Election is conducted in the system of proportional representation by Single Transferable Vote.

Term of office:

The President holds the office for a term of Five years from the date of assumption of office. He is eligible for Re – election to the office.

Salary and Allowances: The President receives ₹ 1,50,000 as monthly salary. He gets ₹ 9,00,000 per anqm as pension after retirement. He is provided accommodation at Rashtrapathi Bhavan at Delhi. He has two other accommodations i.e., Rashtrapathi Nilayam at Secunderabad and at Simla.

Removal or Impeachment: The President may be removed from the office for violation of the constitution by a process of impeachment adopted by the Parliament.

Powers and Funtions: The powers and functions of the President are studied under two heads – Ordinary powers and Emergency powers.

Ordinary Powers: 1. Legislative powers: The President is an integral part of the Indian Parliament. In that capacity he performs the following legislative funtions.

He summons and prorogues the meetings of the Parliament. He dissolves the Lok Sabha.
He inaugurates the first session and annual session of the Parliament.
He nominates two (2) Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha and twelve (12) members to the Rajya Sabha.
He convenes of joint sitting of the two houses in case of a disagreement on a bill.
He proclaims ordinances during the interval of Parliament.

2. Executive powers: The President enjoys all executive powers of the Union Government. He appoints.

The Prime Minister.
Members of the Union Council of Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
State governors, Leiutenant governors and Administrators of Union Territories.
Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
Chairman and Members of Union Public Service Commission etc.

The President can also remove them.

3. Financial powers: The President ensures that the budget of the union’GoVernment is laid before the Parliament. He accords permission to the members for introducing money bills in Parliament. He appoints Chairman and Members of Finance Commission for every five years. He appoints the comptroller and Auditor General of India. He receives the reports from finance commission and comptroller and auditor general. He operates the contingency fund of India.

4. Judicial powers:

The President appoints the Attorney General of India.
He appoints the Chief justice and other Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
He is empowered to grant pardon, reprieves, respites or remission of punishments.
The President can seek Judicial Advice on National importance according to article 143.

5. Military powers: The President is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces in India. He apprints the chief of the staff and other officers of armed forces. He can declare war and conclude peace.

6. Diplomatic powers: The President appoints the Ambassadors and other” diplomatic personnel abroad. He receives the credentials of Ambassadors of other countries appointed in India. He represents the Nation in International Forums. He concludes trades and agreements with the nations of the world.

Emergency Powers: The Constitution of India empowers the President to prbdaim three kinds of emergencies.

National Emergency, Article 352
Constitutional Emergency, Article 356
Financial Emergency, Article 360

1. National Emergency: If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists in the country or any part of its territory and threatened by war or external aggressions or armed rebellion, he may impose National Emergency on the written advice of the Union Council of Ministers. Such proclamation has to be approved by the Parliament with a majority of not less than 2/3^rd members present and voting in each House within a month.

Then the Proclamation shall be in force for six months, it can be extended with approval of Parliament for another six months. During this emergency Union Government can issue any direction to the states and the Parliament can make Legislation on any matters included in state list Except Article 20, 21 all or any of the fundamental rights can be suspended. This type of emergency was imposed in 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1975.

2. Constitutional Emergency (President Rule): On the receipt of a report from the Governor of a State that a situation has arrived in which the Government of that State cannot function according to the Constitutional provisions, the President may proclaim emergency in that State. It is also called as President Rule or Constitutional emergency. The effects of such a proclamation may be as follows.

a. The President may assume to himself all or any of the function of the State Government. b. The powers of State Legislature may be exercised by the Parliament.

This emergency proclamation shall be approved by the Parliament within two months. It will be in force for a period of six months. It can be extended for another six months by the approval of the Parliament so far, Presidents Rule has been imposed more than 100 times in different states in India.

3. Financial Emergency: Article 360, deals with Financial emergency. The President can proclaim a such emergency if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen whereby the financial stability or credit of India is threateneded.

The effects of this emergency are:

The President can reduce the salaries and allowances of all.
All money bills passed by any State Legislature can be reserved for the consideration of the President So far this kind of emergency has not been proclaimed in our country.

Question 6. Describe the powers of Prime Minister of India.

Answer: Introduction : The Prime Minister is the real executive Head of the Union Government. He occupies an important position in the administration of our country. Since India has a Parliamentary form of Government the real powers rests with him. He is the ‘Uncrowned King’ and ‘The Keystone of the cabinet arch in the Union Government.

Qualifications:

He should be citizen of India.
He should have completed the age of 25 years.
He should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
He should not hold any office of Profit under the Union or State or Local Governments.

Appointment: The President appoints the Prime Minister. Generally the President has to summon the Leader of the Majority party in the Lok Sabha to form the ministry. If no party gets an absolute majority the President can use his discretion and summon the leader of the party, who in his opinion can manage to form a ministry. After wards the Prime Minister will be asked to prove his majority in the Lok Sabha.

Oath of Office: The President of India will administers the oath of office of the Prime Minister.

Term of Office: The Prime Minister shall remain in office during the pleasure of the President. But actually he assumes his powers as long as he retains the confidence of the majority members In the Lok Sabha. He resigns when the Lok Sabha. Accepts a No. confidence motion against his ministry.

Salary and Allowances: The salary and allowances of Prime Minister and decided by the Parliamet from time to time. He gets his salary and allowances that are payable to a member of Parliament. At present the Prime Minister gets a salary and allowances of ₹ 1,60,000/- per month.

Powers and Functions: The Prime Minister is the head of the Union Government. He is the real executive. The council of ministers cannot exist without the Prime Minister. His powers are explained here under.

1. Leader of the Union Cabinet: The Prime Minister is the leader of the union council of ministers. He selects some eminent members of his party in Parliament and sees that they are appointed as ministers by the President. He has a free choice of both allocating Portfolios and reshuffling the ministry. All the ministers are personally and politically loyal to the Prime Minister. He decides the agenda of the cabinet meetings. Further, he presides over the cabinet meetings.

2. Leader of the Union Government: The Prime Minister acts as the Leader of the Union Government. The union executive (union council of ministers) initiates its business after the swearing in ceremony of the Prime Minister. All the ministers in the union ministry assume their office, owe their position and exercise their powers along with the Prime Minister. Infact, the Prime Minister influences the nature and working of the Union Government. He not only has a clear understanding but holds complete control over the affairs of the Union Government. All the high-level officers and the entire ministry in the Union Government behave and act according to the wishes of the Prime Minister.

3. Leader of the Parliament: As the leader of the majority party in the house of people of Parliament and the head of the Government, the Prime Minister is treated as the leader of the Parliament. He informs the cabinet decisions to the Parliament. He communicates the major domestic and foreign policies of the Union Government to the members of the Parliament.

4. Link between the President and the Council of Minister: The Prime Minister acts as the link between the President and the union council of ministers. It is his duty to communicate to the President about the decisions of the union council of Ministers. He furnishes every information required by the President concerning the affairs of the Union Government.

5. Leader of the Union Government: The Prime Minister is the head of the Union Government. He along with his council of ministers formulates Policies and programmes and overseas planning and implementations of various projects of Government for the upliftment and development of the people and country. All the Govenment Machinery acts according to the wishes of the Prime Minister.

6. Leader of the Nation: The Prime Minister dcts as the leader of the nation. Being the leader of Parliament and Head of the Government his statements in and outside of the Parliament are treated as important matters of the union. While touring foreign countries of the Prime Ministers represents the nation and his treatments are treated as the opionipn of the nation as a whole.

7. Maker of Foreign policy: The Prirpe Miniser plays a dominant role in shaping the foreign policy of the nation. He keeps in touch withythe developments in all countries. He meets heads of the various countries and maintains friendly relations with them.

8. Chairman of NITI Aayog: The Prime Miniser heads the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) NITI Aayog means policy commssion. It is a policy think tank of Government of India that replaces planning commission which aims to involve the states in economic policy making in India. It will provide strategic and technical advice tc the Central and State Governments. It will have a governing council comprising chief ministers of all the states, and it governors of union territories. Union Government set up the NITI Aayog on January 1^st 2015.

Question 7. Explain the composition and functions of Union Council of Ministers.

Answer: Article 74 (1) of the constitution provides for k Council of Ministers at the centre. Its main function is to aid and advice the President in the performance of his duties. It consists of Prime Minister and other minister. It is this body which runs the entire administration of our Country. It is the real executive authority of the country.

Formation of Council of Ministers: The formation of Council of Ministers starts with appointment of the Prime Minister. The President appoints the^Prime Minister and on the advice of the Prime Minister, the other ministers and appointed by the President.

Composition of Council of Ministers: Our constitutions did not mention the exact size of the Union Council of Ministers. But there are three kindsyaf ministers. 1. Cabinet Ministers 2. Ministers of State 3. Deputy Ministers

The cabinet ministers are entrusted with the maintenance of some important ministries. They enjoy independence and decision making powers.
The ministers of State act as the heads of sompjmoprtant sections in the ministry. They are directly responsible to the Prime Minister for tfUm activities.
The Deputy ministers have no independent and tljflcretionary powers. They assist the cabinet ministers and perform the functions assigned to them.

Powers and Funtions: 1. Executive powers: The union cabinet is deliberative and policy formulating body. It discusses and decides all National and International policies of the country. The policies decided by the cabinet are carried out by the ministers. It directs and leads the Parliament for action and gets its approval for all its policies.

2. Legislative powers: The cabinet plans the legislatives programme of the Government at the beginnig of each session of Parliament. It drafts bills on all important matters and introduces them in the Parliament It also decides the time of summoning and propogation of Parliament

3. Financial powers: It prepares the unton budgets It decides what taxes are to be imposed and how must of expenditure is to be incurred. Money bills are always introduced in the Lok Sabha by the finance minister.

4. Foreign Relation: In the feild of forelfi relations also the cabinet palys an important role. It determines and formulates the foreign policy of the country and decides. India’s relations with other countries.

5. Collective Responsibility: Article 75 (3) of Indian Constitution stated. That the union council of ministers shall be collectively responsible toj the L,ok sabha, for all their acts of ommisslons and commissions. They act as a team under the Leadership/ of the Prime Minister. They sail together, they swim together and they sink, together.

Conclusion: It is thus clear than the council of; ministers (or) cabinet enjoys far reaching powers both with regard to the internal and external prides of the country. Internally it maintains law and order within the country and externally protect. The county from foreign aggression the progress of the country largely depends upon the ability of lit/cabinet.

Question 8. Write about the powers and functions of the State Governor.

Answer: The Governor is the head of the State. The executive powers of a State are vested in the Governor. They are exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the constitution. Like the President of India, the Governor is only a constitutional head and the real powers are exercised by the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. He is also called ‘Rajpal’.

Qualifications: Article 157 of our constitution lays down the following qualifications for the appointment of a person as a Governor.

He shall be a citizen of India.
He should have completed the age of 35 years.
He should not be a member of either House of Parliament or State Legislature.
He should not hold any office of profit in Union or State or Local goverment

Appointment: Article 155 lays down that Governor of a State shall be appointed by the president. The President appoints the Governor on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Salary and Allowances: The salary and allowances of Governor are determined by an Act of Parliament. At present the Governor receives a monthly salary of Rs. 1,10,000/-. He resides in the official building “Rajbhavan”. Besides he is entitled to many other allowances and privileges. His pay and allowances shall not be reduced during his tenure. His pay and allowances are charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State.

Tenure : The Governor continues in office for a period of five years. However, he holds office during the pleasure of the President. The President can remove or transfer him to any time. Further, even after the expiry of five years, the Governor may remain in office till the assumption of office by the new incumbent.

Powers and Functions of the Governor : The Governor exercises important powers and functions. They are mentioned as follows:

Executive Powers and Functions.
Legislative Powers and Functions.
Financial Powers and Functions.
Judicial Powers and Functions.
Miscellaneous Powers and Functions.
Discretionary Powers and Functions.

1. Executive Powers : The Governor is vested with the executive powers of the State Government as per Articlel 54 of our constitution. The Governor exercises these powers either directly or through officers subordinate to him.

The Governor appoints the Chief Minister.
He appoints the ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister. ‘
He allocates portfolios among the ministers, reshuffles their portfolios.
He removes the ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.
He also appoints the Vice-Chancellors of the universities in the state.
He appoints the Chairman and Members of the : a. State Public Service Commission. b. Official Language Commission. c. Minorities Commission. d. Commission for Women and. e. State Government Undertakings.
He regulates the postings and transfer of the All India Services Personnel working in the state.
He formulates the rules and regulation for the smooth transaction of the business of the State Government.
He promulgates ordinances during the recess of the State Legislature.
He appoints the Chief Secretary and Advocate General of the State Government.
The Governors of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odissa, and Assam have a special responsibility of promoting the welfare of the tribal people.

2. Legislative Powers : The Governor is an integral part of the State Legislature.

The Governor convenes and prorogues the two Houses of the State Legislature. He dissolves the lower House of the State Legislature.
He addresses the State Legislative Assembly in person or through messages.
He nominates 1/6^th of the members to the State Legislative Council.
He nominates and Anglo-Indian member to the State Legislative Assembly if no one is elected to that House.
He inaugurates the first session of the State Legislative Assembly every year or after the general elections are over.
He accords permission to the bills sent by the State legislature or returns them suggesting alterations or modifications.
He appoints the Pro-term Speaker of the State legislative Assembly,

3. Financial Powers : The Governor accords permission to the members for moving money bills in the State legislature. He causes the annual budget of the state government to be placed before the state legislature. He maintains the contingency Fund of the State, He sees that the various financial reports are laid before the State legislative Assembly.

4. Judicial Powers: The Governor has some judicial powers and functions. He can influence the appointments, postings and promotions of the district judges and other judicial officials. He can pant pardon, reprieve or remission of punishment or suspend, remit or cancel the sentence of a person convicted of any offence against law. He makes suggestions to the President in the matters concerning the appointment of High Court Judges. He appoints the judicial personnel of the subordinate courts in the state on the recommendations of the High Court.

5. Miscellaneous Powers : The Governor receives the annual report of the State Public Service Commission and passes it on to the Council of Ministers for comments. Thereafter, he sends the report and comments to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for placing it before State Legislature.

6. Discretionary Powers : The Governor exercises these powers without the aid and advice of the State Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister. The discretionary powers are listed as follows:

Selection of the Chief Minister.
Dismissal of the Ministry.
Seeking information on the legislative and administrative matters from the Chief Minister.
Dissolution of the Legislative Assembly.
Asking the Chief Minister to place before him the matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but which has not been considered by the State Council of Ministers.
Advising the President to impose President’s Rule in the State.
Refusing to give assent to a bill passed by the Legislative Assembly and sending it back for its reconsideration, and
Seeking instructions from the President before promulgating Ordinances on some matters.

Question 9. Explain Powers and Functions of the Chief Minister.

Answer: Articles 163 and 164 of our constitution deals with the office of the Chief Minister. Article 163 states that the Chief Minister, along with other Ministers, renders advice to the Governor in the exercise of his functions.

The Chief Minister plays a prominent role and occupies a key position in the State Government He acts as the head of the (a) State Council of Ministers, (b) Party in power, and (c) the leader of the Assembly, (d) the people. He will have a decisive influence on political arena of the state. He influences the public opinion in the State.

Qualifications: Usually, the qualifications prescribed for the members of the State Legislative Assembly are applicable to the Chief Minister. The only difference is that a person who is not a member of the State Legislative Assembly may also become the Chief Minister. In such a case, he should be get elected to the State Legislative Assembly within a period of six months from the date of assuming the office.

Appointment: The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor (Article 164). Normally the Governor appoints the majority party leader in the State Legislative Assembly as the Chief Minister after the general elections.

Tenure: There is no fixed tenure for the Chief Minister, The Chief Minister and other Ministers shall hold office and exercise powers during the pleasure of the Governor. The Chief Minister and the Ministers are collectively responsible to the State Legislative Assembly, It implies that the Chief Minister holds his office during the (i) pleasure of Governor and (ii) confidence of the majority members in the State Legislative Assembly. So, the Chief Minister takes all measures to gain the pleasure of the Governor and the confidence of the majority members of the State Legislative Assembly. Normally the Chief Minister holds office for a period of five years.

Salaries & Allowances: State legislature decides the salaries and allowences of various officer such as office of the chief minister’s council of minister and members of legislative assembly. Telangana Chief Minister recieves a monthly salary Rs. 51,000, constituent allowences of Rs. 2,30,000/- and office expenditure 1,40,000/-, Total Rs. 4,21,000/- Powers and Functions.

The Chief Minister exercises vast powers and carries out varied functions. They are explained as follows.

1. Formation of the Ministry: Formation of the Ministry is the choice and responsibility of the Chief Minister. He chooses some members of his party or constituent parties in the case of a coalition and recommends their names to the Governor to be appointed as Ministers. He renders advice to the Governor in the matters of allocation of portfolios to the Ministers. He also renders advice to the Governor in dropping a Minister from the ministry.

2. Presides over the Cabinet Meetings: The Chief Minister is the chairman of the State Cabinet. He presides over it meetings. He decides the agenda, initiates discussions and influences the policies of the Cabinet.

3. Link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers: The Chief Minister is the main link between the Governor and the Council of Ministers. It is his duty to communicate to the Governor all the decisions of the Council of Ministers, relating to the administration of the state and proposals for legislation. He is the chief advisor of the Governor.

4. Leader of the Legislative Assembly: The Chief Minister is the leader not only of his party, but also of the Legislative Assembly. He acts as a leader of the majority party in the State Legislative Assembly. He informs the party members about the programmes implemented by the State Government. He seeks the co-operation and support of the legislators for the successful and effective Implementation of the government policies. He brings co-ordination between the members of Assembly and the Government. It is his duty to help the Ministers on the floor of the House in case they are cornered by the opposition. He is the chief defender of the policies of the State Government.

5. Chief Spokesman: The Chief Minister is the chief spokesman of the State Government. He makes important announcement on behalf of the State Government, His statement in and outside the State Legislature carry much legitimacy and influence in the State.

6. Leader of the Party in Power: The Chief Minister is the leader of the party in power at the state level, He participates in the party meetings, He informs the various policies and programmes of the State Government in the party meetings. He seeks the cooperation of the party members for effective implementation of the State Government programmes. He brings coordination between the party in power and the government.

7. Leader of the people: The Chief Minister acts as the prominent leader of the people in the state, He maintains rapport with the people by visiting frequently different places in the state. He consoles the affected people during natural calamities. He draws the attention of the people towards the developmental programmes taken up by the government by making them involved in such activities.

8. Chief Advisor to the Governor: The Chief Minister renders advice on the matters of placements and promotions in public services. He also renders advice to the Governor in accepting the resignation of some Ministers. The Chief Minister acts as the Chief advisor to the Governor in the matter of composition of the Ministry, allotment of portpolios to the Ministers, reshuffling the Ministry, disolution of the Assembly, Appointment of Chairman and Members of State Government Undertakings, issue of ordinances etc.

9. Power of getting the State Legislative Assembly dissolved: The Chief Minister has the privilege to advise the Governor to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly in case he finds that the Government cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the constitution or in case he is likely to lose the majority in the Assembly. Such advice is given by the ChiefMinister alone on the basis of political considerations.

10. Role in Union – State Relations: As the real head of the state administration, it is the main responsibility of the Chief Minister to maintain good relations with the Union government. He has to use his position for securing financial grants and help required for carrying out the development works In the state. In case, he belongs to a party other than the one which is in power at the Union Government, he has to act as a good negotiator.

Question 10. Point out powers of the State Council of Ministers.

Answer: The constitution of the India provides for a parliamentary system of government at the state level. It lays down that the Governor of the state shall act as the constitutional and normal head of the state executive, The real executive powers shall be exercised by the State Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as Its head. The State Council of Ministers is an important constituent of the state executive. lt consists of members belonging to one or more parties. It works as a team under the leadership of the Chief Minister,

Composition: The State Council of Ministers includes (i) the Chief Minister, (ii)Ministers of cabinet rank, (iii)Ministers of state rank and some times deputy ministers.

Appointment : All the ministers including the Chief Minister are appointed by the Governor. The Chief Minister enjoys the privilege to select a few legislators of his party and recommend their names to the Governor for appointment as ministers.

Powers and Functions: The powers and functions of the State Council of Ministers are discussed as under, 1. Formation of State Government policies: The State Council of Ministers has the responsibility of formulating and determining the policies of the state government it makes discussion and takes decisions on various matters of the State Government. In this regard, all matters are thoroughly discussed by the Cabinet Ministers by meeting frequently and in the name of the Council of Ministers.

2. Maintainence of administration: The State Council of Ministers maintains the state administration, The ministers are held responsible for running the administration of the state in accordance with the policies of the government and the laws passed by the State Legislature. Each Minister has one or more departments under his control and is responsible for the administration of such departments.

3. Co-ordination function: The State Council of Ministers is responsible for securing coordination in the functioning of the various governmental departments. Without coordination among the departments, the smooth sailing of the State Government cannot be ensured. All the ministers unanimously support decisions of the statecabinet.

4. Powers of Appointment: The State Council of Ministers plays a key role in all important appointments to the various offices in the state. The appointment of the Advocate General, Vice Chancellors of the Universities in the state, Chairman and Members of the State Public Service Commission, etc., are all done by the Governor on the advice of the State Council of Ministers.

5. Role in Law-making: The State Council of Ministers plays a key role in the legislative sphere. It is the Ministry which really decides the legislative programme. The cabinet plays a significant role in law making in the state. It carries out this role so long as it enjoys the support of majority members in the state Legislative Assembly. The Governor summons, prorogues and dissolves the State Legislative Assembly upon the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.

6. Financial Functions: The State Council of Ministers yields control over the finances of the state. It determines the fiscal policy of the state. The Cabinet formulates and implements all development policies and plans. It manages the finances of the state in accordance with the policy and budget as passed by the State Legislature.

Question 4. Explain the structure of the State Legislative Council.

Answer: Composition of Legislative Council (Vidhana Parishad): The Upper House of the State Legislature is known as Legislative Council. The Constitution lays down that a Legislative Council shall have not less than 40 members and not more than 1/3^rd of the total membership of the State Assembly. The Legislative Council consists of both nominated arid elected members.

The election is conducted through indirect method by means of proportional representation with a single transferable vote.

Distribution of Seats:

1/3^rd are elected by the members of the State Assembly.
1/3^rd are elected by the members of local bodies.
1/12^th are elected by teachers.
1/12^th are elected by graduates.
The remaining 1/6^th members are nominated by the Governor from among persons who have distinguished themselves in the fields of Literature, Science, Arts, Social Services, etc.

Qualifications: The members of the Council 1) must be citizens of India, 2) must have completed 30 years of age and 3) must possess such other qualifications as may be prescribed by the Legislature.

Term: The members are elected for a period of 6 years. But 1 /3^rd of them retire for every 2 years. The Council is a permanent body. It cannot be dissolved by the Governor.

Chairman and Deputy Chairman : The Council has Chairman and a Deputy Chairman who are elected by the members of the Council from among themselves. The Chairman presides over the meetings of the Council.

Question 11. Write a note on the State Legislative Assembly.

Answer: Legislative Assembly is the popular, democratic, powerful and directly elected House of the State Legislature.

Composition:

There will be a Legislative Assembly for every state. The Legislative Assembly represents the people of the state. Its membership varies between 60 and 500. The members are directly elected by the voters of various constituencies in the state. The membership of the House is proportionate to the population of the state. Some of the seats are reserved for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The Governor has the power to nominate a member of the Anglo-Indian community in case he finds that the community has inadequate representation in the Legislative Assembly.

Qualifications:

A person who wishes to contest for the membership of the State Legislative Assembly must possess the following qualifications.

He must be a citizen of India
He must have completed the age of 25 years
He must not hold any office of profit
He must possess such other qualifications as prescribed by an Act of the Parliament.

Tenure: The Normal tenure of Legislative Assembly is 5 years. It can be dissolved by the Governor at any time. It can be suspended or dissolved by the President under Article 356. The tenure of the Legislative Assembly may be extended for a period not exceeding six months by an Act of Parliament during the emergency. Later elections must be held without delay within six months duration.

Presiding Officers: The Presiding Officer of Assembly is known as Speaker. He is elected by the members of the Assembly. The Assembly also elects a Deputy Speaker to conduct the business of the House in the absence of the Speaker.

Quorum: According to Article 188, The quorum for conducting the State. Legislative Assembly meeting was fixed at 1/10^th of the total membership.

Question 12. Describe the composition, powers and Functions of Election Commission of India.

Answer: Article 324(1) of the constitution provides the Election Commission to supervise and conduct the elections to parliament, state legislatures, the offices of the President and the Vice President of India.

Composition : The Election Commission of India consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and two other commissioners. . Appointment : The Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners are Oppointed by the president of India.

Tenure : The Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners hold office for a period of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years whichever is earlier.

Removal : The Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners can be removed by the president on the basis of a resolution passed to that effect by both the House of Parliament with special majority either on the ground of proved misbehavior or in capacity.

Salary and Allowances : The Chief Election Commissioner and two other commissioners shall receive salary and Allowances which are similar to that of a judge of the supreme court.

Powers and Functions of Election Commission : The constitution of India in its articles 324 – 328 enumerates the powers and functions of the Election Commission. These Can be mentioned here under.

It prepares all periodically revised electoral rolls .
It makes every effort to ensure that the voters list is free of errors like non-existence of names of registered voters or existence names of that non-eligible or non-existent
It notifies the dates and schedules of election and scrutinizes nomination papers.
During this entire process, the election Commission has the power to take decisions to ensure a free and fair poll.
It Gan postpone or cancel the election in the entire country or a specific state or constituency on the grounds that the atmosphere is vitiated and therefore, a free and fair election may not be possible.
The Commission also implements a model code of contact for parties and candidates. It can order a re-poll in a specific constituency.
It can also order a recount of notes when it feels that the counting process has not been fully fair and just.
The Election Commission accords recognition to political parties and allots symbols to each of them.
It advises the President whether elections can be held in a state under president’s rule in order to extend the period of emergency after one year.
It advises the Governor on matters relating to the disqualifications of the members of state legislature.

Question 13. Explain the features of Indian Political Party System.

Answer: Political parties in India can be broadly classified into national political parties and regional political parties. The Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) also known as CPM and National Congress Party are recognized National Parties in India. Likewise, India also has regional political parties like DMK and AIADMK, Akali Dal, National Conference, Telugu Desam Party, YSRCR TRS and money others.

There are no permanent cadre for many of these parties. However, there are certain political parties like CPI, CPM, BJP TDP and others who have a strong cadre base and constantly engage their workers in normal times also.

1. Multiparty System : For many decades after independence, India became a one party dominant system with Indian National Congress dominating the political system both at the union level and states. However, the political dynamics from 1990s onwards resulted in the emergence of a multiparty system with over 6 strong national political parties and 53 regional political parties.

2. Ideological spectrum : Indian political parties can be classified into rightist, leftist and centrist based on their ideological position. The Bharatiya Janata party, Shiva Sena and others claim themselves as rightist as these parties bestow importance to culture, traditional symbols, glorified past, Hindustan etc., in their ideology. The communist parties, Forward Bloc and others consider themselves as proper with socialist orientation and hence are known as left parties. All other parties are a combination of all ideologies and are known as centrist parties.

3. Non cadre based and cadre based parties : Many political parties in India recruit their political workers and other functionaries only during the times of Elections.

4. No internal democracy : Indian political parties mostly lack internal democracy in their respective political organizations. Barring a few, all the functionaries from the level of grassroots to national level are nominated by the high command.

5. Constant splits and Factionalism: Indian political parties constantly suffer from splits among leaders. These conflicts and differences of opinion among the leaders also result in the formation of others political parties. Major parties suffer from factionalism and groupism both at national and regional level.

6. Political coalitions : Many political parties in India prefer to form coalitions with other parties. These coalition energe as pre poll allinaces and post poll alliances.

7. Charismatic leadership : Many political parties in India depend on the personality factor of their leaders. This is called charismatic leadership. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and others gave strong leadership to the congress Party. Likewise Atal Behari Vajpayee L.K. Advani, Narendra Modi and others provided vibrant leadership to BJR IN the same manner, Kanshiram (BSP), Mulayan Singh Yadav (SP) Lalu Prasad Yadav (RJD), NT Rama Rao (TDP) K. Chandrasekhar Rao (TRS) and others have millions of followers and led their parties to victories.

Question 14. Examine the characteristics of Anti defection law.

Answer: The 52^nd Amendment Act (1985) provides for disqualification of public representatives (members of Parliament and state Legislatures) on the grounds of defection from one political party to another. This amendment Act is referred to and popularly known as Anti Defection Law. The Act is further strengthened by 91^st Amendment Act of 2003. The constitution that explains the grounds and procedures for disqualification.

1. Disqualification of members belonging to political parties : An elected member of any political party faces disqualification, if he joins in any other political party. Further, an elected member of parliament or state legislature belonging to any political party becomes disqualified. a) If the member resigns from the political party; or b) If the member either votes or abstains from voting on any matter in the house against the directions issued by political party through a whip.

2. Disqualification of Independent Members and Nominated members: A member elected as independent to the House of Parliament or state Legislature becomes disqualified if he joins any political party after the election.

Likewise a nominated member to Parliament or State Legislature becomes disqualified if he joins any political party after six months of his nomination.

3. Anti defection Law – Exceptions: If the members elected from a particular political party split from the party or prefer merger with other party, with 2/3 of the strength, provisions of anti defection law cannot be applied. Likewise, if any member is elected as presiding officer of the house (speaker or deputy speaker etc.) the member can voluntarily gives up the membership of the party to protect the dignity and impartiality of the office. In such cases, the law gives an exception to the member and it cannot be a ground for disqualification.

4. Anti defection Law-Not Applicable to Expulsions: If any political party expels its elected member from the membership of the party, this Act does not disqualify the member for his term.

5. Anti defection law – Authorised Deciding Authority: The presiding officer of the House (Speaker) becomes the deciding authority with regard to the matters of disqualification based on Anti defection law.

There are various advantages and short comings in Anti defection law. It was aimed to prevent political defections and corruption that lure the members with offices, material benefits and other considerations. It provides stability to the political system and prevents corrupt practices. This Act guards the policy against unprinciple and unethical political defections and strengthens the fabric of parliamentary democracy.

Question 15. Define Corruption and describe its form.

Answer: Corruption in India is a manor issue that is constantly debated in public forms and media as it adversely effects the moral foundations administration and economy. India has the dubious distinction of unearthiny. So many corruption scandals such as 2G Spectrum Scam, Common Wealth Games Scam, Adarsh Housing Society Scam and Coal Mining Scam from 2010 onwards. Many ministers of both Union and State have been facing charges of corruption.

Form of Corruption: The World Bank defines corruption as using “Public office for private profit”. There are different forms of corruption which include bribery, extortion, embezzlement, favortism, nepotism, undue influence etc. The Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 declares the act of bribery, misappropriation, obtaining pecuniary advantages, abasing official position, possessing assets disproportionate to known sources of income etc. are corruption practices and punishable under law. The most recent phenomenon in the forms of corruption in India is “quid pro quo corruption”.

This means political leaders and high ranking officials take decisions in favour of corporate houses and high profile business people who in turn make inflated investments into the industrial units, business undertakings and NGOs owned and managed by the family members of concerned leaders and officials. In other words, it is an exchange of benefits by both the leaders-officials combine and corporate. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating many cases of quid pro quo corruption scandals.

Corruption has become a major threat to Indian value system. It is spreading like a disease and makes mockery of administration, development, and democracy. Corruption is anti development and anti poor, in which politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen. Non-Government Organizations and criminals are the key players involved in these practices. Corruption arises due to scarcity of goods and services, delay tactics in administration (red tapisim), and lack of transparency in the system. Corruption leads to loss of trust on the system and rise of extremism and militancy in the society. Corruption leads to loss of trust on the system and rise of extremism and militancy in the society.

Question 16. Narrate the meaning, features, and various phases of coalition politics.

Answer: Coalition politics in a system in which political parties join hands with each other to capture the power or put up a combined opposition to democratize the political procure. Generally, the political parties make arrangements with Common Minimum Programme (CMP) to carryout an agreed agendaas part of coalition politics.

Phases of Coalition politics: The roots of Coalition Politics in India can be traced from the late 1960’s. Started in 1967 with signs of decline of one party, i.e., the decline of Congress Party dominance, this pattern assumed its complete vigor in the later decades. The history of the evolution of Coalition Politics can be understood under different phases of their functioning. The First Phase of Coalition Politics (between 1967-1971) marked the emergence of regional parties in various States to challenge the dominance of the congress party. The Bhartiya Jan Sangh, Lok Dal, Socialist party, Samyuktha Vidhayak Dal, and so on emerged in some Nort Indian States and made coalitions during this phase.

During the Second Phase of coalition politics (between 1977-1980). Left Front Government were formed in Kerala’, Tripura and West Bengal with various parties based on Leftist ideology. Some consider the Janata experiment at centre is also part of coalition politics.

During the Third Phase of coalition politics (between 1989 – 1991) the coalition Governments were formed at National level and at many States. However, these coalitions experienced a new pattern of relationship among the coalition partners. Some of the political parties extended ‘outside support by not joining in the government and actively involving in coalition politics.

The Fourth Phase of Coalition Politics (between 1996 – 1999) mark instabiligy, political manoeuverability and frequent fall of Governments. During this phase, political parties frequently distanced from coalitions and this resulted in fall of Central Governments and many State Governments.

The Fifth Phase of coalition Governments (between 2004 – 2020) are formed on rational basis under Common Minimum Programme (CMP) among the coalition partners. Both the NDA coalition and UPA coalitions have evolved an agreeable agenda known as ‘Common Minimum Programme’ (CMP).

Question 17. Explain the various factors which led to the agitation for a separate Telangana State.

Answer: Separate Telangana Agitation (1969): The agitation for a separate Telangana State was started at the end of 1958 and continued in 1969. It was first started by the students and .employees as a protest against the injustice done to the Telangana area. Later, various political parties took advantage of the situation and led the agitation.

Causes:

Non-implementation of rights and safeguards given to the Telangana region at the time of formation of Andhra Pradesh.
Since the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 no Telangana person was elected as the Chief Minister of the State.
As stated in the Gentlemen’s Agreement the Deputy Chief Minister post was not given to the Telangana persons by the Andhra Chief Ministers with the exception of p.Sanjeevaiah.
Dissatifaction among some Telangana leaders who had not position.
A rumour was spread that the Abkari surplus funds of Telangana region were spend in Andhra area. In those days, there was prohibition in Andhra area and no prohibition in Telangana area.
Telangana People were in the idea that many Andhra were in jobs in Telangana with false Mulki Certificates.
Telangana people were also in the opinion that the Andhra were dominating in all the administrative departments.
Unrest among students.
Support give by the people of other states who settled in Hyderabad and the other Telangana towns for their selfish ends.

The separate Telangana agitation was prolonged in the year 1970 also. In December, 1970 Mrs.Gandhi recommended for the Lok Sabha and for a mid-term pole to the Lok Sabha. The Telangana Praja Samithi contested all the 14 seats from the Telangana region and secured 10 Lok Sabha seats. In September,1971 there were discussions between the Prime Minister Mrs.Gandhi and T.RS leaders. As a result T.RS. was emerged in the Rulling congress. The discussions also led to the proclamation of six point formula. It includes,

Contunuation of Mulki Rules.
Separate accounts and budget for Telangana.
A Separate Congress Committee for Telangana.
Resignation of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy in favour of a Chief Minister from Telangana region.
To review the situation after 10 years.
To provide legal status to the Telangana Regional Committee.

The Separate Telangana agitation failed to achieves it essential goal of separate Telangana State. But it secured assuraces and protections for the Telangana for the first time, a Chief Minister was chose from the Telangana region was the Education Minister RV.Narasimha Rao.

Question 18. Discuss the Formation of Telangana as the New State in the Indian Union.

Answer: The emergence of Telangana state in 2014 is the result of long drown struggle. It has a history of sixty years of struggle and movements marked by agitations, negotiations, formation and merger of parties, agreement and violation of agreement.

Constitutional Process -A.P. Re organisation Act, 2014: The Parliament is empowered to create a new state by following a certain procedure prescribed under Article 3 of the Indain constitution. The Union Government followed the required steps prescribed by Article 3 of the constitution. The President of India referred the A.R reorganisation Bill, 2014 to the state legislature for its consideration. The A.R state legislature rejected the Bill. However, the Parliament had the power either to accept (or) reject the opinion of the state legislature, finally, the Bill was referred to parliament by President.

Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha passed the Bill and President Pranad Mukerjee had signed the A.R Reorganisation Bill 2014 which become an Act on 1^st March 2014. The Government of India declared that on 2^nd June, 2014 the Act would come into force. By this, the Telangana state was formed on 2^nd June, 2014 as the 29^th State in the Union of India.

Emergence and formation of Telangana State: The AP Reorganisation Act 2014 has the following sailent features.

A State of telangana: A new Telangana state with 10 districts has emerged as the 29^th State of the Indian Union.

A State of Andhra Pradesh : The State of Andhra Pradesh has 13 districts after the division of the state.

Hyderabad as a common capital: Hyderabad remains as the common capital for the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period not exceeding 10 years.

Common Governor: There shall be a common Governor for both the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Governor is vested with same special duties.

Members of Rajya Sabha: According to the Act there are 17 members from the state of Telangana in Lok Sabha while the state of Andhra Pradesh will have 25 members.

Legislative Assembly: The following is the composition of members in the State Legislative Assembly. a) Telangana -119 b) Andhra Pradesh -175

Legislative Council: According to the Act the Telangana State shall have 40 members and Andhra Pradesh shall have 50 members respectively.

Other provisions: The AP Reorganisation Act 2014 has provided various other provisions like Separate High Courts, provisions for SC’s and ST’s, distribution of revenues etc.

The long cherished demand for a separate statehood for Telangana was achieved after a long.

Struggle 2^nd June 2014 is a memorable day for the people of Telangana who always maintain self-respect and cultural identity. Several leaders in the post struggled for more than six decades and contributed significantly to the cause. The dynamic role of K. Chandra Sekhar Rao in the Telangana Movement and emergence of Telangana State altered the course of Telanganites. The relentless efforts of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and the support given by BJP and other Political parties cannot be ignored in this regard.

Let us hope that the newly created Telangana State would become a model state in Indian Federation. May the dream of Telangana people to realise ‘Bangaru Telangana1 become a reality. For this, the people of Telangana have to travel many miles to translate their aim into a reality.

Question 19. Describe the role of JAC’s in Telangana Movement.

Answer: There are hundreds of political formation in the form of Joint Action Committees (JACs) that have exhibited the aspirations and spirit of the people of Telangana. These JACs have the potential to nurture various ways to articulate the demand for the formation of Telangana State. Both the formation and operation of these JACs is unprecedented in the history of Indian Politics in general and Telangana in particular.

These are various factors that contribute for the formation of hundreds of Joint Action Committees (JACs). The injustice meted out to Telangana in matters of river waters, employment and education, discrimination with regard to revenue sharing, land grabbing and encroachment in large scale, monopoly over the industrial sector, cultural invasion, disrespecting and belittling the Telangana dialect and so on compounded into major social economic and political problems in the Telangana region. This has motivated the people to undertake collective action with a determined goal of achieving Telangana State and formed as Joint Action Committees.

These JACs have formed as common platform for fighting the common cause, though the basis of their formation differ with caste, religion, profession etc. These Joint Action Committees (JACs) have manifested their collective interest with common desire and aspiration of Telangana with common modes of articulation. Mention may be made about some of JACs who have played a prominent role in sreading the Telangana Movement. These include, the political JAC, studnets JAC, advocates JAC, Kula Sangala JAC, Employees JAC and so on. While some of the JACs have independently taken up the cause and spread the movement, others undertook activities as per the directions of political JAC

Political Joint Action Committee : The political Joint Action Committee was formed on 24th December 2009. Major political parties such as Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Bharatiya janata party (BJP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Congress party, Telugu Desam Party, CPI (ML), New Democracy, Employees associations and others associated with political JAC. The political JAC formed as the UPA Government had shown signs of deviation from the December 9, 2009 declaration of initiating the process of Telangana formation.

The political JAC is led by a political science professor from Osmania University m. Kodandarama Reddy popularly known as Kodandaram. The extensively undertook various protest programmes for fighting the cause of Telangana. These programmes include, the Non-cooperation. Million March, maanava haaram, Sakala Janula Samme. Sagara Haram, Jail Bharo, Rail Roko, Vanta Varpu etc.

Question 20. Critically analyse the provisions in the Government of India Act 1935.

Answer: The Government of India Act, 1935 was considered to be the second mile stone in the introduction of the responsible government in India. Different factors like Indian Nationalism, British imperialism, communal tendencies etc, influenced in a way or the other in adopting this Act. Similarly various factors, like reports of Muddiman committee (1924), Simon Commission (1927), the deliberations of three Round Table Conferences (1930,1931 & 1932), Communal Award (1932), White Paper (1933), Report of Joint Parliamentary Committee (1934) etc., formed bases for adopting this Act. This Act was a detailed and lengthy one, containing 14 parts and 10 schedules.

Main Provisions:

The Act prescribed Quasi – rigid and Quasi – flexible methods to amend the provisions.
While it abolished dyarchy in the provinces, it introduced the same at the union level.
It provided provincial autonomy in the states and paved the way for a complete responsible rule.
It split the administrative subjects of the Union Government into two lists – Reserved and Transferred. While the reserved list comprised Defence, External affairs, Tribal welfare, Communal issues, the remaining subjects were brought under transferred category.
The Act has enlarged the sphere of electorate and various legislatures.
It provided for bicameralism at the centre and in six out of eleven provinces.
It constituted a federal court in order to settle the conflicts between the union and the provinces or between the provinces.
It proposed an All India Federation, having two governments (union and states), division of powers, written and rigid constitution, federal court etc. It included 59 items in federal or central list and 54 items in provincial list. It has incorporated certain other subjects like civil and criminal procedure code, Marriage, Divorce, Endowments, Contracts, Press etc, in the concurrent list.
It gave freedom to the native provinces either to join or Quit the Federation.
The Act has brought about far reaching changes in the home administration in India. It abolished the Indian Council and authorized the secretary of state to appoint 3 to 6 members to assist in his duties.
New provinces Orissa and Sindh were created.
Separate Representation for Indian Christians, Anglo Indians, Europeans and Depressed classes in Legislative Councils.

Criticism: This Act Could not satisfy the Nationalist aspirations of the people for both political and economic power continued to be concentrated in the hands of the British. This Act was criticised for providing despotic powers to governor general. Indian National Congress Condemned this Act and demanded for Complete Independence and formation of a constituent Assembly to draft a New Constitution.

Question 21. Explain the salient features of Indian Constitution.

Answer:

Introduction: The Indian Constitution was prepared and Adopted by the Constituent Assembly, which was set up in 1946. The Constituent Assembly took nearly three years From 9^th December,1946 to 25^th November, 1949 (2 years, 11 months and 18 days) to complete the framing of the Costitution. The Constituent Assembly approved the Indian Constitution on 26^th November, 1949. The Indian Costitution came into force on 26 January, 1950, which we have been celebrating as “The Republic Day”. The following are the salient or basic features of the Indian Constitution.

1) Written and Detailed Constitution : The Constitution of India is a written document. It consists of 12 Schedules, 22 Parts and 444 Articles. Many factors have contributed for the bulkiness of the Constitution. All most all matters relating to the composition and organization of union, states as well as Union Territories, provisions regarding protection of interests of Schedules castes, Scheduled Tribes and other Backward classes, provisions regarding Special Constitutional bodies like the Election Commissions, the UPSC and State Public Service Commissions are made in a very comprehensive. manner. Similarly, several matters relating to Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, Directive principles of state policy, Union – State Relations, Official Language and Regional Languages were clearly mentioned in the Costitution.

2) India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic: The constitution deliberately designed India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. Each of these concepts has wide ranging dimensions.

Sovereign State: India is a Sovereign State. It is clear that India is internally Supreme and externally independent of any foreign control. India is not a sub-ordinate State.

Socialist State: According to the preamble India is committed to Socialism assuring the establishment of a socialist State. It strives to provide social and economic Justice to all its people and end all forms of exploitation. We follow mixed economy. The State is free to bring the key industries and the private enterprises under the state ownership and management.

Secular State: Secularism means that the State protects all religions equally and does not itself subscribe to any other religion as official.

Democratic State: Democracy is the formidable foundation of Indian political system. It states that the people of India are the chief source of the Political Authority they can make and unmake the government. The people are both the Rulers and the ruled. India adopted Indirect or Representative Democracy.

Republican State: India is a Republic with an elected Head of the State i.e., the President of India. No public office in the country is hereditary. Any Indian citizen can contest to any office of the government subject to certain limitations.

3) Noble Aims and objectives: Indian constitution has noble aims and objectives. The Indian constitution secures to all its citizens, Justice – Social, Economic, and Political matters. It also provides all its citizens, liberty of thoight, expression, belief, faith, and worship. Further, the constitution of India promotes among all people the equality of status and opportunity. Like wise it strives for fraternity by assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.

4) Combination of ligidity and Flexibility: The Constitution of India can be amended with Rigid and Flexible method. Article 368 provides the details of the amendment procedure. It can be amended by three methods.

Firstly:

The Unio l Parliament can amend some parts of the constitution by a simple majority. Ex: The formation of new ates (Ex: Telangana), changing the boundaries of states, provisions relating to citizenship etc. It is said o be Flexible.

Secondly:

Some provisions can be amended by a special majority i.e., not less than Two Thirds (2/3) of the member of the House present and voting. Ex : Fundamental Rights, Directive principles of state policy, etc. It is said to be half rigid and half flexible.

Thirdly:

Some provisions can be amended by Two – Thirds (2/3) majority of the parliament and with the concurrence c half of the states. Ex: Election of the president, Executive powers of the union and the states, Distribution of Legislative powers between the union nd the states ete. lt is said to be Rigid.

Hence, the Constitu1 on has a combination of Rigid and Flexible methods to amend the Constitution.

5) Unitary and Federal Features : India is a union of states according to the constitution. Our constitution contains both th features of unitary and Federal Governments. It prescribed unitary system in emergencies and federal lystem on ordinary occussions. Provisions of unitary state such as Single Citizenship, Single IntegratedBudiciary, Single election Commission, Roll of All India Services personnel etc., are found in our constitut on. At the same time certain federal features like written, Rigid constitution, Dual Government, Bicamenlism etc., are profoundly seen in our constitution. Thus it is a quasi – federal policy like Canada.

6) Parliamentary government: The makers of our constitution adopted the Irish precedent of of a hereditary Monarch. They retained all other essential features of two types of executive heads, Prime Ministers leadership, collective’ responsibility, nominal position of the President, Parliaments control over the Union Executive etc. They prescribed the same type of political system for the states.

7) Independent Judiciary : The constitution of India granted independent and integrated judiciary for Indians. Hence t ie Supreme Court and High Courts in India act independently without subject to the control of the executive and legislative organs, judiciary enjoys independence in the matters of appointment of judges, their tenure, salaries and allowances, service conditions, promotion etc. Our constitution clearly states that the executive and legislative authorities should refrain from interfering in the functioning of the judiciary. It conferred the power of judicial review on the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. It is due to the independent position that the Supreme Court and High Court judges will decide the propriety and constitutional validity of the acts and policies of the legislative and executive authorities in the country.

8) Directive Principles of State Policy: Our constitution hinted our certain directive principles as the policy of the state in Part IV from Articles 36 to 51. The makers of our constitution derived these principles from Irish constitution. They pointed out that these principles would transform India into a welfare, gandhian and liberal oriented state. These principles must be implemented by all the parties which hold authority without political considerations.

These principles enable the state to provide a new social order based on economic, political and social justice. These principles include certain programmes like provision of employment opportunities, fair distribution of wealth, equal pay for equal work, educational and child care for thbse children below fourteen years, etc. Similarly unemployment relief, old age pension, protection against ill health, provsion of leisure for workers, conservation of wild life etc are included in these principle.

9) Fundamental Rights : Our constitution mentioned fundamental rights on American model for the complete realization of the personality of Indian citizens. They are incorporated under Part III from Articles 12 to 35 of our constitution. Indian citizens can utilize these rights subject to certain rational restraints. Nobody including the government is allowed to interfere in these rights. The higher judicial organizations in the country help the citizens in safeguarding these rights. At first there were seven fundamental rights in the constitution. But at present there are only six fundamental rights. They are 1. Right to Equality 2. Right to Freedom 3. Right against Exploitation 4 Right to Religion 5. Cultural and Educational Rights and 6. Right to Constitutional Remedies.

10) Fundamental Duties : Our constitution incorporated fundamental duties in Article 51 A under Part 4A. At first there were 10 fundamental duties inserted through the Constitution (Forty second) Amendment Act, 1976. Later one more duty was added through the Constitution (Eighty sixth) Amendment Act, 2002. Altogether there are Eleven Fundament Duties in our consititution. Respecting the consititution, National Flag, National Anthem, Safeguarding public property etc are come of the Fundamental duties.

11. Single Citizenship : Our Constitution provides for single citizenship for all persons who are born in India and who resided in India for a specific period. It enables the citizens to possess and enjoy identical right and privileges. It also promotes unity, integrity and fraterrity among the people.

12. Universal Adult Franchise: The makers of the Indian Constitution provided for the Universal Adult Franchise for all citizens without any discrimination based on caste, colour, creed, community, language, religion, region, sex, property etc. At the beginning, Adult Franchise was given to all the citizens who attained the age of 21 years. Later voting age was reduced to 18 years through the 61^st Constitution Amendment Act in 1988.

13. Bicameralism : The Constitution of India introduced Bi-cameralism at the National level. Accordingly, the Indian Parliament consists of two houses namely the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and the Lok Sabha (Lower house). While the Rajya Sabha represents the states, the Lok Sabha represents the people.

14. Panchayati Raj and Nagar Palika Acts : The Panchayati Raj and Nagar Palikas Acts are recent features of our constitution. The 73^rd and 74^th constitutional recognition to the rural and urban local governments which came into force in 1993 and 1994 respectively had become operative all over the territory of India. The ideas of democratic decentralisation or the grassroof democracy are realised by these acts. These Acts provides for adequate representation for Womem, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled tribes and other Weaker Sections in the policy making bodies of the Local governments.

15. Special Provisions Relating to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes : Indian Constitution hinted out certain specific directives for the development of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in India. It enabled the union and state governments to review the steps taken for the improvement of backward classes through setting up o^ independent commissions. In this regard the union government was authorised to act as a coordinator between various state governments.

Question 22. What are the differences between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?

Answer: Fundamental rights and Directive principles of State Policy are two important features of the Indian constitution, both are important from the social perspective. They differ from one another as under.

Fundamental Rights	Directive Principles of State Policy
1. Fundamental Rights are negative in nature. The State restrained from doing something detrimental to the individual.	DPSP are positive in nature. The State’s activity to transform the socially and Economically.
2. These are Justifiable in courts. Courts issue writ orders for implementation of these FRs under Article 32.	DPSP are not justifiable. Courts cannot compel the government of implement them.
3. Article 13 states that any law or order made violating the provisions of FRs become void.	No law will be declared void on the ground that, it violated DPSR
4. FRs concerned about the citizens and protects the individual liberty and life.	DPSP are aimed at development and welfare of the nation in social, political and economic aspects.
5. Whenever a conflict aris between FRs and DPSp, FRs override DPSP.	DPSP cannot override Fundamental Rights of an individual.
6. These are enumerated in Part III of constitution Articles from 12 to 35.	These are enumerated in Part IV of Constitution Articles from 36 to 51.
7. No Separate Legislation is required to enact or implement the Fundamental Rights.	To implement the DPSP, separate Legislation is to be passed.
8. These are orders to the state and successive governments from the constitution.	These are the advises for successive governments for implementation of the special and ideals of constitution makers.
9. Whoever be in the, government, FRs shall be implemented.	DPSP can be implemented according to the will and wish of the persons in government Because there may be constraints in implementation like lack of resources, opposition from various groups etc.
10. The concept of Fundamental Rights was borrowed from the American Constitution.	The concept of Directive principles of State Policy was borrowed from the Irish Constitution.

Question 23. Explain the powers and functions of Indian Parliament.

Answer: Indain Parliament is bicameral. It consists of two Houses – Rajy Sabha and Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha or “The Council of States’ is the Upper House. It contains the representatives of the States. The Lok Sabha or ‘The House of the People’ Is the Lower House. It is a popular House and contains representatives of the people. It is the pivot of all political activity. The Parliament is the highest law-making body in our country. It has extensive povvers and performs a variety of functions which are listed below.

1. Legislative Power : The main function of the Indian Parliament is law making. It makes laws on all the subjects mentioned in the Union List and Concurrent List. Under, certain circumstances, it also makes laws on the subjects mentioned in the State List. Further it also makes laws on the matters that are not included in any of the three lists i.e., on residuary matters.

2. Executive Powers : Another important function of the Indian Parliament is controlling the Executive (Union Council of Ministers). Parliament controls the Executive through various ways, such as by asking questions, supplementary quetions and by introducing adjournment motions and no confidence resolutions against the Ministry. Hence the survival of the Government depends upon the will of the members in the Lower House. The executive remains in office so long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha.

3. Financial Powers : The Parliament controls the financial resources of the nation. It accepts the budget and other money bills required by the Government. Its permission is needed for the Goveminent for imposing and collecting tax and for revising the existing tax rates. In this regard the Lok Sabha has more financial powers than the Rajya Sabha. All money, bills shall at first be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has to accept all money bills sent by the Lok Sabha within 14 days. It approves the railway budget, appropriation bill and other money bills.

4. Constitutional Powers : The Parliament takes initiative for changing the provisions of the Constitution according to the changing times. Bills relating to the Constitution amendments may be introduced in either House. There are three methods of amending the Constitution.

5. Judicial Powers : The Parliament has certain judicial powers and functions. It has the power to remove the President and Vice President. The procedure is called impeachment. It has also the power to recommend to the President the removal of the higher officials of the country such as the Chief justice and judges of Supreme Court, High Court and the Chairman and other members of UPS C., Chief Election Commissioner etc., for violation certain principles.

6. Electoral Powers : The Parliament also serves as an electoral college. It participates in the election of the President and Vice President. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker who act as the presiding officers are elected by the members of Lok Sabha. The Deputy Chairman is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha.

7. Deliberative Powers : The Parliament acts as the highest forum and direct agency of public opinion. Its members discuss various issues of national and international significance. They demand the Government to solve the people’s problems.

8. Miscellaneous Powers : In addition to the above, the Indian Parliament has also the power to a) Create of abolish Legislative Councils b) Change the names and boundaries of the States etc.

Conclusion : A look at the powers and functions of the Indian Parliament shows that it is the centre of legislative activity and political activity of our country.

Question 24. Write about the functions of Supreme Court of India.

Answer: Functions: Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court may be categorized as original, appellate and advisory.

i. Original Jurisdiction : Under the jurisdiction the Supreme Court can settle disputes a) between the Centre and one or more states, b) between the centre and any state or states on the one side and one or other states on the other or c) between two or more states.

ii. Appellate Jurisdiction : Under the appellate jurisdiction the Supreme Court can hear appeals on the following cases: a) Constitutional cases : An appeal can be made to the Supreme Court in cases which relate to the interpretation of the Constitution.

b) Civil Cases : In a civil case also, an appeal can be made to the Supreme Court against a decision of a High Court. In these cases, the High Court must certify that the case involves a substantial question of law as to the interpretatin of the Constitution.

c) Criminal Cases: An appeal can be made in the Supreme Court against any Judgement. Final order to sentence is given by a high court. In criminal matters ordinarily, the high courts are the final courts of appeal. But, the supreme court has been given the special power by the constitution to hear appeal against the decisions of high courts in criminal matters.

iii) Advisory Juridiction : The Supreme Court has some advisory powers also. The President of India can seek the opinion of the court, if there is a question of law or fact where the interpretation of the constitution is involved. The Supreme Court may give its opinion on the President’s reference with regard to any matter.

iv. Miscellaneous Functions : a) Court of Record: The Supreme Court also acts as the Court of records. The judgements of the Supreme Court are recorded and considered as authoritative and serves as case laws and proceedings. These records have great evidence value for future cases.

b) Directions, Orders or Writs: The Supreme Court is regarded as the protector of the fundamental rights of the citizens. For this purpose, it has been given the power of issuing certain writs like that of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari. It can also issue orders and directions.

c) Contempt of Court: The Supreme Court can punish any one who is found to be indulged in contempt of the court. Contempt of court includes criticism of a judgement of the court Criticism of judges and the court, passing derogatory remarks against the court, refusing to abide by the decisions of the court etc.

d) Review of Judgement and Order: The Supreme Court is empowered to review any judgement given by it earlier. It can do this if a) some new facts or evidences appear, b) a fault is found according to its own record and c) there are sufficient reasons for re-review.

e) Guardian of the Constitution : The Supreme Court of India is regarded as the guardian of the Constitution. It is the supreme or final interpreter of the Constitution. The interpretation of the Constitution given by the Supreme Court is to be respected.

f) Judicial Review : The Supreme Court has been given the power to decide whether a law passed by the Parliament or the State Legislatures and the executive decisions take by the central or state governments is constitutional or not If such a law or executive decision in found unconstitutional, then it can be declared as invalid. The Judiciary in India is armed with the power of judicial review not only to safeguard the provisions of constitution, but also ensures that all the organs of the government function within their jurisdiction as per the spirit of the Constitution. Further, it also upholds the fundamental rights in general and right to property in particular. The Supreme Court protected the property rights from violation in the context of Golaknath and Kesavananda Bharati cases. These two cases are extremely important from the point of view of Judicial Review.

g) Public Interest Litigation: Even, if the victim or affected parties do not file cases any one from the general public, not involved in the case may file litigation (law suit), it is in the general public interest. It is the privilege of the court to entertain or not to entertain the application for public Interest litigation.

h) Independence of Judiciary : The Constitution of India seeks out to guarante the independence of Supreme Court of India had High Court in various ways. The conditions of services and salaries of the judges of the High Court and Supreme Court cannot be altered to effect adversely during the tenure. A judge of the Indian Supreme Court cannot be removed from office until an order is passed by the Indian President following the due process in both Houses of the Parliament of India. The resolution of Parliament has to be passed by 2/3rd majority of members present and voting in both House of Parliament

Question 24. Explain the structure of the State Legislative Council.

The election is conducted through indirect method by means of proportional representation with a single transferable vote.

Distribution of Seats:

1/3^rd are elected by the members of the State Assembly.
1/3^rd are elected by the members of local bodies.
1/12^th are elected by teachers.
1/12^th are elected by graduates.
The remaining 1/6^th members are nominated by the Governor from among persons who have distinguished themselves in the fields of Literature, Science, Arts, Social Services, etc.

Term : The members are elected for a period of 6 years. But 1 /3^rd of them retire for every 2 years. The Council is a permanent body. It cannot be dissolved by the Governor.

Question 25. Write a note on the State Legislative Assembly.

Answer: Legislative Assembly is the popular, democratic, powerful and directly elected House of the State Legislature.

Composition : There will be a Legislative Assembly for every state. The Legislative Assembly represents the people of the state. Its membership varies between 60 and 500. The members are directly elected by the voters of various constituencies in the state. The membership of the House is proportionate to the population of the state. Some of the seats are reserved for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The Governor has the power to nominate a member of the Anglo-Indian community in case he finds that the community has inadequate representation in the Legislative Assembly.

Qualifications : A person who wishes to contest for the membership of the State Legislative Assembly must possess the following qualifications.

He must be a citizen of India
He must have completed the age of 25 years
He must not hold any office of profit
He must possess such other qualifications as prescribed by an Act of the Parliament.

Presiding Officers : The Presiding Officer of Assembly is known as Speaker. He is elected by the members of the Assembly. The Assembly also elects a Deputy Speaker to conduct the business of the House in the absence of the Speaker.

Quorum : According to Article 188, The quorum for conducting the State. Legislative Assembly meeting was fixed at 1/10^th of the total membership.