Working of institutions class 9 notes, Class 9 civics chapter 4 notes

Class 9 Political Science (Civics) Chapter 4

Chapter-4: Working of Institutions

How Policy Decisions Are Made:

• In a democracy, representatives follow rules and procedures within institutions.
• Legislature, executive, and judiciary play key roles in decisions.
• The President is the head of the state, while the Prime Minister exercises governmental powers.

A Government Order:

Government Order On August 13, 1990: This order announced that 27% of vacancies in civil posts are reserved for the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).

The Mandal Commission:

• Appointed in 1979, headed by Sh. B.P. Mandal.
• Tasked with identifying socially and educationally backward classes and recommending steps for their advancement.
• Recommended 27% reservation in government jobs for these classes.

Responsibilities of the Mandal Commission:

• Determine criteria for backward classes.
• Identify socially and educationally backward classes.
• Recommend advancement steps for these classes.

Institutions:

Institutions are arrangements in modern democracies. Democracy functions well when these institutions perform their assigned roles.

Need for Political Institutions:

Institutions involve meetings and routines that can introduce delays but are valuable for broader consultation.

Parliament:

• President
• Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
• Lok Sabha (Lower House)

The Parliament:

Parliament is the supreme authority for making laws, controlling government actions, and is the highest forum for public discussion.

Need for a Parliament:

• Final authority for making laws.
• Controls the government and its finances.
• Forum for discussion on public issues and national policies.

Lok Sabha (House of the People):

• Directly elected by the people, with 545 members + 2 nominated.

Rajya Sabha (Council of States):

• Indirectly elected, representing states and regions, with 250 members + 12 nominated.

Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha: Comparison of Powers:

• Both Houses must pass ordinary laws; Lok Sabha's view prevails in joint sessions.
• Lok Sabha has more power in financial matters.
• Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers.

Executive:

The executive comprises functionaries who make daily decisions, categorized into:

• Political Executive: Elected for specific periods (e.g., ministers).
• Permanent Executive: Civil services assisting in administration.

Prime Minister:

The President appoints the Prime Minister, who advises on appointing other ministers.

The Council of Ministers:

• Includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State with independent charge, and Ministers of State.

Collective Responsibility:

All ministers own up to Cabinet decisions, with the Prime Minister as the head of government.

Prime Ministerial form of government:

Cabinet is powerful, but the Prime Minister holds significant authority.

Election of the President:

The President is elected by MPs and MLAs, not directly by the people.

Powers and Functions of the President of India:

• Major appointments and treaties are made in the President's name.
• President is the supreme commander of defense forces.
• Assent required for laws passed by Parliament.

Indian Judiciary:

• Consists of Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts.
• Integrated Judiciary: Supreme Court controls judicial administration.
• Judicial Review: Supreme and High Courts can determine constitutional validity.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Courts protect public interest.

Independence of Judiciary:

Judiciary is independent of legislature and executive, with safeguards in place to ensure its autonomy.