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SOCIAL SCIENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE
CHAPTER - 01: INDIAN DEMOCRACY
VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Which political party won the elections held in 1945 in England?
Answer: The labour party won the elections held in 1945 in England.
2. When did the “Cabinet Mission” come to India?
Answer: The “Cabinet Mission” came to India in March 1946.
3. Who was the first Chairman of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer: Dr Sacchidananda Sinha was the first Chairman of the Constituent Assembly.
4. Who was the President of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Dr B.R Ambedkar was the President of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.
5. In which constitutional amendment were the words “Socialist” and “Secular” incorporated in the “Preamble”?
Answer: In the 42nd constitutional amendment the words “Socialist” and “Secular” were incorporated in the Preamble.
6. From which Latin word has the English word “Federation” been derived?
Answer: The English word “Federation” has been derived from the Latin word “Foedus.”
7. Which country is regarded as the “Homeland” of the federation?
Answer: The USA is regarded as the “Homeland” of the federation.
8. Is there a Dual citizenship system in India?
Answer: No, there is no dual citizenship system in India.
9. From which country’s constitution has the concept of India’s Parliamentary democracy been followed?
Answer: The concept of India’s Parliamentary democracy has been followed from the UK.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Why did the British government send the Cabinet Mission to India?
Answer: The British government sent the Cabinet Mission to India because the Labor Party Government of England felt the utmost necessity of a constitution for the new democratic state i.e. India.
2. According to which Act, India’s administration was governed between 15 August 1947 to 26 January 1950 and who enacted this Act?
Answer: India was governed in accordance with the provisions of the Govt. of India Act, 1935, between the period from 15 August 1947 to 26 January 1950 enacted by the Indian Government.
3. Why are the words “We the people of India” have been incorporated in the preamble?
Answer: The words “We the people of India” have been incorporated into the preamble because its authors made it abundantly clear that the actual authority of the constitution is the Indian people themselves, that it belongs solely to them, and that they are the driving force behind the creation of the Indian constitution.
4. What is meant by the term “Sovereign”?
Answer: Sovereignty is the supreme and absolute power of the state. In other words, externally India is not subordinate to any foreign power nor is India directed by any other force internally.
5. According to which constitutional amendment the two words “Socialist” and “Secular” have been incorporated in the Preamble and in which year?
Answer: The two words “Socialist” and “Secular” have been incorporated in the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in the year 1976.
6. What is meant by a “Quasi-federal” state?
Answer: A quasi-federal state is a type of state that exists between a unitary state and a federation. It combines the characteristics of a federal government with those of a unitary government. India is classified as a semi-federal or quasi-federal state.
7. Which Indian Act had introduced limited Parliamentary democracy in pre-independence India?
Answer: The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced a parliamentary form of government in a limited form in pre-independence India.
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Discuss how the ideals of the Indian Constitution have been manifested in its Preamble.
Answer: The ideals of the Indian Constitution are clearly written in the Preamble, which is the introduction to the Constitution. The Preamble starts with "We the people of India", showing that the people are the real source of power. It declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. These words reflect the main aims and ideas of the Constitution.
The Preamble also talks about Justice (social, economic, and political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship), Equality (of status and opportunity) and Fraternity (to assure dignity, unity, and integrity). These all are important ideals that guide how the country should run and how people should be treated equally and fairly.
2. Write in detail about what is meant by sovereign, socialist, secular, Democratic and Republic.
Answer:
Sovereign: India is a Sovereign state. Sovereignty is the supreme and absolute power of the state. In other words, externally India is not “subordinate to any foreign power nor is India directed by any other force internally.”
Socialist: The word denotes that there will be no inequality among Indians in terms of income, status, or standard of living. All modes of production and means of production would be nationalised. Socialism will be established through equal distribution of national income and a mixed economy. The national economy will be determined by the people. The economy of the country shall not be guided by any capitalist class of people.
Secular: India is a secular country. In India, there shall be no official or state religion. All religions are equal in the eyes of the government, and as such, there shall be no religious discrimination. The government shall not take a special interest in or make concessions to any religion.
Democratic: India is a democratic country. The country’s administration shall be governed by elected representatives of the people. The people will administer the country on their own behalf, and the administration will be accountable to the people.
Republic: India is a republic. The people will elect the state’s leader. The position of Head of State shall not be hereditary, nor shall it be filled by a person chosen by someone.
In Very Short for Quick Revision:
Sovereign: India is a sovereign country. This means it is free and independent. No other country can control India, and all decisions are made by the Indian government.
Socialist: India is a socialist country. This means the government works to reduce the gap between rich and poor. Everyone should get equal chances to grow, and the wealth of the country should be shared fairly.
Secular: India is a secular country. This means people of all religions are treated equally. The government does not support or favour any one religion.
Democratic: India is a democratic country. This means the people choose their leaders through elections. The government is formed by the people and works for the people.
Republic: India is a republic. This means the President is elected, not chosen by birth. The head of the country is not a king or queen but someone elected by the people or their representatives.
3. Discuss the objective resolutions put forward by Pandit Nehru in relation to the Indian constitution.
Answer: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru presented Objective Resolutions on 13 December 1946. These were accepted by the Constituent Assembly on 22 January 1947. They formed the base of the Constitution.
The main points of the objective resolutions put forward by Pandit Nehru are as follows:-
i. The Constituent Assembly is determined to declare India as the Independent Sovereign Republic (later on the word “Independent” was removed).
ii. A union of states shall be constituted with the British-ruled Indian territory and the erstwhile princely kingdoms willing to join the Indian territory.
iii. Social, economic and political justice, equality, religious liberty, freedom of expressing thought and opinion of the Indian people will be duly recognized.
iv. There shall be measures to safeguard the interests of the Scheduled Caste, Schedule Tribe, backward classes and the Minority people of India.
v. Importance shall be given to safeguarding the freedom, sovereignty and integrity of the country.
vi. India shall extend full cooperation for the sake of cordial international relations, world peace and welfare of the people.
In Very Short for Quick Revision:
India will be a Sovereign Republic.
A union of states will be formed with British-ruled and princely states.
All people will have justice, equality, and freedom of thought and religion.
Protection will be given to SC, ST, minorities, and backward classes.
Unity, freedom, and integrity of India will be protected.
India will help in world peace and good international relations.
People are the source of all power in the government.
Princely states joining India will have self-governance.
4. Discuss the characteristics of the Indian federal system.
Answer: India follows a federal system where powers are shared between the central and state governments. But it is not a full federal system like the USA. The word “Federation” is not used in the Constitution. Instead, Article 1 says India is a Union of States.
Characteristics of Indian federalism:
There is only one Constitution for the whole country.
There is no dual citizenship.
The central government is more powerful than the states.
Governors are appointed by the central government and act as their representatives in the states.
Powers are divided into three lists: Union, State, and Concurrent.
India is called a “Quasi-federal” or “Cooperative Federation”, meaning it is federal in form but unitary in spirit.
This system was followed to protect unity and integrity in the country.
5. Explain the important characteristics of the parliamentary form of government in India.
Answer: The important characteristics of the parliamentary form of government in India are:
(i) The Parliament of India is composed of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
(ii) All political parties contest elections, which are held at regular intervals.
(iii) Fixed number of members of the Parliament are directly elected by the people.
(iv) The party having majority in Lok Sabha or a coalition government comes into power.
(v) The leader of the majority party becomes the Prime Minister and he selects candidates to form the Council of Ministers.
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ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS FOR 1/2/3 MARKS
1. Who presided over the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly which was formed for the preparation of the constitution of India? (HSLC'23)
Answer: Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha presided over the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly.
2. Distinguish between direct and indirect election. (HSLC'16)
Answer:
Direct election is where the people directly elect their representatives (e.g., Lok Sabha).
Indirect election is where representatives are elected by an elected body, not directly by the people (e.g., Rajya Sabha).
3. Why is the Preamble regarded as the soul of the Indian Constitution? (KamrupMetro 25)
Answer: The Preamble is regarded as the soul of the Indian Constitution because it reflects the fundamental ideals, philosophy, and objectives such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, and starts with “We the people of India,” showing the people's authority.
4. Write two names of members of the Constitution Drafting Committee of India. (KarbiAng'25)
Answer:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
K.M. Munshi
5. Why is the Preamble considered as the soul, conscience, threshold and keys of the Indian Constitution? (Nagaon'25)
Answer: The Preamble is considered as the soul, conscience, threshold, and keys of the Constitution because it contains the essence of the Constitution, stating its ideals like Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy, and Republic, and it guides the interpretation of all its provisions.
6. Write the two main differences between the parliamentary democracy of India and England.
Answer:
India is a Republic, where the President is elected; England is a Monarchy, with a hereditary King/Queen.
India has a written Constitution; England has an unwritten and flexible Constitution.
7. Read the description below and answer the question that follows:
Suppose, the government has set up a hospital in a village called Dambuk. The hospital provides free treatment to the Hindus. People of other religions have to bear the cost of treatment themselves.
Can the government take such measures in a country like India? Give your opinion. (HSLC'25)
Answer: No, the government cannot take such measures in a secular country like India. The Indian Constitution ensures equality and prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion.
8. What is meant by Federal State? In which country in the world was the federal system introduced first? (HSLC'24)
Answer: A federal state is a union of states where powers are divided between a central government and state governments. The federal system was first introduced in the USA.
9. Write three main differences between the parliamentary democratic system of India and that of England. (HSLC'24)
Answer:
India is a Republic; England is a Monarchy.
In India, the President is elected; in England, the King/Queen is hereditary.
India has a written Constitution; England does not have a single written Constitution.
10. Write briefly the characteristics of the Indian Federal System. (HSLC'23)
Answer:
Only one Constitution for both Union and States.
No dual citizenship.
Centre is more powerful than States.
Governor is appointed by the Centre.
Powers divided into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
11. From which country's constitution the concept of India's parliamentary democracy is followed? Mention two differences of the parliamentary democratic system of India as compared to that country. (HSLC'23)
Answer: The concept is followed from the UK (England).
Two differences:
India is a Republic; UK is a Monarchy.
India’s Upper House (Rajya Sabha) is elected; UK’s House of Lords is mostly hereditary or appointed.
12. Why is India called Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic? (HSLC'20)
Answer: Because India is independent (sovereign), ensures equal wealth and opportunities (socialist), treats all religions equally (secular), elects its government (democratic), and elects its Head of State (republic).
13. Do you support Coalition Government? Give three reasons. (HSLC'16)
Answer: Yes, I support Coalition Government because:
It represents a wider range of public opinion.
No single party dominance ensures balanced decisions.
Promotes cooperation between different political groups.
14. For what characteristics Indian Federal system is termed as centralised Federation
Answer: Because the Central Government holds more powers, Governors are appointed by the Centre, and the States cannot secede or have their own constitutions, making it federal in form but unitary in spirit.
15. "The Indian Parliamentary system is different from that of England" – Justify. (Kamrup'25)
Answer:
India is a Republic; England is a Monarchy.
India has a written Constitution; England does not.
India's Rajya Sabha is elected; England's House of Lords is not.
Hence, though both follow parliamentary democracy, India’s system is modified to suit its needs.
16. Write three objective resolutions put forward by Nehru in relation to the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
India shall be a Sovereign Republic.
All citizens will have justice, equality, and liberty.
The interests of SC, ST, minorities and backward classes shall be protected.
17. Discuss how the ideas of the Indian Constitution have been manifested in its Preamble.
Answer: The Preamble declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, and ensures Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. These values reflect the core ideals and objectives of the Indian Constitution.
18. Write any three objective resolutions put forward by Pandit Nehru in relation to the Indian Constitution.
Answer:
India shall be a Sovereign Republic.
Justice, liberty, and equality for all citizens shall be ensured.
The interests of minorities, SC, ST and backward classes shall be safeguarded.
19. Why have the words 'We the people of India' been incorporated in the Preamble?
Answer: To show that the people are the ultimate source of authority in the Constitution, and it is they who gave it to themselves.
20. What is Parliamentary Democracy? Write any two characteristics of parliamentary democracy.
Answer: Parliamentary democracy is a system where the government is elected by the people and responsible to the Parliament.
Two characteristics:
The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha.
The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha.
QUESTIONS FOR 4/5 MARKS
1. Explain in brief how the ideals of the Indian Constitution have been manifested in its Preamble. (HSLC'22)
Answer: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects its core ideals and objectives.
It starts with “We the People of India”, showing that the Constitution derives its authority from the people.
It declares India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, emphasizing freedom, equality, religious neutrality, and people’s participation.
It promises Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship), Equality (of status and opportunity), and Fraternity (assuring dignity and unity).
Thus, the Preamble summarises the spirit and vision of the Constitution and acts as its guiding light.
2. Briefly discuss how Parliamentary Democracy is practised in India. (HSLC'21)
Answer: India follows a Parliamentary form of democracy, where the government is run by the representatives elected by the people.
The Parliament of India includes the President, Lok Sabha (House of the People), and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
The Prime Minister, who is the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha, forms the Council of Ministers to govern the country.
The government remains in power only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
Elections are held regularly, and the government is accountable to the people.
This democratic system ensures people's participation, accountability, and transparency in governance.
3. Is India a federal country like that of the USA? Explain. (HSLC'20)
Answer: India is a federal country, but not exactly like the USA.
India is called a “Union of States”, not a federation by agreement.
It has a single constitution for both the Union and States, while the USA has separate constitutions for each state.
There is no dual citizenship in India.
The central government holds more powers, and states cannot secede from the Union.
Thus, India’s federal system is federal in form but unitary in spirit, also termed as quasi-federal or centralised federation.
4. What is Parliamentary Democracy? Write the main difference between the Parliamentary Democracy System of India and that of England. (HSLC'19)
Answer: Parliamentary Democracy is a system where the government is formed by elected representatives of the people, and is accountable to the Parliament.
In India, the Parliament includes the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
Main difference between India and England:
India is a Republic where the President is elected.
England is a Monarchy where the King or Queen is hereditary.
This makes India's system more democratic and elective, whereas England’s system is monarchical and traditional.
5. Discuss the characteristics of the Indian Federal System. (HSLC'18)
Answer: The Indian federal system has the following characteristics:
Single Constitution: There is only one Constitution that applies to both the Centre and the States.
Distribution of Powers: Powers are divided between the Union and State governments through Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
Strong Centre: The Central government is more powerful than the States.
No Dual Citizenship: Citizens are Indian only, not of individual states.
Governor Appointed by Centre: Governors act as representatives of the Central government in the states.
Due to these features, India is often called a quasi-federal or cooperative federation.
6. What do you mean by parliamentary democracy? Write the name of a country where parliamentary democracy prevails. (Udalguri'25)
Answer: Parliamentary democracy is a system of government in which the executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is drawn from the legislature and is accountable to it. In this system, the head of the state is separate from the head of the government.
In parliamentary democracy, the people elect representatives who form the legislature (Parliament), and the government is formed by the majority party.
Example: Countries like India, United Kingdom, and Canada follow parliamentary democracy.
7. The Preamble is the threshold to the constitution of India. Explain. (Sivasagar'25)
Answer: The Preamble is often referred to as the threshold of the Constitution because it serves as an introduction that summarises the guiding principles and objectives of the Constitution.
It begins with “We the People of India”, showing that the power lies with the people.
It outlines the ideals of Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy, and Republic.
It also guarantees Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity to the citizens.
Thus, the Preamble reflects the spirit, vision, and mission of the Constitution and acts like a doorway to understanding the Constitution.
8. Write two characteristics of the Indian Federal System. Why did the makers of the Constitution of India follow the constitution of Canada while choosing the federal system for India?
Answer:
Two characteristics of Indian Federal System:
There is only one Constitution for both the Union and the States.
The powers are divided between the Centre and the States through three lists – Union, State, and Concurrent.
Why Canada was followed instead of the USA:
The USA follows a strong federal system with dual citizenship, separate constitutions for each state, and more autonomy to the states. The Indian leaders feared such a structure could lead to threats to national unity in a newly independent and diverse India. Hence, the Canadian model of a strong centralised federation was chosen to preserve national integrity and unity.
9. Discuss the characteristics of the Indian Federal System.
Answer: The Indian Federal System has the following characteristics:
Single Constitution: India has one unified constitution for the Union and States.
Distribution of Powers: The powers are divided through three lists – Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
No Dual Citizenship: Citizens are Indian only, not of any specific state.
Strong Central Government: The Centre has more power than the States.
Governors Appointed by Centre: Governors act as representatives of the Central Government in states.
Unitary in Emergency: During national emergencies, India acts like a unitary state.
Due to these features, India is called a quasi-federal or centralised federation.
10. Discuss how the ideals of the Indian Constitution have been manifested in its Preamble.
Answer: The Preamble reflects the ideals and goals of the Indian Constitution.
The phrase “We the People of India” shows that the people are the source of all authority.
It describes India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic, highlighting political and social values.
It guarantees Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (of thought, belief, expression), Equality (of status and opportunity), and Fraternity (to ensure dignity and unity).
These ideals were inspired by the Objective Resolutions presented by Jawaharlal Nehru and serve as the foundation for governance and citizen rights.
11. What is parliamentary democracy? Write two characteristics of the parliamentary form of Government of India.
Answer: Parliamentary democracy is a system of governance where the executive is responsible to the legislature, and the head of government (Prime Minister) is elected from the majority party in the parliament.
Two characteristics of India’s parliamentary system:
Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If it loses confidence, it must resign.
Bicameral Legislature: Indian Parliament has two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
12. Why did the makers of the Constitution of India follow the constitution of Canada instead of USA?
Answer: The makers of the Constitution of India followed the Canadian model instead of the USA for the following reasons:
The USA provides more powers and autonomy to the states, with dual citizenship and separate state constitutions, which could lead to disunity in a diverse country like India.
The Canadian constitution ensures a strong central government, with provinces having limited autonomy.
This model was better suited for India’s unity, diversity, and integrity, and helped in creating a centralised yet cooperative federal system.
13. Mention the important characteristics of parliamentary form of government in India.
Answer: Important characteristics of the Parliamentary system in India are:
Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Bicameral Legislature: Indian Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
Leadership of Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the head of the government and leads the Council of Ministers.
Majority Rule: The political party or coalition having majority in Lok Sabha forms the government.
Real and Nominal Head: The President is the nominal head, while the Prime Minister is the real executive authority.
14. Write three features of the Indian federal system.
Answer:
Three important features of the Indian federal system are:
Single Constitution: There is only one Constitution for both the Union and the States.
Division of Powers: Powers are divided between Centre and States through three lists – Union, State, and Concurrent.
Strong Centre: The Central government is more powerful than State governments.
India’s federal system is therefore called quasi-federal or federal in form, unitary in spirit.
15. Why are the words 'We the people of India' have been incorporated in the Preamble?
Answer:
The words ‘We the People of India’ in the Preamble signify that:
The Constitution derives its power from the people, not from any monarch or external force.
The people are the source of authority behind the Constitution and its laws.
It reflects popular sovereignty, meaning the citizens have the ultimate power in a democratic system.
This shows the democratic foundation of the Indian Constitution.
16. Write the difference between the Federal Democracy of England and India.
Answer:
India is republican and federal, while England is a constitutional monarchy and unitary.
17. What is meant by Quasi Federal State? Discuss any two characteristics of the Indian Federal System.
Answer: A Quasi-Federal State is one which has features of both federal and unitary systems. India is described as quasi-federal because it is federal in form but unitary in spirit.
Two characteristics of Indian Federal System:
Single Constitution: There is one Constitution for the whole country.
Stronger Centre: The central government has more powers than the states, and during emergencies, the system becomes completely unitary.
18. Is India a federal country like that of the USA? Explain in short.
Answer:
India is not a federal country like the USA.
The USA has dual citizenship, separate constitutions for each state, and equal power-sharing.
India has a single Constitution, no dual citizenship, and greater powers with the central government.
Therefore, India is considered a quasi-federal or centralised federal system, not a true federation like the USA.
19. Write three names of the members of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India.
Answer:
Three members of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution of India are:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Chairman)
Alladi Krishnaswami Iyer
K. M. Munshi
Other members included N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Syed Mohammad Saadulla, N. Madhava Rao (replaced D. P. Khaitan after his death).
INDIAN DEMOCRACY - DETAILED REVISION NOTES
Introduction to Indian Democracy
India became independent on 15 August 1947 and became the world's largest democracy.
The Constitution is essential for a democratic country. The Constitution and democracy are interdependent.
Constitution-making began even before independence.
In the 1945 elections, the Labour Party won in England and decided to grant India independence.
Cabinet Mission (March 1946) was sent to India to prepare for constitutional framing.
Constituent Assembly's first meeting: 9 December 1946.
Dr. Sacchidananda Sinha: Presided over the first meeting.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad: Elected permanent President.
Drafting Committee formed: 29 August 1947.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Chairman.
Constitution finalized: 26 November 1949.
Came into force: 26 January 1950.
Between 15 August 1947 and 26 January 1950, India was governed under the Government of India Act, 1935.
Ideals of the Constitution (As Stated in the Preamble)
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution:
Acts as the introduction, soul, conscience, and key to the Constitution.
Begins with: "We the People of India" indicating people's sovereignty.
Declares India as:
Sovereign: Independent in internal and external affairs.
Socialist: Economic equality and state-regulated economy (added in 1976 via 42nd Amendment).
Secular: No official religion; equal treatment to all religions (added in 1976).
Democratic: Elected representatives govern on behalf of the people.
Republic: Head of state is elected, not hereditary.
Aims to Secure:
Justice: Social, economic, and political.
Liberty: Of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
Equality: Of status and opportunity.
Fraternity: To assure dignity of the individual and unity and integrity of the nation.
Objective Resolutions by Pandit Nehru (13 December 1946)
Accepted by the Constituent Assembly: 22 January 1947.
Became the foundation of the Constitution.
Key Points of the Resolutions:
India to be declared an Independent Sovereign Republic.
A Union of States to be formed including British-ruled and princely states.
Guarantee of justice, equality, liberty, and freedom of expression.
Protection of interests of SCs, STs, minorities, and backward classes.
Emphasis on sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
India contributes to world peace and friendly international relations.
People are the ultimate source of all power.
Princely states joining India would enjoy self-governance.
Federal Characteristics of the Indian Constitution
Definition:
Derived from the Latin word "Foedus" meaning agreement/treaty.
A federal state is a union where power is shared between the central government and the constituent states.
Historical Context:
Federalism introduced in India by Government of India Act, 1935.
The Indian Constitution adopted a quasi-federal model based on the Canadian system instead of the USA.
Why Canada over the USA?
The USA grants dual citizenship and separate state constitutions.
Indian makers feared this would harm unity and integrity.
India adopted a strong Centre with no dual citizenship or separate state constitutions.
Features of Indian Federalism:
Single Constitution for the entire country.
No dual citizenship.
The Central Government is stronger than the states.
Governors appointed by the Centre, act as its representatives.
Three Lists of Power: Union, State, Concurrent.
Described as:
Quasi-federal
Centralised federation
Cooperative federation
Federal in form, unitary in spirit
Debate and Reform:
Sarkaria Commission was set up in 1983 to review Centre-State relations.
Conflicts between Centre and States indicate the need for balanced reform.
Parliamentary Democracy in India
Definition:
A system where the executive derives its legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is accountable to it.
Indian Parliament = President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha.
Development in India:
Adopted from England but customized to Indian needs.
Influenced by Govt. of India Act, 1935.
Unique Indian Features:
Indianized version of English model.
Parliamentary democracy suited to Indian socio-political environment.
Key Points:
The executive is accountable to the legislature.
Elections are held periodically.
Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
Bicameral legislature (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha).
Drafting Committee Members:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Chairman)
N. Gopalaswami Ayengar
Alladi Krishnaswami Iyer
K. M. Munshi
Syed Mohammad Sadulla
N. Madhava Rao
D. P. Khaitan
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Final Words
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