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Class 9 Polity Chapter 4: Working of Institutions Notes

In a democracy, institutions like Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary play a crucial role in governance. This chapter explores how these institutions function, how policies are made, and the balance of power between different branches of government. It also discusses the role of Prime Ministers, Presidents, and the Judiciary in decision-making and governance.



Introduction

  • In a democracy, power is not concentrated in one person’s hands.
  • Different institutions like Parliament, Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Judiciary share power.
  • This system ensures checks and balances and prevents dictatorship.


How is a Major Policy Decision Taken?


Case Study: Mandal Commission (OBC Reservations)
  • In 1979, the government appointed the Mandal Commission to identify socially and educationally backward classes (OBCs).
  • The commission recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs.
  • 1989: The government, led by V.P. Singh, decided to implement this.
  • This led to widespread protests and debates across India.
  • Finally, the Supreme Court upheld the decision with some modifications.

Importance of Institutional Decision-Making
  • Decisions involve multiple levels of approval.
  • Government policies are not decided by one individual but by institutions (Cabinet, Parliament, Supreme Court).
  • Ensures transparency, public debate, and accountability.


Need for Political Institutions

Institutions form the backbone of democracy by ensuring:


  • Rule of law (everyone follows the Constitution).
  • Separation of powers (different bodies share responsibilities).
  • Decision-making processes (laws are made through proper procedures).
  • Protection of citizens’ rights (Judiciary ensures justice).

Key Political Institutions in India
Institution Role
Parliament Makes laws and holds the government accountable.
Executive (Government) Implements laws and policies.
Judiciary (Courts) Ensures laws are followed and protects rights.


Parliament: Why Do We Need a Parliament?


Role of the Parliament
  • Represents the people (MPs are elected by citizens).
  • Makes laws for the country.
  • Approves the budget (how the government spends money).
  • Controls the Executive (keeps ministers in check).

Two Houses of Parliament
House Members How are they elected? Role
Lok Sabha (House of the People) 543 MPs Directly elected by citizens (every 5 years) Makes laws, controls government policies.
Rajya Sabha (Council of States) 245 MPs Elected by State Assemblies Reviews laws, represents states.

Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Feature Lok Sabha Rajya Sabha
Election Directly elected by people Indirectly elected by State Assemblies
Term 5 years Permanent (⅓ members retire every 2 years)
Power More powerful (can remove the government) Less powerful

How Does Parliament Control the Government?
  • No Confidence Motion – If Lok Sabha loses confidence in the government, it must resign.
  • Question Hour – MPs question ministers about government work.
  • Debates and Discussions – Parliament debates important policies.


The Executive: The Government at Work


What is the Executive?
  • The Executive implements laws and policies.
  • It includes:
    • President (ceremonial head).
    • Prime Minister & Council of Ministers (real power).

The President of India
  • Head of the State but acts on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • Elected by Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
  • Powers of the President:
    • Appoints the Prime Minister, Governors, and Chief Justice of India.
    • Can dissolve Lok Sabha.
    • Signs bills into laws.
    • Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
  • Prime Minister is the real head of the government.
  • Elected by the majority party in Lok Sabha.
  • Council of Ministers assists the Prime Minister in running the government.

Type of Ministers Role Example
Cabinet Ministers Senior ministers who head important ministries. Home, Finance, Defence.
Ministers of State Assist Cabinet Ministers. Junior ministers in Education, Railways.
Deputy Ministers Help in administration but do not head ministries.

Powers of the Prime Minister
  • Leads the government and takes major policy decisions.
  • Distributes ministries among ministers.
  • Represents India internationally.
  • Can recommend dissolution of Lok Sabha.


The Judiciary: Guardian of the Constitution


Need for an Independent Judiciary
  • Ensures laws are followed and the government does not misuse power.
  • Protects Fundamental Rights of citizens.

Structure of the Judiciary
Court Jurisdiction Example
Supreme Court Highest court in India Hears national-level cases
High Courts Head court in each state Hears appeals from lower courts
District Courts Local courts in each district Handles civil and criminal cases

Powers of the Supreme Court
  • Guardian of the Constitution – Can strike down unconstitutional laws.
  • Judicial Review – Can declare government actions illegal.
  • Final Court of Appeal – Hears cases from lower courts.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
  • Citizens can directly file cases in the Supreme Court if their rights are violated.
  • Example: Cases related to pollution, corruption, and fundamental rights.


Why Institutions Matter?

  • Institutions ensure democracy functions properly.
  • Power is not concentrated in one leader, preventing dictatorship.
  • Institutions protect citizens’ rights and maintain law and order.


Conclusion

  • Parliament makes laws and controls the government.
  • Executive (PM & President) implements policies.
  • Judiciary (Supreme Court & High Courts) ensures laws are followed.
  • Indian democracy works through a balance of power between institutions.
  • Independent Judiciary protects Fundamental Rights and ensures justice.
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