Class 9th Political Science Working of Institutions Case Study

Case Study 1

In India, the President is the head of the state, while the Prime Minister is the head of the government. The President is the nominal executive, whereas the real powers are exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. This system ensures a balance between ceremonial dignity and actual governance.

Questions & Answers:

1. Who is the head of the state in India?
   → The President.
2. Who is the head of the government?
   → The Prime Minister.
3. Who is the nominal executive?
   → The President.
4. Who exercises real powers?
   → Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
5. What balance does this system ensure?
   → Between ceremonial dignity and governance.

Case Study 2

The Parliament of India consists of two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the people, while Rajya Sabha members are elected by state legislatures. This bicameral legislature ensures representation of both citizens and states.

Questions & Answers:

1. Name the two houses of Parliament.
   → Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
2. How are Lok Sabha members chosen?
   → Directly elected by the people.
3. How are Rajya Sabha members chosen?
   → Elected by state legislatures.
4. What type of legislature does India have?
   → Bicameral legislature.
5. What does this system ensure?
   → Representation of both citizens and states.

Case Study 3

The Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. It controls money matters, as money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The government is also responsible to the Lok Sabha, meaning it can remain in power only with the support of the majority there.

Questions & Answers:

1. Which house is more powerful in India?
   → Lok Sabha.
2. Where can money bills be introduced?
   → Only in the Lok Sabha.
3. To which house is the government responsible?
   → Lok Sabha.
4. On what condition can the government remain in power?
   → Support of majority in Lok Sabha.
5. Why is Lok Sabha considered stronger?
   → Because it controls finances and government accountability.

Case Study 4

The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party or coalition in Lok Sabha. He/she decides policies, guides the Council of Ministers, and represents the nation. The Prime Minister is the link between the President and Parliament, making this post central to governance.

Questions & Answers:

1. Who becomes the Prime Minister?
   → Leader of majority party/coalition in Lok Sabha.
2. Who guides the Council of Ministers?
   → Prime Minister.
3. Who represents the nation internationally?
   → Prime Minister.
4. Who acts as a link between President and Parliament?
   → Prime Minister.
5. Why is the post of Prime Minister important?
   → Because it is central to governance.

Case Study 5

The Supreme Court of India is the guardian of the Constitution. It resolves disputes between states and the centre, protects Fundamental Rights, and ensures that laws are constitutional. This role of judicial review makes it a crucial pillar of democracy.

Questions & Answers:

1. Who is the guardian of the Constitution?
   → Supreme Court of India.
2. What disputes does it resolve?
   → Between states and centre.
3. Which rights does it protect?
   → Fundamental Rights.
4. What ensures laws are constitutional?
   → Judicial review.
5. Why is the Supreme Court important?
   → It is a crucial pillar of democracy.

Case Study 6

In 1973, the Kesavananda Bharati case established the “Basic Structure Doctrine.” The Supreme Court declared that Parliament could amend the Constitution, but not alter its basic structure like democracy, secularism, and federalism. This judgment strengthened constitutional stability.

Questions & Answers:

1. Which case established the Basic Structure Doctrine?
   → Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
2. What did the Supreme Court declare?
   → Parliament cannot alter the basic structure.
3. Name one element of basic structure.
   → Democracy / Secularism / Federalism.
4. What power does Parliament have?
   → To amend the Constitution.
5. What did this judgment strengthen?
   → Constitutional stability.

Case Study 7

The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of Members of Parliament and Members of State Legislative Assemblies. This indirect election method ensures that both the Union and the States have a role in choosing the head of the state.

Questions & Answers:

1. Who elects the President of India?
   → Electoral college.
2. Who are part of the electoral college?
   → MPs and MLAs.
3. What kind of election is it?
   → Indirect election.
4. Why are states included in the process?
   → To give them a role in choosing head of state.
5. Who is the head of the state?
   → The President.

Case Study 8

The independence of the judiciary is vital in a democracy. Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the President, but once appointed, they cannot be removed easily. They serve until the age of retirement, ensuring they can make fair judgments without political pressure.

Questions & Answers:

1. Who appoints judges of higher courts?
   → The President.
2. What ensures their independence?
   → Security of tenure.
3. Until what age do Supreme Court judges serve?
   → 65 years.
4. Why can’t they be removed easily?
   → To protect judicial independence.
5. Why is an independent judiciary important?
   → To ensure fair judgments without pressure.

Case Study 9

The Parliament has the power to make laws on subjects in the Union List, Concurrent List, and sometimes State List (under special conditions). This legislative power ensures uniform laws for the whole country, but also respects federalism by allowing states to legislate on local matters.

Questions & Answers:

1. Name the three lists in the Constitution.
   → Union List, State List, Concurrent List.
2. On which list does Parliament usually make laws?
   → Union List.
3. When can it make laws on State List?
   → Under special conditions.
4. What does Concurrent List mean?
   → Both Centre and State can make laws.
5. What value does this division uphold?
   → Federalism.

Case Study 10

Accountability is central to democratic institutions. The executive is accountable to the legislature, the legislature is accountable to the people, and the judiciary ensures that all follow the Constitution. This chain of accountability keeps democracy healthy and prevents misuse of power.

Questions & Answers:

1. To whom is the executive accountable?
   → Legislature.
2. To whom is the legislature accountable?
   → The people.
3. Who ensures everyone follows the Constitution?
   → Judiciary.
4. What does accountability prevent?
   → Misuse of power.
5. Why is accountability central to democracy?
   → Because it keeps democracy healthy.