Class 9th Political Science Working of Institutions Notes

1. Political Institutions

• Institutions are structures that make and implement rules in society.
• In a democracy, institutions like the Parliament, Executive, Judiciary, and Political Parties work together to ensure governance.
• Working of institutions refers to how these organs function and interact to govern the country.
• Understanding institutions is crucial because democracy depends not only on elections but also on the effective functioning of these institutions.

2. Main Democratic Institutions in India

2.1 Legislature (Parliament)

• Purpose: Makes laws and policies for the country.
• Structure:
  1. Lok Sabha (House of the People)
     • Members elected directly by the people.
     • Represents people’s interests.
     • Term: 5 years.
  2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
     • Members elected by state legislatures.
     • Represents states’ interests.
     • Permanent body, 1/3 members retire every 2 years.
• Functions of Legislature:
  1. Make laws on various subjects.
  2. Approve budget and taxes.
  3. Discuss policies of government.
  4. Question and hold the executive accountable.
• Role in Democracy:
  • Ensures people are represented in governance.
  • Prevents arbitrary decisions by the executive.

2.2 Executive

• Purpose: Implements laws and policies made by the legislature.
• Components:
  1. President / Governor – ceremonial head (constitutional head).
  2. Prime Minister / Chief Minister – real executive power.
  3. Council of Ministers – assist PM/CM in policy-making and implementation.
• Functions:
  1. Implement laws passed by legislature.
  2. Manage administration and public services.
  3. Maintain law and order.
  4. Conduct foreign policy and defense.
• Accountability:
  • Executive is accountable to legislature.
  • Can be removed by vote of no confidence (in parliamentary system).

2.3 Judiciary

• Purpose: Interprets laws, protects Constitution and Fundamental Rights.
• Structure:
  1. Supreme Court – apex court of India.
  2. High Courts – in states.
  3. Subordinate Courts – district and local levels.
• Functions:
  1. Enforce Fundamental Rights.
  2. Resolve disputes between Centre and States.
  3. Review laws passed by legislature (Judicial Review).
  4. Protect democracy and constitutional values.
• Significance:
  • Acts as a guardian of the Constitution.
  • Ensures laws are fair and just.

2.4 Political Parties

• Purpose: Aggregate and represent diverse interests.
• Functions:
  1. Contest elections and form government.
  2. Mobilize public opinion.
  3. Provide leadership and policy direction.
  4. Act as a check on other parties in opposition.
• Significance in Institutions:
  • Provide stability and representation.
  • Link between citizens and government.

2.5 Media and Civil Society

• Media: Newspapers, TV, radio, social media.
• Functions:
  1. Keep citizens informed.
  2. Act as watchdog against corruption and misuse of power.
  3. Promote transparency and accountability.
• Civil Society:
  • NGOs, pressure groups, citizens’ associations.
  • Play role in policy influence, advocacy, and awareness.

3. How Institutions Work Together

• Separation of Powers: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary have distinct roles.
• Checks and Balances:
  • Legislature makes laws → Executive implements → Judiciary ensures legality.
  • Executive accountable to legislature (vote of no confidence).
  • Judiciary can strike down unconstitutional laws.
• Example of Interaction:
  • Legislature passes Right to Education Act → Executive implements schools and programs → Judiciary ensures schools comply with the law.

4. Challenges in the Working of Institutions

1. Disruption in functioning
   • Frequent strikes, disruptions in Parliament reduce efficiency.
2. Corruption and misuse of power
   • Some leaders and officials act against public interest.
3. Delay in justice
   • Judicial system faces backlog of cases → justice delayed.
4. Political interference
   • Pressure from political parties can affect impartiality of institutions.
5. Weak accountability mechanisms
   • Lack of transparency in administration or decision-making.

5. Importance of Working Institutions

1. Ensures Democracy is Effective
   • Citizens’ rights and choices are respected.
2. Maintains Rule of Law
   • All individuals, including leaders, are equal before the law.
3. Promotes Stability and Development
   • Proper working institutions prevent political chaos.
4. Protects Fundamental Rights
   • Judiciary and institutions safeguard freedoms and equality.
5. Encourages Citizen Participation
   • People are aware, represented, and can hold government accountable.

6. Conclusion

• Institutions are pillars of democracy.
• Effective working requires:
  1. Accountability
  2. Transparency
  3. Independence
  4. Cooperation
• Dysfunctional institutions weaken democracy; strong institutions strengthen governance, development, and citizens’ trust.

Quick Revision Points

• Main institutions = Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Political Parties, Media.
• Legislature = makes laws; Executive = implements; Judiciary = interprets & protects rights.
• Separation of powers ensures checks and balances.
• Challenges = corruption, political interference, delays, disruption.
• Importance = upholds democracy, rule of law, stability, citizen participation.