Chapter 4 Executive Solutions
Question - 1 : - A parliamentary executive means:
(а) Executive where there is a parliament
(б) Executive elected by the parliament
(c) Where the parliament functions as the Executive
(d) Executive that is dependent on support of the majority in the parliament
Answer - 1 : -
(d) Executive that is dependent on support of the majority in the parliament.
Question - 2 : - Read this dialogue. Which argument do you agree with? Why?
Amit: Looking at the constitutional provisions, it seems that the President is only a rubber stamp.
Shama: The President appoints the Prime Minister. So, he must have the powers to remove the Prime Minister as well.
Rajesh: We don’t need a President. After the election, the Parliament can meet and elect a leader to be the Prime Minister.
Answer - 2 : -
We agree with the dialogue of Shama because the office of the President of India is the office of respect and nominal supremacy. He is not only a rubber stamp but he can use his discretionary power at the appointment of the Prime Minister in case of no single party gets majority. The Council of Ministers is answerable to the people. As soon as the council loses the confidence of the lower house it falls automatically. Hence, no need to remove the Prime Minister by the President.
Question - 3 : - Match the following:
| I. Works within the particular State in which recruited | a) Indian Foreign Service |
| II. Works in any central government office located either at the national capital or elsewhere in the country | b) State Civil Services |
| III. Works in a particular State to which allotted; can also be sent on deputation to the center | c) All India Services |
| IV. Works in Indian missions abroad | d) Central Services |
Answer - 3 : -
Question - 4 : - Identify the ministry which may have released the following news items. Would this be a ministry of the central government or the State government? Why?
(a) An official release said that in 2004-05, the Tamil Nadu Textbooks Corporation would release new versions for standards VII, X and XI.
(b) A new railway loop line bypassing the crowded Tiruvallur-Chennai section to help iron-ore exporters. The new line, likely to be about 80 km long, will branch off at Puttur and then reach Athipattu near the port.
(c) The three-member sub-divisional committee formed to verify suicide by farmers in Ramayampet mandal has found that the two farmers who committed suicide this month have had economic problems due to the failure of crops.
Answer - 4 : -
(a) This news has been released from the Ministry of Education belonging to the State Government because Education subject is in the state list and a state can execute laws on it.
(6) This news has been released by the Ministry of Railway and the subject mentioned in Union List (Central Government).
(c) This news item belongs to Ministry of Agriculture, the subject mentioned in the state list (State Government).
Question - 5 : - While appointing the Prime Minister, the President selects
(a) Leader of the largest party in the Lok Sabha.
(b) Leader of the largest party in the alliance which secures a majority in the Lok Sabha.
(c) The leader of the largest party in the Rajya Sabha.
(d) Leader of the alliance or party that has the support of the majority in Lok Sabha.
Answer - 5 : -
(a) Leader of the alliance or party that has the support of the majority in Lok Sabha.
Question - 6 : - Read this discussion and say which of these statements applies most to India.
Alok: Prime Minister is like a king, he decides everything in our country.
Shekhar: Prime Minister is only the ‘first among equals’, he does not have any special powers. All ministers and the PM have similar powers.
Bobby: Prime Minister has to consider the expectations of the party members and other supporters of the government. But after all, the Prime Minister has a greater say in policy making and in choosing the ministers.
Answer - 6 : -
The statement of Bobby applies most to India.
Question - 7 : - Why do you think is the advice of the Council of Ministers binding on the President? Give your answer in not more than 100 words.
Answer - 7 : -
Why do you think is the advice of the Council of Ministers binding on the President? Give your answer in not more than 100 words.
The advice of the Council of Ministers is binding on the President because:
- The President is the formal head of the government in a parliamentary system.
- Article 74(1) states that there will be a council of ministers as a head to aid and advise the President.
- President will act in accordance with such advice by the council.
- After reconsideration, the President will act in accordance with the advice.
Question - 8 : - The parliamentary system of executive vests many powers in the legislature for controlling the executive. Why, do you think, is it so necessary to control the executive?
Answer - 8 : -
- In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the head of the government alongwith the President as a nominal head of the government
- The executive is responsible to the parliament and holds powers till it enjoys the confidence of the parliament.
- It is necessary to ensure the sensitivity towards public expectations and accountability to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Question - 9 : - It is said that there is too much political interference in the working of the administrative machinery. It is suggested that there should be more and more autonomous agencies which do not have to answer to the ministers.
(a) Do you think this will make administration more people-friendly?
(b) Do you think this will make administration more efficient?
(c) Does democracy mean full control of elected representatives over the administration?
Answer - 9 : -
(a) This will not make administration more friendly to the people.
In a democracy, the elected representatives and the ministers are the in-charge of the government.
Hence, the administrative officers cannot act in violation of the policies adopted by the legislature.
The administrative machinery is supposed to be faithful and efficient in policy formation and implementation.
(b) Yes, if there would be autonomous agencies, it will make administration more efficient.
(c) The elected representatives enjoy the right to make the policies but the administrative officers implement those policies effectively and efficiently. Hence, democracy does not refer full control of elected representatives over administration.
Question - 10 : - Write an essay of two hundred words on the proposal to have an elected administration instead of an appointed administration.
Answer - 10 : -
An elected administration in place of an appointed administration would be harmful because an elected administration will have instability to implement the different policies whereas the appointed administration is selected on the basis of merit to handle the welfare policies of the government in an effective manner alongwith full knowledge and practical approach of their concerned departments. Hence, the appointed administration is more efficient and capable to implement and perform the developmental functions. An appointed administration will also be able to perform the functions of planning and social welfare.