History & Civics
India has a parliamentary system of governance. With reference to the Indian Parliament, answer the following questions:
(i) State any three ways in which the legislature controls the executive.
(ii) How and by whom is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected?
(iii) Mention any four financial powers of the Parliament.
Answer
(i) Three ways in which the Legislature controls the Executive are:
Interpellation: The Question Hour, Calling Attention Notices and Half-an-Hour Discussion are some of the devices to seek information from the government about its policies and performance.
For example - The first hour of a sitting in both Houses is allotted for asking and answering of questions related to matters of public importance or to highlight a grievance. It is a valuable device against injustice and slackness of the government.Vote of No-confidence: If a Government acts against the Constitutional provisions, it can be voted out of office by passing a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister, or the Ministry as a whole or any of its members. In such a case, the whole Ministry has to resign.
Monetary Controls: During the budget session a cut motion may be moved. Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts ensures that public money is spent in accordance with Parliament's decision. It examines reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.
(ii) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected from among its own members soon after the newly elected House meets for the first time. The previous Speaker does not vacate his/her office till a new speaker is elected by the new Lok Sabha in its first meeting. The Speaker is elected for a period of five years, and can seek re-election for any number of times, if he/she is elected as a member of the Lok Sabha.
(iii) The Union Parliament has following four financial powers:
- Passing the Union Budget — The Parliament has the power to pass the annual Union Budget.
- Making Supplementary Grants — If the amount authorized by the budget is insufficient, the Parliament can make supplementary grants.
- Vote on Account — If the Budget is not passed before April, then there would be no money for the executive to spend. To provide money to the executive for day-to-day expenditure till the passage of the budget, a “Vote on Account” is passed.
- Salaries — The salaries and allowances of MPs and Ministers are determined by Parliament.
Related Questions
Name any two objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement.
In India, the Supreme Court can exercise advisory jurisdiction under Article 143 of the Constitution. With regard to the President, these opinions are purely advisory.
Mention any two points about the Supreme Court that you can deduce from the passage.
The President of India works on the advice of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. With reference to the Prime Minister, answer the following questions:
(i) Mention any three qualifications required for a person to be elected as the President of India.
(ii) Mention any three types of emergencies that can be declared by the President.
(iii) Mention any four legislative powers of the President.
The High Courts and Subordinate Courts are part of the integrated judicial system. With reference to the statement, answer the following questions:
(i) Mention three cases which fall under the Original Jurisdiction of the High Court.
(ii) Who appoints the High Court Judges? Mention any two qualifications required for a person to be appointed as a High Court Judge.
(iii) (a) How do Lok Adalats help the Superior Courts?
(b) Name any three writs issued by the High Court.