Working of Institutions – Short Answer Type Questions
Class 9 • Social Science
Political Science — Democratic Politics I: Chapter 4 — Working of Institutions
50 Short Answer Questions — concise, NCERT-aligned answers ideal for CBSE exam preparation
NCERT-aligned • Board exam standard
Topics: Policy making, Parliament, Executive, Judiciary
CBSE Board Examinations (Systematic order):
- Memorise key terms and processes
- Practice short answers for 3–4 mark questions
- Use examples from Indian institutions for better scores
Content Bank — Key terms
Agenda setting · Cabinet · Collective responsibility · Bill · Ordinance · Parliamentary committee · Question Hour · Prime Minister · Council of Ministers · Judicial review · Writs · Public Interest Litigation
Topic A — How is a major policy decision taken? (Q1–Q12)
1. What is the first step in making a major policy decision?
Agenda setting — recognising an issue requiring government action.
2. Who drafts the initial policy proposal?
The concerned ministry and its civil servants (bureaucracy).
3. What role does the Cabinet play in policy decisions?
It debates options and gives final political approval to major policies.
4. When is a Bill needed?
When a policy requires new law or changes to existing legislation.
5. What is an ordinance?
A temporary law issued by the President when Parliament is not in session, on the government's advice.
6. Define implementation in policy making.
Putting approved policies into practice through schemes, rules and administrative actions.
7. What is delegated legislation?
Rules or regulations made by the executive under powers granted by an Act of Parliament.
8. Why are expert committees used?
To provide specialised knowledge and recommendations during policy formulation.
9. How does public consultation help policy making?
It gathers stakeholders’ input, improving inclusiveness and practicality of policies.
10. What is the role of bureaucracy in policy formulation?
Bureaucrats research, draft proposals and advise ministers on technical details.
11. When can courts intervene in a policy?
When a policy is challenged as violating the Constitution or fundamental rights; courts can review it.
12. Why might the executive prefer an ordinance?
To act quickly in urgent situations when Parliament is not sitting; it is temporary and needs later approval.
Topic B — Parliament (Q13–Q26)
13. Name the two houses of Parliament.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
14. Which house has more power over money bills?
Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes within 14 days.
15. What is a Bill?
A proposal presented to Parliament to make or change a law.
16. What is Question Hour?
A period when MPs ask ministers questions to seek information and hold them accountable.
17. What is Zero Hour?
An informal time to raise urgent matters without prior notice after Question Hour.
18. Give one function of parliamentary committees.
They examine Bills, budgets and policies in detail and suggest improvements.
19. What happens if a no-confidence motion is passed?
The Council of Ministers must resign; the government falls if it loses majority support in Lok Sabha.
20. What is a Private Member's Bill?
A Bill introduced by an MP who is not a minister.
21. How does Parliament control government spending?
By approving the budget and through committee scrutiny of expenditures.
22. What is an adjournment motion?
A motion to suspend normal business to discuss a matter of urgent public importance.
23. What are parliamentary privileges?
Special rights and immunities given to MPs to perform their duties free from external interference.
24. Why are debates important in Parliament?
They allow discussion of policies, expose different views, and improve law-making.
25. What is the role of the Public Accounts Committee?
To examine government expenditures and ensure public funds are used properly.
26. What is a Money Bill?
A Bill dealing only with taxation, public money, or expenditure; it must originate in Lok Sabha.
Topic C — Political Executive (Q27–Q38)
27. Who is the head of the government at the Centre?
The Prime Minister.
28. What is the Council of Ministers?
A group of ministers headed by the PM responsible for executive functions.
29. Define collective responsibility.
All ministers are jointly responsible to Lok Sabha for government policies and actions.
30. Who appoints ministers?
The President appoints them on the Prime Minister's advice.
31. What are ministerial portfolios?
Specific departments or ministries assigned to ministers (e.g., Finance, Education).
32. What is administrative discretion?
Authority given to officials to make decisions where rules allow judgment or choice.
33. When can the executive issue an ordinance?
When Parliament is not in session and urgent law-making is required; it is temporary.
34. What is delegation of authority?
Transferring decision-making powers from higher to lower officials to speed up administration.
35. How does political leadership affect implementation?
Strong leadership sets priorities, mobilises resources and ensures follow-through of policies.
36. What is the role of bureaucracy in execution?
Bureaucracy implements policies, runs programmes and provides continuity and expertise.
37. What is a Cabinet decision?
A decision taken collectively by the Cabinet that binds all ministers and departments.
38. Why is collective decision-making important?
It ensures consensus, shared responsibility and coordinated policy across ministries.
Topic D — The Judiciary & Institutional Interaction (Q39–Q50)
39. What is judicial review?
Power of courts to examine and invalidate laws or actions that violate the Constitution.
40. Name the highest court of India.
The Supreme Court of India.
41. What is a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?
A legal suit filed to protect public interest, allowing courts to address wider social issues.
42. What are writs?
Orders issued by higher courts (like habeas corpus, mandamus) to protect legal rights.
43. How does the judiciary protect fundamental rights?
By hearing petitions, issuing writs and striking down rights-violating laws or actions.
44. What ensures judicial independence?
Security of tenure, fixed retirement age and safeguards in appointment and conduct.
45. How can Parliament check the judiciary?
By amending the Constitution (within limits) and passing laws consistent with constitutional provisions.
46. How can judiciary check the legislature?
By striking down unconstitutional laws through judicial review.
47. What is the role of High Courts?
They are the principal courts in states, hearing appeals and protecting rights at the state level.
48. Why are checks and balances important?
They prevent concentration of power and ensure accountability among institutions.
49. What is the 'rule of law'?
The principle that all actions and decisions are governed by law, not arbitrary power.
50. Mention one limitation of judicial review.
Courts cannot always provide quick political solutions and judicial procedures can be slow.
Note: These 50 short answer questions and answers adhere strictly to NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Chapter 4: Working of Institutions. Use them for focused revision and exam preparation.