Working of Institutions – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class 9 • Social Science
Political Science — Democratic Politics I: Chapter 4 — Working of Institutions
50 Very Short Answer Questions — How major policy decisions are taken | Parliament | Political executive | The judiciary
NCERT-aligned • CBSE exam standard
Concise revision for quick recall
CBSE Board Examinations (Systematic order):
- Learn definitions and key terms
- Memorise processes (stages of policy, stages of a Bill)
- Practice VSAQs for quick answers in exams
Topic A — How is a major policy decision taken? (Q1–Q12)
1. What is 'agenda setting' in policy making?
Identifying issues that require government attention and placing them on the decision-making list.
2. Who usually prepares a draft policy or proposal?
The concerned ministry and its bureaucracy (civil servants) prepare drafts and background notes.
3. What is the role of the Cabinet in policy decisions?
The Cabinet discusses, approves major policies and provides collective political backing.
4. When is parliamentary approval needed for a policy?
When the policy requires new laws, changes in existing laws or significant public spending (budget approval).
5. What is an ordinance?
A temporary law issued by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers when Parliament is not in session.
6. What does 'implementation' mean in the policy process?
Carrying out approved policies through schemes, rules and administrative actions by ministries and departments.
7. How can the judiciary affect a policy after implementation?
Through judicial review, courts can strike down or modify policies if they violate the Constitution or citizens' rights.
8. What is 'delegated legislation'?
Rules or regulations made by the executive under powers given by an Act of Parliament to implement the law.
9. Give one example of a body that provides expert advice during policy formulation.
Expert committees, commissions, think-tanks or advisory boards set up by ministries.
10. What is 'policy formulation'?
The stage where options are analysed and a concrete plan or proposal is drafted for decision-making.
11. Why might the executive prefer issuing an ordinance?
To take urgent action when Parliament is not in session, though it must be approved later by Parliament.
12. What is the role of public consultation in policy making?
Collecting views from stakeholders, experts and the public to make policies more effective and inclusive.
Topic B — Parliament (Q13–Q26)
13. What are the two houses of Parliament?
Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
14. Which house has supremacy over money bills?
Lok Sabha has supremacy over money bills; Rajya Sabha can only suggest amendments within 14 days.
15. What is a 'Bill'?
A proposal presented to Parliament for making a new law or amending an existing law.
16. What is 'Question Hour'?
A parliamentary time when members ask questions to ministers and hold the government accountable.
17. What is 'Zero Hour'?
An informal time after Question Hour when members raise urgent matters without prior notice.
18. Name one type of parliamentary committee.
Standing Committee (or Select Committee, Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee).
19. What does 'no-confidence motion' aim to do?
Test whether the Council of Ministers enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha; if it fails, the government must resign.
20. What is a 'Private Member's Bill'?
A Bill introduced by a member of Parliament who is not a minister.
21. How does Parliament control public expenditure?
Through budget approval, vote on demands for grants, and scrutiny by finance-related committees.
22. What is a 'Confidence Motion'?
A motion moved by the government to prove that it enjoys the support of the house (usually Lok Sabha).
23. How do parliamentary committees help law-making?
They examine Bills in detail, seek expert views and recommend amendments for better legislation.
24. What is 'adjournment motion' used for?
To draw attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance and to suspend normal business of the house.
25. What is meant by 'parliamentary privilege'?
Special rights and immunities enjoyed by members of Parliament to perform their duties without outside interference.
26. Why is debate important in Parliament?
Debate allows discussion of policies, exposes viewpoints and helps in informed decision-making and public scrutiny.
Topic C — Political Executive (Q27–Q38)
27. Who is the head of the government at the Centre?
The Prime Minister is the head of the government at the Centre.
28. What is the Council of Ministers?
A body of ministers (Cabinet, Ministers of State) headed by the Prime Minister that runs the executive functions.
29. Explain 'collective responsibility'.
The principle that all ministers are jointly responsible to the Lok Sabha for government policies and actions.
30. What is the role of the Prime Minister in policy-making?
The PM chairs the Cabinet, sets political priorities and coordinates between ministries to finalise major policies.
31. What is a 'cabinet decision'?
A decision taken collectively by the Cabinet, binding on all ministries and ministers.
32. What are 'ministerial portfolios'?
Specific departments or ministries (e.g., Finance, Health) assigned to ministers for administration and policy.
33. How can the executive act when Parliament is not in session?
By issuing ordinances, which are temporary laws until Parliament approves or rejects them.
34. What is 'administrative discretion'?
The power of officials to make decisions in implementation where rules allow choice or judgement.
35. Who appoints the ministers?
The President appoints ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
36. What is 'collective decision-making' in the executive?
The practice of making policy decisions as a cabinet, rather than by single ministers acting alone.
37. Why is political leadership important in implementation?
Leadership provides direction, prioritises policies and mobilises political support for successful implementation.
38. What is 'delegation of authority' in administration?
Transferring decision-making powers from higher officials to lower levels for efficient administration.
Topic D — The Judiciary & Institutional Interaction (Q39–Q50)
39. What is judicial review?
The power of courts to examine laws and executive actions and strike them down if unconstitutional.
40. Which is the highest court in India?
The Supreme Court of India is the highest court.
41. What is a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?
A legal action filed in court on behalf of the public interest, allowing wider access to justice.
42. How does the judiciary protect fundamental rights?
By hearing petitions, issuing writs and striking down laws or actions that violate fundamental rights.
43. What does 'independence of judiciary' mean?
Judges must be free from political or external influence in decision-making, ensured by security of tenure and safeguards.
44. Give one way Parliament checks the judiciary.
Parliament can amend the Constitution (subject to judicial review) and pass laws within constitutional limits affecting courts' functioning.
45. Give one way judiciary checks the legislature.
Courts can declare laws passed by Parliament unconstitutional through judicial review.
46. What is the role of High Courts?
High Courts are the principal civil courts of original jurisdiction in states and hear appeals from lower courts.
47. What is 'writ jurisdiction'?
The power of higher courts to issue writs (like habeas corpus, mandamus) to enforce fundamental rights and legal duties.
48. How do checks and balances help democracy?
They prevent concentration of power, ensure accountability and protect constitutional governance.
49. What is the significance of 'rule of law' for institutions?
Rule of law ensures that all actions are governed by law, limiting arbitrary power and protecting rights.
50. What is one limitation of judicial review?
Courts can review legality but may not be able to enforce broad policy choices that require political solutions; also delays in justice can limit effectiveness.
Note: These 50 very short answer questions and answers are strictly aligned with the NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Democratic Politics I, Chapter 4: Working of Institutions. Use them for quick revision and board exam preparation.