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Solved 2025: Indian Political System Solutions

Paper Code: PLSDSM-251/252
Exam Year: 2025
Semester: 4th Semester (FYUG)
Full Marks: 70
Time: 3 Hours
Subject: Political Science

UNIT-I

2 Marks

Question 1(a): Two Features of Fundamental Rights

Two essential features of Fundamental Rights in India are:

  • Justiciability: These rights are enforceable by the courts, and citizens can move the Supreme Court or High Courts if they are violated.
  • Not Absolute: They are subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by the state in the interest of public order, morality, and sovereignty.
    • 2 Marks

    Question 1(b): Two Socialist Directive Principles

    Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) based on socialist principles include:

  • Article 39: The state shall direct its policy toward securing the right to an adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
  • Article 41: The state shall make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education, and to public assistance in cases of unemployment or old age.
    • 2 Marks

    Question 1(c): Two Features of Right to Equality

    The Right to Equality (Articles 14-18) features include:

  • Equality Before Law: The state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws.
  • Prohibition of Discrimination: Discrimination against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth is prohibited.
    • 10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 2(a): Philosophy of the Constitution in the Preamble

    The Preamble serves as the key to the minds of the makers of the Constitution

    . Its basic philosophy includes:
  • Sovereign: India is internally supreme and externally independent of any foreign control.
  • Socialist: Aiming to achieve socialist goals through democratic means, ensuring equitable distribution of wealth.
  • Secular: The state has no official religion and treats all religions equally.
  • Democratic: The government derives its authority from the will of the people.
  • Republic: The head of the state (President) is elected and not a hereditary monarch.
  • Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity: These are the core values intended to secure a dignified life for all citizens.
    • 7+3=10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 2(b): Fundamental Rights (Part III) and their Absolute Nature

    Fundamental Rights: Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12 to 35) provides rights like Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies

    .

    Are they Absolute? No, these rights are not absolute

    . The Constitution empowers the State to impose "reasonable restrictions" on these rights for reasons such as the security of the state, public order, decency, or morality.

    UNIT-II

    2 Marks

    Question 3(a): Two Subjects of the Union List

    Two subjects under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Union Government are:

  • Defense of India.
  • Foreign Affairs.
    • 2 Marks

    Question 3(b): What is State Autonomy?

    State Autonomy refers to the demand by states for greater political, administrative, and financial powers relative to the Central Government

    . It aims to ensure that states can function effectively within the federal structure without undue interference from the Centre.
    2 Marks

    Question 3(c): Two Tension Areas in Union-State Relations

    Two major areas of conflict include:

  • Role of the Governor: Disputes often arise regarding the Governor's discretionary powers and their perceived role as an agent of the Centre.
  • Allocation of Financial Resources: States often complain about the inadequacy of funds transferred from the Centre and the criteria used by the Finance Commission.
    • 8+2=10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 4(a): Federal Features and the Debate on a Strong Centre

    Federal Features: Dual government, written constitution, division of powers between Centre and States, and an independent judiciary

    .

    Support for a Strong Centre: Many argue a strong centre is necessary to maintain the integrity and unity of a diverse nation like India, especially during emergencies or internal secessionist threats

    .
    2+8=10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 4(b): Is India a Federation? Un-federal Features

    India is often described as "Quasi-federal"

    . While it has federal features, it possesses strong un-federal (unitary) features:
  • Single Citizenship: Unlike many federations, India has only one citizenship.
  • Appointment of Governor: The Governor of a state is appointed by the President.
  • Emergency Provisions: During a national emergency, the federal structure can turn into a unitary one.
  • All-India Services: Members of IAS/IPS are recruited by the Centre but serve in states.

    • UNIT-III

    2 Marks

    Question 5(a): How is the Union Government Constituted?

    The Union Government consists of the Executive (President, Vice-President, and Council of Ministers headed by the PM), the Legislature (Parliament comprising Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), and the Judiciary

    .
    2 Marks

    Question 5(b): Election of the Vice-President

    The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote

    .
    2 Marks

    Question 5(c): Differences between Council of Ministers and Cabinet

    Feature Council of Ministers Cabinet Size Large body (60-70 ministers). Small core group (15-20 ministers). Functions Rarely meets as a whole. The real policy-making body; meets frequently.
    8+2=10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 6(a): Election and Removal of the President

    Election: The President is elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of Legislative Assemblies of States and UTs

    .

    Removal: The President can be removed through the process of Impeachment for "violation of the Constitution" under Article 61

    .
    2+5+3=10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 6(b): Appointment, Functions, and Position of the Prime Minister

    Appointment: The PM is appointed by the President. By convention, the President appoints the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha.

    Functions:
  • Allocating portfolios to ministers.
  • Presiding over Cabinet meetings.
  • Acting as the main link between the President and the Cabinet.

    • Position: The PM is the "Keystone of the Cabinet arch." While technically "first among equals," the PM's position is dominant due to party leadership and the power to dismiss ministers.

    UNIT-IV

    2 Marks

    Question 7(a): How is Union Parliament Constituted?

    The Union Parliament is constituted of the President of India and the two Houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People)

    .
    2 Marks

    Question 7(b): Two Functions of the Speaker

  • Presiding over the sessions of the Lok Sabha and maintaining order within the House.
  • Deciding whether a bill is a "Money Bill" or not.
    • 2 Marks

    Question 7(c): Appointment of a Supreme Court Judge

    Every judge of the Supreme Court is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with such of the judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Courts as the President may deem necessary

    . The Chief Justice of India is always consulted.
    6+4=10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 8(a): Relationship between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

    Relationship: Both Houses have equal powers in ordinary bills, but the Lok Sabha has superior power in money bills

    . In a joint sitting, the Lok Sabha usually prevails due to its larger numbers. Special Powers of Rajya Sabha:
  • Article 249: Can authorize Parliament to make laws on a subject in the State List.
  • Article 312: Can authorize the creation of new All-India Services.
    • 4+6=10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 8(b): Composition and Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

    Composition: Currently consists of the Chief Justice and 33 other judges

    . Jurisdiction:
  • Original: Disputes between Centre and States or between States.
  • Appellate: Hearing appeals from High Courts in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.
  • Advisory: The President can seek its opinion on matters of law or public importance.
  • Writ: Enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

    • UNIT-V

    2 Marks

    Question 9(a): Two Hill Districts with District Councils

    In Assam, two hill districts having autonomous district councils are:

  • Karbi Anglong.
  • Dima Hasao (North Cachar Hills).
    • 2 Marks

    Question 9(b): Two Functions of Gram Sabha

  • To review the annual statement of accounts and the audit report of the Gram Panchayat.
  • To identify beneficiaries for various welfare schemes and development programs.
    • 2 Marks

    Question 9(c): Two Features of 74th Amendment Act

  • Constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Nagarpalikas).
  • Reservation of 1/3rd seats for women in municipal bodies.
    • 4+6=10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 10(a): Gram Panchayat under Assam Panchayat Act, 1994

    Composition: Consists of a President (directly elected) and members elected from various wards

    . Seats are reserved for SC/ST and women. Functions:
  • Preparation of annual plans for economic development.
  • Maintenance of village roads, drainage, and street lighting.
  • Promotion of agriculture, social forestry, and primary education.
    • 10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 10(b): District Councils and Autonomous Councils of Assam

    Composition: Composed of elected members and some nominated members by the Governor

    . They represent the tribal populations of the hill areas. Powers and Functions:
  • Legislative: Power to make laws on land, forest, and local customs.
  • Executive: Administration of schools, markets, and roads.
  • Financial: Power to collect certain taxes and land revenue.

    • Exam Presentation Strategy

  • Structure: Use tables for comparison questions (e.g., Council vs. Cabinet) to secure maximum marks.
  • Keywords: Ensure you mention "Reasonable Restrictions" when discussing Fundamental Rights.
  • Assam Focus: For Unit-V, specifically reference the 1994 Act for Panchayat questions.
  • Precision: In 2-mark questions, provide direct bullet points for clarity.

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