SECTION-A (Short Answers)
Answer any ten questions, selecting two from each unit. (2 x 10 = 20 Marks)
UNIT-I
1. When was the Constitution of India enacted and from which date did it come into force? 2
The Constitution of India was enacted (adopted) on 26th November 1949
.
It came into full force on 26th January 1950.
2. How many members were there in the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly and who was its Chairman? 2
The Drafting Committee consisted of seven members
. The Chairman of the committee was
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
3. Mention two distinctions between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy. 2
- Justiciability: Fundamental Rights are legally enforceable by courts, whereas Directive Principles are non-justiciable
.
- Nature: Fundamental Rights act as negative obligations on the state (restricting state action), while Directive Principles are positive instructions for the state to achieve social goals
.
UNIT-II
4. Which Article of the Constitution describes India as a 'Union of States'? What does it mean? 2
Article 1 describes India as a "Union of States"
.
This means that the Indian federation is not the result of an agreement by the units (states) and no state has the right to secede from the union.
5. What are residuary powers? To whom are these powers vested? 2
Residuary powers refer to the authority to legislate on subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists (Union, State, or Concurrent)
.
In India, these powers are vested in the Union Parliament.
6. Who appointed the Punchhi Commission in 2007 on Centre-State relations and who was its Chairman? 2
The Government of India appointed the commission in 2007
.
The Chairman was Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, former Chief Justice of India.
UNIT-III
7. What are the three types of emergency powers of the President of India? 2
- National Emergency (Article 352)
- State Emergency / President's Rule (Article 356)
- Financial Emergency (Article 360)
8. Write two differences between Union Council of Ministers and the Cabinet. 2
- Size: The Council of Ministers is a larger body (60-70 ministers), while the Cabinet is a smaller, core group of senior ministers (15-20)
.
- Function: The Cabinet meets frequently to take key policy decisions, whereas the Council of Ministers rarely meets as a whole body
.
9. How is the Union Government in India constituted? 2
The Union Government is constituted of the Executive (President, Vice-President, PM, and Council of Ministers), the Legislature (Parliament), and the Judiciary (Supreme Court)
.
UNIT-IV
10. Who presides over the Rajya Sabha? How many elected members are there in the Lok Sabha? 2
The Vice-President of India presides over the Rajya Sabha
.
There are 543 elected members in the Lok Sabha.
11. How is Speaker of Lok Sabha elected? 2
The Speaker is elected by the newly elected members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves by a simple majority of members present and voting
.
12. What is judicial review? 2
Judicial review is the power of the Judiciary (Supreme Court and High Courts) to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders
.
If found in violation of the Constitution, they can be declared null and void.
UNIT-V
13. Write two characteristics of local self-government. 2
- Decentralization: Transfer of power to the grassroots level
.
- Community Participation: Direct involvement of local people in decision-making and development
.
14. Mention three tiers of Panchayat Institutions in Assam. 2
- Gaon Panchayat (Village level)
- Anchalik Panchayat (Block level)
- Zilla Parishad (District level)
15. Write two features of the 74th Constitution Amendment Act. 2
- Urban Bodies: It gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Nagarpalikas)
.
- Reservation: It mandated reservation of 1/3rd seats for women in urban local bodies
.
SECTION-B (Descriptive Answers)
Answer five questions, selecting one from each unit. (10 x 5 = 50 Marks)
UNIT-I
16. Briefly explain the salient features of the Indian Constitution. Is Indian Constitution rigid? 8+2=10
Salient Features:
- Lengthiest Written Constitution: It is highly detailed due to the geographical and cultural diversity of India
.
- Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: Some parts can be amended easily, while others require a special majority
.
- Parliamentary Form of Government: Based on the British model where the executive is responsible to the legislature
.
- Federal System with Unitary Bias: Presence of two governments but with more power at the center
.
- Fundamental Rights and Duties: Guarantees civil liberties and defines citizen obligations
.
- Independent Judiciary: Protects the Constitution through judicial review
.
- Secular State: Neutrality and equal respect for all religions
.
Is it Rigid? The Indian Constitution is not purely rigid nor purely flexible
. It is a
synthesis of both.
While basic structure and federal provisions are hard to change (requiring state ratification), many other articles can be amended by a simple or special majority in Parliament.
17. What are the Fundamental Rights? Explain briefly the Fundamental Rights of the citizens of India. 4+6=10
Fundamental Rights: These are basic human rights guaranteed by Part III of the Constitution to all citizens
.
They are essential for the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of individuals and are protected by the courts.
Six Fundamental Rights:
- Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Equality before law and prohibition of discrimination
.
- Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Freedom of speech, assembly, and protection of life/liberty
.
- Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits forced labor and child labor
.
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Right to practice and propagate any religion
.
- Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Protection of minority interests
.
- Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of rights
.
UNIT-II
18. Discuss the nature of Indian Federation. Can it be called quasi-federation? 8+2=10
Nature of Indian Federation: India follows a federal structure with two sets of governments, a written constitution, and division of powers
.
However, it has strong unitary features like a single citizenship, unified judiciary, and the power of the center to appoint governors.
Quasi-Federation: Yes, K.C. Wheare described India as a "Quasi-federal" state. It is federal in form but unitary in spirit, meaning it can transform into a unitary system during emergencies.
19. Discuss the division and distribution of legislative powers between Centre and States in India. 10
Legislative powers are distributed into three lists under the Seventh Schedule
:
| List |
Subjects |
Jurisdiction |
| Union List |
Defense, Foreign Affairs, Railways, Banking. |
Union Parliament only. |
| State List |
Police, Agriculture, Health, Local Government. |
State Legislature only. |
| Concurrent List |
Education, Forest, Marriage, Adoption. |
Both Centre and States. |
Note: In case of conflict on a Concurrent subject, the Union law usually prevails
.
UNIT-III
20. Discuss the procedures of election of the President of India. How can he be removed? 7+3=10
Election Procedure: The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of
:
- Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (LS & RS)
.
- Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of States
.
The system used is Proportional Representation by means of a Single Transferable Vote via secret ballot
.
Removal: The President can be removed through Impeachment (Article 61) for "violation of the Constitution"
.
The process must be initiated by either house of Parliament with a 14-day notice and passed by a 2/3rd majority of the total membership of both houses.
21. How is Prime Minister of India appointed? Explain his powers and functions in Indian polity. 3+7=10
Appointment: The PM is appointed by the President
.
Usually, the leader of the party having a majority in the Lok Sabha is appointed.
Powers and Functions:
- Head of Council of Ministers: He selects ministers and can ask for their resignation
.
- Link between President & Cabinet: He communicates all decisions of the cabinet to the President
.
- Leader of the House: He determines the agenda of the Lok Sabha and makes major policy announcements
.
- Chairman of Bodies: Ex-officio Chairman of NITI Aayog and NDC
.
UNIT-IV
22. Discuss the composition and functions of the Lower House of Indian Parliament. 4+6=10
Composition: The Lok Sabha (Lower House) has a maximum strength of 550
.
Currently, it has 543 elected members representing territorial constituencies based on population.
The term is 5 years unless dissolved earlier.
Functions:
- Legislative: Passing bills on Union and Concurrent subjects
.
- Financial: It has exclusive power over Money Bills
.
- Executive Control: It controls the executive through the No-Confidence Motion
.
- Constituent: Amending the Constitution jointly with Rajya Sabha
.
23. Discuss the composition and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India. 10
Composition: Currently, the Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and 33 other judges appointed by the President
.
Jurisdiction:
- Original Jurisdiction: Disputes between Centre and States or between two states
.
- Appellate Jurisdiction: Hearing appeals from High Courts in civil, criminal, and constitutional cases
.
- Advisory Jurisdiction: President can seek its opinion on matters of law
.
- Writ Jurisdiction: Issuing writs (Habeas Corpus, etc.) for enforcement of Fundamental Rights
.
UNIT-V
24. Discuss the composition and functions of Gram Panchayat. 4+6=10
Composition: It is the executive body of the village
.
It consists of a Sarpanch (President) and Ward Members elected directly by the people of the village for a term of 5 years.
Functions:
- Maintenance of village roads, wells, and sanitation
.
- Implementation of government schemes (like MGNREGA)
.
- Promoting primary education and healthcare in the village
.
- Levying and collecting local taxes/fees
.
25. Discuss 6th Schedule with reference to administration of Dima-Hasao and Karbi-Anglong districts of Assam. 10
The Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)) provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram
.
Key Features for Dima-Hasao & Karbi-Anglong:
- Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): These districts have their own councils with powers to make laws on land, forest, and inheritance
.
- Administrative Autonomy: The ADCs have the power to collect land revenue and taxes
.
- Judicial Powers: They can constitute village courts to try cases between tribal members
.
Exam Focus Enhancements
- Exam Tips: Always mention the Article number (e.g., Art 32 for Writs) to gain extra marks in Political Science papers.
- Common Mistakes: Don't confuse the 'Council of Ministers' with 'Cabinet'. The Cabinet is just a subset.
- Presentation Strategy: For 10-mark questions, use a table to show the 'Division of Powers' or 'Jurisdiction' for better clarity.