FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2024
Political Science: Indian Political System

Subject: Political Science
Course No.: POLIDC-151T
Semester: 2nd Semester (FYUG)
Exam Year: 2024
Time: 3 Hours
Full Marks: 70

Section-A

(Answer any twenty questions. Each question carries 1 mark.)

1. Who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

2. In which year was the Constitution of India adopted?

The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949.

3. Who said, "The Preamble is the Soul of the Constitution. It is a jewel set in the Constitution"?

Pandit Thakur Das Bhargava.

4. Which Amendment Act added the words 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' to the Preamble?

The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.

5. Who moved the 'objective resolutions' in the Constituent Assembly?

Jawaharlal Nehru.

6. Which Article of the Constitution of India provides for six freedoms?

Article 19.

7. Which right has been excluded from the list of Fundamental Rights?

The Right to Property.

8. What is the basic aim of the Directive Principles of State Policy?

To establish a welfare state and ensure social and economic justice.

9. Who can amend the Fundamental Rights?

The Parliament of India.

10. Name one Fundamental Right which can be enjoyed by the alien.

Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty).

11. Who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in India?

The President of India.

12. Who administers the oath of office to the President of India?

The Chief Justice of India.

13. What is the term of the President of India?

5 years.

14. Under which Article of the Constitution, President's rule may be imposed in a State?

Article 356.

15. To whom is the executive power of the Union Vested?

The President of India.

16. Can a non-member of the Parliament be appointed as the Prime Minister?

Yes, provided they become a member of either house within six months.

17. Who said, "The Prime Minister is the sun around which planets revolve"?

Sir Ivor Jennings.

18. Who appoints the Union Council of Ministers?

The President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

19. To whom is the Union Council of Ministers responsible?

They are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

20. Which category of Ministers is the most powerful?

Cabinet Ministers.

21. What is the minimum age to become a member of the Rajya Sabha?

30 years.

22. What is the quorum of the Lok Sabha?

One-tenth (1/10th) of the total membership of the House.

23. What is the maximum gap between two sessions of the Parliament?

6 months.

24. Who can decide whether a bill is a Money Bill or not?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

25. What is the retirement age of a judge of the Supreme Court of India?

65 years.

Section-B

(Answer any five questions. Each question carries 2 marks.)

26. What is the significance of the phrase 'we, the people of India'?

It signifies that the ultimate sovereignty resides in the people of India and that the Constitution originates from them.

27. Mention the three types of justice as stated in the Preamble.

  • Social justice.
  • Economic justice.
  • Political justice.

28. Mention any two fundamental duties of the Indian citizens.

  • To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions.
  • To protect and improve the natural environment.

29. Write two significances of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

  • They serve as a guide for the state to establish a socialist and welfare society.
  • They act as a moral and political check on the government of the day.

30. How is the President of India elected?

The President is elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States.

Section-C

(Answer any five questions. Each question carries 8 marks.)

38. Discuss the Fundamental Rights of Indian citizens. [8 Marks]

Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12 to 35). They are essential for the physical, mental, and moral development of individuals.

  • Right to Equality (Art. 14-18): Ensures equality before the law and prohibits discrimination.
  • Right to Freedom (Art. 19-22): Includes freedom of speech, assembly, and movement.
  • Right against Exploitation (Art. 23-24): Prohibits human trafficking and forced labor.
  • Right to Freedom of Religion (Art. 25-28): Guarantees the right to practice and propagate any religion.
  • Cultural and Educational Rights (Art. 29-30): Protects the interests of minorities.
  • Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art. 32): Allows citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of these rights.

39. What are the Directive Principles of State Policy? Are they justiciable? [6+2=8 Marks]

Definition: DPSP are guidelines or principles given to the federal and state governments of India, to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies (Articles 36 to 51). They aim at creating social and economic democracy.

Justiciability: No, they are non-justiciable. This means they cannot be enforced by any court of law.

Reasons:

  • The state may lack sufficient financial resources to implement them immediately.
  • They are fundamental in the governance of the country but represent a vast socio-economic agenda that requires gradual realization.

41. Discuss the emergency powers of the President of India. [8 Marks]

The Constitution grants the President three types of emergency powers:

  • National Emergency (Article 352): Declared on grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
  • President's Rule (Article 356): Imposed in a state when the constitutional machinery fails.
  • Financial Emergency (Article 360): Declared if the financial stability or credit of India is threatened.

42. Discuss the powers and role of the Prime Minister of India. [8 Marks]

The Prime Minister is the real executive head and the leader of the nation.

  • Leader of the Cabinet: They recommend ministers for appointment and preside over cabinet meetings.
  • Link between President and Cabinet: They communicate all decisions of the council of ministers to the President.
  • Leader of the House: They determine the dates of sessions and represent the government in Parliament.
  • Chief Spokesperson: Represents the country in international forums and shapes foreign policy.

45. Discuss the composition and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India. [8 Marks]

Composition: Currently, the Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of India and other judges (total strength determined by Parliament). Judges are appointed by the President.

Jurisdiction:

  • Original Jurisdiction: For disputes between states or between the Union and states.
  • Appellate Jurisdiction: Hearing appeals against judgments from High Courts.
  • Advisory Jurisdiction (Art. 143): The President can seek the court's opinion on questions of law.
  • Writ Jurisdiction: To protect Fundamental Rights.

Exam Focus Enhancements

  • Exam Tips: For Section A, provide direct, one-word or one-sentence answers to save time.
  • Common Mistakes: Don't confuse Article 352 (National) with Article 356 (State) Emergency.
  • Answer Presentation Strategy: In Section C, use bullet points and underline key Articles (e.g., Article 32) for better visibility.
  • Knowlet Note: Always remember that the Preamble serves as the 'key' to opening the mind of the makers of the Constitution.