FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025 Political Science: PLSIDC-151 Indian Political System

Paper Code: PLSIDC-151

Semester: 2nd Semester

Full Marks: 70

Pass Marks: 28

Time: 3 Hours

UNIT—I

1 × 4 = 4

1. Very Short Answer Questions

(a) When was the Constitution of India enforced?
The Constitution of India was enforced on January 26, 1950.

(b) Which Act was the main source for framing of the Constitution of India?
The Government of India Act, 1935 was the main source.

(c) Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly of India?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the President of the Constituent Assembly.

(d) How many schedules are there in the Constitution of India?
There are currently 12 schedules in the Constitution of India.

(e) When was the Constitution of India adopted?
The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949.

2

2. Short Answer Questions

(a) Write two federal features of the Constitution of India.

  • Written Constitution: It is the supreme law that clearly defines the powers of both Central and State governments.
  • Division of Powers: Powers are divided between the Union and the States through the three lists (Union, State, and Concurrent) in the Seventh Schedule.

(b) What is Preamble?

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The Preamble is an introductory statement to the Constitution that sets out the guiding purpose, principles, and philosophy of the document[span_15](end_span). It represents the "spirit" of the Constitution.

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3. Descriptive Questions

(a) Explain the role of the Constituent Assembly in framing of the Indian Constitution.

The Constituent Assembly, formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan, played a monumental role in drafting the Constitution:

  • Representation: It consisted of indirectly elected members from provincial assemblies, representing various shades of Indian political thought.
  • Drafting Committee: Led by Dr. B.R. [span_21](start_span)Ambedkar, this committee synthesized various global constitutional ideas into the Indian context[span_21](end_span).
  • Deliberation: Every clause was debated extensively over nearly three years (2 years, 11 months, and 18 days) to ensure consensus.

(b) Explain the ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

The Preamble enshrines several core ideals:

  • Sovereign: India is independent of any external power.
  • Socialist & Secular: Added by the 42nd Amendment, these emphasize economic equality and equal respect for all religions.
  • Democratic Republic: Power lies with the people, and the head of the state is elected.
  • Justice, Liberty, and Equality: It aims to secure social, economic, and political justice; liberty of thought and expression; and equality of status and opportunity for all citizens.

UNIT—II

1 × 4 = 4

4. Very Short Answer Questions

(a) Which part of the Constitution of India deals with the Fundamental Rights?
Part III deals with the Fundamental Rights.

(b) Are the Fundamental Rights justiciable?
Yes, they are justiciable, meaning citizens can approach courts if these rights are violated.

(c) By which Act, the Fundamental Duties have been incorporated in the Constitution of India?
They were incorporated by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.

(d) Which Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended even during the Proclamation of National Emergency?
Articles 20 and 21 (Protection in respect of conviction for offences and Protection of life and personal liberty) cannot be suspended.

(e) From which Constitution, the idea of the Directive Principles has been taken?
The idea was taken from the Irish Constitution.

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5. Short Answer Questions

(a) Write two differences between the Fundamental Rights and the Fundamental Duties.

[span_39](start_span)
Feature Fundamental Rights Fundamental Duties
Nature Justiciable (Enforceable by court). Non-justiciable (Not enforceable by court).
Purpose Protect individual liberties against state action. Remind citizens of their social responsibility toward the nation[span_39](end_span).

(b) Write two economic principles contained in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

  • Article 39: Ensuring that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth.
  • Article 41: Right to work, to education, and to public assistance in certain cases.
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6. Descriptive Questions

(a) Discuss the Fundamental Duties of the Indian citizens.

Enshrined in Part IV-A (Article 51A), there are 11 Fundamental Duties:

  • To abide by the Constitution and respect the National Flag and Anthem.
  • To protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
  • To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood.
  • To protect and improve the natural environment.
  • To provide opportunities for education to children between 6-14 years (added by the 86th Amendment).

(b) Write in detail the provisions enumerated under the Right to Freedom.

The Right to Freedom (Articles 19–22) is a core cluster of liberties:

  • Article 19: Guarantees six freedoms—speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession.
  • Article 20: Protection against arbitrary and excessive punishment.
  • Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.
  • Article 22: Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.

UNIT—III

1 × 4 = 4

7. Very Short Answer Questions

(a) Who is the head of the State in India?
The President of India is the head of the State.

(b) In which year, the first ever National Emergency declared?
The first National Emergency was declared in 1962 (during the Indo-China war).

(c) Who can initiate impeachment proceedings against the President of India?
Either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) can initiate proceedings.

(d) Under which Article of the Constitution, the President of India can declare financial emergency?
Under Article 360.

(e) Who acts as the President in the absence of both the President and the Vice President of India?
The Chief Justice of India acts as the President.

2

8. Short Answer Questions

(a) Mention two qualifications necessary to be the President of India.

  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • Must have completed the age of 35 years.

(b) Write two executive powers of the President of India.

  • Appointing the Prime Minister and other ministers on the PM's advice.
  • Appointing the Governors of States, Judges of Supreme Court/High Courts, and the Attorney General.
4 + 4 = 8

9. Descriptive Questions

(a) Discuss the procedure of election of the President of India.

The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College:

  • Composition: Elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of Legislative Assemblies of all States/UTs.
  • Method: System of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote via secret ballot.
  • Value of Votes: Formulae are used to ensure parity between the States as a whole and the Union.

(b) Under what circumstances, the President of India can declare National Emergency? Discuss the effects.

Circumstances (Article 352): Declared on grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.

Effects:

  • Federal Structure: The Union government gains power to give directions to States on any matter.
    • [span_76](start_span)
  • Fundamental Rights: Rights under Article 19 are automatically suspended; others (except Arts. 20 & 21) can be suspended by Presidential order[span_76](end_span).
  • Legislature: The life of the Lok Sabha can be extended by one year at a time.

UNIT—IV

1 × 4 = 4

10. Very Short Answer Questions

(a) Who administers the oath of office of the Prime Minister of India?
The President of India.

(b) Who appoints the Prime Minister?
The President of India appoints the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha as PM.

(c) To whom is the Union Council of Ministers collectively responsible?
They are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

(d) What is the minimum age required to be the Prime Minister?
25 years (if a member of Lok Sabha) or 30 years (if a member of Rajya Sabha).

(e) Who presides over the meetings of the Union Cabinet?
The Prime Minister.

2

11. Short Answer Questions

(a) Point out the differences between the Union Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.

Feature Union Council of Ministers Cabinet
Size Larger body (60-70 ministers). Smaller core group (15-20 ministers).
Function Vested with all powers but meets rarely. Real decision-making body that meets frequently.

(b) Write two functions of the Union Cabinet.

  • Policy Formulation: Determining the domestic and foreign policies of the government.
  • Legislative Role: Deciding on the legislative agenda and bills to be introduced in Parliament.
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12. Descriptive Questions

(a) Discuss the composition, powers and functions of the Union Council of Ministers.

Composition: Includes the Prime Minister and three categories of ministers—Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.

Powers & Functions:

  • Executive: Administers the country through various departments and civil services.
  • Financial: Prepared the annual budget and controls national expenditure.
    • [span_96](start_span)
  • Legislative: Most bills are "Government Bills" introduced by ministers[span_96](end_span).

(b) Explain the relationship between the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers.

The PM is the "primus inter pares" (first among equals):

  • Selection: The PM decides who will be included in the Council.
  • Allocation: The PM assigns portfolios and can reshuffle them at any time.
    • [span_102](start_span)
  • Coordination: The PM coordinates the work of different departments and presides over meetings[span_102](end_span).
  • Resignation: If the PM resigns, the entire Council of Ministers stands dissolved.

UNIT—V

1 × 4 = 4

13. Very Short Answer Questions

(a) Who can dissolve the Lok Sabha?
The President of India (on the advice of the PM).

(b) Who can adjourn the Session of the Lok Sabha?
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

(c) Can the Rajya Sabha be dissolved?
No, it is a permanent body.

(d) What is the retirement age of the judge of the High Court?
62 years.

(e) What is the full form of PIL?
Public Interest Litigation.

2

14. Short Answer Questions

(a) What are the different types of Bills that are introduced in the Parliament?

  • Ordinary Bills: Related to matters other than financial.
  • Money Bills: Related to taxation and expenditure.
  • Constitutional Amendment Bills: To amend the Constitution.

(b) Write a note on advisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India.

Under Article 143, the President can seek the Supreme Court's opinion on questions of law or fact of public importance. The opinion given by the court is not legally binding on the President.

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15. Descriptive Questions

(a) Discuss the composition, powers and functions of the Rajya Sabha.

Composition: Maximum 250 members—238 representing States/UTs and 12 nominated by the President.

Powers & Functions:

  • Legislative: Every non-money bill must be passed by Rajya Sabha.
  • Financial: Limited powers in money bills (can only suggest changes within 14 days).
  • Special Powers: Can authorize Parliament to make laws on state subjects (Art. 249) or create All India Services (Art. 312).

(b) What is judicial review? Discuss the scope in India.

Definition: The power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders.

Scope: If any law or order violates the Constitution, the Supreme Court/High Courts can declare it null and void. In India, this power is based on the "procedure established by law," ensuring that the state does not overstep its constitutional boundaries.

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Answer Presentation: Use tables for comparisons (like Council of Ministers vs. Cabinet) to secure maximum marks.