1. What was the Office Memorandum issued by the Government of India in 1990?

The Office Memorandum was issued on August 13, 1990, and it introduced a new category called Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), other than SC and ST, which would be eligible for the 27% job reservation benefit.

4. What is the role of institutions in democracy?

Institutions are arrangements made in modern democracies to ensure that functions assigned to them are performed. Although these institutions introduce delays and complications, they are useful in providing a wider set of people with the opportunity to be consulted.

6. What are the essential qualifications for a member of Parliament?

The qualifications for a Member of Parliament in India include being a citizen, 25 years old for the Lok Sabha and 30 years old for the Rajya Sabha, not holding any office of profit under the government, not being insolvent or bankrupt, and not having a criminal record.

8. How is the President of India elected?

The President of India is elected indirectly by an electoral college composed of the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament as well as the Legislative Assemblies of the states in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

9. What are the essential qualifications for the President of India?

To be eligible for the position of President of India, an individual must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, not insolvent or bankrupt, not hold an office of profit under the government, and not be a convicted criminal.

10. What are the powers and functions of the President of India?

The President of India has diverse powers and functions, including executive, legislative, judicial, and financial roles. They appoint important officials, are the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, address the first Parliament session, summon or prorogue Houses of Parliament, dissolve the Lok Sabha, and more.

11. What is the procedure for the removal of the President of India?

The President of India can be impeached for violating the Constitution, initiated by at least one-fourth members of either House of Parliament. If the resolution is passed by a two-thirds majority, the other House investigates, and if charges are approved again by two-thirds majority, the President is removed.

12. What are the financial powers of the President of India?

The Indian President has financial powers, including granting permission for money bills and the presentation of the Central Government's budget in the Lok Sabha, appointing the Finance Commission, and distributing Income Tax shares to union and state governments. These powers are only executed on Cabinet advice.

13. What are the emergency powers of the President?

The Indian President's emergency powers include war, foreign aggression or internal disturbances; constitutional breakdown and its impact; and financial emergency. The President can suspend Fundamental Rights, dissolve the Council of Ministers and legislature, and control state finances.

14. What is the procedure for the election of the Vice-President of India?

The Vice-President of the Indian Union is elected jointly by the Houses of Parliament. The procedure for his election consists of a secret ballot, proportion representation, and a single transferable vote. An absolute majority of votes polled is also required for the election of the Vice-President.

15. What is the position of the Prime Minister in India?

The Prime Minister of India is the leader of the majority party in Parliament, confirmed by the President. The Prime Minister holds office as long as they enjoy the confidence of the Parliament and exercises powers on behalf of the President, holding office at the President's pleasure.

17. What are the differences between the Cabinet and the Council of Ministers?

The Cabinet is a core component of the Council of Ministers, composed of roughly 12 full-fledged Ministers who oversee significant portfolios. The Council of Ministers is a larger group with about 60 members. Cabinet decisions are binding on all members, regardless of their participation.

18. Who forms the Political Executive and what is the role of the Civil Service?

The President, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers form the Political Executive, while the Civil Service forms the Administrative or Permanent Executive. The Political Executive formulates policies, while the Civil Service executes them.

19. How are civil servants selected in India?

The civil servants at the central level are selected by the Union Public Service Commission and are called the I.A.S. office. Similarly, the different State Public Service Commissions hold competitive examinations and select officers of the Provincial Civil Service.

21. Why is the Supreme Court necessary in a federal state like India?

In a federal state like India, conflicts can arise between the Central and the State governments or between two or more states. The Supreme Court is necessary to settle or decide different disputes arising between them.

22. What are the different powers of the Supreme Court in India?

The Indian Supreme Court possesses Original, Appellate, and Advisory Powers. Its Original jurisdiction includes disputes between the Union Government, states, and citizens. Its Appellate Jurisdiction covers criminal and civil cases, appeals from High Courts, and declaring unconstitutional laws passed by Parliament or State Legislatures.