Worksheet Solutions: Executive | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The branch of government responsible for the implementation of laws and policies is known as the ___________.
Ans: executive
In a government system, the executive branch is responsible for executing, implementing, and enforcing the laws and policies formulated by the legislature. This branch includes various roles, such as the President, Prime Minister, and the administrative machinery.

Q2: In a parliamentary system, the executive is primarily controlled by ___________.
Ans: the representatives of the people
In a parliamentary system, the executive, which includes the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, is elected from among the members of the legislature (the representatives of the people). They are accountable to the legislature and derive their authority from it.

Q3: The President of India can exercise a "pocket veto" by withholding assent to a bill for a certain ___________.
Ans: indefinite
A "pocket veto" refers to the President's power to keep a bill pending in his office for an indefinite period. While the Constitution does not specify the exact duration, this allows the President to effectively block a bill without outright rejecting it.

Q4: The principle of ___________ means that if a single minister receives a vote of no confidence, the entire Council of Ministers must resign.
Ans: collective responsibility
In a parliamentary system, collective responsibility ensures that the entire Council of Ministers is collectively accountable to the legislature. If a vote of no confidence is passed against any minister, the entire council must resign to uphold unity and solidarity.

Q5: The highest executive authority in India is the ___________.
Ans: President
In India, the President is the ceremonial head of state and holds the highest executive authority. While the President's powers are mostly constitutional and ceremonial, they play a crucial role in various governmental functions.

Q6: The President of India can proclaim a ___________ in the case of a financial threat to the country.
Ans: Financial Emergency
A Financial Emergency, as per Article 360 of the Indian Constitution, can be proclaimed by the President in the case of a financial threat to the stability or credit of India. This is one of the types of emergencies the President can declare.

Q7: The Indian bureaucracy is criticized for being insensitive to the demands of the ___________.
Ans: ordinary citizen
The Indian bureaucracy is often criticized for its inefficiency, red tape, and insensitivity to the needs and expectations of ordinary citizens. This criticism reflects concerns about the responsiveness and effectiveness of the administrative system.

Q8: The recruitment of civil servants for the Indian government is conducted by the ___________.
Ans: Union Public Service Commission
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for conducting recruitment examinations and assessments for various civil services and government positions in India. It ensures that candidates are selected based on merit and through a competitive examination process.

Q9: The parliamentary system in India ensures that the Prime Minister has the support of the majority in the ___________.
Ans: Lok Sabha
In India's parliamentary system, the Prime Minister, who is the head of government, must have the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) to hold office. This ensures that the Prime Minister has the confidence of the elected representatives.

Q10: The Governor of a state in India has more discretionary powers compared to the ___________.
Ans: Chief Minister
In the state government structure, the Governor is the constitutional head of the state and has certain discretionary powers, such as the power to appoint the Chief Minister and dissolve the state assembly. The Chief Minister, on the other hand, is the head of the elected government and holds executive authority but has fewer discretionary powers compared to the Governor.

Match the Column 

Q1: Match the type of executive system with the countries where it is practiced:

Ans: 1. Countries: a. United States, d. Brazil
Presidential system: The president is the Head of the state as well as the head of government. In this system, the office of the president is very powerful, both in theory and practice.
2. Countries: b. France, f. Russia
Semi-Presidential Executive: Under the system of Executive Presidency, people directly elect the President. It may happen that both the President and the Prime Minister belong to the same political party or to different political parties.
3. Countries: c. Germany, e. United Kingdom, as well as Portugal
Parliamentary System: The Prime Minister is the head of government. Most parliamentary systems have a president or a monarch who is the nominal Head of state. The role of the president or monarch is primarily ceremonial, and the Prime Minister, along with the cabinet, wields effective power.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The President of India has the power to grant a pardon or reduce the sentence of any convicted person.
Reason: This power is granted to maintain the President's ceremonial role.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The assertion is true as the President of India indeed has the power to grant a pardon or reduce a sentence. However, the reason provided is not the correct explanation because the power is not primarily related to maintaining a ceremonial role but is a constitutional responsibility.

Q2: Assertion: In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the head of government and holds significant power.
Reason: The President in such systems has the primary responsibility for making important decisions.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is indeed the head of government and holds significant power. The President has a more ceremonial role, and the Prime Minister is responsible for making important decisions, making the reason the correct explanation for the assertion.

Q3: Assertion: The principle of collective responsibility ensures that if a single minister receives a vote of no confidence, the entire Council of Ministers must resign.
Reason: This principle is designed to maintain unity and solidarity within the cabinet.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is correct, and the reason provided is the correct explanation. Collective responsibility maintains unity within the cabinet, as the entire council resigns in case of a vote of no confidence for a single minister.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the role of the President of India.
Ans: The role of the President of India includes being the ceremonial head of state and representing the country.

Q2: How is the President of India elected?
Ans: The President of India is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both houses of Parliament and state legislatures.

Q3: What are the five types of pardoning powers of the President?
Ans: The five types of pardoning powers of the President are Pardon, Reprieve, Remit, Respite, and Commute.

Q4: What are the conditions under which the President can proclaim a National Emergency?
Ans: The President can proclaim a National Emergency in the case of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.

Q5: Define "pocket veto" in the context of the President's powers.
Ans: A "pocket veto" refers to the President's ability to keep a bill pending in his office indefinitely.

Q6: What is the significance of collective responsibility in a parliamentary system?
Ans: Collective responsibility ensures that if one minister receives a vote of no confidence, the entire Council of Ministers must resign.

Q7: What is the role of the Prime Minister in a parliamentary system?
Ans: The Prime Minister in a parliamentary system is the head of government and exercises significant power.

Q8: What is the size limit of the Council of Ministers in India?
Ans: The size limit of the Council of Ministers in India must not exceed 15% of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha (or Assembly for States).

Q9: Describe the recruitment process for civil servants in India.
Ans: The recruitment process for civil servants in India is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission and similar commissions for states.

Q10: Why is the Indian bureaucracy sometimes criticized?
Ans: The Indian bureaucracy is criticized for being insensitive to the demands and expectations of ordinary citizens.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the different types of executive systems mentioned in the text and provide examples of countries practicing each.
Ans: The presidential system, semi-presidential executive, and parliamentary system are three types of executive systems. In a presidential system, the president is both the head of state and head of government, holding significant power. In a semi-presidential executive system, the president and prime minister may belong to the same or different parties, and the president is directly elected. In a parliamentary system, the prime minister is the head of government, and the president or monarch has a ceremonial role. Examples of countries include the United States, Brazil, France, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Portugal.

Q2: Describe the powers and functions of the President of India in detail.
Ans: The President of India has several powers and functions, including executive, legislative, judicial, and discretionary powers. These powers allow the President to appoint the Prime Minister, dissolve the Lok Sabha, summon or prorogue Parliament, grant pardons, declare a state of emergency, and more. The President represents the Republic of India and is the highest executive authority.

Q3: Discuss the various powers of the President, including executive, legislative, judicial, and discretionary powers.
Ans: The President of India has various powers:

• Executive Powers: Appointing the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, appointing judges, and various other high-ranking officials.
• Legislative Powers: The President can summon or dissolve the Lok Sabha, call for joint sittings of both houses of Parliament, and pass ordinances during recess.
• Judicial Powers: The President can grant pardons or reduce sentences under central laws.
• Discretionary Powers: These include the power to request reconsideration, veto bills, and appoint a Prime Minister in case of no clear majority in the Lok Sabha.

Q4: Explain the principle of collective responsibility in a parliamentary system and its implications.
Ans: The principle of collective responsibility in a parliamentary system ensures that if any minister receives a vote of no confidence, the entire Council of Ministers must resign. This maintains unity and solidarity within the cabinet. All ministers must either accept cabinet decisions or resign if they disagree, which upholds the concept of collective responsibility.

Q5: Describe the role and powers of the Prime Minister in India.
Ans: The Prime Minister in a parliamentary system is the head of government and holds significant power. The Prime Minister is responsible for forming the Council of Ministers, allocating portfolios, and making important policy decisions. They lead the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha, which further strengthens their authority.

Q6: What is the significance of the size limit for the Council of Ministers in India?
Ans: The size limit of the Council of Ministers in India is set by an amendment, stating that it must not exceed 15% of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha (or Assembly for States). This restriction aims to ensure effective governance and avoid an unnecessarily large executive body.

Q7: Discuss the recruitment process for civil servants in India, including the role of the Public Service Commissions.
Ans: The recruitment process for civil servants in India is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and similar commissions for states. Members of these commissions are appointed for a fixed term and can only be removed or suspended after a thorough inquiry by a Supreme Court judge. This process aims to maintain the independence and integrity of civil service recruitment.

Q8: Elaborate on the criticism faced by the Indian bureaucracy and the reasons behind it.
Ans: The Indian bureaucracy is criticized for being insensitive to the demands and expectations of ordinary citizens. This criticism often relates to issues such as red tape, corruption, and bureaucratic delays that hinder the efficient delivery of public services.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Compare and contrast the presidential system, semi-presidential executive, and parliamentary system, highlighting their key features and differences. Use examples from countries to support your discussion.
Ans: In a presidential system, the president is both the head of state and head of government and holds significant power. Examples include the United States and Brazil. In a semi-presidential executive system, the president and prime minister may belong to the same or different parties, and the president is directly elected. Examples include France and Russia. In a parliamentary system, the prime minister is the head of government, and the president or monarch has a ceremonial role. Examples include Germany, the United Kingdom, and Portugal. These systems differ in the distribution of power and roles between the executive branches.

Q2: Analyze the powers and functions of the President of India, discussing the extent of executive, legislative, and judicial authority. Provide real-world examples of when these powers have been exercised.
Ans: The President of India has various powers and functions, including executive, legislative, judicial, and discretionary powers. For example, the President appoints the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, dissolves the Lok Sabha, summons or prorogues Parliament, and can grant pardons. The President represents the Republic of India and serves as the highest executive authority. Real-world examples include the proclamation of a National Emergency or the appointment of the Prime Minister.

Q3: Explore the role and significance of collective responsibility in a parliamentary system, focusing on how it ensures cabinet unity and accountability.
Ans: Collective responsibility is a fundamental principle in a parliamentary system. It ensures that if any minister receives a vote of no confidence, the entire Council of Ministers must resign. This maintains unity and solidarity within the cabinet. The principle obliges ministers to either accept cabinet decisions or resign if they disagree. The death or resignation of the Prime Minister results in the dissolution of the Council of Ministers, while the demise, dismissal, or resignation of a minister only creates a ministerial vacancy.

Q4: Discuss the role and powers of the Prime Minister in India, considering their position in the parliamentary system and the responsibilities they hold.
Ans: The Prime Minister in India plays a crucial role as the head of government in the parliamentary system. They have significant powers, including forming the Council of Ministers, allocating portfolios to ministers, and making important policy decisions. The Prime Minister's leadership in the Lok Sabha and access to the bureaucratic machinery, media, and projection of personality during elections and international summits contribute to their influence. In a similar manner, Chief Ministers at the state level choose ministers from their party or coalition. The Governor of a state, appointed by the President, holds more discretionary powers compared to the Chief Minister and plays a key role in state governance.