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

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The principal role of the judiciary is to protect the __________ of law and ensure the supremacy of law.
Ans: rule
The judiciary ensures that laws are applied consistently and that the rule of law is upheld.

Q2: The judiciary must be independent of any __________ pressures.
Ans: political
An independent judiciary should not be influenced by political considerations or pressures.

Q3: The judiciary consists of three main branches: Legislature, Executive, and __________.
Ans: Judiciary
The judiciary is one of the three main branches of the government, along with the Legislature and Executive.

Q4: The convention of appointing the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court as the Chief Justice of India was broken twice in ________ and ________.
Ans: 1973 and 1975
In 1973 and 1975, the convention of appointing the senior-most judge as the Chief Justice was not followed.

Q5: To remove a judge, a motion containing charges against the judge must be approved by a special majority in both ________ of Parliament.
Ans: Houses
The removal of a judge requires a special majority in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the two houses of India's Parliament.

Q6: The Supreme Court of India has ________ judges, including the Chief Justice.
Ans: 34
As of the 2019 Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Bill, the Supreme Court has 34 judges.

Q7: High Courts hear appeals from ________ courts.
Ans: lower
High Courts have the authority to hear and decide on appeals from lower courts, such as district courts.

Q8: The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over disputes related to ________ relations.
Ans: federal
The Supreme Court has the authority to settle disputes related to the federal relations between the Union and States.

Q9: PIL stands for ________ and has become an important part of judicial activism.
Ans: Public Interest Litigation
Public Interest Litigation is a mechanism that allows individuals and organizations to file cases in the public interest, addressing issues affecting society as a whole.

Q10: The power of judicial review allows the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of any law and declare it ________ if it is inconsistent with the Constitution.
Ans: unconstitutional
Judicial review is the authority of the Supreme Court to review and invalidate laws that are found to be in violation of the Constitution.

Match the Column

Q1: Match the items in the left column with the appropriate descriptions in the right column.

Ans: 1. Judiciary - C. Protects individual rights and settles disputes by the law.
The judiciary's primary role is to protect individual rights and resolve disputes through legal means.
2. Independence of Judiciary - E. Ensures judges can perform their functions without interference.
The independence of the judiciary ensures that judges can carry out their duties without external influence.
3. PIL - D. Expanding the idea of rights through public interest litigation.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has expanded the concept of rights by allowing cases to be filed in the interest of the public.
4. Judicial Review - F. Ability to examine the constitutionality of laws.
Judicial review involves the examination of laws to determine if they align with the Constitution.
5. Original Jurisdiction - A. Settles disputes between the Union and States.
Original jurisdiction involves settling disputes related to federal relations.
6. Parliament - B. Appoints judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Parliament has the role of appointing judges to the judiciary.
7. Appointment of Judges - G. The highest court of appeal.
The highest court of appeal is the Supreme Court.
8. Writ Jurisdiction - J. Can issue writs like Habeas Corpus and Mandamus.
Writ jurisdiction allows the issuance of writs like Habeas Corpus and Mandamus.
9. Appellate Jurisdiction - I. Settles disputes related to federal relations.
Appellate jurisdiction can involve cases related to federal disputes.
10. Judicial Activism - H. Allows individuals to seek justice for rights violations.
Judicial activism often involves addressing rights violations and seeking justice.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The independence of the judiciary does not imply arbitrariness.
Reason: The judiciary is accountable to the Constitution and the people.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is that the independence of the judiciary does not imply arbitrariness, which is true. The reason provided, that the judiciary is accountable to the Constitution and the people, explains why it is not arbitrary.

Q2: Assertion: The power of judicial review is significant.
Reason: India has a written constitution.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is that the power of judicial review is significant, which is true. The reason provided, that India has a written constitution, explains why judicial review is possible.

Q3: Assertion: Judicial activism allows the judiciary to consider broader societal implications.
Reason: It restricts the courts to only apply the applicable law.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (b)
Judicial activism does allow the judiciary to consider broader societal implications, but the reason provided, that it restricts the courts to only apply the applicable law, is not a correct explanation. Judicial activism often goes beyond applicable law.

Q4: Assertion: The Supreme Court can issue writs to protect fundamental rights.
Reason: High Courts also have the power to issue writs.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is that the Supreme Court can issue writs to protect fundamental rights, which is true. The reason provided, that High Courts also have the power to issue writs, explains the context in which writs can be issued.

Q5: Assertion: Parliament has the authority to enact laws limiting fundamental rights while enforcing directive principles.
Reason: The judiciary has no role in interpreting the Constitution.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (d)
The assertion that Parliament has the authority to enact laws limiting fundamental rights while enforcing directive principles is false. Parliament cannot limit fundamental rights. The reason provided, that the judiciary has no role in interpreting the Constitution, is true.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the importance of an independent judiciary.
Ans: An independent judiciary is vital to ensure the rule of law, protect individual rights, and prevent any form of dictatorship. It acts as a check on the other branches of government.

Q2: What is the role of the Council of Ministers in the appointment of judges?
Ans: The Council of Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, and the Chief Justice of India influence the appointment of judges in India.

Q3: What is the special majority required for the removal of a judge?
Ans: A special majority in both Houses of Parliament is required for the removal of a judge.

Q4: How many judges are there in the Supreme Court at present?
Ans: The Supreme Court currently consists of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.

Q5: What are the four types of writs that the Supreme Court can issue?
Ans: The four types of writs that the Supreme Court can issue are Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, and Certiorari.

Q6: What is the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
Ans: The original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court deals with disputes related to federal relations, and it can directly resolve such cases.

Q7: Who can directly approach the Supreme Court if their fundamental rights are violated?
Ans: Individuals whose fundamental rights have been violated can directly approach the Supreme Court.

Q8: What is judicial activism?
Ans: Judicial activism is a judicial philosophy where courts go beyond the law to consider broader societal implications of their decisions.

Q9: How does the judiciary protect individual rights?
Ans: The judiciary protects individual rights through judicial review, the issuance of writs, and through Public Interest Litigations (PILs).

Q10: What is advisory jurisdiction in the context of the Supreme Court?
Ans: Advisory jurisdiction allows the President to seek the Supreme Court's advice on matters involving the interpretation of the Constitution.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the concept of judicial independence and why it's essential for democracy.
Ans: An independent judiciary is crucial to ensure that justice is served without external influence. It protects individual rights and maintains the rule of law. Without an independent judiciary, there is a risk of authoritarian rule.

Q2: Discuss the controversy surrounding the appointment of judges in India.
Ans: The appointment of judges in India has been a subject of controversy due to political influence. The Convention of appointing the senior-most judge as the Chief Justice of India was broken on two occasions, leading to disputes.

Q3: Describe the structure and functions of the Supreme Court.
Ans: The Supreme Court of India has a total of 34 judges, with one serving as the Chief Justice. It has several functions, including original, appellate, advisory, and writ jurisdiction.

Q4: Explain the concept of original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court with examples.
Ans: The original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court allows it to settle disputes related to federal relations, including conflicts between the Union and the States or among the States.

Q5: How does the Supreme Court protect individual rights through judicial review?
Ans: The Supreme Court protects individual rights through judicial review, which allows it to strike down laws that violate the Constitution. It also issues writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and entertains PILs.

Q6: What is the significance of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in judicial activism?
Ans: Public Interest Litigations (PILs) are significant in judicial activism as they allow the court to consider cases brought by public-spirited citizens, social organizations, and lawyers on behalf of those who cannot easily access the courts.

Q7: What powers do High Courts have regarding the issuance of writs?
Ans:  High Courts have the power to issue writs under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution, which allows them to protect Fundamental Rights within their respective jurisdictions.

Q8: Discuss the key issues that have led to disputes between the Parliament and the judiciary.
Ans: Key issues of dispute between Parliament and the judiciary include the extent of the right to private property, the restrictions on fundamental rights, the authority to amend the Constitution, and the enactment of laws that limit fundamental rights while enforcing directive principles.

Long Answers Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the principles of an independent judiciary and its role in upholding the rule of law.
Ans: An independent judiciary is crucial because it upholds the rule of law and ensures justice. It prevents the abuse of power and protects individual rights. Its independence doesn't mean arbitrariness but accountability, as it is accountable to the Constitution, democratic traditions, and the people. An independent judiciary is essential for a functioning democracy.

Q2: Analyze the challenges and controversies in the appointment of judges in India and the Supreme Court's recommendations.
Ans: The appointment of judges in India has been a contentious issue. The Convention of appointing the senior-most judge as the Chief Justice of India was broken twice, leading to debates. The Supreme Court has suggested the principle of collegiality in making recommendations for appointments, which aims to ensure fairness and competence.

Q3: Explain the different types of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and their significance in upholding justice.
Ans: The Supreme Court has several types of jurisdiction, including original, appellate, advisory, and writ jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction allows it to settle disputes related to federal matters, while writ jurisdiction empowers it to protect Fundamental Rights. These powers make the judiciary powerful in interpreting the Constitution and upholding justice.

Q4: Elaborate on the concept of judicial activism, its impact on society, and the role of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in promoting justice.
Ans: Judicial activism is a judicial philosophy where courts consider broader societal implications of their decisions. Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have become a significant part of judicial activism, expanding the idea of rights and ensuring justice for those who cannot easily access the courts. This has had a positive impact on society by addressing various issues.