Civics 3 Flashcards
What are the constituents of our Parliament?
The Indian Parliament consists of two houses: Lok Sabha (elected by the people) and Rajya Sabha (elected and appointed members).
What is a money bill?
A Money Bill deals with government finances, like taxes or spending. It’s introduced in the Lok Sabha and has special procedures.
Who appoints the ministers in the union government?
The President of India appoints Union Government ministers based on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Who appoints the governor?
The President of India appoints the governors of the states.
Name the three categories of ministers in the Council of Ministers.
The three categories are Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.
What made our constitution makers select a parliamentary form of government?
Our Constitution makers chose a parliamentary form of government to ensure:
- Accountability: The executive is accountable to the legislature.
- Stability: Facilitates cooperation between the executive and legislature.
- Flexibility: Allows for smooth changes in leadership.
- Representation: Reflects the majority’s will in the government.
Enumerate the qualifications for election as the President of India.
To be elected as President of India, a candidate must:
- Be a Citizen: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Age Requirement: At least 35 years old.
- Eligibility for Lok Sabha: Must be eligible to be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha.
- Nomination: Must be nominated by at least 50 Members of Parliament and 50 state legislative assembly members.
What is National Emergency?
A National Emergency is a situation declared by the President of India when the country faces severe threats, such as war, external aggression, or internal disturbances. It allows the central government to take over state powers, impose stricter laws, and override state authority to maintain national security and order.
When is the President’s rule imposed on a state?
President’s Rule is imposed when a state government fails to function according to the Constitution, faces severe internal disturbances, or cannot form a stable government due to a lack of majority. Under President’s Rule, the central government takes direct control of the state’s administration.
Explain the meaning of Financial Emergency
A Financial Emergency is declared by the President of India when the financial stability or credit of the country is threatened. It allows the central government to take measures to manage economic crises, control state finances, and reduce expenditures. It can lead to the reduction of salaries and allowances of officials and affect financial policies.
How and under what circumstances can the president be removed from office?
The President of India can be removed from office through impeachment. This process involves:
- Grounds for Impeachment: The President can be impeached for violating the Constitution.
- Initiation: Impeachment charges must be proposed by either house of Parliament.
- Approval: Both houses must pass the resolution by a two-thirds majority.
- President’s Defense: The President can defend themselves before the Parliament during the process.
Bring out the differences between the Lok Sabha and the Raj Sabha.
Here are the key differences between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha:
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Membership:
- Lok Sabha: Members are directly elected by the people.
- Rajya Sabha: Members are elected by state legislatures and appointed by the President.
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Term:
- Lok Sabha: Serves a five-year term but can be dissolved earlier.
- Rajya Sabha: Members serve staggered six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years.
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Power:
- Lok Sabha: Has primary power over financial matters and can initiate money bills.
- Rajya Sabha: Can review and suggest changes but cannot initiate money bills.
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Representation:
- Lok Sabha: Represents the population.
- Rajya Sabha: Represents states and union territories.
Describe the various stages through which the bill has to pass.
A bill in India follows these stages:
- Introduction: Presented in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
- First Reading: Title and objectives are read; no debate.
- Second Reading: General principles are debated.
- Committee Stage: Detailed examination and amendments by a committee.
- Report Stage: Further amendments are discussed.
- Third Reading: Final debate and vote.
- Other House: Similar stages in the other house.
- President’s Assent: Approved by both houses and sent to the President to become law.
What role does the civil service play?
The civil service plays a crucial role in:
- Administration: Implements government policies and ensures smooth administration of public services.
- Policy Implementation: Executes laws and policies formulated by the government.
- Public Services: Delivers essential services like health, education, and infrastructure.
- Advisory Role: Provides expert advice to elected officials on governance and policy matters.
- Continuity: Maintains stability and continuity in governance between changes in political leadership.
Why is the post of Prime Minister considered to be an important one?
The Prime Minister is crucial because:
- Leads the Government: Heads the executive branch and decides on key policies.
- Policy Making: Sets the government’s main goals and directions.
- Cabinet Control: Appoints and manages the ministers in the government.
- Legislative Influence: Guides and influences laws and decisions in Parliament.
- Represents the Nation: Acts as the country’s representative in both domestic and international matters.
