Working of Institutions
Working of Institutions
Grade -IX
Introduction
In a democracy the rulers have to follow some rules and procedures. They have to work with and within
institutions. In a democratic country, representatives are chosen through elections at various levels.
An important Office Memorandum No. 36012/31/90-Est (SCT) was issued by the Government of
India on August 13, 1990.
Such a big decision could not have been taken by the person who signed the document. The
instructions were given by the Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, of which the
Department was a part.
The Decision Makers
The highest formal authority in the country and head of state is the President.
Prime Minister is the head of the government and actually exercises all governmental powers. He
takes most of the decisions in the Cabinet meetings.
Need for Political Institutions
In order to settle any disputes, modern democracies have arrangements called institutions whose
powers and functions are decided by the Constitution.
Some institutions are: The Prime Minister and Cabinet, Civil Servants, and Supreme Court.
Parliament
The Parliamentary discussions influence and shape the decision of the government
Why do we need a Parliament?
In India, the two Houses are the Council of states or Rajya Sabha or Upper Chamber and House of
the People or Lok Sabha or Lower Chamber.
The Rajya Sabha has special powers over states but Lok Sabha exercises supreme power.
Political Executive
All functionaries who take day-to-day decisions but do not exercise supreme power on behalf of the
people are collectively known as executive or the government.
Political and Permanent Executive
Executives are divided into two categories – Political executive and Permanent executive or civil
services.
Political executive are the political leaders who make big decisions.
Permanent executive are people appointed on a long term basis.
Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
The Prime Minister, appointed by the President, is the most important political institution in the
country.
The body of 60 to 80 Ministers of different ranks is called Council of Ministers which includes
Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State with independent charge and Ministries of State.
Powers of the Prime Minister
The President is the head of the state and exercises nominal ceremonial powers.
Government activities, laws, major policy decisions and appointments of the government,
international treaties and agreements are issued in the name of the President.
Some appointments include Chief Justice of India, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts in
consultation with Chief Justice, Governor of States, Election Commissioners and ambassadors to
other countries.
The President is the supreme commander of the defence forces of India.
The Presidential System
In many countries of the world, the President is both the head of the state and the head of the
government.
The Judiciary
The Supreme Court, High Courts and District and local level courts form the judiciary.
Judicial review: The Supreme Court and High Court can determine Constitutional validity of any
legislation or action of the executive in the country, when it is challenged before them.
Public Interest litigation: As per directives and judgements, the public interest and human right need
to be protected by the Courts. Any violation to public interest by the government actions can be taken
to the court.