9th Class Social Science: Working of Institutions

Question: Three friends went to watch a film that showed the hero becoming Chief Minister for a day and making big changes in the state. Imran said this is what the country needs. Rizwan said this kind of a personal rule without institutions is dangerous. Shankar said all this is a fantasy. No minister can do anything in one day. What would be your reaction to such a film?

Answer: While it may look quite appealing in a movie; the real life is strikingly different. Governance in a democracy is all about taking everyone along with you. Moreover, in a large and diverse country like India, it is not possible to take decision on the whims of an individual. Implementation of a decision needs to coordination among various organs of the government and a minister is just a part of that system.

Question: A teacher was making preparations for a mock parliament. She called two students to act as leaders of two political parties. She gave them an option: Each one could choose to have a majority either in the mock Lok Sabha or in the mock Rajya Sabha. If this choice was given to you, which one would you choose and why?

Answer: I would choose to have a majority in the Lok Sabha. The leader of the Lok Sabha is directly answerable to the public and hence it can be quite challenging for him.

Question: After reading the example of the reservation order, three students had different reactions about the role of the judiciary. Which view, according to you, is a correct reading of the role of judiciary?
(a) Srinivas argues that since the Supreme Court agreed with the government, it is not independent.
(b) Anjaiah says that judiciary is independent because it could have given a verdict against the government order. The Supreme Court did direct the government to modify it.
(c)Vijaya thinks that the judiciary is neither independent nor conformist, but acts as a mediator between opposing parties. The court struck a good balance between those who supported and those who opposed the order.

Answer (c) Judiciary is independent because it could have given a verdict against the government order. The Supreme Court did direct the government to modify it.