Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Forms of Government: (a) Unitary and Federal (b) Parliamentary and Presidential
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Textual Questions
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Very Short Answer type Questions
Question 1.
Describe the forms of government.
Answer:
The forms of government are.
- Monarchy
- Aristocracy
- Dictatorship
- Democracy
Question 2.
What is unitary government? Explain.
Answer:
Such a system of governance, wherein entire powers of governance of state lie with the central government as per constitution, is called unitary government. Countries, namely. Britain, Italy, Belgium, etc. have unitary governments.
Question 3.
Mention any one feature of unitary government.
Answer:
In unitary government, the sole source of power (governance) is the central government.
Question 4.
Write one demerit of unitary government.
Answer:
In unitary governance, fear of central government becoming autocratic, looms large.
Question 5.
What is federal government? Explain.
Answer:
Such a system of governance, wherein all the powers of a state are divided between union government and states, is called federal government. Countries, namely, India, United States of America, Canada, Switzerland, etc. have federal governments.
Question 6.
The word ‘federation’ is taken from which language?
Answer:
The word ‘federation’ is taken from Latin language word – ‘Foedus’. Foedus means pact or agreement.
Question 7.
Mention any one merit of federal government.
Answer:
In federal government, powers are segregated between central government and provincial governments.
Question 8.
Mention any one demerit of federal government.
Answer:
Because of division of powers in federal government, there happen perpetual disputes between the centre and its constituent (state governments) units.
Question 9.
Clarify the meaning of parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
Such a system of governance, wherein the executive is responsible towards the legislature, is called parliamentary form of government.
Question 10.
Mention one feature of parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
In parliamentary form of government, double (dual) executive works.
Question 11.
Mention any one merit of parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
In parliamentary form of government, there is mutual cooperation between the executive and the legislature.
Question 12.
Mention one demerit of parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
Parliamentary form of government opposes the principle of separation of powers.
Question 13.
Explain the meaning of presidential form of government.
Answer:
Such a system, wherein the executive is quite different and free from the legislature, and it is not responsible towards the legislature for its works, is called presidential form of government.
Question 14.
Mention any one characteristic of presidential form of government.
Answer:
Presidential form of government works on the principle of separation of powers.
Question 15.
Mention any one merit of presidential form of government.
Answer:
In presidential form of government, the government is stable.
Question 16.
Mention any one demerit of presidential form of government.
Answer:
In presidential form of government, the executive is autocratic and not answerable to the legislature.
Question 17.
At present, presidential system of governance is being called an alternative to democracy. Explain.
Answer:
Because of string of qualities, as such stability in governance, proficiency, unity in administration,non-factionalism, suitability in time of emergency, protection of civic liberty, independence of legislature and suitability for different states, presidential form of government is being considered as an alternative to democracy.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Describe meaning and forms of government.
Answer:
Meaning of government and its forms:
Government is a necessary element of a state, which proves a concrete and visible shape to the state. In this way, the institution which provides a visible – shape to the state is called government. Government is such a tool, which expresses the ‘will’ of the state in legal form, in public interest.
By enforcing laws, it provides practical form to the will of a state and punishes those who are to put impediments in its way. In the development of government, certain changes do occur in accordance with circumstances and time – cycle.
As there are disputing concepts of scholars in respect of origin of state and its nature, similarly there is no uniformity of concepts of scholars on the form of a government. State is a formless institution. Only the government provides a tangible form to the state.
There are different forms of state. Monarchy, Aristocracy, Dictatorship and Democracy are the main ones. In legal point of view, any one of these can be adopted, but at present time, democracy is considered as the best form of governance.
Question 2.
Describe the features of Unitary Government.
Answer:
Features of Unitary Government:
The following are the main features of unitary government:
1. Power of governance being concentrated in central government:
In Unitary government, the constitution delegates entire powers of governance to the central government. Hence, in this system of governance, power of governance is concentrated in central government.
2. Multiple forms of constitution:
In Unitary government, the constitution of the country may be in any form – written, unwritten, flexible or rigid.
3. The basis of powers of units (constituents) is central will:
As state units work as representatives of central government in unitary government, hence the constitution is not the basis for the powers or autonomy provided to them, instead, it is the discretion of central government.
4. Lack of division of power between center and provincial Units:
In Unitary government, a division of power between center and states is not made by the constitution. There is only one source of governance. Entire power of governance is center in central government and entire work of governance is carried out in accordance with its will.
Question 3.
Critically evaluate the unitary government.
Answer:
Critical Evaluation of Unitary form of Government:
With the help of the following points, criticism of unitary government can be done:
1. Fear of central government getting autocratic:
In this type of governance, central government becomes so powerful that it sometime gets autocratic.
2. Anti – democratic:
Unitary form of government, is not democratic. Because of governance being extremely centralized, democracy does not get success in its true spirit.
3. Governance of bureaucracy:
As entire string of powers is embedded in central government in unitary form of government, thus there is a fear of it getting tyrannical and a defector governance of bureaucracy gets established.
4.Laxity of people:
In unitary form of government, there comes a ‘decline’ of public interest in public works and it becomes passive towards state – activities / works.
5. Inappropriate for huge nations:
Unitary form of government is not appropriate for the countries with diversities. For huge states having diversities, federal form of government is more appropriate.
Question 4.
What is federal government? Describe.
Answer:
Meaning / sense of federal government:
Federal government is such a system of governance, wherein the separation of all the powers of the state is done between central government and states government. Both the governments get powers directly from the constitution. Both are free in their respective fields. The existence of both depends on constitution. Thus, federal states have dual governance system. India, Canada, United States of America and Switzerland, etc. have federal governments.
In federal government, the constitution is written, drafted, rigid and supreme. Power-division is done between central and state governments and it has an independent judiciary. This government is appropriate for big states. In this type of government, the government does not become autocratic. This government is favourable for democracy.
Question 5.
Describe the characteristics of Federal Government.
Answer:
Characteristics of federal government:
Following are the characteristics of federal government :
- The constitution of federal government is written, strong and supreme.
- In federal government, there is a separation of powers between central government and state governments. The subjects of national importance are given to central government and those of regional importance are assigned to state governments.
- For federal system of governance, there is necessity of an independent supreme Court, whose work is to interpret constitution.
- In federal government, there is a provision of dual citizenship. Every person is a citizen of union and he is also a citizen of the state he lives in.
- In federal form of government, central legislature is bicameral, wherein the lower house represents the people of entire union, and the upper house represents the states.
- In federal state, sovereignty is undivided, but, expression and manifestation of sovereignty is done by both the governments at the center as well as in the states. In India there single citizenship.
Question 6.
Describe demerits the of federal government.
Answer:
Demerits of Federal Government:
Following are the defects of federal government:
- Because of different governments at the center and in the states, the efficiency of governance does get affected adversely.
- Federal government is a weak system. There cannot be established strong governance due to decentralization and power separation.
- In this government, there exists a possibility of conflict and discord between union government and state governments.
- In this government, there is a division of interests of the center and the states, and as such, there is a laxity in decision – making process.
- In this government, the spirit of national unity is not as strong as it is in unitary system.
- A strong and written constitution is the necessity of this government, because of which the nature of judiciary is conservative. This conservatism of judiciary becomes a stumbling block in the path of development and progressive changes.
- Union state is weak in international field. If the pacts / contracts inked with foreign governments are not accepted by the concerned state, the decision gets ‘delayed’.
- In federal form of government, there remains a possibility of states getting ‘separated’ in case of lack of strong and efficient leadership at the center (Union).
Question 7.
Describe the merits of federal government.
Answer:
Merits of Federal Government:
Following are the merits of federal government:
1. Coordination in national unity and local autonomy:
In federal form of government, the subjects of national importance are given to the union government, and those of regional importance are assigned to the state governments.
2. Appropriate for countries having diversity:
This system of form is very government for the countries having religious, cultural and linguistic diversities.
3. Political Awareness:
In this, the cooperation of able persons is found at the required place for the resolution of local and urgent problems.
4. Opposes autocracy:
In the federal government, there is a clear and transparent segregation of powers between center and states, by constitution. Both the governments do not interfere in each other’s sphere of governance. The states have full autonomy in their respective areas. Therefore, the central government can never become autocratic.
5. Administrative Efficiency:
In federal government, the conduct of administration can be done easily and comfortably, because powers of governance are divided at different stages. As a result, the central government does not have much burden and the administration becomes more efficient and capable.
Question 8.
Make a comparative analysis of unitary and federal government.
Answer:
Comparative analysis of unitary and federal government:
Following is the comparative analysis of unitary and federal government:
1. Comparison on the basis of power of governance:
Unitary government is based on the principle of centralization of powers. In it, powers are not divided by constitution. Constitution provides all powers to the central government, whereas federal government is based on the principle of decentralization of powers. In this, powers are separated between the central and state governments by the constitution. In the constitution of India, the center has been provided more powers in comparison to states.
2. Comparison based on the form of constitution:
The constitution of unitary state can be of any type – written, unwritten, rigid, or flexible, but the constitution of a federal state has to be supreme, written and strong.
3. Comparison on the basis of citizenship:
In unitary government, an individual has or receives only singular citizenship, whereas in federal government, a person generally receives dual citizenship. India is its exception. Here, we have a system of singular citizenship despite having federal form of government.
4. Comparison on the basis of size of state:
Unitary government is appropriate for small states, whereas federal government is suitable for big states.
Question 9.
Describe features of parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
Features of parliamentary form of government: Following are the main features of parliamentary form of government :
1. Dual executive:
In parliamentary government, dual executive works. In this system, the President is the constitutional head (nominal executive). Head of governance (real executive) is the Prime Minister, who is responsible for governance-related works.
2. Close rapport between Executive and Legislature:
In parliamentary government, the executive and legislature have close relations. Real executive and council of ministers is appointed from the legislature, and these are is responsible towards the legislature for their actions and policies.
3. Collective Responsibility:
Main feature of parliamentary government is ‘collective responsibility. It means that, for any work of a minister, he only is not answerable, instead, whole ‘cabinet’ is answerable to the legislature.
4. Leadership of Prime Minister:
In parliamentary government, the Prime Minister is the head (leader) of the government. The decision of cabinet is ultimately dependent upon him.
5. Political uniformity:
Political uniformity means that all the members of the cabinet belong to the same political party and are having same principles / outlook. Because of unity of political views, there is unity in policies, programmes and principles of the cabinet.
6. Confidentiality:
In this system of governance, all the activities of the cabinet are kept secret / confidential.
Question 10.
Describe positive aspects of parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
Positive aspects of parliamentary form of government:
Following are the positive aspects of parliamentary form of government:
- In parliamentary government, the executive is completely answerable towards the legislature. In direct form, ministers are answerable to the parliament and indirectly to the people. Therefore, the executive has to plan and implement policies and programms in accordance with people’s desire.
- In parliamentary government, the legislature and the executive have mutual cooperation, because of which, best laws are formed.
- In parliamentary system of governance, government can never become autocratic. In parliament and outside, opposition parties, always keep a watch/look over government’s actions.
- In parliamentary government, the control of administration is in the hands of able and experienced persons.
- In parliamentary governance, the importance of opposition is always sustained. By way of criticizing government’s policies and wrong-doings, opposition parties keep a control on governance.
- Parliamentary government has the flexibility to change in accordance with time and shunning. In emergency times, all political parties can form an all-party cabinet, brushing aside their differences.
- In this government, a good opportunity is there to provide political education to the people.
- In this system of governance, the head of the state is kept away from party politics, because he is a symbol of unity of the nation. He renders appropriate advice and guidance at the time of emergency.
Question 11.
Write a critical description of parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
Critical description of parliamentary form of government: On the following bases, the criticism of parliamentary government can be done:
- This governance system is against the “Principle of separation of powers.” In this, the executive becomes free – willing.
- In this form of government, political parties attach less importance to the national interest and more to party interest, because of which, national interests suffer.
- There is a fear of autocracy in this government.
- Because of the tenure of the government being dependent on the desire of the legislature, this system of governance is weak.
- In the event of no political party getting majority in multi-party arrangement in this government, there may appear differences in coalition government causing a situation of political instability.
- Because of delay in decision – making in emergency situations, this government is inappropriate.
- In this type of governance, the party having majority in the parliament forms government. If any party has sweeping majority, it may have a nature of autocracy.
- In this type of government, the power of governance, sometimes, goes in the hands of incompetent persons.
- In this type of government, because of being multi-engaged, ministers do not pay the required attention to the governance – related works.
Question 12.
Describe features of presidential form of government.
Answer:
Features of Presidential form of Government:
Following are the main features of presidential form of Government:
1. Separation of powers:
Presidential form of government is based on the principle of separation of powers. In this, the legislature and the executive are free and separate from each other. In this system of governance, the legislature does not have any control on the executive. In this form of governance, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary- all the three have different,distinctly delineated work-areas.
2. Real executive:
In presidential form of government, the executive is singular. In president only, both the powers of Head of state and head of government are embedded.
3. Definite tenure:
In presidential form of government, the executive is elected for a definite period of time.
4. Political uniformity, not necessary:
In presidential form of government, political uniformity is not necessary, because in this system, there is nothing like council of ministers. President is quite at his liberty to appoint or expel his secretaries.
5. Principle of checks and balances:
In this system, if the principle of segregation of powers is adopted, there develops hindrance in administration, as there is requirement of cooperation besides freedom to work in each sphere of governance Therefore, the principle of checks and balances is adopted so that there can exist relations and mutual control of each part with others.
Question 13.
Describe merits of Presidential form of government.
Answer:
Merits (Benefits) of Presidential form of Government:
1. Stable Governance:
In this form of government, the head of the executive is elected for a definite period and formation of the legislature is also for a definite duration.
2. Administrative Efficiency:
The executive being free from the legislature, performs administration-related works with more courage and freedom.
3. Administrative unity:
In this form of government, there is administrative unity, because of which, this system is very useful in emergency situations.
4. Power Separation:
Under this, the legislature and the executive are free from each other, and hence there is clear separation of their powers.
5. Less factionalism:
After the process of election of president, is completed there are little chances of eruption of spirit of groupism.
6. Very useful for multi – party system:
Presidential form of government is very appropriate for countries having multi-party political system.
Question 14.
Describe demerits of presidential form of government.
Answer:
Demerits of presidential form of government:
- In presidential form of government, there is no rapport between the legislature and the and executive, and therefore, there is lack of administrative unity.
- The main defect of presidential form of government is the lack of cooperation and coordination between the legislature and the executive, wherein formation of laws and their implementation does not get perfectly executed.
- There develops problem in the operation of presidential relations with the legislature.
- In presidential form of government, because of no relations existing between the legislature and the executive, the people get less opportunity to get political education.
- In this system, there is a great deal of apprehension of the president becoming autocratic.
- Because of rigidity in the system, there is little scope for making immediate change.
Question 15.
At present, presidential form of government is being seen as an alternative to democracy. Express your views.
Answer:
The government in presidential form of government is stable, wherein a stable executive is established for a definite tenure. Because of time – frame being definite, the president and his secretaries can implement governance – related long – term plans with all confidence and concentration.
In presidential system, there exists greater efficiency of governance. In this system, all executive powers rest with the president. Also, this system is beneficial at the time of war or in emergency time. This protects the freedom of a citizen more effectively. In the light of above-mentioned qualities, presidential form of government is thought to be an alternative to democracy.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Essay Type Questions
Question 1.
Make a comparative analysis of Unitary and Federal government.
Answer:
Comparison between Unitary and Federal government:
1. Comparison on the basis of distribution of powers of governance:
Unitary government is based on the principle of centralization of powers. In this system, constitution does not make any division of powers.
Constitution provides all powers to the central government. Federal government is based on the principle of decentralization of powers. In this, division of powers is done by the constitution between the central and state governments.
2. Comparison on the basis of form of constitution:
The constitution of Unitary government may be of any type-written, unwritten, rigid or flexible, whereas the constitution of federal government is necessarily supreme, written and strong.
3. Comparison on the basis of citizenship:
In Unitary government, a person has single citizenship, whereas in federal system, a person gets dual citizenship. One person is a citizen of union, as well as of the state he resides in also.
4. Comparison on the basis of the status of local government:
In unitary government, provincial and local governments are exclusively under the central government. They only work as representatives of the central government. In federal government, federal units (state governments) receive powers from the constitution. These units (state governments) are not the representatives of central government, instead they have the same status that as the center has.
5. Comparison on the basis of powers of administrative organs:
In unitary government, the legislature is supreme. The work of judiciary is to deliver/provide justice on the basis of the framed laws by the legislature. Judiciary does not check the validity and legality of laws, whereas in federal government, the constitution is supreme. Because of explanation and preservation of the constitution, judiciary is more effective than the legislature. Judiciary, by reviewing the drafted laws by the 1 legislature, can declare them null and void.
6. Comparison on the basis of mechanism of governance:
In unitary government, governance system is uniform. Because of the form of government being uniform, there is uniformity in laws and policies. In federal government, the system of governance it dual. Due to presence of different executives and legislatures at the center and in the states, there is duality in laws and policies.
In unitary government, administrative services are uniform, whereas in federal government, administrative services are dual. For example, in India, for central governance, there is presence of all Indian services, and at the same time, there are provincial services for a state governments.
Question 2.
Make a comparative analysis of parliamentary and presidential forms of government.
Answer:
Comparative analysis of parliamentary and presidential forms of government:
1. Comparison on the basis of executive:
In parliamentary governance, the executive has dual form. It has two Heads – the first is called President who is the head of state, and the second is Head of government. President in India and King / Queen of Britain are merely nominal heads, and Prime Minister and council of ministers are the real executive. Contrary to it, in presidential government, the head of state is also the head of government. The power of the executive is embedded in one person (President). United States of America is the best example of presidential form of governance.
2. Comparison on the basis of tenure : In parliamentary government, the time period of real executive (council of ministers) is not definite (fixed). At any time the legislature, by passing no-confidence motion, can remove the executive, whereas the tenure of presidential executive is fixed by the constitution. In this situation, it is difficult to unseat the executive (president) before time.
3. Comparison on the basis of responsibility:
In parliamentary governance, real executive (the council of ministers) is collectively responsible towards the legislature. Contrary to it, in presidential government, the executive is not responsible towards the legislature nor does it need the confidence of legislature for the performance of its functions.
4. Comparison on the basis of relation between executive and legislature:
In parliamentary government, a close relation exists between the executive and the legislature. The council of ministers is responsible towards the legislature. Presidential government is dependent upon the principle of separation of powers.
In it, the formation of the executive is done in free from the legislature. The executive (president and his secretaries) and the legislature are mutually separated. The members of the executive are not the members of the legislature. The legislature does not have any control over the executive.
5. Comparison on the basis of powers of governance:
The basis of parliamentary government is the overlapping of powers. In this system, the executive and the legislature work together in harmony, whereas the basis of presidential government is the principle of separation of powers. In this, all the three parts of government function freely and independently of one another.
6. Comparison on the basis of status of ministers:
In parliamentary government, the status of ministers is of high level. They are ‘all in all’ in their portfolios and play vital role in the work of formation of rules, but in presidential government, there are no ministers, instead, there are secretaries, and they work under the president.
7. Comparison on the basis of party position in government:
In parliamentary government, whichever political party has majority in the legislature forms government, but in the absence of majority of a political party, like – minded political parties come together to form the cabinet. On the other hand, in presidential form of government, the president can appoint any capable person on the post of secretary without party consideration.
8. Comparison on the basis of change:
In parliamentary government, changes in government can be done as per the need of time. In emergency time, this mechanism is very useful. Presidential government is rigid, and here, changes cannot be done as per need of time. In it, the tenure of the president is definite.
Question 3.
Which one is of more public welfare nature between parliamentary form of government and presidential form of government? Explain.
Answer:
Parliamentary form of Government:
Parliamentary government is such a government, wherein the executive is responsible towards the legislature and the formation of the executive is also done from the legislature. In this system, a close rapport is found between the executive and the legislature, and the executive can remain in power till it enjoys the confidence of the legislature.
Both the parts of the government function in mutual coordination and cooperation. The state head – king or president – is head only in name. He is not responsible for any work of governance. Real executive powers are vested in the cabinet. The members of the cabinet are the members of the legislature. Therefore, they attend meetings of the legislature and also exercise their vote. Parliamentary government is also called cabinet-making and answerable government. The main qualities of parliamentary form of government are as follows:
- Responsible governance.
- Mutual cooperation between the legislature and the executive.
- Restriction on autocracy of governance.
- Flexible.
- Importance of opposition parties.
- Governance of qualified and experienced persons.
- Head of state – in the form of impartial adviser.
- Political awareness and education.
Presidential Government:
In presidential government, the head (president) of the executive is the real administrator. He is the elected representative by the people and his tenure is fixed by the constitution. In this, there is a council of assistants to help in the works of president, whose appointment is done by him only. They are called secretaries and are on post till the president wishes for, and are responsible towards the president for their works.
The main qualities of presidential government are as follows:
- Stability in governance.
- Unity is administration.
- Efficiency in governance.
- Free from the defects of group-ism.
- Freedom from legislature.
- Suitable in emergency time.
- Appropriate for states having diversity.
- Protection of civil liberties.
By way of minutely analyzing the above details, it is concluded that the parliamentary form of government is more of public welfare nature because:
1. The evaluation of works of administrator is simpler in parliamentary government:
In presidential form of government, the evaluation of performance of the administrator and ousting of the administrator can be done by the people after a fixed time period, but in parliamentary form of government, opportunity is there for day to day evaluation besides periodic evaluation of the governance.
2. In parliamentary government, the people get political awareness and education:
In parliamentary government, proceedings of parliament and thoughts of government and opposition parties do appear before the people through different media, such as newspaper, television, radio, etc. and in this way the people get political awareness, and they get to know about the gist of the problems. On the other hand, in presidential government, the people, after the conduct of elections, get less opportunity for obtaining political awareness and education.
Question 4.
Mention characteristics of presidential government.
Answer:
Main Characteristics of Presidential Government:
In the present democratic era, the second most popular form of government is presidential government. In this system of governance, the legislature and the executive are quite distinct and independent from each other. The basis of presidential government is the principle of separation of powers. The main characteristics of presidential government are as follows:
1. Separation of Powers:
In presidential system, the legislature and the executive do not form a new institution as it is done in parliamentary system, that is, the executive is absolutely ‘separate’ from the legislature. The members of the executive are not the members of the legislature, nor are they responsible towards it. In this way, in presidential government, the executive and the legislature are mutually separate and independent in respect of their tenure, powers, and functions and judiciary is also independent and supreme.
2. Real Executive:
In presidential government, the executive is singular. Unlike parliamentary government, there is no distinction between the nominal and the real executive. The president is real administrator. He is the head of both, the state and the government, and uses all the powers given to the executive by the constitution in real terms.
3. Definite tenure:
In presidential government, both the legislature and the executive are elected for a definite of time period. In this, the tenure of both – the executive and the legislature – is decided (fixed) by the constitution. In it, the head (president) of the executive is elected for a definite duration. This duration is of four years in United States of America. Before the completion of this duration, the legislature cannot oust it. Before the duration, the president can be ousted by impeachment only. But the process to initiate and implement impeachment is a very complex exercise.
4. The principle of checks and balances:
If in the system of governance, the principle of separation of powers is adopted, them there develops hindrance in administration, because there is a need of cooperation besides independence to work in every field. And as such, the principle of checks and balances is adopted, so that there is a relation as well as restriction of one part (organ) onto the other one.
5. Political uniformity not necessary:
In presidential Rom of government, political uniformity is not necessary because there is nothing like council of ministers in the system and the president is absolutely independent in selection and expulsion of his secretaries.
Question 5.
Describe characteristics of Unitary Government.
Answer:
Characteristics of Unitary Government : In unitary government, all the powers of governance are embedded in one government, Central government, by the constitution or by tradition. In it, different provincial or local governments are established / instituted by the center, not by the constitution. Under this, central government delegates some of its powers to these governments of units (states). In this government, these constituents (units) have no separate independent powers. These are representatives of the central government, which can b° removed at any time by the central government. The main characteristic of unitary government are as follows:
1. Powers of governance – centralized in central government:
In unitary government, the constitution provides all powers of governance to the central government, and as such, in this system of governance, there is a concentration of powers of governance with the central government.
2. Central government ‘all powerful’:
In this system, central government is all powerful. Its other elements have neither any independence nor any fundamental power. These are mere representatives of central government.
3. Lack of division of power between center and units (states):
In unitary government, constitution does not divide the power structure between center and states. There is only one source of governance, that is the central government.
4. The basis of powers of states – central will:
As unitary units (states) are representatives of the central government, constitution is not the basis of their powers of governance and autonomy, instead, it is a will of the central government.
5. To divide the state into different units: In this government, states are divided into different parts for administrative convenience. These parts (units) are known by the names – state, province, department or commune, etc.
6. Diversity of the form of constitution:
In countries having unitary government, the constitution may be of any type – written, unwritten, flexible or rigid.
Question 6.
Write down a critical analysis of Parliamentary government.
Answer:
Critical Analysis of Parliamentary Government:
In parliamentary form of government, the executive is squarely answerable towards the legislature and both of these have mutual cooperation. This government is made of qualified and experienced persons. This, besides putting restriction on autocracy, gives importance to the opposition parties. This government is flexible. Despite this all, parliamentary government can be criticized on the basis of the following points :
1. Opposite to the principle of separation of powers:
In parliamentary form of government the executive and the legislature have mutual relations of cohesion. The executive can easily become free-willing. Under this situation, there can be threat to the independence of citizens. By this, it is very clear that governance is against—‘the principle of separation of powers.’
2. Origin of autocracy:
In this form of government, because of close relations between the executive and the legislature, there is a possibility of double danger. Diacy hints at the autocracy of the legislature and Laski says that if the executive is not in control, then the threat of autocracy may always prevail.
3. Outrage in political group-ism:
In parliamentary government, political parties give lest importance to the national interests and more to their party interests, due to which national interests suffer. Both the parties – Ruling and Opposition have main interest to acquire power of governance, and to retain this power, there always exists conflict and differences.
4. Neglect of administrative works:
Ministers have to maintain constant contact with voters and hence, a big chunk of their time goes to satisfy the voters and the rest of time in framing laws. As a result, ministers are unable to pay sufficient attention towards governance-related functions.
5. Weak government:
In this, the system of governance is weak. The duration of governance depends on the will of the legislature. Because of the uncertain duration, the cabinet cannot implement influential and long-term plans.
6. Unstable government:
In parliamentary system, the party having majority forms the government, and sometimes, when one party does not have clear majority, then some parties collectively form a coalition government, due to this there is a lack of stability in this cabinet.
7. Not suitable for emergency situations:
This form of government is not suitable for emergency situations, because in this government, there exists dispute in respect of decisions and not policy assessment. Much time is wasted in this system of governance. Hence, this system is not proper and suitable in emergency period or in war-like circumstances.
8. Governance of incapable persons:
In parliamentary form of government, the selection of ministers is not done on basis of their skill and administrative experience, instead, they are put on work on the basis of their popularity. In this condition, sometimes power vests with wrong persons.
9. Fear of a dictatorship of majority party:
In parliamentary form of government, the party having majority forms the government. If any party is having very strong majority, then the nature of tyranny gets momentum. Taking support of the majority, this party becomes autocratic. Sometimes, this party makes amendments in the constitution in its own favour. In this way, the tyranny of majority increases in this form of government.
10. Nature of dictatorship of cabinet:
In parliamentary form of government, in principle, the cabinet is absolutely responsible towards the legislature, but in practice, gradually the legislature begins to put its stamp of acknowledgment as a means of mere formality on the decision taken by the cabinet. In this way, the control of parliament on the cabinet remains there in principle only, and in fact, the cabinet rules the system.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Objective Type Questions
Question 1.
How many organs of government are there?
(a) 3
(b) 4
(c) 5
(d) 6
Answer:
(a) 3
Question 2.
Who gave this definition – “Use of supreme legal power by a central power is unitary government.”
(a) Daicy
(b) Dr. Garner
(c) Willoughby
(d) Dr. Finer
Answer:
(a) Daicy
Question 3.
Whose statement is this, “Union is an amalgamation of some states which forms a new state.” ?
(a) Hamilton
(b) Finer
(c) Lincoln
(d) Laski
Answer:
(a) Hamilton
Question 4.
“Cabinet is driver mechanism of state-shaped ship”. Whose definition is it?
(a) Remjemyor
(b) Lovell
(c) Garner
(d) Ambedkar
Answer:
(a) Remjemyor
Question 5.
The characteristic of presidential form of government is:
(a) Checks and balances
(b) Dictatorship
(c) Separation of powers
(d) Collective responsibility
Answer:
(a) Checks and balances
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Other Important Questions and Answers
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Objective Type Questions
Question 1.
An inseparable part of the state is:
(a) Government
(b) Population
(c) Sovereignty
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 2.
Main form of government is:
(a) Monarchy
(b) Aristocracy
(c) Democracy
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 3.
The main form of democratic government is:
(a) Unitary
(b) Federal
(c) Parliamentary
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 4.
Which country form the following has federal form of government along with parliamentary democracy ?
(a) India
(b) China
(c) Britain
(d) United States of America
Answer:
(a) India
Question 5.
In which of the following countries, there is unitary form of government along with parliamentary democracy ?
(a) India
(b) Britain
(c) United States of America
(d) France
Answer:
(b) Britain
Question 6.
In United States of America, which form of government along with presidential democracy is in prevalence?
(a) Federal
(b) Unitary
(c) Mixed
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Federal
Question 7.
A form of government, wherein entire power of governance rests with the central government, is called:
(a) Federal government
(b) Unitary government
(c) Parliamentary government
(d) Presidential government
Answer:
(b) Unitary government
Question 8.
Such a form of government wherein powers of governance are divided between center and states by the constitution, is called:
(a) Federal governance
(b) Unitary government
(c) Parliamentary government
(d) All these
Answer:
(a) Federal governance
Question 9.
Example of unitary form of government.
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Italy
(d) United States of America
Answer:
(c) Italy
Question 10.
Which of the following defects does not exist in unitary government?
(a) Centralization of powers
(b) Dual citizenship
(c) Separation of powers
(d) Independent, Judiciary
Answer:
(a) Centralization of powers
Question 11.
Which of the following defects does not exist in unitary government?
(a) Fear of central government going autocratic
(b) Opponent of democracy
(c) Governance of bureaucracy
(d) Separation of power
Answer:
(d) Separation of power
Question 12.
Which of these features is mainly associated with federal government?
(a) Dual citizenship
(b) Separation of powers
(c) Against to democracy
(d) Local self – governance
Answer:
(b) Separation of powers
Question 13.
Which one of the following is the characteristic of unitary government, but is found in a federal state like India?
(a) Single citizenship
(b) Separation of powers
(c) Written and rigid constitution
(d) Independent judiciary
Answer:
(a) Single citizenship
Question 14.
What is an intrinsic feature of federal government?
(a) Dual citizenship
(b) Bicameral system
(c) Double use of sovereignty
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 15.
At present time, which is the most popular form of government?
(a) Federal government
(b) Unitary government
(c) Monarchy
(d) Dictatorship
Answer:
(a) Federal government
Question 16.
Which of the following is not a quality of federal government?
(a) National unity and local autonomy
(b) Administrative skill
(c) Political awareness
(d) Less expenditure
Answer:
(d) Less expenditure
Question 17.
Whose statement is this, “In union, there is a fear of people’s rights getting truncated by an autocratic ruler.”
(a) Lord Bryce
(b) Getel
(c) Ashirwadam
(d) Durgadas Basu
Answer:
(a) Lord Bryce
Question 18.
In federal government, center and states obtains powers from:
(a) Government
(b) Constitution
(c) President
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) Constitution
Question 19.
The main defect of federal government is:
(a) Unskilled governance
(b) Danger to national unity
(c) Weak governance
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 20.
The main basis of comparison between Unitary government and federal government is:
(a) On the basis of distribution of powers of governance
(b) On the basis of form of constitution
(c) On the basis of citizenship
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(d) All of the above
Question 21.
Uncertain tenure of real executive is the characteristic of which form of government?
(a) Unitary
(b) Parliamentary
(c) Presidential
(d) Federal
Answer:
(b) Parliamentary
Question 22.
The feature, which is found in parliamentary system, but is not found in presidential system is:
(a) Responsible government
(b) Separation of powers
(c) Real executive
(d) Fixed tenure
Answer:
(a) Responsible government
Question 23.
The head of government in parliamentary system is:
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Vice President
(d) Governor
Answer:
(b) Prime Minister
Question 24.
In parliamentary governance, nominal head of executive is:
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Chief Minister
(d) Speaker of LokSabha
Answer:
(a) President
Question 25.
In which country, is the parliamentary from of government in practice?
(a) Canada
(b) Australia
(c) India
(d) In all these
Answer:
(d) In all these
Question 26.
Distinction between real and nominal executive ends in the from of government called:
(a) Presidential
(b) Unitary
(c) Federal
(d) Parliamentary
Answer:
(a) Presidential
Question 27.
Which of these is not a defect of parliamentary government?
(a) Opposes to the principle of Separation of powers
(b) Weak government
(c) Unstable government
(d) Responsible government
Answer:
(d) Responsible government
Question 28.
In which of the following forms of government, does the head of state act as an impartial advisor?
(a) Parliamentary
(b) Presidential
(c) Unitary
(d) Dictatorship
Answer:
(a) Parliamentary
Question 29.
Which form of government is based on the principle of segregation of powers?
(a) Parliamentary
(b) Unitary
(c) Presidential
(d) Democracy
Answer:
(c) Presidential
Question 30.
Which of the following states has presidential form of government?
(a) India
(b) United States of America
(c) Britain
(d) Canada
Answer:
(b) United States of America
Question 31.
Main defect of presidential government is:
(a) Autocratic and unanswerable government
(b) Freedom of legislature
(c) Flexible in emergency times
(d) Protection of civic liberty
Answer:
(c) Flexible in emergency times
Question 32.
Main quality (characteristic) of presidential government is:
(a) Leadership of Prime Minister
(b) Dual executive
(c) Stability in government
(d) Responsible government
Answer:
(a) Leadership of Prime Minister
Question 33.
The basis of presidential governance is:
(a) Confidentiality
(b) Dual Executive
(c) Political uniformity
(d) Principle of segregation of powers
Answer:
(d) Principle of segregation of powers
Question 34.
The government of incapable persons is regarded to be:
(a) Parliamentary government
(b) Unitary government
(c) Presidential government
(d) Federal government
Answer:
(a) Parliamentary government
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Which are the main forms of democratic governance?
or
Mention four forms of government in modern period.
Answer:
- Unitary
- Federal
- Parliamentary
- Presidential.
Question 2.
Name the form of government, wherein all powers of governance are embedded in one government.
Answer:
Unitary system of government.
Question 3.
“Singular citizenship and centralization of powers” – The feature of which form of government is it?
Answer:
Unitary form of government.
Question 4.
Mention any two features (characteristics) of unitary government.
Answer:
- Only one government in entire state
- Local governance is also a part of central governance.
Question 5.
Write any two merits of unitary government.
Answer:
- Uniformity in administration
- National unity.
Question 6.
Which Indian political thinkers have accepted strong and capable administrative system to be necessary for a state?
Answer:
Manu, Kautilya and Shukra.
Question 7.
Why is unitary government system regarded more suitable is emergency situations?
Answer:
Because in unitary governance, all power of governance are in the hands of central government, and hence, quick decisions can be taken in emergency situations.
Question 8.
Mention the names of countries having unitary government system.
Answer:
- Britain
- Italy
- Japan
- Belgium
Question 9.
Mention two defects of unitary government system.
Answer:
- Fear of central governance going autocratic
- Governance of bureaucracy
Question 10.
Which form of government is suitable for small states?
Answer:
Unitary form of government.
Question 11.
Mention names of four countries having federal government.
Answer:
- India
- Canada
- United States of America
- Switzerland
Question 12.
Supremacy of constitution is the feature of which form of government?
Answer:
Federal form of government.
Question 13.
Which form of government is suitable for maintaining unity in diversity?
Answer:
Federal form of government.
Question 14.
Name the form of government, wherein powers of governance are divided between union and states (constituents)?
Answer:
Federal form of government.
Question 15.
Write any two features of federal government.
Answer:
- Written, drafted, rigid and supreme constitution
- Independent judiciary
Question 16.
Mention main features of federal government.
Answer:
- Dual citizenship
- Bicameral system
- Dual use of sovereignty.
Question 17.
Mention any two merits of federal government.
Answer:
- National unity and local autonomy
- Favourable to democracy.
Question 18.
Which form of government is suitable for a huge state?
Answer:
Federal form of government.
Question 19.
Mention two defects of federal system.
Answer:
- Inappropriate in emergency
- Situation of conflict.
Question 20.
Federal system is inappropriate in emergency, why?
Answer:
Because in emergency time, union government has to get in consultation with states (state governments), and as a result, there happens delay in decision-making process. Hence, federal system is not suitable in emergency situations.
Question 21.
Compare unitary and federal government on the basis of distribution of power of governance.
Answer:
In unitary government, all powers are given to central government by constitution, whereas there is a division of powers between center and states in federal form of government.
Question 22.
In context of citizenship, what is the difference between unitary government and federal government?
Answer:
Single citizenship is found in unitary government, whereas in federal government, dual citizenship is provisioned.
Question 23.
Mention names of four countries having parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
- Britain
- Canada
- Australia
- India.
Question 24.
Which country is the best example of presidential system of governance?
Answer:
United States of America.
Question 25.
In which form of government, close relation is found between the legislature and the executive?
Answer:
Parliamentary form of government.
Question 26.
According to Getel, define parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
According to Getal, “Such a system is called parliamentary government, wherein real executive is legally responsible towards the legislature for his entire range of actions.”
Question 27.
In which form of government, the parliament is supreme?
Answer:
In parliamentary form of government.
Question 28.
Name the political thinker who has called cabinet as main pillar of political citadel?
Answer:
Lovell.
Question 29.
Which country is called Mother of Parliamentary Legislature?
Answer:
Great Britain.
Question 30.
Write any two features of parliamentary government.
Answer:
- Dual executive
- Collective responsibility.
Question 31.
Who is the head of state in parliamentary government?
Answer:
President.
Question 32.
Who is the head of government in parliamentary form of government?
Answer:
Prime Minister.
Question 33.
In which form of government, there are constitutional and real heads of governance?
Answer:
In parliamentary form of government.
Question 34.
In which institution, real powers are vested in the parliamentary form of government?
Answer:
In the council of ministers.
Question 35.
What is meant by collective responsibility in parliamentary form of government?
Answer:
Collective responsibility means that only one minister is not responsible for his work, instead, the entire cabinet is collectively responsible towards the legislature for the act of every minister.
Question 36.
Mention two characteristics of parliamentary government.
Answer:
- Dual executive
- Collective responsibility.
Question 37.
In which form of government, executive attends the meetings of legislature?
Answer:
In parliamentary form of government.
Question 38.
In which form of government, cabinet is collectively responsible towards the legislature?
Answer:
In parliamentary form of government.
Question 39.
In parliamentary form of government, who is the leader of cabinet and government?
Answer:
Prime Minister.
Question 40.
Write any two qualities of parliamentary government.
Answer:
- Responsible governance,
- Restriction on autocracy of governance.
Question 41.
In parliamentary form of government, towards whom is the executive fully responsible?
Answer:
Towards the legislature.
Question 42.
In parliamentary government, how is restriction imposed on the autocracy of the executive?
Answer:
In parliamentary government, restriction is put on the autocracy of the executive by way of asking questions from ministers of the government, and also by bringing in censure motion, adjournment motion, cut motion and no-confidence motion.
Question 43.
Mention any three defects of parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
- Hostile to the principle of separation of powers
- Origin of autocracy
- Unstable governance.
Question 44.
Why is parliamentary government called the government of incapable persons?
Answer:
Because the selection of ministers in parliamentary form of government is done not on the basis of qualification and administrative experience, but it is done on the basis of their popularity and influence in the political party.
Question 45.
Mention the basis of presidential government.
Answer:
The principle of separation of powers is the basis of presidential government.
Question 46.
In which form of government political stability is there?
Answer:
In presidential government.
Question 47.
Which one is such a form of government, wherein the executive does not participate in the proceedings of the legislature?
Answer:
In Presidential form of government.
Question 48.
By what name, are the members of the council of ministers known in presidential form of government?
Ans. By the name of‘secretaries.’
Question 49.
Which is the form of government, wherein the executive is not responsible towards the legislature for its works?
Answer:
Presidential form of government.
Question 50.
In which form of government, the head of the executive is real ruler, not nominal?
Answer:
In presidential form of government.
Question 51.
Write two features of presidential form of government.
Answer:
- Separation of powers
- Definite tenure.
Question 52.
In which form of government is single executive found?
Answer:
In presidential from of government.
Question 53.
In the constitution of which country, is the principle of checks and balances accepted along with the principle of segregation of powers?
Answer:
In the constitution of United States of America.
Question 54.
Write any two merits of presidential form of government.
Answer:
- Stability in governance
- Free from influence of group-ism.
Question 55.
Mention any two demerits of presidential form of government.
Answer:
- Autocratic and unanswerable governance
- Lack of flexibility.
Question 56.
Mention the difference between parliamentary and presidential government on the basis of executive.
Answer:
In parliamentary government, double executive is there, whereas presidential government has singular executive
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Mention the meaning and definition of Unitary Government.
Answer:
Meaning and definition of Unitary government: The form of government, where- in all powers of governance are provided to central government by the constitution, is called unitary government. In this system, not only provincial and local government receive their powers from the central government, but their existence is also dependent upon the ‘will’ of the central government. Countries namely, Britain, Italy, Japan and Belgium, etc. have unitary form of government. Different scholars have given definition of unitary government as follows:
According to Dr. Garner, “Unitary government is such a system, wherein all powers of governance are provided to one organ or more than one organ by the constitution and local government derives its powers, autonomy and existence from it.”According to Dr. Finer, “Unitary state is such a state, wherein the entire governance and power is embedded in one center and its will and its rights are laws all powerful in the entire area.”
Question 2.
Describe three merits of unitary government.
Answer:
Merits of Unitary Government:
The following are three main qualities of unitary government:
1. Uniformity in administration:
The biggest main quality of unitary government is that the entire country has one government, which forms same kind of laws in the entire country and implements them uniformly.
2. Flexibility:
A very important quality of unitary form of government is its flexibility. In this, the process of amendment in constitution is simple. Therefore, unitary government can easily deal with specific circumstances and instances.
3. More appropriate form of government in emergency situations:
Unitary government is thought to be very suitable at the time of emergency. At the time of war, armed rebellion, emergency situation or other abnormal circumstances, there becomes a need to take quick and resolute decisions and enforce them in practical terms.
This is possible only in Unitary government, because all powers are vested with central government. In the wake of this possibility,the Indian constitution has the provision to transform federal government into unitary government in emergency times.
Question 3.
Write any three shortcomings or defects of unitary government.
Answer:
Shortcomings defects of Unitary Government:
Three defects / shortcomings of unitary government are as follows:
1. Fear of center government becoming autocratic:
The centralization of powers gives birth to the tendency of autocracy. In unitary system of governance, entire with the central government. In this situation, there is a fear of the government becoming autocratic and dictatorial.
2. Inappropriate for huge states:
In countries having mass population and big area and also having diversity in terms of language, race, religion and culture, the unitary form of government is not liable to function smoothly and successfully.
3. Apathy of people:
In unitary government, local people do not get an opportunity to extend their hand of cooperation in governance-related works.As the people have no active role to play in political matters, they lose interest, and as such, apathy rules over them.
Question 4.
Write meaning and definition of federal governance.
Answer:
Meaning and definition of federal governance:
Federal governance is such a system, wherein all powers of state are segregated between union government and constituents of union (states). Both the governments directly get powers from the constitution. Both are independent in their respective spheres. Different scholars have given definitions of federal system of governance, which are as follows:
According to Dr. Garner, “Union is such a system, wherein central and local governments are under one power of sovereignty. These governments in their respective fields, which is decided by the constitution and law of the parliament, are supreme.” According to Willoughby, “Union is a multi-governance state.”
Question 5.
Describe main features of Federal government.
Answer:
Main Features / Characteristics of Federal government:
Following are main features of federal government:
1. Written, rigid and supreme constitution:
The constitution of federal government is written, rigid and supreme. In the written constitution, there is a clear description of division of rights and powers between the union and its constituents (state). The meaning of the constitution being rigid implies that it is not easy to make any amendment in the constitution. By this, the sanctity of the amendment is protected. In this system, the provisions of the constitution are binding on all. That is to say, that no power is above the constitution.
2. Division of powers:
In federal government, powers are divided between central government and local government (states). The subjects of national importance are retained with the central government and those of regional importance are assigned to state governments.
3. Independent Judiciary:
In this government, judiciary has right to declare ‘unconstitutional’, any law passed by the central government or state governments, if it is against the provision of the constitution. Independent and powerful judiciary is a sentinel of Federal system.
Question 6.
Describe the intrinsic features of federal system.
Answer:
1. Dual citizenship:
In federal government, there is a system of dual citizenship. Every person is a citizen of the union, and he gets state citizenship too. In India, there is federal system, but dual citizenship is not provided. Indian federal system accepts the principle of single citizenship.
2. Bi – cameral system:
In federal form of government, central legislature is bi-cameral, where lower house represents the people of entire union and upper house represents the states of the union.
3. Double use of sovereignty:
In federal state, sovereignty is undivided. However,the expression of sovereignty is done by both the central government and the local governments. In federal system, both types of government are independent in their respective fields.
Question 7.
Describe three merits of federal government.
Answer:
1. Political awareness:
Main quality of federal form of government is that, for the resolution of regional and local problems, cooperation of efficient people is obtained locally itself, as they understand their local problems better than others. By this, there develops a spirit in the people for engaging in public works.
2. Hostile to autocracy:
In federal government, there is a clear classification of extent of rights by the constitution between centre and states. In both the governments, none intervenes into the rights of other. States have full autonomy in their respective areas. Hence, central government can never become autocratic.
3. Favourable to democracy:
Federal system is favourable to democracy. This system has executed many important works in the direction of making democracy ‘popular.’
Question 8.
Describe any three defects of federal government.
Answer:
1. Weak governance system:
Federal governance is a weak system because due to decentralization and separation of power in it, there is a lack of resolution, uniformity and quickness in decision-making
2. Not suitable in emergency situations:
Federal form of government is not suitable in emergency. Quick decisions are to be taken in war-time or any other time of crisis, but because of federal system, union has to make contact with states for consultations and this leads to a delay in decision – making process.
3. A situation of struggle:
In this system, there always exists a possibility of struggle and rebellion between union government and state government. Generally, certain disputes on water sharing of rivers, and other real and linguistic differences prevail between then.
Question 9.
Clarify the distinction between unitary and federal system on the basis of any three points.
Answer:
Distinction on the basis of three points between Unitary and federal system:
1. Difference (distinction) of centralization of powers and their distribution:
In unitary government, there is no division of powers between centre and states in constitutional context. In this system, all powers lie with central government, whereas in federal system, there is a division of powers between center and state governments through a written constitution and both are independent in their respective field.
2. Difference on the basis of form of constitution:
In the states having unitary form of government, constitution may be of any form—written, unwritten, rigid or flexible, whereas in the states having federal form of government, constitution has mandatorily to be supreme, written and rigid.
3. Difference on the basis of size of state:
Unitary government is suitable for small states, where there is uniformity in respect of language, religion, culture, etc., whereas federal government is suitable for big states, where the people from different religions, languages, cultures and ideologies live.
Question 10.
What is parliamentary government? Clarify.
Answer:
Parliamentary government : Parliamentary government is such a form of governance, wherein the executive is responsible towards the legislature. In this system, the executive and the legislature are closely related. The executive can remain ‘in power,’ only till the legislature has confidence in it. The head of state (President) is a nominal head.
He is not responsible for any work of governance. Real executive powers rest in the cabinet. Members of cabinet are members of legislature. Therefore, they take part in the meetings of the legislature and also cast their vote. Parliamentary government is also called cabinet-making and responsible government.
Question 11.
Clarify mutual relations between Executive and Legislature in parliamentary governance.
Answer:
Mutual relations between Executive and Legislature in Parliamentary government System:
Mutual relations between executive and legislature have been described with the help of the following points:
- Real executive, that is, the council of ministers, is appointed from the legislature and it is responsible towards the legislature for its works and policies.
- Legislature keeps control over executive by different devices, such as adjournment motion, asking questions, censure motion, cut motion, etc. and can oust it by bringing in no-confidence motion.
- On the basis of majority, council of ministers also controls the legislature. The executive decides polices of governance, operates administration and plays a vital role in the process of law formation.
Question 12.
Describe any three features of parliamentary government.
Answer:
1. Dual executive:
In parliamentary form of government, executive is dual. One is nominal executive and the second is real executive. Nominal executive in the form of President and real executive in the form of Prime Minister as head of governance is accepted in this system.
2. Close relation between legislature and executive:
In this system, legislature and executive have close relations. Executive is responsible towards legislature for its actions and policies.
3. Political uniformity:
Political uniformity implies that all the members of cabinet should be from same political party, and should have the same principles or ideology. Because of unity of political views, there remains unity in policies, programme and principles of the cabinet.
Question 13.
Autocracy of which organ of governance is restricted by parliamentary government? Clarify.
Answer:
In parliamentary form of government, real executive, that is, the cabinet is formed from legislature only and it is answerable towards that and can remain ‘in power’ it enjoys the confidence of the legislature. In this system, the executive can never be autocratic, because in and outside the parliament, the opposition parties keep a ‘watch’ on the activities of government.
They often compel the government to work within limits, by criticizing it. Members of parliament keep control on the cabinet by asking questions, by bringing censure motion, adjournment motion and cut motion. Plenty of examples are there in India and England when a minister has been compelled to resign from the cabinet on charge of corruption, incapability and misconduct.
Question 14.
How does parliamentary form of government oppose the principle of separation of powers? Explain.
Answer:
Parliamentary form of government opposes the principle of separation of powers : The principle of separation of powers is based on the ideology that a person goes corrupt on getting autocratic powers and he starts misusing these powers. The propagators of this principle believe that the work of legislature should be to form laws. The executive should implement these laws, run the governance accordingly, and the judiciary should deliver justice in accordance with these laws.
In this way, all the three bodies should be working independently and impartially in their respective field. But in this system, executive and legislature have close relations, and hence, this type of governance can easily become free-willing and there, can be a crisis threat to freedom of an individual. Montesque has written, “If the powers of legislature and executive get centralized in one person or in one institution only, there cannot remain independence, because there develops a fear that either king or senate may form atrocious rules and enforce them atrociously”.
Question 15.
Parliamentary form of government is regarded as an unstable government. How?
Answer:
Reason for regarding parliamentary form of government as unstable:
In parliamentary form of government, many political parties contest elections, that is,the country has multi-party system. When one party fails to garner majority due to any reason, then some parties come together to form a coalition government. As every party has its own political ideologies and goals, there soon appear differences among the council of ministers, and then, of course, such a government comes close to collapse.
At present, many governments are formed with outside support. These governments, by their nature, are unstable. The parties providing outside support may withdraw it, and as a result, the government is ousted. In this way, a government working under pressure is always in an unstable mode. In this way, parliamentary form of government is regarded as an unstable government.
Question 16.
Presidential form of government is thought to be appropriate in emergency times Why?
Answer:
In presidential form of government, head of the executive, that is, the President is the real ruler / administrator. He functions with the cooperation of his council of ministers.secretaries. Entire council of ‘ministers, including the President, is not answerable towards the legislature. And as such, the. President takes quick decisions on different issues in national interest. As such, presidential form of government is regarded suitable government for emergency situations.
In this system, decisions are taken swiftly in national interest. There is no necessity to consult state units. And in this way, decisions are implemented with resolution and firmness, in order to counter emergency, ailchrist, a political thinker, rightly says that, “At time of national crisis, there is a need of unity of control, promptness in decision and organised policy, and all these can easily and properly be made available in presidential system.”
Question 17.
Mention any two differences between parliamentary and presidential form of government.
Answer:
Two differences between parliamentary and presidential forms of government:
1. Difference on the basis of executive:
In parliamentary system, executive has two forms – nominal executive and real executive. President of India and King or Queen of England are nominal or legal executive ; and Prime Minister is real executive. In presidential government, executive is singular, and President is the real executive. In this, there is no difference in nominal and real executive, for example – President of United States of America.
2. Difference on the basis of relations between executive and legislature:
In parliamentary form of government, there are close relations between legislature and executive. The leader of majority party is the Prime Minister and he forms his council of ministers from the legislature, whereas in presidential government, these two organs have no relation nor is the executive formed from the legislature. President appoints his secretaries (ministers) on his own, independently.
Question 18.
Clarify status of President in Parliamentary and Presidential form of government.
Answer:
Difference in status of President in Parliamentary and Presidential form of government:
In parliamentary form of government, President is the constitutional head and all administrative works are done in his name. President is only the nominal administrator. The practical use of powers of governance is done by the council of ministers under the leadership of Prime Minister.
On the other hand, in presidential form of government, President is the real head of the executive and in practical terms, he uses all powers of the executive. In this way, in parliamentary form of government, President is the head of State – not of governance, whereas in Presidential form of government, President is the head of both – state as well as governance.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 10 Essay Type Questions
Question 1.
What do you mean by unitary government? Describe its merits and demerits.
Answer:
Meaning of Unitary Government:
Unitary government is such a system, wherein entire power of governance is embedded in only one government,i.e. the central government by constitution or by traditions. Under this, central government may delegate some of its powers to the governments of constituents or provincial governments. In unitary government, provincial units/bodies have no independent status. These are mere representatives of central government, which can be terminated any time by the central government.
Merits of unitary government:
1. Uniformity in administration:
In this system, there is one government throughout the country and it is run uniformly. As a result of being ruled by the same laws, there is uniformity of administration in the entire country.
2. Symbol of National unity:
Unitary system is a symbol of national unity. All the powers rest with the center, and one constitution, one law and one policy is followed in entire nation.
3. Very appropriate at the time of emergency:
As all the powers are vested with the center in this system of governance, this system is very suitable for taking quick and strong decisions in emergency situations.
4. Proficient and strong administration:
In unitary form of government, skill, capacity and perfection is found in abundance, as operation of governance and assessment of policies are initiated from the same place. Owing to the central government being strong and powerful, governance becomes resolute and perfect.
5. Simple government system:
Unitary form of government is very simple. It has neither dual system of governance, nor dual citizenship, nor a conflict in areas of responsibilities. As all the powers of governance rest with the central government, administrative decisions are taken easily.
6. Economical governance:
There is economical spending in unitary form of government, as unlike federal government, it does not have separate dual system of governance in the union and states.
7. Flexibility:
The main quality of unitary governance is its flexibility. In this, the process of making constitutional amendment is simple. In unitary government, amendment in the constitution can be done by method of changing simple laws.
8. Conflict – less system of governance:
In unitary government, all powers rest with central government, and therefore, all have to comply with the orders of the center. Hence, there is little possibility of conflict between local and central bodies in unitary government.
9. Strong foreign policy:
In international field, unitary government’s position is very strong and clear because uniform policy is followed in this and quick decisions are taken as regards international issues.
Demerits of Unitary government:
1. Opposes democracy:
Unitary form of government is regarded anti-democratic, because of extreme concentration of powers of governance in the center.
2. Governance of bureaucracy:
In unitary form of government, entire power rests with central government. Because of this, there is a fear of the central government going autocratic and there may be a rule of bureaucracy.
3. Apathy of people:
In unitary government, the people have less interest in public works and they get apathetic towards the governmental works done by the state, as they have little participation in it.
4. Inappropriate for huge states:
Unitary government is not suitable for huge states having diversity. For huge states having diversities, federal government is more appropriate.
5. Neglect of local self – governance:
In unitary government, entire responsibility of system of governance is upon the central government. It has to do those works also, which can be done with more ease and perfection by local and regional institutions, but due to the lack of sufficient power, local institutions are not properly developed.
6. Fear of central government turning autocratic:
In this system, sometimes, central government becomes very powerful and it may turn dictatorial.
Question 2.
What do you understand by federal government? Describe its features.
Answer:
Federal Government:
Federal government is such a system, wherein all powers of state are divided between union and state government. Both the governments receive powers directly from the constitution. Both are independent in their respective fields. Both have fundamental rights. The existence of both depends on the constitution. In this way, there is dual system of governance in federal states like India, Canada, United States of America, Switzerland, etc.
Features of Federal Government:
1. Written rigid and supreme constitution:
The constitution of federal form of government is written, rigid and supreme. There is a clear description of rights and their division between center and states in the constitution. The provisions of the constitution are binding upon all the organs of the government.
2. Independent Judiciary:
For a federal form of government,an independent judiciary is mandatory. Its work is to interpret and protect the constitution. Supreme Court (apex court) has rights to repeal any such law which is passed by central government or governments of states if it is found to be unconstitutional, that is, against the provisions of the constitution.
3. Division of powers:
In federal government, division of power is done between central government and s+ate governments. The subjects having national importance are assigned to central government and those having local importance are provided to state governments.
4. Bi – cameral system:
In federal form of government, central executive is bi-cameral, in which lower house represents the people of entire union, and upper house represents states (constituents) of union.
5. Dual citizenship:
In federal government, there is a system of dual citizenship. Every individual is a citizen of union and also the citizen of the state where he lives.in Though India has federal system, but it has no provision of dual citizenship. In Indian federal system, the principle of single citizenship is adopted.
6. Double use of sovereignty:
In federal state, both types of government are autonomous in their respective fields. They have their own sovereignty and they do not interfere in each other’s functional sphere.
Question 3.
Describe merits and demerits of federal government.
Answer:
Merits (qualities) of federal governance:
1. Nationality, Unity and local autonomy:
In federal government, there exist double merits of national unity and local autonomy. Its organization has unity. Small states, by clubbing together, can form a big state.
2. Coordination of centralization and decentralization:
Federal government coordinates with centralization and decentralization. In such type of system of government, the subjects of national importance are centralized and those having local importance are decentralized.
3. Administrative Efficiency:
In this form of government, due to power division, all powers are not centralized at one place. These are divided among states. Because of this, the burden on central government lessens and its administrative efficiency is enhanced.
4. Process to make weak states powerful:
In federal government, many small states, by clubbing together, make a strong state, so that they become strong and powerful in themselves.
5. Specially suitable for huge states:
Federal system is especially suitable for huge states, where the people of different languages, religions and cultures live and they have diversities in their interests. National unity is to be established in such states having diversities, and this is possible only through a federal system.
6. Governance does not become autocratic:
In federal form of government, due to division of governance between center and states, government cannot become autocratic.
7. Saving of time and money:
Because of power division in federal system, burden of central government reduces, and as a result, red tap-ism drops, resulting in saving of time. The’federal form of government is also economically beneficial.
8. Political Awareness:
Federal form of government provides its citizens the best political training. Local self-governing institutions get more powers. These institutions infuse awareness in citizens towards political problems. As a result, there develops political awareness in them.
9. Step towards world union:
By way of forming big states by joining small states, human outlook gets wider and liberal. In this way, a big (union) state is a step forward in the direction of formation of world union.
10. Repute in International field:
A federal state, by the amalgamation of different states, becomes strong and powerful, hence its importance and glory is enhanced in international sphere.
11. Favourable to democracy:
Federal system is favourable to democracy. This system has done many important works in the direction of making democracy popular.
Demerits of Federal government:
1. Unskilled system of government:
The main defect of federal government is that, due to different governments at the centre and in states, it efficiency reduces. As a result, taking governance-related decisions becomes a lengthy process.
2. To develop a situation of struggle and rebellion:
In this form of government, there is a possibility of conflict and rebellion between union government and states governments.
3. Weak system of government:
Federal government is a weak system. Because of decentralization and separation of powers, a strong government cannot be established.
4. Danger to national unity:
In federal form of government, there is not only division of legal and administrative powers between central and state governments, but also of financial resources. Sometimes, tension prevails on any subject. There is always a fear that a state could rise in rebellion. In the event of provincial feelings going hyper, there arises a danger to the national interest and unity.
5. Improper in Emergency:
In emergency times, federal form of government is regarded unsuitable. In the event of war or any other crisis, quick decisions need to be taken, which are not possible in federal government.
6. Weakness in international field:
In federal government, state is weak in international field. If the pacts and contracts inked with foreign governments are not accepted by the states, decision may suffer delay. By this, repute of state gets harmed in foreign countries.
7. Apprehension of states getting separated:
In federal form of government, in case of lack of strong and skilled leadership of union, there remains a possibility of states of union getting ‘separated’.
8. Conservatism of Judiciary:
In federal government, judiciary is the guardian of the constitution. Judiciary has rights to declare ‘unconstitutional’ any laws formed by the legislature. Sometimes, this orthodoxy of judiciary becomes a hindrance in the development of the country and in making progressive changes.
Question 4.
What is parliamentary form of government? Describe its main features.
Answer:
Meaning and Definition of Parliamentary system of government:
Parliamentary government is such a system of governance, wherein executive is responsible towards legislature and the formation of executive is also done from legislature. In this form of government, a close rapport is found between executive and legislature. Executive remains ‘in power’ till the legislature has confidence in it.
Features of Parliamentary form of government:
1. Dual Executive:
In parliamentary form of government, dual executive functions. In this system, president is the constitutional head of the state. In principle, all powers of governance are with head of state (King or President) and all works of governance are done in his name, but practically, he is only a nominal head of the state. He is head of state, not of governance. In parliamentary form of government, the actual head of governance is Prime Minister and he is responsible for governance – related works:
2. Close rapport between executive and legislature:
In parliamentary form of government, executive and legislature are closely inter-related. Real executive or council of ministers is appointed from legislature and it is responsible towards legislature for its works and policies.
3. The principle of collective responsibility:
Parliamentary form of government works on the principle of collective responsibility. It implies that only a minister is not responsible for his work, instead, the cabinet is collectively answerable to the legislature.
4. Leadership of Prime Minister:
In parliamentary form of government, Prime Minister is the leader of executive. He is also leader of government and council of ministers. All ministers are under his control and can remain in office at hiz ‘seat’. With the resignation of Prime Minister, entire cabinet stands ‘ousted.’
5. Confidentiality:
In parliamentary form of government, entire proceeding of the cabinet are kept ‘secret’. All ministers, while taking up their portfolios, take an oath to remain loyal towards constitution and to maintain confidentiality and sanctity of the post.
6. Political uniformity:
In parliamentary form of government, due to unity of political thoughts, there remains unity in policies, programmes and principles of the cabinet. In the event of no single political party gaining majority, a coalition government is constituted, which works on the basis of minimum common programme.
Question 5.
Describe main merits of parliamentary government.
Answer:
Main merits of parliamentary government:
The following are the main merits of parliamentary government.
1. Responsible government towards legislature and people:
Parliamentary form of government is the only such government, wherein the executive is squarely answerable to the legislature.
2. Mutual cooperation between legislature and executive:
The main quality of this type form of government is that there is no conflict of any type between legislature and executive; because executive is formed from parliament itself and it is answerable towards it only.
3. Discourages autocracy of governance:
In parliamentary form of government, government can never go autocratic. In and outside the parliament, opposition parties always keep a watch on the – works of the government and they keep control on the cabinet by way of bringing in adjournment motion, censure motion and cut – motion, etc.
4. Importance of opposition parties:
In parliamentary government, there is a great importance of opposition parties. On one side, opposition keeps the government cautious and alert by criticizing the policies and shortcomings of the government, and simultaneously, it keeps itself in ready mode to take on the responsibility of governance in case of the collapse of the incumbent government.
5. Governance of efficient and experienced persons:
Parliamentary form of government is a governance of capable and experienced persons. Only laborious, honest and most popular persons do reach the podium of governance. In parliamentary system, only such a person can reach on high administrative post, who is popular and has received sufficient political training.
6. Change possible in accordance with time and necessity:
One main quality of parliamentary form of government is its flexibility and changeability in accordance with the time and necessity. According to Bezhot, a prominent political thinker, “In emergency circumstances, government can choose such a ruler, who can provide effective leadership at venerable time.” For example – During the second World War, Churchill was made Prime Minister in place of Chamberlain in England. In India, after V. P Singh submitted his resignation, the formation of government under Chandrasekhar is an example of this sort.
7. Head of State (President) in the form of impartial adviser:
In this form of government,head of state (King or President) is a symbol of unity of the nation and he provides stability to national life. Once he is chosen President of the state, he will not have any relation with any political party, that is to say, that his affiliation with all political parties ends. If he has been elected on the basis of a party, then too, it is expected of him to work in impartial and neutral way, above any party politics, in national interest.
8. Political awareness and education:
In this form of government, people get suitable opportunity for obtaining political education. By the works of government and role of opposition parties, the people keep getting knowledge and education about the system of governance continuously.
Question 6.
Describe demerits of parliamentary form of government.
or
Perform a critical analysis of parliamentary form of government.
Answer:
Demerits / criticism of parliamentary government:
The following are the main demerits criticism of parliamentary government:
1. Against the principle of separation of powers:
According to the principle of separation of powers, there is a classification of three organs of the governance—legislature, executive and judiciary, so that all these three organs function independently and impartially in their respective fields. As, in this form of government, executive and legislature have very close relations, the system may go free-willing under this condition, and simultaneously, there can originate a threat to the liberty of citizens.
2. Advent of autocracy:
In this form of government, there is a possibility of danger of double autocracy because of close rapport between executive and legislature.
3. Weak governance:
This form of government is weak. As the tenure of executive is dependent on the ‘will’ of legislature, there becomes possibility of dual danger. In an environment of uncertainty, council of ministers cannot implement influential and long – term plans. By way of deriving advantage out of weak council of ministers, legislature starts interfering unnecessarily in the works of government.
4. Intensity in political factionalism:
Political parties give more importance to their party interests and less to national interests, causing harm to national interests. The object of the ruling party in – power is to remain in the power of governance, where the object of opposition parties is to acquire power by criticizing every work of the ruling party. This leads to the formation of an atmosphere of constant conflict and differences.
5. Unstable system of governance:
This is one main defect of parliamentary form of government. Many a time,when one single political party does not get majority, then a coalition government is formed. In such a government, at the time of eruption of mutual differences, there develops a situation of the collapse of the government.
6. Governance of incompetent persons:
In such a form of government, the election of ministers is not done on the basis of their eligibility and administrative experience, instead, it is done on the basis of their popularity and political influence in the political party. In council of ministers, many illiterate, less educated and inexperienced persons are included, which is not in the nation’s interest.
7. Unsuitable form of government in emergency time or at the time of war:
This form of government is not suitable for emergency situations or at the time of war, because there is a need for taking quick decisions in these circumstances, where as it takes a great deal of time in arriving at any final decision in this form of government.
8. Neglect of administrative works:
In this form of government, the members of council of ministers always remain in touch with the voters, and as a result, they do not pay much attention towards governance-related works.
9. Fear of dictatorship of majority party:
In this form of government, the ruling party may neglect public interests and initiate arbitrariness in its approach due to its majority, which is a dangerous tendency.
Question 7.
What do you understand by presidential form of government? Describe its main features.
Answer:
Presidential form of government:
In presidential government, the head (President) of the executive is the real administrator. He is the elected representative of the people. His tenure is fixed by the constitution. In this form of government, there is a council of ministers for his help in work, which is selected by President. They are called secretaries. They remain in office at the discretion of the president and they are responsible towards the President for their works.
Features of presidential form of government:
1. Separation of powers:
Presidential form of government is based on the principle of separation of powers. In it, there are separate fields of all the three – executive, legislature and judiciary. None inference in the work of others. All three function independently.
2. Definite tenure:
In presidential form of government, Executive is elected for a fixed duration of time and its tenure cannot be reduced by any means, except bringing impeachment motion against it.
3. Theory of checks and balances:
In presidential form of government, if the theory (principle) of separation of powers is adopted, there develops hindrance in governance, because there is need of freedom and cooperation for working in every field. Therefore, the practice of checks and balances is adopted, so that each organ of government has a ‘connect’ with the others, but with due restrictions.
4. Real executive:
In presidential form of government, the executive is singular. President is the real administrator. In it, both the powers of ‘Head of State’ and ‘Head’ of governance, are embedded. He is the head of state as that well as of governance.
5. Political uniformity – not required:
In presidential form of government, political uniformity is not necessary, because there is nothing like ‘council of ministers’ in this system, and the president, perse, is absolutely independent to elect or expel his aides (secretaries).
Question 8.
Describe in detail the merits of presidential government.
Answer:
Following are main merits of presidential form of government:
1. Stability in government:
The biggest quality of presidential government is that government is stable in it. Stable executive is established for a definite period of time in it. Because of the tenure of president being certain, President and his secretaries may frame long – term plans as regards governance and policy-making.
2. Unity in administration:
In presidential form of government, all powers are rested with President. All secretaries have to obey to the policies drafted and directed by the President.
3. Proficiency in governance:
In presidential government, President and his secretaries are neither required to take part in legislative affairs nor are they required to please the legislature. President appoints such persons his secretaries in different administrative fields, who are experts in their respective spheres.
4. Free from defects of group-ism:
In presidential form of government, there are a few political parties, and as such, there is little possibility of any chaos or party – politics. The spirit of party politics and different outlooks are found in the political domain only during election of the President. The President cannot be ousted before his fixed tenure, hence the activities of political parties get ‘slowed – down’ after the election. As a result, the defects of party-politics do not carry any bearings in this form of government.
5. Suitable in emergency:
Presidential form of government is very suitable in emergency situations, because decisions are quickly taken in it and these can be implemented with resolution and firmness.
6. Suitable for states having diversity:
Presidential form of government has a quality of suitability for states having diversities in terms of religion, language, community and culture, because on one side, it protects the interests of states, and on the other side, it sustains the unity and stability in national policies.
7. Protection of civic liberty:
In presidential system of governance, liberty and rights of citizens are intact. In this, entire powers are distributed in all parts of the government. In this system, besides the principle of separation of powers, the theory of checks and balances is also adopted.
8. Freedom of legislature:
In this system, legislature functions with more liberty. Hence, it can form laws with more impartiality and freedom. Because of these qualities, United States of America has adopted the presidential form of government.
Question 9.
Describe demerits of presidential system in detail.
Answer:
Following are main demerits of presidential system:
1. Unanswerable and autocratic governance:
In presidential form of government, President is the real head of executive. He is not responsible towards anyone for his works, thus, he may become autocratic because he cannot be easily ousted. In the lack of control and responsibility, sometimes, an ambitious and aspiring President, by using his powers arbitrarily, may inflict harm upon national interests.
2. Lack of flexibility:
Presidential government is rigid. It has lack of flexibility according to time. In this system, the constitution is generally written and rigid, where in changes cannot be easily made in accordance with necessity. On the other hand, if President is proved to be incapable or inefficient, then too he cannot be ousted before his expiry of tenure. People have to accept him, though under compulsion.
3. More chances of impediment in governance:
In such a form of government, there develops impediment between executive and legislature, if the president is leader of one party, whereas legislature has the majority of other party.
4. Uncertainty of responsibility:
In presidential form of government, there exists fear of uncertainty of answer-ability. As all the three organs of this system – executive, legislature and judiciary are independent in their respective fields, hence any one of these cannot be held responsible for an undesirable outcome.
5. Uncertainty in foreign policy:
In this form of government, another defect is that there cannot be a strong foreign policy, because in order to operate and give final shape to the foreign relations, President has to be dependent on the consent of legislature.
6. Harmful for administrative work efficiency:
This form of government is harmful for administrative work – efficiency, because in it, there is a lack of coordination and cooperation between executive and legislature.
7. Against organic theory:
Like human body, there is an unity and mutual dependence among-st organs / parts of administration, but in presidential system, due to separation and independence of all the three organs of government, there remains a lack of mutual rapport and cooperation. This damages the unity of government. Hence this form, of government is against the organic theory of state.
8. Lack of political awareness in people:
In presidential form of government, there is little mutual interaction and cooperation between executive and legislature, whereas in parliamentary system, ministers come under legislature, they attend meetings of legislature, reply to the questions asked by its members and also indulge in debate on different subjects. People get cognizance of all this through newspapers and other media, resulting into awareness in people, but in presidential system, there is lack of it.
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