13. How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective. (15 marks, 250 words)
Direction: Intro----How far the success? + Role of asymmetric federalism + Measures-----Conclusion.
Introduction:
Describe the Indian federal system.
Main Body
How far has the Indian federal framework been successful?
Role of asymmetric federalism
Measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective
Conclusion:
Give a balanced conclusion.
India's federal success lies not in uniformity but in its ability to accommodate diversity within constitutional unity.
14. Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA. (15 marks, 250 words)
Direction: Intro-----Separation of Power + PM (India) vs President (USA)------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Brief about separation of powers.
Main Body
Separation of powers: India vs the USA
|
Features |
Indian Model |
USA’s Model |
|
Separation of powers |
Not strict separation of powers |
Rigid and strict separation |
|
Constitutional system |
Parliamentary |
Presidential |
|
Executive–legislature relationship |
Fused – Executive is a subset of the Legislature and is directly accountable to it. |
Strictly Separated – Members of the Executive cannot hold a seat in Congress. |
|
Executive authority |
Formally vested in the President; exercised by the CoM headed by the Prime Minister. |
Vested in the President, who heads the executive. |
|
Judicial review
|
Courts can review legislative and executive action for constitutional validity |
Courts can review legislative and executive action for constitutional validity |
|
Legislative accountability |
Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha |
President is not politically accountable to Congress through a confidence vote |
Authority of the Indian Prime Minister vs the US President
|
Features |
PM (India) |
President (USA) |
|
Executive Authority |
Head of the Government |
Both the Head of State and Head of Government |
|
Appointment/ Selection |
Indirect appointment - The political party with a majority chooses its leader. |
Directly elected |
|
Tenure |
Dynamic. The PM remains in power only as long as they retain the confidence of the Lok Sabha. |
Fixed four-year term (maximum of two terms) |
|
Military authority |
Exercised through the constitutional and statutory chain of command. |
President is Commander-in-Chief, subject to constitutional and congressional limits |
|
Removal |
Loss of majority or resignation |
Only by impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate |
Conclusion:
Give a balanced conclusion.
India adopts a system of functional separation combined with parliamentary responsibility, whereas the USA relies on institutional separation and constitutional checks and balances.
15. To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions. (15 marks, 250 words)
Direction: Intro ----- to what extent does it deepen pluralist democracy? + Whether growing convergence pose a threat?------Conclusion.
Introduction:
Describe Pressure groups (or) Pluralist Democracy.
Main Body
To what extent do these groups deepen pluralistic democracy?
Threat of Corporate-Political Convergence to Institutional Autonomy
Conclusion:
Give a balanced conclusion.
