Students often refer to SCERT Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard Social Science Notes Pdf and Class 9 History Chapter 4 Distribution of Power in the Indian Constitution Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.
Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard Social Science History Notes Chapter 4 Distribution of Power in the Indian Constitution
Class 9 Social Science History Chapter 4 Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus Distribution of Power in the Indian Constitution
Class 9 History Chapter 4 Notes Kerala Syllabus English Medium
Question 1.
Which ideas put forward by the National Movement were included in the Objective Resolution?
Answer:
- Equality of Opportunity
- Justice
- Equality of Status
- Fundamental Freedoms
- Sovereignty to people
Question 2.
Identify the ideas presented in the Objective Resolution that were included in the Preamble of the Constitution of India and compare them.
Answer:
- Sovereignty to people
- Justice
- Freedom
- Equality
Question 3.
How many parts and schedules are there in the constitution at present? Find out.
Answer:
Parts -25 , Schedules – 12
Question 4.
Find out the reasons why India adopted the federal system
Answer:
- To strengthen democracy through power sharing between the centre and the states.
- To preserve the unity and diversity of the country.
- To effectively counter secessionist tendencies by ensuring local representation
- To achieve economic progress by integrating various levels of governance.
- To ensure the well-being of all.
- To make the concept of democracy more meaningful.
Question 5.
Have you noticed the news headlines given below? Note which list these topics belong to.
Answer:
Union List | State List | Concurrent. List |
New train allowed to Kerala | Jail Rules were revised | Revising the structure of undergraduate courses |
India signs diplomatic agreement with Sri Lanka | New Police Policy Announced | National Forest policy announced |
Question 6.
How has Indian federalism influenced democracy? Organise a debate on the influence of Indian Federalism on our democracy.
Answer:
Conduct debate by using the following points Positive Influences on Democracy:
Decentralisation of Power:
- Federalism ensures power is not concentrated at the centre, allowing state governments to have significant authority.
- Local governance and state autonomy empower regional leaders and local populations, promoting democratic participation.
Representation of Diversity:
- India’s federal structure allows for representation of its diverse populations, including linguistic, cultural, and regional groups.
- States have the ability to enact laws and policies that reflect the unique needs and preferences of their populations, fostering inclusive governance.
Laboratories of Democracy:
- States can experiment with policies and programs independently, serving as “laboratories of democracy.”
- Successful state policies can be adopted at the national level, leading to innovative and responsive governance.
Conflict Resolution:
- Federalism provides a framework for resolving conflicts between different regions and communities.
- The division of powers between the central and state governments helps manage regional tensions and disputes, maintaining national unity.
Checks and Balances:
- Federalism introduces a system of checks and balances between different levels of government.
- State governments can act as a counterbalance to the central government, preventing the abuse of power and ensuring accountability.
Challenges and Criticisms:
- Coordination and Policy Implementation:
- Coordination between central and state govemments can be challenging, leading to inefficiencies and delays in policy implementation.
- Varied political agendas and priorities between the center and states can result in conflicts and inconsistencies.
Economic Disparities:
- Federalism can sometimes show economic disparities between richer and poorer states.
- Uneven development and resource allocation can lead to regional imbalances and social tensions.
Political Division:
- Regional parties and state-level political dynamics can lead to political division.
- Coalition politics at the national level can be complex and unstable, affecting governance and policy-making.
Centralisation Tendencies:
- There are instances where the central government attempts to centralise power, undermining the autonomy of states.
- Tensions between centralising tendencies and state autonomy can strain the federal structure.
Question 7.
Complete the following table by listing the features of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Answer:
Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
Lower house | Upper house |
Tenure is 5 years | Tenure is 6 years |
Total strength is 550 members | Total strength is 250 members. |
The age of the member should be 25 years or above | The age of the member should be 30 years or above |
House of people | Council of ministers |
Question 8.
How many Lok Sabha constituencies are there in Kerala? Find out their names.
Answer:
Kerala has 20 Lok Sabha constituencies. Here are their names:
1. Thiruvananthapuram
2. Attingal
3. Kollam
4. Pathanamthitta
5. Alappuzha
6. Mavelikkara
7. Kottayam
8. Idukki
9. Ernakulam
10. Chalakudy
11. Thrissur
12. Palakkad
13. Alathur
14. Ponnani
15. Malappuram
16. Kozhikode
17. Wayanad
18. Vadakara
19. Kannur
20. Kasaragod
Question 9.
Read the news headlines above. Discuss the need for the constitutional amendment.
Answer:
Constitutional amendments are necessary to adapt the legal framework of a country to changing societal, political, and economic dynamics. They ensure that the Constitution remains relevant and effective in addressing contemporary issues and challenges. Amendments can rectify flaws in the original document, expand fundamental rights, and enhance the efficiency of governance structures. The process typically involves rigorous debate, consensus-building, and democratic scrutiny to uphold the integrity and legitimacy of the Constitution.
Question 10.
Complete the following list based on amendments.
Answer:
Subjects | Method of Amendment |
Renaming of the states | Flexible Amendment |
86th constitutional Amendment | More rigid amendment |
Amendment in the concurrent list | Flexible amendment |
Question 11.
Read the given statements and put (✓) against the true ones and (✗) the false ones.
The head of the Executive is the Prime Minister.
The President has discretionary powers.
The head of the cabinet is the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces
Governors are appointed by the President
The President submits his resignation to the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor
Answer:
The head of the Executive is the Prime Minister. (✓)
The President has discretionary powers (✓)
The head of the cabinet is the Prime Minister (✓)
The Prime Minister is the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces (✗)
Governors are appointed by the President (✓)
The President submits his resignation to the Prime Minister (✗)
The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor (✗)
Distribution of Power in the Indian Constitution Class 9 Extended Activities
Question 1.
Organise a seminar on the salient features of Indian Federalism.
Answer:
Features of Indian Federalism are:
- A common Constitution for the centre and the states
- Sovereignty of the Constitution
- Single citizenship
- The centre has an upper hand in the powers to amend the Constitution
- Bicameral legislature
- Division of powers between the centre and states
- In the division of powers, more subjects and key powers are with the centre
- An Independent and Impartial judiciary
- Quasi-federal system
Question 2.
With the help of the library, find out the subjects that are currently included in each of the three lists of the Constitution.
Answer:
- Union list – Railway, Banking
- State list – Agriculture, Jail
- Concurrent list – Education, Forest
Question 3.
Organise a model parliament in the class covering the various stages of the legislative process.
Answer:
Organise model parliament by using the following steps.
Preparation
Assign Roles
- Speaker of the House
- Prime Minister
- Cabinet Ministers
- Leader of the Opposition
- Members of Parliament (MPs)
- Clerk of the House
- Sergeant-at-Arms
Draft a Bill
- Prepare a sample bill on a relevant and interesting topic for the students.
- Distribute Materials
- Provide each participant with a copy of the bill, an agenda, and a brief on their roles.
Legislative Process Stages
- Introduction of the Bill
- The Prime Minister or a Cabinet Minister introduces the bill.
- The Clerk reads the title of the bill aloud.
First Reading
- No debate occurs.
- The bill is presented, and its purpose is explained briefly.
- MPs vote to move the bill to the second reading.
Second Reading
- The main debate on the bill takes place.
- MPs discuss the bill’s principles and overall purpose.
- The Speaker manages the debate, ensuring order and faimess.
- A vote is taken at the end of the debate.
Committee Stage
- A smaller group of MPs (the committee) examines the bill in detail.
- The committee discusses each clause and can suggest amendments.
Report Stage
- The committee reports back to the whole parliament.
Third Reading
- The final version of the bill is debated.
- Discussion focuses on what is actually in the bill, not its general principles.
- A final vote is taken.
Passing the Bill
- If the bill passes the third reading, it is sent to the other house (if applicable) for a similar process.
- If both houses pass the bill, it goes to the President (or equivalent) for approval.
Presidential Approval
- The President (a student role) can sign the bill into law or send it back with recommendations.
Conducting the Model Parliament
- Set Up the Classroom
- Arrange the seating to resemble a parliamentary chamber.
- Have designated seats for the Speaker, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and other MPs.
Start the Session
- The Speaker calls the house to order.
- The Clerk announces the agenda for the day.
Proceed Through the Stages
- Follow the stages of the legislative process as outlined above.
- Ensure students stick to their roles and participate in debates and voting.
Encourage Participation
- Allow students to ask questions, propose amendments, and express their views.
Debrief
- After the session, discuss what was learned.
- Reflect on the importance of each stage and the role of each participant.
Question 4.
Conduct an interview with a legal expert focusing on the powers of the Supreme Court.
Answer:
Interviewer: Good morning. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the powers of the Supreme Court. Could you start by telling us about the significance of the Supreme Court in India?
Legal Expert: Good morning. The Supreme Court of India is the high judicial authority in the country. It plays a crucial role as the guardian of the Constitution and the highest appellate court. The Supreme Court ensures the rule of law, protects fundamental rights, and provides a final resolution to legal disputes.
Interviewer: Could you explain the various powers of the Supreme Court?
Legal Expert: Certainly. The Supreme Court has several key powers:
- Original Jurisdiction: This allows the Supreme Court to hear cases that can only be resolved by the Supreme Court itself, such as disputes between the central government and one or more states, or between different states.
- Appellate Jurisdiction: As the highest appellate court, the Supreme Court can hear appeals against the judgments of lower courts. This includes civil, criminal, and constitutional cases.
- Advisory Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court has the authority to provide legal advice to the President of India on any matter of public importance or law. This is done when the President seeks its opinion.
- Writ Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court can issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights. These writs include habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto, and certiorari.
- Judicial Review: The Supreme Court has the power to review laws and executive actions to ensure they follow the Constitution. This power is crucial in upholding the Constitution and preventing any arbitrary use of power by the legislature and executive.
Interviewer: How does the Supreme Court protect fundamental rights through its writ jurisdiction?
Legal Expert: The writ jurisdiction is a powerful tool for protecting fundamental rights. The Supreme Court can issue various writs to address violations of these rights:
- Habeas Corpus: Orders a person who has detained another to bring the detainee to court and justify the detention.
- Mandamus: Directs a public. official or institution to perform a duty they are obligated to complete.
- Prohibition: Stops a lower court from exceeding its jurisdiction.
- Quo Warranto: Challenges the legality of a person holding a public office.
- Certiorari: Transfers a case from a lower court to a higher court for review.
These writs ensure that the fundamental rights of individuals are upheld and any unlawful actions by authorities are checked.
Interviewer: What role does the Supreme Court play in maintaining the balance of power between the different branches of government?
Legal Expert: The Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of power through its power of judicial review. By reviewing and potentially invalidating laws and actions that violate the Constitution, the Supreme Court ensures that the legislative and executive branches do not overstep their bounds. This system of checks and balances is fundamental to India’s democratic framework, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful and protecting the rights and liberties of the people.
Interviewer: How does the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review function in practice?
Legal Expert: When a law or executive action is challenged as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court reviews the case to determine whether it aligns with the provisions of the Constitution. If the Court finds that the law or action violates the Constitution, it can declare it null and void. This power acts as a safeguard against the misuse of legislative and executive power, ensuring that all actions conform to constitutional principles.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights. Finally, what do you think are the challenges faced by the Supreme Court in exercising its powers?
Legal Expert: The Supreme Court faces several challenges, including a heavy caseload that leads to delays in justice, the need to balance judicial independence with accountability, and ensuring that its judgments are effectively implemented.
Additionally, maintaining public trust and upholding the integrity of the judiciary are ongoing challenges. Despite these, the Supreme Court continues to play a vital role in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law in India.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. Your insights have been incredibly valuable in understanding the powers and significance of the Supreme Court.
Legal Expert: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to discuss these important aspects of our judicial system.
Std 9 History Chapter 4 Notes Kerala Syllabus Extra Question Answer
Question 1.
What is the structure and length of the Constitution of India
Answer:
The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any country, comprising a Preamble, 470 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, and numerous amendments. It is a comprehensive and extensive document containing about one and a half million words.
Question 2.
Find out the difference between the Union List and the State List.
Answer:
Union List | State List |
This is a list of subjects over which the Union Government has exclusive law-making powers. | This is a list of subjects over which State governments have legislative powers in normal circumstances. |
97 subjects. | Initially, it had 66 subjects. |
Example – Foreign Affairs, Defence, Railways, Banking, Citizenship, etc. | Example – Agriculture, Jails, Police, Local Government, etc. |
Question 3.
Define constitutional amendment.
Answer:
- A constitutional amendment is the making of corrections, omissions or additions to the Constitution.
- The power to amend the Constitution of India is vested with the Parliament.
- Article 368 empowers the Parliament to amend the Constitution.
Question 4.
What is the role of the Supreme Court under its Writ Jurisdiction?
Answer:
Under its Writ Jurisdiction, the Supreme Court has the power to issue special orders in the form of writs for the protection of fundamental rights when they are violated.
Question 5.
Define the term “Prime Minister”
Answer:
- The Prime Minister, the administrative head of the country, is also the leader of the party and its alliance with a majority in the Lok Sabha and the nation.
- It is the Prime Minister who forms the Council of Ministers and decides the members of his/her Cabinet.
- The Prime Minister acts as the link between the President, the Cabinet and the Parliament.
Question 6.
Distinguish between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Answer:
Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
Lower house | Upper house |
Tenure is 5 years | Tenure is 6 years |
Total strength is 550 members. | Total strength is 250 members. |
The age of the member should be 25 years or above | The age of the member should be 30 years or above |
House of people | Council of ministers |
Question 7.
What was the Objective Resolution presented by Nehru?
Answer:
The Objective Resolution, presented by Jawaharlal Nehru, declared the Constituent Assembly’s determination to make India an independent sovereign republic and to frame a constitution for it. It emphasised the union of former British Indian territories and states, autonomy for territories forming the Union, and ensuring social, economic, and political justice, equality, and fundamental freedoms for all citizens.
Question 8.
Define a more rigid amendment.
Answer:
Some very crucial provisions can be amended only with the special majority of both houses of the Parliament, along with the approval of not less than half of the states. Examples are the division of powers between the Centre and State, the Representation of the Peoples Act, etc.
Question 9.
What were the two most important promises given to the people of India upon gaining independence on 15th August 1947?
Answer:
- India’s independence on 15th August 1947 entrusted a huge and important responsibility to our Constituent Assembly.
- Democratic governance and the construction of a welfare state were the two most important promises given to the people by independence.
- The first step in this direction was the formation of the Constituent Assembly and the Objective Resolution presented by Nehru.
Question 10.
What was the first step taken by India towards democratic governance and the construction of a welfare state after independence?
Answer:
- The Constitution of India, adopted on January 26, 1950, is the supreme law of India and outlines the framework for the country’s political principles, procedures, and powers of government institutions.
- It establishes India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for its citizens.
- It is the longest written constitution, comprising a Preamble, 470 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, and numerous amendments.
Question 11.
When was the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly constituted, and how long did it take to draft the Constitution of India?
Answer:
The Constitution of India was drafted by the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly constituted on 6th December 1946 on the recommendation of the Cabinet Mission, which lasted for 2 years, 11 months and 17 days from 9 December 1946.
Question 12.
Explain the Features of the Constitution.
Answer:
The Constitution of India, adopted on 26 November 1949, had 395 articles and schedules in parts.
Question 13.
Mention some of the ideas from the Objective Resolution.
Answer:
Objective Resolution
- The Constituent Assembly declares its solemn determination to make India an independent sovereign republic and to frame a constitution for it.
- The independent sovereign India would be a union of former British Indian territories, Indian states and other parts outside British India were willing to become a part of the Indian Union.
- The territories forming the Union of India will be autonomous units. In addition, they are vested with all powers and duties not vested in the Central Government.
- All the powers of an independent sovereign India will emanate from the people.
- Social, economic and political justice, equality of status, equality of opportunity and equality before the law, as well as fundamental freedom of speech, expression, belief, worship, profession, association and assembly, subject to law and public morality, shall be ensured and protected for all the people of India.
Question 14.
What is federalism, and what are its basic features?
Answer:
- Federalism is a system of administration in which power is divided between the central government and the state governments.
- The basic features of federalism are considered to be a Written and Rigid Constitution, a Division of Powers, and an Independent Judiciary.
- The Constitution doesn’t mention that India is a federal state.
- We have adopted the federal system to accommodate the social, regional and geographical diversity of India and to preserve the unity and integrity of the country.
Question 15.
What are the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List in the division of power as per the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution?
Answer:
Question 16.
What are the features of Indian Federalism?
Answer:
Question 17.
What are residuary powers, and who has legislative authority over them? Provide an example.
Answer:
Residuary Powers
- Subjects which are not included in the above three lists.
- Powers are vested in the central government.
eg:- Cyber Laws.
Question 18.
How are the powers of government separated?
Answer:
The Constitution is a fundamental document.
It defines the position and powers of the three branches of government:
- Executive
- Judiciary
- Legislature
The purpose of the Constitution is not only to create the institutions of government but also to limit their powers.
Question 19.
What are the major functions of parliament?
Answer:
Main functions of parliament
- Law making
- Act as custodian of the public treasury
- To control the executive
- Act as judicial authority in impeachment
- Consider and give assent to constitutional amendment
- Participate in the presidential and vice presidential elections
Question 20.
Distinguish between the Upper House and Lower House.
Answer:
Lok Sabha:
- The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament.
- Members of the Lok Sabha are elected directly by the people on a majority system.
- Indian citizens who have completed 25 years of age are eligible to contest in Lok Sabha elections.
- The term of the Lok Sabha is 5 years.
- It has more powers than the Rajya Sabha on financial matters.
- The Money Bills and No-confidence motions are presented in the Lok Sabha.
- The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 550. But at present, there are 543 (2023) members in the Lok Sabha. The formation and existence of governments are possible on the basis of the majority in the Lok Sabha.
Rajya Sabha:
- The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament.
- Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
- Indian citizens who have completed 30 years of age are eligible to contest in Rajya Sabha.
- It is a permanent house.
- The term of office of its members is six years.
- It is from the Rajya Sabha the proceedings to remove the vice president begins.
- The Rajya Sabha is vested with the power to mandate the parliament to create a new All India Service.
- The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250. Of these, 238 are elected, and the remaining 12 are nominated by the president.
Question 21.
What are the major functions of the Council of Ministers?
Answer:
The Council of Ministers helps the President in the exercise of his/her functions. The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers.
Question 22.
Explain about the judicial system.
Answer:
- The Judiciary is the mechanism that ensures the functions of legislative and executive, in accordance with the Constitution.
- Along with protecting the rights of the citizens, it protects constitutional values.
- The Judiciary is known as the “Protector of the Constitution”.
- As we go up in our pyramidical judicial system, the number of courts decreases, and the powers increase. As we go down, the number of courts increases, and the powers decrease.
Question 23.
What are the key powers of the Supreme Court?
Answer:
- The Supreme Court, came into existence on 28 January 1950.
- Its Headquarters is in New Delhi.
- The retirement age of Supreme Court judges is 65 years.
- The Parliament has the power to remove Judges of the Supreme Court before completing his/her term.
- It is before the President that the Chief Justice and other judges take oath as well as submit their resignation.
- The Supreme Court acts as the supreme interpreter of the Constitution and the guardian of fundamental rights while providing solutions to various legal disputes.