Appreciating the Operation of Institutions in a Democracy
Democracy encompasses a methodical process of governance across several institutions, not only about choosing leaders. Three main institutions—the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary—allow the government of India to function. Every is absolutely important for policy formation, execution, and guaranteeing justice. Drawing on the NCERT Class 9 Social Science text, this blog investigates the operations of Indian institutions.
1. How one makes a major policy decision?
Every significant policy decision proceeds according to a set procedure. For Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), for example, the Mandal Commission report produced the reservation policy. The procedure entailed:
Established in 1979 to pinpoint underprivileged groups and suggest measures for their development, the Mandal Commission is
2. Government Approval: Prime Minister V.P. Singh’s Union Cabinet chose to follow the suggestions in 1990.
3. Parliamentary Discussion: The Prime Minister declared the choice in front of Parliament.
The Department of Personnel and Training issued an official memorandum directing policy implementation.
5. Judicial Review: The Supreme Court maintained the ruling but making recommendations for changes.
This illustration shows how in a democracy institutions work together to create and carry out decisions.
2. Parliament’s part in governance
Considered the highest legislative body in India, the Parliament comprises:
House of the People, or Lok Sabha
Rajya Sabha, sometimes known as Council of States
India’s President
Purposes served by Parliament
Parliament guarantees their execution, changes current laws, and generates new ones.
2. Control Over Executive: Ministers have to defend their policies in Parliament and respond to inquiries.
3. Financial Management: Government spending calls for legislative clearance.
National policies and public issues are discussed in order to guarantee democratic government.
Why Does the Lok Sabha Exude More Authority?
Though both houses have importance, the Lok Sabha has more authority since:
The majority in Lok Sabha shapes the government.
It governs financial affairs.
It can pass a no-confidence resolution eliminating the government.
The Lok Sabha so still answers the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
3. Political Executive: Authority & purposes
Policy execution in governance comes under the Executive branch. It has two elements:
Political Executive: Ministers including the Prime Minister
Civil Servants’ Permanent Executive
More Power: Who Has It?
Although they are elected delegates of the people, ministers have the last say even if they are not necessarily experts. Although they decide at last, they rely on civil servants for guidance.
Prime Minister: The Key Choice Designer
The most authority vested in an executive is that of the Prime Minister (PM). One’s responsibilities include:
The PM directs the Council of Ministers, therefore guiding the Cabinet.
2. Policy-making: Decides mostly on governance.
The PM chooses ministers for several departments via a ministerial appointment system.
4. Cooperation guarantees seamless operation among departments.
The Ministers of Council of Ministers
Handle important departments (such as Home, Finance, Defence) under Cabinet Ministers.
Ministers of State ( Independent Charge) – Oversaw minor departments separately.
Assist Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State.
The Cabinet system guarantees shared responsibility, so all ministers have to officially back Cabinet decisions.
4. President’s roles
The constitutional head of state of India is her President. Unlike the Prime Minister, the President acts on Council of Ministers’ advice and possesses few authority.
Presidential powers
Names the Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Justice, and other officials.
Legislative powers allow signs of legislation into legal form and allow a bill to be returned for review.
3. Judicial Authority: May pardon and shorten terms of incarceration.
4. Emergency Powers: Should government fail, can enforce President’s Rule in particular states.
Although the people do not directly choose the President, they are quite important in guaranteeing the seamless running of democracy.
5. The Judiciary: Constitution’s guardian
Ensuring the laws are followed and safeguarding of citizens’ rights is the responsibility of the autonomous Judiciary.
Judiciary Structure
The highest court, able to supersede any ruling is the Supreme Court.
Every state has a High Court for handling legal affairs.
Handle criminal and civil matters at the district level using local courts.
The Part Played by Courts in Democracy
Interpreting the Constitution, courts have authority to invalidate unconstitutional legislation.
2. Judicial Review guarantees government policies follow the Constitution.
Should their rights be breached, citizens can approach courts to defend fundamental rights.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) lets courts act on behalf of the general people to correct injustices.
Judicial Independentness
The Judicial System is autonomous since:
Appointed for lifetime, judges cannot be simply dismissed.
Court rulings are not open for government intervention.
Courts have authority to examine laws enacted by Parliament.
The Judiciary guarantees that authority is not abused, therefore serving as a check on the administration.
6. Why in a democracy institutions matter?
Institutions provide to government stability, responsibility, and justice. Without institutions:
Governments would act erratically.
No system of checks and balances would exist.
Laws and policies would be prone to human whims instead than democratic processes.
Problems with Institutional Functioning
Delays and bureaucracy mean that decision-making might be sluggish.
Political Interference: Sometimes ruling parties have an impact on institutions.
Judicial Overreach: Courts occasionally meddle in affairs of the presidency.
Strong institutions guarantee that democracy stays operational and responsible in spite of these obstacles.
In summary
The backbone of Indian government is formed by the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. They guarantee the laws are created, the policies are carried out, and justice is given. Institutions protect democratic values even if they can occasionally be bureaucratic and cumbersome. They also help to avoid authoritarianism.
Essential Learnings
Parliament establishes laws and keeps the government responsible.
The Executive rules the nation and applies laws.
The Judiciary protects the fundamental liberties and the Constitution.
Strong, independent, open institutions cooperating to serve the people define a well-run democracy. Knowing how these establishments run enables us to value the need of rule-based government in a democracy.
