OUTLINES OF

INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM

Presentation by

Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap

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It is necessary that we, the people of India, know about the political system under which we live and are governed. In a

democracy, citizens have to be wide awake and aware of their liberties, rights and

responsibilities. Ultimately, the success of our political system

will depend largely on our willingness to understand the system and become active

participants in the democratic process.

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Preamble

What is Political Systemand

What it Does? Identifies and establishes the organs and

units of the stateDefines the roles and jurisdictions of the

Executive, the Legislature and the JudiciaryDistributes powers between the Union and

the units and regulates relationships between them

Establishes accountability and relationship of the organs of the State with the people.

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Political system generally denotes the structure of institutions that constitute the State and its

Government. It delineates the framework and form of inter-relationships between institutions and

organs of the State-the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary-and the linkage of each with the people. Political system gives shape and form to some fundamental principles round which politics

and political institutions have developed or are proposed to be organized to govern the country. It also consists of the manner in which the rulers are selected or elected, governments are formed and political decisions taken. Political interactions in

society and structures and procedures for decision making are all rooted in a country’s political

system.4

Why Do We Need Political System

Sovereignty vesting in the people at large – uncontrolled and unregulated – is like the vast energy in a wild mountainous river running down the hills in its full force and fury causing extensive damage and devastation.

Political system is like a dam that gives shape and content to the sovereign will of the people and institutionalises it to provide security and public weal.

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System As a Process

Political system is a dynamic, ever-growing process, nothing static or inert.

A living organism of functioning institutions getting new meanings and content from the manner in which and the people by whom it is worked from generation to generation.

Changes and growth come through– Constitutional Amendments and laws by Legislatures

– Interpretation by Courts

– Operation by Executive institutions at various levels

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Forms of Government

Monarchy Aristocracy/oligarchy Authoritarian/Totalitarian/Dictatorial Democracy: Worst Form except that none

better

“About forms of government, let fools contest

whatever is best administered is the best”

  - Pope 7

Types of Democracy

Direct/Representative/ParticipatoryFederal/UnitaryRepublicanPresidential/Parliamentary

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Indian Political System

Unique – does not fit into any one modelCompromise between –

– Presidential and Parliamentary– Federal and Unitary– Republican & Parliamentary

Republican, quasi-federal, representative, parliamentary.

Not built on the plinth of country’s past – continuation of the British colonial model – transfer of power not to the people.

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Structure of Indian SystemVery broadly the adult population, i.e., those

who have attained the age of 18, constitute the electorate; they elect the members of the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of their States. The State Assemblies, in turn, elect the members of the Rajya Sabha. The President is elected by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of the Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of the States. He is the nominal or the constitutional

Continued

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Continued

executive, the real or the political executive being the Council of Ministers. The ministers are from Parliament and collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. The judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Courts are to be appointed by the President but the Supreme Court has held that the decisive authority in the matter would vest in the Judicial Wing.

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Merits of Indian System

Survival potential – Dynamism, resilience, conflict resolution mechanism

Ability to adjust and accommodateAbility to face crises - both internal and

external, natural and man-made – withstanding several aggressions

Preservation of freedom, rule of law, democracy, secularism and unity and integrity of the nation

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Significant Achievements Preservation of Freedom of Institutions Independence of Judiciary Freedom of the Press Integration and Reorganization of States Liberation of French & Portuguese possessions in

India Economic development, solving the food problem Development of a meaningful foreign policy 15 Free & Fair General Elections Peaceful Transfers of Power Land Reforms & abolition of Zamindari Local Self Govt. – Nagar Palikas & Panchayats

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Failures

95 Constitutional Amendments – one every 7 months

Over 120 failures of Constitutional machinery – President’s rule

Strains in Relations between Union and States

Judiciary, Legislature and Executive – conflicts and controversies

Misuse of Emergency provisions Continued

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Continued

Disconnect between the people and the politicians

Democracy & Freedom under threat Governance Deficit – Disdain & disregard for

ordinary citizens Insecurity, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment

and rising prices Devaluation of values and de-

institutionalization of institutions – – Parliament, Council of Ministers & Prime Minister – Judicial system- Delays, costs

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Continued

Criminalization, corruption, casteism and communalism

Erosion of representational legitimacy of representatives

Role of Money, Muscle and Mafia power – 300 crorepatis in Lok Sabha, many multiplied their wealth & assets in 5 yrs, 175 with criminal background.

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Conclusion

Nation is passing through critical times. Our political system is under severe strain. There is a crisis of confidence. Faith of the people in the quality, integrity and efficiency of governmental institutions and of public functionaries stands seriously eroded. The life of the ordinary citizen is getting more and more miserable. The case for political reforms is unassailable.

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THANK YOU