Oxford Solutions for ICSE Class 8 History Civics Chapter 17 The Union Executive

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. The President can be removed from office by a procedure known as Impeachment.
This is a legal process where the Parliament can charge the President with violating the Constitution. It requires a special majority in both houses to be successful.
Teacher's Tip: Think of 'Impeachment' as a very serious 'Exit' sign for high officials who break the rules.
Exam Tip: Be sure to spell 'Impeachment' correctly as it is a specific technical term in Civics.

2. The President appoints the judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court.
This power ensures that the judiciary is chosen by the highest official in the country to maintain its dignity. These appointments are usually made based on the recommendation of a group of senior judges.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that the President acts as the "Appointer-in-Chief" for our top judges.
Exam Tip: Mention both 'Supreme Court' and 'High Court' to get full marks for this point.

3. The President can call a joint session of the Parliament if there is a deadlock regarding a bill.
A deadlock happens when the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cannot agree on a new law. A joint session brings everyone together to vote and resolve the disagreement quickly.
Teacher's Tip: A joint session is like a "Final Meeting" to solve a big argument between the two houses.
Exam Tip: Use the word 'deadlock' to explain why a joint session is needed.

4. The Cabinet is the inner core of the Council of Ministers. The Cabinet Ministers hold important portfolios.
The Cabinet consists of the most senior ministers who make the most important decisions for the country. Portfolios are the specific departments they look after, like Home or Finance.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the Cabinet as the "Brain" of the government team.
Exam Tip: Remember that the Cabinet is a smaller, more powerful group within the larger Council of Ministers.

5. The Prime Minister is the link between the President, the people and the Parliament.
The Prime Minister conveys the decisions of the Cabinet to the President and answers questions in Parliament on behalf of the government. This role makes sure that all parts of the government stay informed and connected.
Teacher's Tip: The PM is like a "Bridge" connecting three different islands of power.
Exam Tip: Always list all three - President, people, and Parliament - to show the complete link.

B. Name the following:

Question 1: The current Prime Minister of India
Answer: Narendra Modi
He is the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha and the head of the Union Council of Ministers. He is responsible for leading the country's development and representing India globally.
Teacher's Tip: Associate the PM with the "Real Power" in our parliamentary system.
Exam Tip: For current affairs questions, always write the full name clearly.

Question 2: The current Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha
Answer: Mohammad Hamid Ansari
In India, the Vice-President automatically becomes the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Their main job is to preside over meetings and maintain discipline in the Upper House.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that the VP has "Two Hats" - Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
Exam Tip: Check the latest name before your exam, as this position changes every five years.

Question 3: The current Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces
Answer: Pranav Mukheijee
The President of India holds this title to show that the military is always under the control of the civilian government. All major military orders are formally issued in the President's name.
Teacher's Tip: "Supreme Commander" is the highest military title given to the President.
Exam Tip: Always identify the President of the time as the Supreme Commander.

Question 4: The current ministers in charge of (a) Defence (b) External Affairs (c) Finance (d) Health
Answer: (a) Defence Minister - Manohar Parrikar
(b) External Affairs - Sushma Swaraj
(c) Finance Minister - Arun Jaitley
(d) Health Minister - Jagat Prakash Nadda
These individuals lead the most critical departments that manage our safety, foreign relations, money, and public well-being. Each minister is responsible to the Parliament for the working of their department.
Teacher's Tip: Group these names by their department to memorize them more easily.
Exam Tip: Use a dash (-) to clearly separate the department from the minister's name.

C. Choose the correct answer:

Question 1: The President/Prime Minister/Vice President is the nominal head of the government of India.
Answer: The President is the nominal head of the government of India.
A nominal head has many formal powers but usually acts only on the advice of the real leaders. The President represents the nation's unity but does not handle daily administration.
Teacher's Tip: "Nominal" means head in "Name Only," while the PM does the "Real" work.
Exam Tip: Do not confuse 'nominal head' with 'real head' in your answer.

Question 2: The President is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Administrative Service/Defence Forces/Indian Foreign Service.
Answer: The President is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces.
This means the Army, Navy, and Air Force all report to the President as their ultimate authority. It is a symbolic role that ensures the military serves the democratic constitution.
Teacher's Tip: Use the trick "President = Military Boss" to remember this role.
Exam Tip: Always pick 'Defence Forces' for this specific title.

Question 3: The Vice-President is the Chairperson of the Lok Sabha/ Rajya Sabha/Vidhan Sabha.
Answer: The Vice-President is the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
They manage the discussions and voting in the Upper House of Parliament. They only vote in the Rajya Sabha if there is a tie between the members.
Teacher's Tip: VP belongs with the Rajya Sabha, just like the Speaker belongs with the Lok Sabha.
Exam Tip: Match 'Vice-President' with 'Rajya Sabha' every time.

Question 4: After the elections, the President appoints the leader of the majority party as the Vice President/Speaker/Prime Minister.
Answer: After the elections, the President appoints the leader of the majority party as the Prime Minister.
This is a mandatory duty because the Prime Minister must have the support of most members in the Lok Sabha. Without this support, the government cannot pass laws or stay in power.
Teacher's Tip: The "Winner of the Election" becomes the Prime Minister.
Exam Tip: Use the term 'majority party' to explain why the PM is chosen.

Question 5: The Council of Ministers is the real executive but the administration is carried on in the name of the Prime Minister/President/Vice-President.
Answer: The Council of Ministers is the real executive but the administration is carried on in the name of the Prime Minister.
(Note: Per textbook OCR) While formal orders are in the President's name, the daily work is associated with the PM's leadership. The PM guides all other ministers in their administrative duties.
Teacher's Tip: The PM's name is the one we see most often on news about government work.
Exam Tip: Be careful here; "formal" orders are for the President, but "administration" is led by the PM.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

Question 1: The President is elected for a term of 4 years.
Answer: False.
Correct: The President is elected for a term of 5 years.
Most major political offices in India, including the PM and members of Lok Sabha, have this same five-year limit. This allows the people to have regular opportunities to change their representatives.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the number "5" for almost all major terms in Indian politics.
Exam Tip: Always provide the "Correct" statement for any "False" answer to get full points.

Question 2: The President can pardon a death sentence.
Answer: True.
This is called the power of clemency or mercy, and it is the highest judicial power the President has. It acts as a final check to ensure that no innocent person is wrongly executed.
Teacher's Tip: The President is like the "Final Court of Appeal" for life and death matters.
Exam Tip: Use the word 'pardon' as it is the official term used in the Constitution.

Question 3: The President can declare war or conclude peace.
Answer: True.
As the Supreme Commander, only the President has the legal authority to commit the nation to a conflict. This power is usually exercised based on the written advice of the Cabinet.
Teacher's Tip: War and Peace are "Big Decisions" that only the "Big Office" can handle.
Exam Tip: This power relates directly to the President's role as Supreme Commander.

Question 4: The Prime Minister choose the Cabinet Ministers.
Answer: True.
The PM selects the most trusted members of their party to lead important departments. The President then formally appoints them based on the PM's list.
Teacher's Tip: The PM is like the "Captain" of a team who chooses his own players.
Exam Tip: Clarify that while the PM 'chooses' them, the President 'appoints' them.

Question 5: Civil servants belong to the majority party in the Parliament.
Answer: False.
Correct: Civil servants belong to the minority party in the Parliament.
(Note: Following textbook OCR verbatim) In reality, civil servants are expected to be politically neutral and serve whatever party is in power. They are permanent employees of the government, not political party members.
Teacher's Tip: Civil servants are the "Permanent Workers" who stay even when parties change.
Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the textbook's specific correction even if it sounds different from general knowledge.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1: Who is the real executive head in a parliamentary form of government?
Answer: The parliamentary system of government makes the Prime Minister the real head of the Indian government.
While the President holds the title, it is the Prime Minister who makes the daily decisions. The PM leads the party that the people actually voted for in the elections.
Teacher's Tip: "Real head" = Power; "Nominal head" = Title.
Exam Tip: Always name the 'Prime Minister' as the real executive head.

Question 2: Name the body that elects the President of India.
Answer: An Electoral College elects the President.
This is not a college building, but a group of elected representatives from all over India. It includes members from both the Parliament and the State Assemblies.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the Electoral College as a "Special Voting Club" for top leaders.
Exam Tip: Don't just say 'people'; make sure to use the formal term 'Electoral College'.

Question 3: Name any two officials appointed by the President?
Answer: The President appoints the State Governors, the Comptroller Auditor General, the Attorney General and Chief Commissioners of the Union Territories.
The President also appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers in the Union Cabinet. These appointments are crucial for the administration of the entire country.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "Governors and Generals" as the main people the President picks.
Exam Tip: Listing any two from the provided answer will get you full marks.

Question 4: What is an ordinance?
Answer: Ordinances are executive orders which are issued when the Parliament is not in session.
They have the same power as a law passed by Parliament but are only temporary. If the Parliament doesn't approve them when it meets again, the ordinance stops working.
Teacher's Tip: An ordinance is like an "Emergency Law" used when the law-makers are on holiday.
Exam Tip: Mention that ordinances are only used when Parliament is 'not in session'.

Question 5: What can the President do when the security of the country is threatened by external aggression or armed rebellion?
Answer: If the security of the country is threatened by external aggression or armed rebellion, National Emergency is declared.
During this time, the central government gets more power to make quick decisions for safety. Individual rights can also be temporarily limited to protect the entire nation.
Teacher's Tip: Emergency is like a "Security Lockdown" for the whole country.
Exam Tip: Use the specific phrase 'National Emergency' for this situation.

Question 6: Whose advice is the President bound to follow in carrying out his/her functions?
Answer: Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers advice the President in the exercise of his/her functions. He/she is bound to follow this advice.
This rule ensures that the President does not act like a king but follows the elected government's will. It is a key part of our democratic "checks and balances" system.
Teacher's Tip: In our democracy, the "Advisor" (PM) is actually the one who makes the choice.
Exam Tip: Use the word 'bound' to show that following this advice is not optional for the President.

Question 7: Who is the head of the Council of Ministers?
Answer: The Prime Minister is the head of the Council of Ministers.
He oversees all the other ministers and ensures their departments are working together. If the Prime Minister resigns, the entire Council of Ministers must also leave their posts.
Teacher's Tip: The PM is the "Chief Executive" of the whole ministerial team.
Exam Tip: Always capitalize the title 'Prime Minister'.

Question 8: When two or more political parties form the government, what is it called?
Answer: When two or more parties usually agree to work together and form the government. This is known as a Coalition Government.
This happens when no single party wins enough seats to have a majority on its own. The parties must then compromise and agree on common goals to rule together.
Teacher's Tip: A Coalition is like a "Partnership" between different political groups.
Exam Tip: The keyword here is 'Coalition'; make sure you spell it correctly.

Question 9: What is meant by allotment of portfolios?
Answer: The Prime Minister allots each minister in the Council a separate department or portfolio to handle. This is called allotment of portfolios. Hence, we have a Minister of Communication, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, etc.
By giving each minister a specific area, the government can handle many different tasks at the same time. The Prime Minister can change these portfolios whenever they feel it is necessary.
Teacher's Tip: Portfolio = A specific "Subject" or "Department" assigned to a minister.
Exam Tip: Give one or two examples like 'Finance' or 'Health' to make your answer better.

Question 10: What happens when a vote of no-confidence is passed against any one Cabinet Minister?
Answer: If a vote of no-confidence is passed against any one Cabinet Minister, the whole Council of Ministers has to resign immediately.
This is called "Collective Responsibility," meaning the team stands or falls together. It ensures that the government always acts as a united group in Parliament.
Teacher's Tip: It's "All for one and one for all" in the Council of Ministers.
Exam Tip: Emphasize that the *whole* council must resign, not just that one minister.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: In the context of the President of India, answer the following questions: (a) Mention the qualifications required for the post of the President. (b) How is the President elected ? (c) How can the services of the President be terminated ?
Answer: (a) Qualifications for the post of the President are:
1. They must be citizens of India.
2. They must be at least 35 years of age.
3. They must have all the qualifications necessary to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
4. They should not hold an office of profit under the Central, the State or the Local Government.
(b) The President is elected indirectly. An electoral college elects the President. The electoral college consists of the following members:
1. The elected members of both Houses of Parliament.
2. The elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
(c) The President can be impeached by the Parliament. Impeachment is a procedure by which the Parliament can remove the President if he/she is found guilty of violating the Constitution, of treason or of corruption.
These strict rules ensure that only a highly qualified and trusted person becomes the head of the nation. The impeachment process is very difficult to start, which protects the President from unfair political attacks.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the "35 and Citizen" rule for the President's age.
Exam Tip: For part (b), remember that 'elected members' are the only ones who vote, not the nominated ones.

Question 2: With reference to the powers of the President, discuss: (a) Any four executive powers (b) Military powers (c) Any four legislative powers
Answer: (a) Executive powers: The President appoints the Prime Minister who is the leader of the Majority party or coalition parties or single largest party in the Lok Sabha.
The President appoints the Union Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
(b) Military powers: The President is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces. He or she can declare war or conclude peace. All important treaties and contracts are made in the President’s name.
(c) Legislative powers:
1. The President can summon or prorogue the Parliament. He/she addresses the opening session of the Parliament every year. The President’s address is a statement of the government’s policy.
2. The President can also dissolve the Lok Sabha and order fresh elections.
3. He/she can call a joint session of both Houses of Parliament if there is a deadlock regarding a bill.
4. Each bill passed by the Parliament has to receive the President’s assent in order to become a law. The President may send the bill back to the Parliament if he/she does not approve, but if it is passed a second time, he/she is obliged to sign it and give his/her assent.
5. The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha and two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha.
6. When the Parliament is not in session, the President can issue ordinances. Ordinances are like laws and are valid for only 6 weeks after the Parliament meets again.
The President's powers touch every part of the government, from appointing leaders to approving every single law. Even though they act on advice, their formal approval is required for the country to function properly.
Teacher's Tip: Use "Appoint, Assent, and Address" to remember the President's main legislative duties.
Exam Tip: For legislative powers, mentioning the 'veto' power (sending a bill back) is very important for marks.

Question 3: The President is an integral part of the Parliament. In this context explain the following: (a) The financial powers of the President (b) The judicial powers of the President (c) The emergency powers of the President.
Answer: (a) The financial powers of the President:
1. The Budget is presented to the Parliament in the name of the President.
2. All money bills are introduced in the Parliament with the President’s permission.
(b) The judicial powers of the President:
1. The President has the power to grant pardon, to remit, reduce or suspend the sentence of a person convicted of any offence. He can also pardon a death sentence.
2. He/she is not answerable to any court of law for his/ her actions, except if he/she is impeached by the Parliament.
(c) The emergency powers of the President:
1. The President can declare Emergency if the security of the country is threatened by external aggression or armed rebellion.
2. If the administrative machinery of a state breaks down, Presidential Rule is imposed in that state.
3. If the financial stability of the country is threatened, a Financial Emergency can be declared by him.
Financial powers ensure the government has the money it needs, while judicial powers provide a chance for mercy. Emergency powers are "safety switches" used to protect the country during major crises.
Teacher's Tip: Financial power is about "Money," Judicial is about "Mercy," and Emergency is about "Security."
Exam Tip: Define the three types of emergencies (National, State, and Financial) for a more complete answer.

Question 4: With reference to the functions of the Parliament, explain the following: (a) Law-making functions (b) Control over the executive (c) Judicial functions
Answer: (a) Law making functions of the Parliament:
1. The Parliament can frame new laws or modify existing ones on any subject in the Union or Concurrent List.
2. In some cases the Parliament can also pass laws on subjects under the State List.
3. Only the Parliament can initiate a Bill to amend the Constitution.
(b) Control over the Council of Ministers:
1. The Parliament keeps a watch over the government. The Council of Ministers is directly responsible and answerable to the Lok Sabha for its policies and actions.
2. The Council of Ministers has to resign immediately if a vote of no-confidence is passed against it by the Lok Sabha.
3. The Members of Parliament can discuss government policies and question the ministers. Hence, they can exercise a check on the working of the government.
4. The Parliament can move an adjournment motion to discuss and focus on any matter of public importance which requires immediate and urgent attention from the government, for instance, natural disasters such as earthquakes and unforeseen situations such as police firing or terrorist attacks, etc.
(c) Judicial functions of the Parliament :
The Parliament can impeach or remove the President, the Vice-President and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts if any of them violate the Constitution or misuse their authority.
Parliament acts as a supreme watchdog that makes sure the government is doing its job and following the rules. It is the most powerful body in the country because it represents the will of the people.
Teacher's Tip: Use "Law, Control, and Court" to remember the Parliament's three main roles.
Exam Tip: Mention 'no-confidence' as the strongest way the Parliament controls the government.

Question 5: Discuss the powers and position of the Prime Minister with reference to his relationship with the following: (a) Parliament (b) the President (c) the Council of Ministers.
Answer: (a) The parliamentary system of government makes the Prime Minister the real head of the Indian government. It is the Prime Minister who actually exercises all the powers vested in the President. This is because of the following reasons:
1. The Prime Minister is the elected head of the country.
2. The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party or the largest coalition in the Parliament.
(b) The Prime Minister advises the President in the discharge of his/her functions and informs him/her about the decisions taken by the Cabinet. The advice of the Prime Minister is binding on the President.
(c) The Council of Ministers:
1. The Prime Minister selects the members of the Council of Ministers.
2. He/she distributes portfolios among the ministers and presides over Cabinet meetings.
3. He/she coordinates the working of the different departments and is the vital link between the President and the Cabinet.
4. He/she can expand the Cabinet and also demand the resignation of any minister.
The PM is the center of the whole political system in India. They lead the party in Parliament, give orders to the ministers, and make sure the President is always informed about national affairs.
Teacher's Tip: The PM is the "Real Boss" of the government because they have the most popular support.
Exam Tip: Use the word 'binding' to emphasize that the President *must* follow the PM's advice.

Question 6: In the context of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, explain the following: (a) Appointment of the Prime Minister (b) Formation of the Council of Ministers (c) The Cabinet
Answer: (a) According to the constitution, The Prime Minister is appointed by the President of India. In actual practice, however, the choice of the President in the appointment of Prime Minister is limited. He appoints only that person as Prime Minister who is the leader of the party or coalition of parties having an absolute majority in House of the people.
In case no party has an absolute majority in house of the people, the president can appoint any person as Prime Minister who, is his opinion, is able to form a stable government. The person to be appointed as Prime Minister must be member of either house of parliament.
(b) The Prime Minister selects a number of ministers according to his/her preference and submits a list to the President. When the President approves and appoints the Ministers on the list, the Council of Ministers is formed.
The Council of Ministers has three ranks within if -
1. Cabinet Ministers
2. Ministers of State and
3. Deputy Ministers.
All ministers of the Council have to be members of either House of Parliament. In case a non-member is selected, he/ she has to be elected to either House within 6 months from the date of appointment.
(c) The Cabinet is the inner core of the council of Ministers. The Cabinet Ministers hold the most important portfolios and make die most important decision and policies. The Cabinet Ministers hold the highest ranks and have the greatest responsibility. They holds the real executive power of the Indian government and is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
The Cabinet can remain in office as long as it enjoys the confidence of a majority in the Lok Sabha. If a vote of no confidence is passed against any one Cabinet Minister, the whole Council of Ministers has to resign immediately. The entire Council has to answer for the short comings or failure on the part of any one minister.
This structure ensures a clear hierarchy where the most experienced leaders make the big decisions. The 6-month rule for non-members ensures that everyone in the government is eventually accountable to the voters.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the three ranks: Cabinet (Top), State (Middle), Deputy (Junior).
Exam Tip: Mention 'Collective Responsibility' as the reason why the whole council resigns if one minister fails.

G Picture study:

Until 1950, the building in the picture was known as ‘Viceroy’s House’, and served as die residence of the Governor General of India.

1. Identify the building. Whose official residence is it now?
Answer: Rashtrapati Bhavan, President of India.
It is one of the largest presidential residences in the world and is located in New Delhi. It contains hundreds of rooms and the beautiful Mughal Gardens.
Teacher's Tip: Rashtrapati Bhavan = "President's House."
Exam Tip: Be sure to mention both the name of the building and whose residence it is.

2. How is he or she elected?
Answer: The President is elected indirectly by the elected members of the Legislature as he or she is a nominal (de jure) and not the de facto head. An Electoral college elects the President. The Electoral College consists of the following members:
1. The elected members of both Houses of Parliament.
2. The elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies
"Indirectly" means that citizens do not vote for the President directly; instead, our representatives vote for them. This system keeps the President's office neutral and above daily politics.
Teacher's Tip: Indirect election = People elect MPs -> MPs elect President.
Exam Tip: Use the term 'Electoral College' to name the group that does the voting.

3. What is his/her term of office?
Answer: The President is elected for a period of 5 years. He or she can be re-elected after his or her term.
Five years is the standard length for a major political term in India's democracy. Being able to be re-elected means a popular President can serve for more than one term.
Teacher's Tip: Just like a school grade lasts one year, a President's grade lasts five!
Exam Tip: Always mention '5 years' as the specific duration.

4. Mention two powers each held by this person with reference to the following: (a) Financial power (b) Judicial Power
Answer: (a) Financial power:
1. The Budget is presented to the Parliament in the name of the President.
2. All money bills are introduced in the Parliament with the President’s permission.
(b) Judicial Power:
1. The President has the power to grant pardon, to remit, reduce or suspend the sentence of a person convicted of any offence. He can also pardon a death sentence.
2. He/she is not answerable to any court of law for his/ her actions, except if he/she is impeached by the Parliament.
Financial powers give the President control over how the government's money plans are started. Judicial powers allow the President to act with compassion in legal cases that have already been decided by courts.
Teacher's Tip: Financial = "The Money Man," Judicial = "The Judge of Judges."
Exam Tip: For judicial power, always include the 'pardon' power as it is very unique to the President.