Maharashtra Board Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 The Union Executive Solutions

Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 The Union Executive Questions And Answers Maharashtra Board

The Union Executive Class 8 Questions And Answers Chapter 3 Maharashtra Board

Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 The Union Executive Textbook Questions And Answers

1. Choose The Correct Option And Rewrite The Statement:

Question 1. In India, the executive power is vested in the ............... .
(a) President
(b) Prime Minister
Answer:
In simple words:

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions about the Indian political system, clearly distinguish between the nominal head (President) and the real executive head (Prime Minister) based on the specific wording of the question.

Question 2. The tenure of the President is of ............ years.
(a) three
(b) four
(c) five
Answer: (c) five
In simple words: The President of a country typically serves for a fixed period, which in this case is five years.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the fixed terms for key political positions like President and Prime Minister, as these are common factual questions.

Question 3. The Council of Ministers is led by the ............
(a) Party Chief
(b) Prime Minister
(c) President
Answer: (b) Prime Minister
In simple words: The Prime Minister is the head of the government and leads the group of ministers who manage different departments of the country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the roles of different government officials; the Prime Minister is central to the Council of Ministers.

2. Find And Write:

Question 1. The President, the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers are called the ............
Answer: Executive. These individuals and bodies are responsible for implementing laws and policies.
In simple words: These important people and groups together form the Executive branch, which carries out the government's work.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the three branches of government (Legislative, Executive, Judiciary) and the key roles within each.

Question 2. During the Parliamentary session, the period around 12 noon is known as ............
Answer: Zero hour. This is a crucial time when Members of Parliament can raise important issues without prior notice.
In simple words: Zero hour is a special time in Parliament when members can quickly bring up urgent matters.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be familiar with specific terms related to parliamentary procedures, such as 'Zero hour' and 'Question hour'.

3. Write The Following Concepts In Your Own Words:

Question 1. Impeachment procedure:
Answer:1. The responsibility of protecting the Constitution is shouldered by the President. 2. But, if any act of the President violates the Constitution, the Parliament has the authority to remove him. 3. This process is known as the process of Impeachment. The procedure for impeachment is as follows: 1. Anyone House can lay the charge of violation of the Constitution. 2. The investigation of the charge is carried out by the other House. 3. If the resolution is passed by special (2/3rd) majority of both the Houses, the President can be removed from his post.
In simple words: Impeachment is how Parliament can remove the President if they break the Constitution, requiring a special majority vote from both Houses after one House brings the charge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the key elements: violation of the Constitution, Parliament's authority, and the 2/3rd special majority in both Houses for the resolution to pass.

Question 2. No-confidence motion:
Answer:1. In the Parliamentary system of government, the Legislature tries to keep control over the Executive. 2. The Executive stays in power till it enjoys the support of the majority in Lok Sabha. 3. The members of the Lok Sabha can move a No-confidence motion by simply expressing "We do not have confidence in the government". 4. If the motion is passed with majority support, the Council of Ministers (the Executive) has to resign. 5. Thus, this is the most effective way to keep a check on the Council of Ministers.
In simple words: A no-confidence motion is a way for the Lok Sabha to show they don't support the government; if it passes, the government must resign, ensuring the Executive remains accountable to the Legislature.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the role of the Lok Sabha, the requirement of majority support, and the consequence of the motion passing (resignation of the Council of Ministers).

Question 3. Jumbo Ministry:
Answer:
In simple words: A "Jumbo Ministry" refers to a very large Council of Ministers, often criticized for being inefficient or for political appeasement rather than effective governance.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining terms like 'Jumbo Ministry', explain what it means and briefly mention its implications or common criticisms.

1. A huge Council of Ministers with more than necessary ministers is referred to as Jumbo Ministry.

2. There was a trend to keep large Council of Ministers in our country.

3. Later, a constitutional amendment was made to limit the size of the Council of Ministers.

4. As per this amendment, the number of ministers in the Council should not be more than 15% of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.

4. Answer In Brief:

Question 1. Enumerate the functions of the Council of Ministers.
Answer: The functions of the Council of Ministers are as follows:
1. The Council of Ministers takes initiative in the process of Law-making by drafting the bills/proposals. This proactive role is crucial for effective governance.
2. It introduces and discusses the bills/ proposals in the House.
3. It introduces bills on various subjects like education, agriculture, industry, health, foreign relations, etc. in the Parliament, conducts discussions on them and tries to get them approved by the Parliament.
4. It also takes the responsibility of implementing the policies approved by the Parliament.
In simple words: The Council of Ministers helps create new laws by drafting ideas, discusses them in Parliament, gets them approved, and then makes sure these laws are put into action. They are key players in both making and executing government policies.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions asking to 'enumerate functions', list each function clearly using bullet points or numbered lists for better readability and to ensure all points are covered.

Question 2. How does the Parliament keep a check on the Executive?
Answer: The Parliament keeps a check on the Executive in the following ways:
1. The bills/proposals presented by the Council of Ministers are discussed in the Parliament. This ensures transparency and allows for public scrutiny through elected representatives.
2. These discussions and debates help the members to scrutinize the bills/ proposals and point out the shortcomings and help in a creation of healthy laws.
3. During Parliamentary sessions, the proceedings of the House begins with questions asked by the members of the House. The concerned Ministers are expected to give satisfactory answers to these questions.
In simple words: Parliament checks the Executive by debating new laws proposed by ministers, finding any flaws, and asking ministers direct questions about their work, making sure they are accountable.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining how one body checks another, focus on specific mechanisms like debates, questioning, and approval processes.

Question 4. During the Parliamentary sessions, the period around 12 noon is called as 'Zero House'. During this period, any question of public importance can be raised and discussed.
Answer: This statement accurately defines 'Zero House' in the Indian Parliament. It is a vital time for members to bring up matters of urgent public importance without prior notice, ensuring immediate discussion and accountability.
In simple words: 'Zero House' is a special time around noon in Parliament where important public issues can be discussed right away.

🎯 Exam Tip: To score well on definitions, clearly state the term, its timing, and its purpose within the parliamentary context.

Question 5. The Parliament can pass a No-confidence motion on the Executive. If the motion is passed with majority support, then it has to resign.
Answer: This statement correctly describes the process and consequence of a No-confidence motion in Parliament. Such a motion reflects the legislature's loss of faith in the executive government, leading to its mandatory resignation.
In simple words: If Parliament passes a No-confidence motion against the government, the government must step down.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that a No-confidence motion requires majority support to be passed and leads to the resignation of the Executive, highlighting parliamentary control over the government.

Complete The Concept Picture.

Question 1. Complete the concept picture by listing the functions of the President in India.
Answer: The functions of the President of India are diverse and crucial for the governance of the country. They include:

• Executive Powers (e.g., appointing the Prime Minister and other ministers, governors, ambassadors)
• Legislative Powers (e.g., summoning and proroguing Parliament, dissolving the Lok Sabha, assenting to bills, issuing ordinances)
• Judicial Powers (e.g., appointing judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, pardoning powers)
• Financial Powers (e.g., Money Bills require prior recommendation, presenting the Union Budget)
• Diplomatic Powers (e.g., representing India in international forums, appointing envoys)
• Military Powers (Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces)
• Emergency Powers (e.g., declaring National, State, or Financial Emergency)

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing functions, try to categorize them (e.g., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) for clarity and completeness, as this demonstrates a comprehensive understanding.

Question. What are the functions of the President in India?
Answer: The functions of the President in India include:

• Declare emergency during crisis
• Summon and prorogue the session of Parliament
• Dissolve the Lok Sabha before its tenure gets over
• Sign the Bill approved by the Parliament
• Appoint the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
• Appoint Governors and Chief Election officer
• Appoint Judges of High Courts and Supreme Court
• Appoint Chiefs of Defence Forces

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the key categories of presidential functions: executive, legislative, judicial, financial, and emergency powers. Listing specific examples for each category will help score full marks.

Do It

Find out the text of the oath taken by the President. Understand its meaning with the help of your teachers.

Do You Know

Jumbo Ministry:

• Earlier, there was a trend to keep large Council of Ministers.
• Such huge Councils were known as 'jumbo Ministry'.
• Later, a constitutional amendment was made to limit the size of the Council of Ministers.
• As per this amendment, the number of ministers in the council should not be more than 15% of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.

Can You Tell?

Understand It:

(The gist of the conversation between Rama and Vidya.)

1. The President is the nominal head and the Prime Minister is the executive head.

2. The Prime Minister meets the President regularly and informs him about the conduct of administration.

3. The President has the right to seek information about new laws and policies framed by the Parliament. from the Prime Minister.

Project:

Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 The Union Executive Additional Important Questions And Answers

Choose The Correct Option And Rewrite The Statement:

Question 2. The President can be removed if the impeachment resolution is passed by ............ majority in both the Houses of Parliament.
(a) 1/3rd
(b) 2/3rd
(c) 3/4th
Answer: (b) 2/3rd
In simple words: To remove the President from office, a special resolution called an impeachment resolution needs to be approved by a large majority (two-thirds) in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that impeachment requires a special majority of 2/3rd in both houses, highlighting the difficulty and seriousness of removing a President.

Question 3. The ............ is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
(a) Prime Minister
(b) Vice-President
(c) President
(d) Brigadier
Answer: (c) President
In simple words: The President holds the highest position in the military, overseeing all branches of the armed forces as their supreme commander.

🎯 Exam Tip: The President's role as Commander-in-Chief is a key constitutional power, symbolizing civilian control over the military.

Question 4. In case a minister is not a member of the Parliament, he/she has to get elected to the Parliament within ............ months.
(a) three
(b) six
(c) nine
(d) two
Answer: (b) six
In simple words: If someone is made a minister but isn't already a member of Parliament, they must become an MP within six months, otherwise, they lose their ministerial position.

🎯 Exam Tip: This rule ensures that ministers are accountable to the legislature, maintaining the democratic principle of representation.

Question 5. As per the amendment, the number of minister's in the council should not be more

Question. than % of the total number of members in Lok Sabha.
(a) 10
(b) 20
(c) 15
(d) 25
Answer: (c) 15
In simple words: This question refers to a specific constitutional requirement for certain decisions in the Lok Sabha, where a minimum percentage of members' support is needed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember key percentages and numerical facts related to parliamentary procedures and constitutional provisions, as they are often tested directly.

Question 6. The Council of Ministers stays in power till it enjoys the support of majority in ..........................
(a) Legislative Assembly
(b) Legislative Council
(c) Rajya Sabha
(d) Lok Sabha
Answer: (d) Lok Sabha
In simple words: The Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, must have the support of the majority of members in the Lok Sabha to remain in power. If they lose this support, they must resign.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the principle of collective responsibility and how it links the Council of Ministers directly to the confidence of the Lok Sabha.

Question 7. In the absence of the President, .......................... carries out his functions.
(a) Vice-President
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
(d) Chief Election Commissioner
Answer: (a) Vice-President
In simple words: If the President is unable to perform their duties, the Vice-President steps in to take over those responsibilities. This ensures the continuous functioning of the highest office.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the roles and responsibilities of key constitutional office-holders and the line of succession or temporary assumption of duties.

Find And Write

Question 1. The group of Parliamentarians and members of the state legislatures who elect the President ..........................
Answer: Electoral college. This body is specifically constituted for the election of the President of India.
In simple words: The President is chosen by a special group called the Electoral College, which includes elected members from both the Parliament and state assemblies.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define the term 'Electoral College' and mention its composition when asked about the President's election process.

Question 2. One who has the right to declare emergency in case of crisis ....................
Answer: President. The President holds the crucial power to declare an emergency in India during times of crisis.
In simple words: The President is the only person who can declare an emergency when the country faces a serious problem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the President is the head of state and has significant powers, including the declaration of emergencies, which is a key function in times of national crisis.

Complete The Concept Map:

Question 1. Kinds of Emergencies
Answer: The three main kinds of emergencies are:

• National Emergency
• State Emergency
• Financial Emergency

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to complete a concept map, identify the main topic and then list all its sub-categories clearly. For emergencies, remember the three distinct types.

Write Short Notes On:

Question 1. Vice-President:
Answer:1. The Vice-President is elected by members of both the Houses. 2. The person contesting the election for the post of Vice-President should be a citizen of India and should have completed 35 years of age. These eligibility criteria ensure a mature and responsible candidate. 3. He is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha and exercises control over the functioning of Rajya Sabha. 4. In the absence of the President, his functions are carried out by the Vice-President.
In simple words: The Vice-President is elected by Parliament, must be an Indian citizen over 35, acts as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, and takes over the President's duties if needed.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing short notes on a constitutional post like the Vice-President, always include their election process, qualifications, key roles, and responsibilities, especially their role in the absence of the President.

Question 2. President:
Answer:1. The President is the Constitutional Head of India. 2. He is elected by the directly elected representatives of the Central and State legislatures. 3. The person elected to the post of the President has to take an oath while accepting the post. 4. According to the oath, the President bears the responsibility of protecting the Constitution and ensuring that the government runs as per the Constitution. 5. The President governs in accordance with the advice given by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. This ensures a balance of power within the executive. 6. He has Legislative, Executive, Judicial, Defence and Emergency powers.
In simple words: The President is India's top constitutional leader, chosen by elected representatives, and holds many important powers, but usually acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the President's role, remember to mention both their constitutional position and their key powers, as well as the electoral process.

Explain The Following Statements With Reasons

Question 1. The President is the nominal and constitutional Head of India.
Answer:1. The Constitution has vested all executive powers in the President. 2. The government carries out its functions in the name of the President. 3. However, in reality, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers run the government. This distinction is crucial for understanding India's parliamentary democracy. Hence, the President is the nominal and Constitutional Head of India.
In simple words: While the President officially holds all executive power and government actions are in their name, the real day-to-day running of the government is done by the Prime Minister and their Council of Ministers.

🎯 Exam Tip: To explain why the President is a 'nominal' head, always highlight the difference between constitutional authority and actual executive power exercised by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Question 2. The Council of Ministers has to take the Parliament into confidence while framing policies.
Answer:
In simple words: The Council of Ministers must involve and get approval from the Parliament when making new rules or plans, showing that the government is accountable to the elected representatives.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing the Council of Ministers and Parliament, emphasize the principle of collective responsibility and accountability to the legislature.

Answer In Brief

Question 1. How is the President elected?
Answer:
1. The President is not directly elected by the people of India.
2. The common people do not vote in the election of the President.
3. He is elected by the Electoral College.
4. The Electoral College includes all members/elected representatives of Parliament and the members of the State Legislatures. This indirect election process ensures representation from both central and state legislative bodies.
In simple words: The President is chosen by special voters from Parliament and State Assemblies, not directly by the public.

🎯 Exam Tip: To score full marks, clearly state that the President is elected indirectly and name the Electoral College as the body responsible.

Question 2. How is the Council of Ministers formed?
Answer:
1. The party which attains majority in the Lok Sabha election, nominates its leader as the Prime Minister.
2. The Prime Minister is given an oath by the President.
3. The Prime Minister then, chooses his trustworthy and efficient colleagues from within the party to form the Council of Ministers.
4. He gives priority to his colleagues considering their administrative experience, governance skills, efficiency and technical expertise.
5. The President administers oath to all the Council of Ministers. In this way, the Council of Ministers is formed. This process ensures that the Council is composed of experienced individuals capable of effective governance.
In simple words: The winning party picks a leader as Prime Minister, who then selects other ministers, and finally, the President officially appoints them all.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the key steps: majority party leader becomes PM, PM selects ministers based on expertise, and the President administers the oath to both.

Question 3. State the qualifications necessary for contesting the Presidential election.
Answer:1. The person contesting the Presidential election should be a citizen of India. 2. He should be 35 years of age. 3. He should also fulfill other conditions mentioned by the Constitution. These requirements ensure that the President is a mature and responsible leader.
In simple words: To become President, you must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and meet other rules set by the Constitution.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to list all three key qualifications: citizenship, age, and constitutional conditions, as these are fundamental for this role.

Question 4. Mention the functions of the Prime Minister.
Answer: The functions of the Prime Minister are as follows: 1. To form the Council of Ministers, selecting trustworthy, experienced and efficient people. 2. To allocate portfolios and chair all the meetings of the Council of Ministers. 3. To lead the Council of Ministers, maintain coordination among various departments, facilitate cooperation among departments and supervise to bring about efficiency and efficacy. The Prime Minister's role is central to the effective governance and administration of the country. 4. To raise the image of the country at international level. 5. To support the people during disasters.
In simple words: The Prime Minister leads the government by choosing ministers, assigning their jobs, making sure all departments work well together, representing India globally, and helping citizens during emergencies.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing the Prime Minister's functions, focus on their leadership role in forming the government, managing ministers, ensuring coordination, and representing the nation.

Question 5. What should the MPs do to enable them to participate effectively in Lok Sabha discussions?
Answer: For effective participation in Lok Sabha, the MPs have to practise following things: 1. They should come prepared to the Lok Sabha with deep study of the problems of their constituencies and effective solutions to the same. 2. They should thoroughly understand the functioning of the Parliament and express people's problems in a precise manner, without wasting other's time. 3. They should be able to criticise the shortcomings and defects in bills/policies effectively. Effective participation by MPs is crucial for a vibrant and accountable democracy. 4. They should be well-versed with the various effective tools, granted by the Constitution, for keeping a check on the Council of Ministers.
In simple words: For MPs to speak well in Lok Sabha, they need to study their local problems, understand how Parliament works, clearly explain issues, point out flaws in new laws, and know how to question the government using constitutional powers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the importance of preparation, understanding parliamentary procedures, constructive criticism, and utilizing constitutional tools for effective participation in Lok Sabha.

8th Std Civics Questions And Answers