The principles of legitimate expectation is based on
1. Natural Justice and Fairness
2. Human Rights and Morality
3. Authority and Entitlement
4. Overriding Public Interest
Which constitutional amendments institutionalized decentralization in India, making the third-tier of democracy more powerful ?
What significant change occurred in Centre-State relations after 1990 regarding coalition governments ?
The Fazal Ali Commission (States Reorganisation Commission) recommended reorganizing states primarily on the basis of :
Match Merits and Demerits of Different Systems
| Presidential System Merit | Strong accountability of the executive to the legislature |
| Parliamentary System Merit | Expert government through presidential appointments |
| Presidential System Demerit | Potential for deadlocks between executive and legislature |
| Parliamentary System Demerit | Instability in coalition governments due to fragile support |
Match Key Features of the Parliamentary System
| Executive Part of Legislature | Council of Ministers is collectively accountable to Parliament |
| Dependence on Majority Support | Prime Minister and ministers are members of Parliament |
| Collective Responsibility | Government can be removed if it loses Parliament's support |
| Flexible Tenure | Government stays in power only with majority support in Parliament |
Match Key Features of the Presidential System
| Separation of Powers | President can block laws passed by the legislature |
| Fixed Tenure | Executive, legislature, and judiciary operate independently |
| Veto Power | The President is chosen by the people or an electoral college |
| Direct Election | The President serves a set term and cannot be easily removed |
Match the Country/Entity with its Democratic System Example
| Switzerland | Citizens elect Members of Parliament to represent them |
| United States | All citizens participated in the Assembly to discuss legislation |
| Ancient Athens | Citizens vote on laws and policies through referendums |
| United Kingdom | Citizens elect representatives to Congress |
Match the Direct Democracy Mechanism with its Example
| Referendum | California Proposition 13 reducing property taxes |
| Initiative | California voters removing Governor Gray Davis |
| Recall | UK Brexit vote to leave the European Union |
| Plebiscit | Australia's vote on replacing the monarchy |
Which characteristic defines the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers in a Parliamentary System?
One of the merits of a Presidential System is that it generally leads to a more stable government. What is the primary reason for this stability?
A key feature of the Presidential System is the separation of powers. Which branches are typically independent of each other in this system?
In which system are citizens primarily involved in electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf?
Which direct democracy tool allows citizens to propose new laws or amendments by collecting a required number of signatures for a public vote?
In which form of democracy do citizens directly participate in the decision-making process without the involvement of elected representatives?
Analyze the roles of the different branches in the separation of powers within a democracy.
- The Executive branch is primarily responsible for making laws and policies.
- The Legislative branch interprets laws and adjudicates legal disputes.
- The Judicial branch ensures checks and balances by preventing any single branch from wielding excessive power.
- The Executive branch enforces laws and manages the day-to-day operations of the government.
Which of the following statements about Free and Fair Elections as a pillar of democracy is incorrect?
- Free and fair elections are a cornerstone feature ensuring the government reflects the will of the people.
- Universal suffrage means that the right to vote is restricted to adult citizens based on their socioeconomic status.
- Regular elections are held at frequent intervals to ensure accountability of the government.
- Independent Electoral Bodies are crucial for overseeing the electoral process impartially.
Consider the following statements regarding the characteristics of a democratic system.
- In a democracy, the government is primarily based on the will and needs of the people.
- Democracy ensures that elected officials are solely responsible for policymaking without needing to serve the people.
- The separation of power among different branches of government is a key characteristic to prevent excessive control by one part.
- Political parties are not considered a way for people to participate in and support the democratic system.
Which of the following statements about the definition and origin of democracy are correct?
- The term "democracy" is derived from the Greek words "dēmos" (people) and "kratos" (rule).
- Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as "a system of government of the people, by the people, and for the people."
- C.F. Strong defined democracy as the freedom of every citizen.
- The concept of democracy has the same meaning as 'vox populi, vox dei', which means 'voice of the people, voice of God'.
Core Definitions and Origins of Democracy
| Harris Soche | Democracy as the freedom of every citizen. |
| Abraham Lincoln | Democracy as a system of government in which the majority of the adult population participates in politics on the basis of a representative system. |
| C.F. Strong | Democracy as a form of people’s government. In other words, the people are the holders of power in the government who have the right to regulate, defend, and protect themselves from coercion from their representatives. |
| Aristotle | Democracy as a system of government 'of the people, by the people, and for the people' |
Which of the following is considered a fundamental right protected in democracies, as per the notes?
Which branch of government is responsible for interpreting laws and adjudicating legal disputes in a democracy with separation of powers?