Notes Civics Chapter 3 Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Civics Class 8

The Union Executive

1. Introduction

• India follows a parliamentary system of government.
• The Union Government refers to the Central Government of India.
• The government functions through three organs:
  • Legislature – Makes laws.
  • Executive – Implements laws and ensures their execution.
  • Judiciary – Interprets laws and ensures justice.
• The Union Executive is composed of:
  • The President
  • The Prime Minister
  • The Council of Ministers
• In a parliamentary system, the executive is part of the legislature and is answerable to it.

2. The President of India

(a) Position and Role

• The President is the constitutional head and nominal head of the state.
• Represents the Republic of India and acts as the highest authority in the country.
• All executive powers of the state are vested in the President, but they are exercised based on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
• The Government carries out its functions in the name of the President.

(b) Election of the President

• The President is indirectly elected by an Electoral College consisting of:
  • Elected members of Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament)
  • Elected members of Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament)
  • Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies
• Tenure: 5 years (can seek re-election)
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be an Indian citizen
  • Must be at least 35 years old
  • Should not hold any profit-making position under the government
• The President takes an oath to protect and preserve the Constitution.

(c) Impeachment of the President

• If the President violates the Constitution, Parliament can remove him through impeachment.
• Any House of Parliament can bring charges of violation of the Constitution.
• The other House investigates the charges.
• If the charges are proven, the resolution has to be passed by a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.

(d) Powers and Functions of the President

The Constitution grants the President several powers:

1. Legislative Powers

• Summons, prorogues, and dissolves Parliament.
• Signs Bills passed by both Houses before they become law.
• Can send back bills for reconsideration (except Money Bills).

2. Executive Powers

• Appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• Appoints Governors, Chief Justice, Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, Chief Election Commissioner, and other key officials.

3. Military Powers

• Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces.
• Can declare war and peace based on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

4. Judicial Powers

• Can grant pardons, commute sentences, and reduce punishments.
• Can provide relief on humanitarian grounds.

5. Emergency Powers

• Can declare three types of emergencies:
  • National Emergency – If there is a threat to the country’s security (internal or external).
  • State Emergency – If the constitutional machinery fails in a state.
  • Financial Emergency – If there is a financial crisis in the country.

6. Diplomatic Powers

• Represents India in international matters.
• Signs treaties and agreements with other countries.

3. The Vice-President of India

• Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament.
• Acts as the President in the absence of the President.
• Serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

4. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

(a) Prime Minister – Executive Head

• The Prime Minister is the real executive head of the government.
• The leader of the party with a majority in the Lok Sabha is appointed as the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister forms the Council of Ministers from trusted colleagues.
• Ministers must be members of Parliament; if not, they must be elected within 6 months.

(b) Functions of the Prime Minister

1. Formation of Council of Ministers

• Selects ministers based on experience, governance skills, and expertise.

2. Allocation of Portfolios

• Assigns ministries to ministers based on their expertise and experience.

3. Coordination and Supervision

• Maintains coordination among different ministries.
• Ensures smooth functioning of all government departments.

4. Representation in International Affairs

• Represents India in international meetings and treaties.

5. Crisis Management

• Responds to national crises and disasters.
• Develops trust among citizens.

(c) Functions of the Council of Ministers

1. Law-Making

• Drafts and introduces bills in Parliament.
• Discusses and finalizes policy decisions.

2. Policy-Making

• Formulates policies in areas like agriculture, health, education, foreign relations, etc.
• Presents policies to Parliament for approval.

3. Implementation of Policies

• Executes policies after they are approved by Parliament.

(d) Jumbo Ministry

• Earlier, India had large Councils of Ministers, referred to as a Jumbo Ministry.
• A constitutional amendment now limits the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the total strength of Lok Sabha.

5. Parliament’s Control over the Executive

Parliament exercises control over the Executive through the following means:

(a) Discussions and Debates

• MPs debate and discuss government policies and actions.
• Members can point out flaws and suggest improvements.

(b) Question Hour

• Held at the beginning of every parliamentary session.
• Members question ministers about government policies and decisions.
• Ensures that ministers are held accountable for their actions.

(c) Zero Hour

• Held at 12 noon during parliamentary sessions.
• MPs raise urgent matters of public importance.
• Ministers are required to respond.

(d) No-Confidence Motion

• If Parliament passes a No-Confidence Motion, the Council of Ministers must resign.
• Ensures that the government functions with the support of the majority in Lok Sabha.

6. Important Terms