Rights — Political Science STD 11 Humanities — Question

On what grounds are some rights considered to be universal in nature? Identify three rights which you consider universal. Give reasons.

Alok thinks that a country needs an efficient government that looks after the welfare of the people. So, if we simply elected our Prime Minister and Ministers and left to them the task of government, we will not need a legislature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Should some States be governed by special provisions?
Does this create resentment among other States? Does this help in forging greater unity among the regions of the country?

If amending power is with the elected representatives, judiciary should NOT have the power to decide the validity of amendments. Do you agree? Give your reasons in 100 words.

Dolly and Sudha are debating about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Parliament in recent times. Dolly believed that the decline of Indian Parliament is evident in the less time spent on debate and discussion and increase in the disturbances of the functioning of the House and walkouts etc. Sudha contends that the fall of different governments on the floor of Lok Sabha is a proof of its vibrancy. What other arguments can you provide to support or oppose the positions of Dolly and Sudha?

Does the principle of considering the special needs of people conflict with the principle of equal treatment for all?

Many amendments to the Constitution of India have been made due to different interpretations upheld by the Judiciary and the Parliament. Explain with examples.

The following are some proposals for making the Parliament more effective. State if you agree or disagree with each of them and give your reasons. Explain what would be the effect if these suggestions were accepted.

1. Parliament should work for longer period.
2. Attendance should be made compulsory for members of Parliament.
3. Speakers should be empowered to penalise members for interrupting the proceedings of the House.

Arrange the different stages of passing of a bill into a law in their correct sequence:

• A resolution is passed to admit the bill for discussion.
• The bill is referred to the President of India – write what happens next if she/ he does not sign it.
• The bill is referred to other House and is passed.
• The bill is passed in the house in which it was proposed.
• The bill is read clause by clause and each is voted upon.
• The bill is referred to the subcommittee – the committee makes some changes and sends it back to the house for discussion.
• The concerned minister proposes the need for a bill.
• Legislative department in ministry of law, drafts a bill.

The parliamentary system of executive vests many powers in the legislature for controlling the executive. Why, do you think, is it so necessary to control the executive?