Indian Polity - For Civil Services and Other State Examinations

Preface to the Sixth Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Acknowledgements
Year-Wise Break-up of the UPSC Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies—Prelims)
Year-Wise Break-up of the UPSC Marks on Indian Polity (General Studies—Mains)
About the Civil Services Examination
List of Tables
Part-I: Constitutional Framework
1 Historical Background
The Company Rule (1773–1858)
The Crown Rule (1858–1947)
Notes and References
2 Making of the Constitution
Demand for a Constituent Assembly
Composition of the Constituent Assembly
Working of the Constituent Assembly
Committees of the Constituent Assembly
Enactment of the Constitution
Enforcement of the Constitution
Experts Committee of the Congress
Criticism of the Constituent Assembly
Important Facts
Hindi Text of the Constitution
Notes and References
3 Salient Features of the Constitution
Salient Features of the Constitution
Criticism of the Constitution
Notes and References
4 Preamble of the Constitution
Text of the Preamble
Ingredients of the Preamble
Key Words in the Preamble
Significance of the Preamble
Preamble as Part of the Constitution
Amendability of the Preamble
Notes and References
5 Union and its Territory
Union of States
Parliament’s Power to Reorganise the States
Exchange of Territories with Bangladesh
Evolution of States and Union Territories
Notes and References
6 Citizenship
Meaning and Significance
Constitutional Provisions
Citizenship Act, 1955
Single Citizenship
Overseas Citizenship of India
Notes and References
7 Fundamental Rights
Features of Fundamental Rights
Definition of State
Laws Inconsistent with Fundamental Rights
Right to Equality
Right to Freedom
Right Against Exploitation
Right to Freedom of Religion
Cultural and Educational Rights
Right to Constitutional Remedies
Writs—Types and Scope
Armed Forces and Fundamental Rights
Martial Law and Fundamental Rights
Effecting Certain Fundamental Rights
Present Position of Right to Property
Exceptions to Fundamental Rights
Criticism of Fundamental Rights
Significance of Fundamental Rights
Rights Outside Part III
Notes and References
8 Directive Principles of State Policy
Features of the Directive Principles
Classification of the Directive Principles
New Directive Principles
Sanction Behind Directive Principles
Criticism of the Directive Principles
Utility of Directive Principles
Conflict Between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
Implementation of Directive Principles
Directives Outside Part IV
Notes and References
9 Fundamental Duties
Swaran Singh Committee Recommendations
List of Fundamental Duties
Features of the Fundamental Duties
Criticism of Fundamental Duties
Significance of Fundamental Duties
Verma Committee Observations
Notes and References
10 Amendment of the Constitution
Procedure for Amendment
Types of Amendments
Criticism of the Amendment Procedure
Notes and References
11 Basic Structure of the Constitution
Emergence of the Basic Structure
Elements of the Basic Structure
Notes and References
Part-II: System of Government
12 Parliamentary System
Features of Parliamentary Government
Features of Presidential Government
Merits of the Parliamentary System
Demerits of the Parliamentary System
Reasons for Adopting Parliamentary System
Distinction between Indian and British Models
Notes and References
13 Federal System
Federal Features of the Constitution
Unitary Features of the Constitution
Critical Evaluation of the Federal System
Notes and References
14 Centre–State Relations
Legislative Relations
Administrative Relations
Financial Relations
Trends in Centre–State Relations
Notes and References
15 Inter-State Relations
Inter-State Water Disputes
Inter-State Councils
Public Acts, Records and Judicial Proceedings
Inter-State Trade and Commerce
Zonal Councils
Notes and References
16 Emergency Provisions
National Emergency
President’s Rule
Financial Emergency
Criticism of the Emergency Provisions
Notes and References
Part-III: Central Government
17 President
Election of the President
Qualifications, Oath and Conditions
Term, Impeachment and Vacancy
Powers and Functions of the President
Veto Power of the President
Ordinance-Making Power of the President
Pardoning Power of the President
Constitutional Position of the President
Notes and References
18 Vice-President
Election
Qualifications, Oath and Conditions
Term and Vacancy
Powers and Functions
Indian and American Vice-Presidents Compared
Notes and References
19 Prime Minister
Appointment of the Prime Minister
Oath, Term and Salary
Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister
Role Descriptions
Relationship with the President
Chief Ministers who became Prime Ministers
Notes and References
20 Central Council of Ministers
Constitutional Provisions
Nature of Advice by Ministers
Appointment of Ministers
Oath and Salary of Ministers
Responsibility of Ministers
Composition of the Council of Ministers
Council of Ministers vs Cabinet
Role of Cabinet
Role Descriptions
Kitchen Cabinet
Notes and References
21 Cabinet Committees
Features of Cabinet Committees
List of Cabinet Committees
Functions of Cabinet Committees
Groups of Ministers
Notes and References
22 Parliament
Organisation of Parliament
Composition of the Two Houses
System of Elections to Lok Sabha
Duration of Two Houses
Membership of Parliament
Presiding Officers of Parliament
Leaders in Parliament
Sessions of Parliament
Devices of Parliamentary Proceedings
Legislative Procedure in Parliament
Joint Sitting of Two Houses
Budget in Parliament
Multifunctional Role of Parliament
Ineffectiveness of Parliamentary Control
Position of Rajya Sabha
Parliamentary Privileges
Sovereignty of Parliament
Notes and References
23 Parliamentary Committees
Meaning
Classification
Financial Committees
Departmental Standing Committees
Committees to Inquire
Committees to Scrutinise and Control
Committees Relating to the Day-to-Day Business of the House
House-Keeping Committees
Consultative Committees
Notes and References
24 Parliamentary Forums
Establishment of the Forums
Objectives of the Forums
Composition of the Forums
Functions of the Forums
Notes and References
25 Parliamentary Group
Rationale of the Group
Composition of the Group
Objectives of the Group
Functions of the Group
The Group and IPU
The Group and CPA
Notes and References
26 Supreme Court
Composition and Appointment
Qualifications, Oath and Salaries
Tenure and Removal
Acting, Adhoc and Retired Judges
Seat and Procedure
Independence of Supreme Court
Jurisdiction and Powers of Supreme Court
Supreme Court Advocates
Notes and References
27 Judicial Review
Meaning of Judicial Review
Importance of Judicial Review
Constitutional Provisions for Judicial Review
Scope of Judicial Review
Judicial Review of the Ninth Schedule
Notes and References
28 Judicial Activism
Meaning of Judicial Activism
Judicial Review and Judicial Activism
Justification of Judicial Activism
Activators of Judicial Activism
Apprehensions of Judicial Activism
Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint
Notes and References
29 Public Interest Litigation
Meaning of PIL
Features of PIL
Scope of PIL
Principles of PIL
Guidelines for Admitting PIL
Notes and References
Part-IV: State Government
30 Governor
Appointment of Governor
Conditions of Governor’s Office
Term of Governor’s Office
Powers and Functions of Governor
Constitutional Position of Governor
Notes and References
31 Chief Minister
Appointment of Chief Minister
Oath, Term and Salary
Powers and Functions of Chief Minister
Relationship with the Governor
Notes and References
32 State Council of Ministers
Constitutional Provisions
Nature of Advice by Ministers
Appointment of Ministers
Oath and Salary of Ministers
Responsibility of Ministers
Composition of the Council of Ministers
Cabinet
Notes and References
33 State Legislature
Organisation of State Legislature
Composition of Two Houses
Duration of Two Houses
Membership of State Legislature
Presiding Officers of State Legislature
Sessions of State Legislature
Legislative Procedure in State Legislature
Position of Legislative Council
Privileges of State Legislature
Notes and References
34 High Court
Composition and Appointment
Qualifications, Oath and Salaries
Tenure, Removal and Transfer
Acting, Additional and Retired Judges
Independence of High Court
Jurisdiction and Powers of High Court
Notes and References
35 Tribunals
Administrative Tribunals
Tribunals for Other Matters
Notes and References
36 Subordinate Courts
Constitutional Provisions
Structure and Jurisdiction
National Legal Services Authority
Lok Adalats
Permanent Lok Adalats
Family Courts
Gram Nyayalayas
Notes and References
37 Special Provisions for Some States
Provisions for Maharashtra and Gujarat
Provisions for Nagaland
Provisions for Assam and Manipur
Provisions for Andhra Pradesh or Telangana
Provisions for Sikkim
Provisions for Mizoram
Provisions for Arunachal Pradesh and Goa
Provisions for Karnataka
Notes and References
Part-V: Local Government
38 Panchayati Raj
Evolution of Panchayati Raj
73rd Amendment Act of 1992
Compulsory and Voluntary Provisions
PESA Act of 1996 (Extension Act)
Finances of Panchayati Raj
Reasons for Ineffective Performance
Notes and References
39 Municipalities
Evolution of Urban Bodies
74th Amendment Act of 1992
Types of Urban Governments
Municipal Personnel
Municipal Revenue
Central Council of Local Government
Notes and References
Part-VI: Union Territories and Special Areas
40 Union Territories
Creation of Union Territories
Administration of Union Territories
Special Provisions for Delhi
Advisory Committees of Union Territories
Notes and References
41 Scheduled and Tribal Areas
Administration of Scheduled Areas
Administration of Tribal Areas
Notes and References
Part-VII: Constitutional Bodies
42 Election Commission
Composition
Independence
Powers and Functions
Vision, Mission and Principles
Notes and References
43 Union Public Service Commission
Composition
Removal
Independence
Functions
Limitations
Role
Notes and References
44 State Public Service Commission
Composition
Removal
Independence
Functions
Limitations
Role
Joint State Public Service Commission
Notes and References
45 Finance Commission
Composition
Functions
Advisory Role
Notes and References
46 Goods and Services Tax Council
Establishment of the Council
Vision and Mission of the Council
Composition of the Council
Working of the Council
Functions of the Council
Other Functions of the Council
Notes and References
47 National Commission for SCs
Evolution of the Commission
Functions of the Commission
Report of the Commission
Powers of the Commission
Notes and References
48 National Commission for STs
Separate Commission for STs
Functions of the Commission
Other Functions of the Commission
Report of the Commission
Powers of the Commission
Notes and References
49 National Commission for BCs
Establishment of the Commission
Functions of the Commission
Report of the Commission
Powers of the Commission
Notes and References
50 Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities
Constitutional Provisions
Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities
Role of the Commissioner
Vision and Mission
Functions and Objectives
Notes and References
51 Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Appointment and Term
Independence
Duties and Powers
Role
Cag and Corporations
Appleby’s Criticism
Notes and References
52 Attorney General of India
Appointment and Term
Duties and Functions
Rights and Limitations
Solicitor General of India
Notes and References
53 Advocate General of the State
Appointment and Term
Duties and Functions
Notes and References
Part-VIII: Non-Constitutional Bodies
54 NITI Aayog
Establishment
Rationale
Composition
Specialised Wings
Objectives
Functions
Guiding Principles
Cooperative Federalism
Criticism
Attached Offices
Erstwhile Planning Commission
National Development Council
Notes and References
55 National Human Rights Commission
Establishment of the Commission
Composition of the Commission
Functions of the Commission
Working of the Commission
Role of the Commission
Performance of the Commission
Notes and References
56 State Human Rights Commission
Composition of the Commission
Functions of the Commission
Working of the Commission
Human Rights Courts
2019 Amendment Act
Notes and References
57 Central Information Commission
Composition
Tenure and Service Conditions
Powers and Functions
Notes and References
58 State Information Commission
Composition
Tenure and Service Conditions
Powers and Functions
RTI Amendment Act, 2019
Notes and References
59 Central Vigilance Commission
Establishment
Composition
Organisation
Functions
Jurisdiction
Working
Vigilance Units in the Ministries
Whistle Blowers Protection Act (2014)
Notes and References
60 Central Bureau of Investigation
Establishment of CBI
Motto, Mission and Vision of CBI
Organisation of CBI
Composition of CBI
Functions of CBI
Provision of Prior Permission
CBI vs. State Police
CBI Academy
Notes and References
61 Lokpal and Lokayuktas
Global Scenario
Position in India
Lokpal
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act (2013)
Lokayuktas
Notes and References
62 National Investigation Agency
Establishment of the NIA
Rationale of the NIA
Functions of the NIA
Vision of the NIA
Mission of the NIA
Jurisdiction of the NIA
NIA (Amendment) Act, 2019
Notes and References
63 National Disaster Management Authority
Establishment of the NDMA
Objectives of the NDMA
Functions of the NDMA
Additional Functions of the NDMA
State Disaster Management Authority
District Disaster Management Authority
Notes and References
Part-IX: Other Constitutional Dimensions
64 Co-operative Societies
Constitutional Provisions
Reasons for the 97th Amendment
Notes and References
65 Official Language
Language of the Union
Regional Languages
Language of the Judiciary and Texts of Laws
Special Directives
Committee of Parliament on Official Language
Classical Language Status
Notes and References
66 Public Services
Classification of Services
Constitutional Provisions
Notes and References
67 Rights and Liabilities of the Government
Property of the Union and the States
Suits by or Against the Government
Suits Against Public Officials
Notes and References
68 Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes
Rationale of Special Provisions
Specification of Classes
Components of Special Provisions
Notes and References
Part-X: Political Dynamics
69 Political Parties
Meaning and Types
Party System in India
Recognition of National and State Parties
Notes and References
70 Role of Regional Parties
Features of Regional Parties
Classification of Regional Parties
Rise of Regional Parties
Role of Regional Parties
Dysfunctions of Regional Parties
Notes and References
71 Elections
Electoral System
Election Machinery
Election Process
Notes and References
72 Election Laws
Representation of the People Act, 1950
Representation of the People Act, 1951
Delimitation Act, 2002
Other Acts Relating to Elections
Rules Relating to Elections
Orders Relating to Elections
Notes and References
73 Electoral Reforms
Committees Related to Electoral Reforms
Electoral Reforms Before 1996
Electoral Reforms of 1996
Electoral Reforms After 1996
Electoral Reforms Since 2010
Notes and References
74 Voting Behaviour
Meaning of Voting Behaviour
Significance of Voting Behaviour
Determinants of Voting Behaviour
Role of Media in Elections and Voting Behaviour
Notes and References
75 Coalition Government
Meaning of Coalition Government
Features of Coalition Government
Formation of Coalition Governments
Merits of Coalition Government
Demerits of Coalition Government
Notes and References
76 Anti-Defection Law
Provisions of the Act
Evaluation of the Act
91st Amendment Act (2003)
Notes and References
77 Pressure Groups
Meaning and Techniques
Pressure Groups in India
Notes and References
78 National Integration
Meaning of National Integration
Obstacles to National Integration
National Integration Council
National Foundation for Communal Harmony
Notes and References
79 Foreign Policy
Principles of Indian Foreign Policy
Objectives of Indian Foreign Policy
Gujral Doctrine of India
Nuclear Doctrine of India
Connect Central Asia Policy of India
Act East Policy of India
Notes and References
Part-XI: Working of the Constitution
80 National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution
I. Terms of Reference of the Commission
II. Fifty Years of Working of the Constitution
III. Areas of Concern: Commission’s Perception
IV. Recommendations of the Commission
V. Earlier Efforts to Review the Constitution
Notes and References
Appendices
Appendix I: Articles of the Constitution (1–395)
Appendix II: Subjects of Union, State and Concurrent Lists
Appendix III: Table of Precedence
Appendix IV: Constitutional Amendments at a Glance
Appendix V: Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Prime Ministers, etc.
Appendix VI: Chairpersons of the National Commissions
Appendix VII: UPSC Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies—Prelims 2010–2019)
Appendix VIII: Practice Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies—Prelims)
Appendix IX: UPSC Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies—Mains 2010–2019)
Appendix X: Practice Questions on Indian Polity (General Studies—Mains)