The Union Government-9th Standard Social Science Notes

CHAPTER – 2

The Union Government

I. Fill in the blanks with suitable words.
1. India is ____________
2. The Union legislature is called___________
3. The Speaker of Rajyasabha is _____________ of India.
4. The minimum age to become the member of Lokasabha is __________
5. The commander-in-chief of all the three forces is ______
6. The election of the president of India is explained in the article _________ and article ____________ of the constitution.
7. The chairman of Union Public Service commission is appointed by ______
8. The Supreme Court came into existence on _________
Ans: (1) Union of States, (2) Parliament, (3) Vice President, (4) 25 years, (5) President, (6) 54, 55 , (7) President, (8) 28th Jan 1950.
II. Answer the following questions:
1. Write a note on the houses of parliament.
The Parliament consists of two Houses. The Upper House is called Rajya Sabha and the Lower
House is called Lok Sabha.
Rajya Sabha :
The number of seats in the Rajya Sabha is 250, of which 238 members are elected by the members of
the State Assemblies and Union Territories. This House is also known as the House of Elders. Term of Office: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not dissolved like the Lok Sabha. But the term of the members is six years. One-third of its members retire on completion of six year term every second year.
Lok Sabha :
The members of the Lok Sabha are elected  directly by the people, so, it is known as the House of People. The maximum number of seats is 545.
Term of Office: The Lok Sabha members are elected for a term of five years.
2. Write a short note on the structure of Rajyasabha.
The number of seats in the Rajya Sabha is 250, of which 238 members are elected by the members of
the State Assemblies and Union Territories. The remaining 12 members, who are experts from various fields like literature, art, science and social work are nominated by the President. This House is also known as the House of Elders. The Vice-President is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Deputy Chairman is chosen from among the members. At least 10% of the members (a minimum of 25 members) should be present during the sessions of the Rajya Sabha. The House should meet at least twice in a year.
3. What are the qualifications needed to become a member of Lokasabha?
Qualifications of the Members :
1. Should be a citizen of India.
2. Must not be less than 25 years of age.
3. Should not hold any office of profit under the Government.
4. Should not be a person of unsound mind.
5. Should not have been punished under law.
6. Should possess qualifications as specified by Parliament from time to time.
4. Explain the election process for the post of the President.
The President is elected by an electoral college of elected members of both Houses of Parliament, all elected members of the legislative assemblies of all the States.
5. List out the powers of the Prime Minister.
Appointment and Removal of Ministers, and Allocation of Port folios : The Prime Minister recommends to the President the appointment of Ministers to the Council of Ministers. He also allocates the various portfolios among the Ministers. His decision is final in the allocation of portfolios.
Head of Government : The Prime Minister is responsible for all actions of the Government. He co-ordinates the activities of the various Ministers. He takes greater interest in framing policies related to planning, defence and foreign affairs.
Head of Union Cabinet : The meetings of the Union Cabinet are held under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister. All discussions of issues of national and international importance are discussed and decisions are taken under his chairmanship. He is the link between the President and the Cabinet.
6. Write a note on the formation of union cabinet and its responsibilities.
Formation of union cabinet: The Union Cabinet is the real Executive and has Ministers in two hierarchies. The first one is the cabinet level and the second is the Minister of State. The maximum strength of the Union Cabinet is 15 of the total strength of the parliament Responsibilities: The Cabinet has two kinds of responsibilities. The Minister of eve I)' department IS responsible for the administration of his department. He has individual responsibility for the success or failure of his department. The Union Cabinet has collective responsibility to the Parliament with regard to the  decisions and policies taken by it. Therefore, the cabinet can be in power only as long as it enjoys the trust of the Parliament. When it loses the trust, it has to be removed by a No- Confidence Motion.