Quick Revision Notes

Class 11 Political Science

Chapter: Executive (कार्यपालिका)

1. Introduction to the Executive (कार्यपालिका का परिचय)

• What is the Executive? (कार्यपालिका क्या है?): The organ of government that implements the laws and policies made by the legislature. In a democracy, it is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the country.
• Key Functions: Policy formulation, law implementation, maintaining law and order, appointment of key officials, and conducting foreign relations.

2. Types of Executive (कार्यपालिका के प्रकार)

Different countries have different types of executive systems based on their constitutional frameworks:

1. Parliamentary Executive (संसदीय कार्यपालिका):

   • The Prime Minister is the head of government and the real executive.
   • There is a President or Monarch who is the nominal (titular) head of state.
   • The executive is accountable to the legislature (Parliament).
   • Examples: India, United Kingdom, Germany.

2. Presidential Executive (अध्यक्षीय कार्यपालिका):

   • The President is both the head of state and the head of government.
   • The President is usually directly elected by the people.
   • The executive is not accountable to the legislature in day-to-day operations.
   • Examples: United States, Brazil, Sri Lanka.

3. Semi-Presidential / Dual Executive (अर्ध-अध्यक्षीय कार्यपालिका):

   • Has both a President (Head of State) and a Prime Minister (Head of Government).
   • The President has significant powers, while the Prime Minister handles day-to-day governance with cabinet support.
   • Examples: France, Russia.

3. The Executive in India (भारत में कार्यपालिका)

The Indian Constitution provides for a Parliamentary system at both the Central (Union) and State levels.

A. The Union Executive (केंद्रीय कार्यपालिका - Articles 52-78)

Comprises the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, and the Attorney General of India.

• The President (राष्ट्रपति - Article 52):

  • Head of the State (Nominal/Formal Executive).
  • Elected indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies of States.
  • Tenure: 5 years. Can be re-elected.
  • Impeachment (महाभियोग - Article 61): Can be removed from office before term completion for violation of the Constitution through a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament.
  • Key Powers:
    • Executive, Legislative (power to summon Parliament, assent to bills), Financial, Judicial (pardoning powers - Article 72), and Military powers.
    • Emergency Powers: National Emergency (Article 352), President's Rule (Article 356), and Financial Emergency (Article 360).
    • Ordinance-making Power (Article 123): Can issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session.

• The Vice-President (उपराष्ट्रपति - Article 63):

  • Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
  • Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament.
  • Acts as President when the office falls vacant due to death, resignation, or removal.

• The Prime Minister (प्रधान मंत्री - Article 74 & 75):

  • Head of the Government (Real Executive).
  • Appointed by the President (usually the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha).
  • Acts as a bridge between the President and the Cabinet.
  • Recommends the appointment of ministers to the President and can reshuffle the Council of Ministers.

• Council of Ministers (मंत्रिपरिषद):

  • Headed by the Prime Minister.
  • Collective Responsibility (सामूहिक उत्तरदायित्व - Article 75): The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. "Swim together, sink together."
  • Comprises Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, and Deputy Ministers.

4. Permanent Executive vs. Political Executive (स्थाई कार्यपालिका बनाम राजनीतिक कार्यपालिका)

5. Key Terms to Remember (मुख्य शब्दावली)

• Executive (कार्यपालिका): The branch of government responsible for implementation of laws and policies.
• Nominal Executive (नाममात्र की कार्यपालिका): Head of state with formal/ceremonial powers (e.g., President of India).
• Real Executive (वास्तविक कार्यपालिका): The actual seat of power who exercises authority (e.g., Prime Minister and Cabinet).
• Bureaucracy (नौकरशाही): A highly organized, professional administrative body of government officials that assists the political executive.
• Coalition Government (गठबंधन सरकार): A government formed by multiple political parties when no single party secures a clear majority in the legislature.