Indian Democracy

Overview

Indian Democracy is a foundational topic for CG TET Paper II Social Studies, covering the institutional framework that governs the world's largest democracy. Questions typically test your understanding of the structure and functions of Parliament, the executive branch, the judiciary, and the electoral process. This topic connects directly to the Indian Constitution unit and often overlaps with questions on fundamental rights and local self-government.

For CG TET, focus on the composition and powers of each organ, the relationships between them (separation of powers, checks and balances), and the basic mechanics of how elections work in India. Expect factual questions on terms of office, qualifications, and key constitutional articles, as well as application-based questions on how these institutions function in practice.

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Key Concepts

• **Parliamentary Democracy**: India follows a parliamentary system where the executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers must maintain majority support in Lok Sabha.

• **Separation of Powers**: The Constitution distributes power among three organs — Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements laws), and Judiciary (interprets laws). Each organ acts as a check on the others.

• **Bicameral Parliament**: The Indian Parliament consists of two houses — Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States) — plus the President.

• **Federal Executive**: The President is the constitutional head; the Prime Minister is the real executive head. The Council of Ministers aids and advises the President.

• **Independent Judiciary**: The Supreme Court and High Courts function independently, with the power of judicial review to strike down unconstitutional laws.

• **Universal Adult Franchise**: Every citizen aged 18 years and above has the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic status.

• **Election Commission**: An independent constitutional body that conducts free and fair elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and offices of President and Vice-President.

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Key Facts

| Institution | Key Details | |-------------|-------------| | **Lok Sabha** | Maximum 552 members; 530 from states, 20 from UTs, 2 Anglo-Indians (till 2020); term of 5 years; presided by Speaker | | **Rajya Sabha** | Maximum 250 members; 238 elected by state legislatures, 12 nominated by President; permanent house with 1/3 members retiring every 2 years; presided by Vice-President | | **President** | Elected by electoral college (MPs + MLAs); term of 5 years; can be re-elected; must be 35+ years, citizen of India | | **Prime Minister** | Leader of majority party in Lok Sabha; appointed by President; no fixed term — holds office as long as majority support exists | | **Supreme Court** | Chief Justice + 33 other judges (as of 2024); original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction; Article 124 | | **High Courts** | One for each state or group of states; Chief Justice + other judges; Article 214 | | **Election Commission** | Chief Election Commissioner + other ECs; appointed by President; Article 324 | | **Voting Age** | 18 years (61st Amendment, 1988) |