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In a democracy like India, important decisions are not taken by one person alone. Different institutions share power and responsibility. These institutions ensure that decision-making is systematic, lawful and accountable.
This chapter explains how major institutions like Parliament, Executive and Judiciary work together to run the country.
What Are Institutions?
Institutions are organizations that work for the government and citizens to maintain law order and administration in the country.
They help in:
- Making laws
- Implementing policies
- Interpreting laws
- Resolving disputes
Examples of Institutions
- Parliament
- Prime Minister’s Office
- Supreme Court
- Election Commission
Each institution has specific roles and responsibilities and together they ensure the smooth functioning of democracy.
Why Do We Need Institutions?
Institutions are necessary to:
- Take decisions on important public issues such as reservation, employment, economic policies, food security and national security
- Make laws and implement government schemes, budgets and policies
- Provide a platform for discussion, debate and decision-making
- Resolve disputes between individuals, states and the government
- Divide workload so governance becomes efficient and systematic
For example, disputes like river water sharing between states are resolved by the Judiciary. Even common citizens can approach courts to seek justice.
Case Study: Mandal Commission
This case study explains how institutions work in real-life situations.
What Was the Mandal Commission?
- Set up in 1979 by the Janata Party Government
- Headed by B.P. Mandal
- Objective: To identify the social and educational conditions of Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
After its study, the commission recommended 27% reservation in government jobs for OBCs.
Implementation and Reactions
- Implemented in 1990 by Prime Minister V.P. Singh
- Led to widespread protests and legal challenges
- Several cases were filed in the Supreme Court
- The Supreme Court allowed OBC reservation but fixed the maximum reservation limit at 50%
What Does This Case Study Show?
- Legislature approved the policy
- Executive implemented it
- Judiciary reviewed its constitutionality
This proves that all institutions work together, each performing its own role.
Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Let us look at the role and power of the PM and the Council of Ministers.
Prime Minister
- Leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha
- Head of the government
- Appoints and removes ministers
- Chairs cabinet meetings
- Guides and monitors government functioning
Council of Ministers
- Includes Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers
- Collectively responsible to Lok Sabha
- Manages different departments and public issues
President of India
Droupadi Murmu is the 15th and current President of India, having taken office on July 25, 2022.
Powers include:
- Head of the State
- Elected indirectly by an Electoral College (MPs and MLAs)
- Acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers
- Signs bills into law
- Can send bills back for reconsideration
- Has powers of pardon
Though the President is the constitutional head, real power lies with the Council of Ministers.
Separation of Powers
Indian democracy works on division of power–Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements laws, and Judiciary (interprets laws).
1. Legislature
The Legislature is also known as Parliament, where laws are made.
Functions of Legislature
- Makes laws for the country
- Controls the government
- Represents the people
Structure of Indian Legislature
India has a bicameral legislature:
- Lok Sabha (Lower House): Members elected directly by citizens
- Rajya Sabha (Upper House): Members elected by elected representatives of states
For a bill to become a law, both houses must approve it.
Functions of Parliament
- Makes laws
- Approves the budget
- Controls the Executive through questions, debates and motions
No-Confidence Motion
A motion introduced in Lok Sabha to test whether the Council of Ministers enjoys the confidence of the House.
2. Executive
The Executive implements laws and policies made by the Legislature.
Types of Executive
There are following types of executives:
Political Executive
- Includes Prime Minister and Ministers
- Elected representatives
- Hold power for a fixed term (usually 5 years)
Permanent Executive
- Includes civil servants and bureaucrats
- Appointed, not elected
- Provide expertise and continuity
Note: Political Executive has more power even though the Permanent Executive is more experienced.
3. Judiciary
The Judiciary is independent of the Legislature and Executive.
Functions of Judiciary
- Interprets laws
- Settles disputes
- Protects Fundamental Rights
- Ensures rule of law
- Can declare laws unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution
How Judiciary Works in India
There are 3 levels of Judiciary in India
- Supreme Court: Highest court in India
- High Courts: State-level courts
- District and Lower Courts: Local-level courts
Judiciary ensures justice for all citizens regardless of caste, gender, religion or class. Each institution checks the others. This system prevents concentration of power.
Conclusion
The chapter Working of Institutions explains how democracy functions through structured decision-making. Power is divided among Parliament, Executive and Judiciary to ensure accountability and fairness. The Mandal Commission example highlights how institutions interact and balance one another.
Understanding this chapter helps students see how governance works in real life.
FAQs
Q1. What are institutions in democracy?
Ans. Institutions are organizations like Parliament, Executive and Judiciary that take decisions and run the government.
Q2. Why are institutions important?
Ans. They ensure decision-making, law enforcement, justice and accountability.
Q3. What was the Mandal Commission?
Ans. A commission set up to study OBC conditions and recommend reservation.
Q4. Who implements laws in India?
Ans. The Executive implements laws passed by the Legislature.
Q5. Why are institutions important in a democracy?
Ans. They ensure decisions are taken systematically, prevent misuse of power and maintain accountability.
Q6. What role did the Judiciary play in the Mandal Commission case?
Ans. The Supreme Court reviewed the decision and upheld OBC reservation with a 50% cap.
Q7. What is collective responsibility?
Ans. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and must resign if it loses majority support.
Q8. What is the difference between Political and Permanent Executive?
Ans. The Political Executive is elected and makes decisions. The Permanent Executive consists of civil servants who implement policies.
Q9. What is judicial review?
The power of the Judiciary to declare a law unconstitutional if it violates the Constitution.
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