4 Working of Institutions

Description

Quick Overview

This section explores how institutions in a democracy function, focusing on the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary in decision-making and governance.

Standard

The section delves into how major decisions in a democracy are made through various institutions, emphasizing the interplay between the legislature, executive, and judiciary. It provides examples like the Office Memorandum regarding job reservations and highlights the roles of key political figures and institutions in shaping policy and resolving disputes.

Detailed

In a democracy, governance involves not just elections but a structured system where rulers operate within defined institutions. This section analyzes the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary in major governmental decisions, utilizing the case of the Office Memorandum relating to job reservations for socially and educationally backward classes. The section uncovers how policy decisions are made through layers of consultation, political promises, and institutional interplay, demonstrating that while the executive implements policies, the legislature must endorse them, and the judiciary plays a role in adjudicating disputes arising from these decisions. Key figures such as the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Parliament are crucial in decision-making processes, and the judiciary acts as a guardian of the constitution, reflecting the importance of each institution's role in maintaining a democratic structure.

Key Concepts

  • Legislature: The body responsible for making laws.

  • Executive: The body responsible for enforcing laws and policies.

  • Judiciary: The body that interprets laws and resolves disputes.

Memory Aids

🎡 Rhymes Time

  • In a democratic space, Laws we make, and enforce with grace; But when there's a clash, it’s the judiciary's place.

πŸ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Once upon a time, in a land governed by rules, decision makers met in a grand hall. Legislators made laws, executives enforced them, and judges resolved disputes. They learned how to work together for a peaceful land.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'LEJ': Laws (Legislature), Execute (Executive), Judge (Judiciary) to recall the functions of each institution.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Using 'IEJ' for Institutions, Enforce, and Judge helps us remember the roles.

Examples

  • The Office Memorandum of 1990 illustrates how the government implemented a reservation policy after recommendations from the Mandal Commission.

  • The Supreme Court's review of the reservation order shows the judiciary's role in maintaining checks on the executive.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Legislature

    Definition:

    An assembly of elected representatives responsible for making laws.

  • Term: Executive

    Definition:

    The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

  • Term: Judiciary

    Definition:

    The judicial system that interprets the law and administers justice.

  • Term: Office Memorandum

    Definition:

    A communication issued by a government body outlining policies or decisions.

  • Term: Reservations

    Definition:

    Policies that reserve positions or opportunities for disadvantaged communities.