Political Science (Elective) - +2 Arts: Constitutional Design, Institutions and India in the World
What this paper tests
The CHSE Odisha +2 Arts Elective Political Science paper rewards precise knowledge of India's constitutional design, the actual working of its institutions, and India's position in world politics, with comparative-government and public-administration units layered on top. Answers earn marks when they cite the Article, amendment number or case, not when they describe politics in general terms.
Constitutional foundations
- The Preamble declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic; the words socialist and secular were inserted by the 42nd Amendment (1976), which also added Part IVA on Fundamental Duties (Art. 51A).
- Fundamental Rights (Part III) are justiciable. The right to property was deleted by the 44th Amendment (1978) and survives only as a constitutional right under Art. 300A.
- Directive Principles (Part IV) are non-justiciable; Art. 37 states they are nevertheless fundamental in governance.
Amending procedure, Art. 368
Three tracks exist: simple majority for ordinary law; special majority (two-thirds of members present and voting plus a majority of total membership) in each House for most amendments; and special majority plus ratification by at least half the State Legislatures for federal provisions listed in the proviso - the election of the President, distribution of legislative powers, representation of States in Parliament, and Art. 368 itself.
Worked example
A bill proposes (a) adding a language to the Eighth Schedule and (b) altering Odisha's representation in the Lok Sabha. Route (a): special majority in Parliament only, no State ratification. Route (b): representation of States in Parliament is a proviso item, so special majority plus ratification by at least half the States is required. The reasoning turns on whether the subject appears in the Art. 368 proviso.
Traps that cost marks
- Naming the amendment without its number, or the Article without its Part.
- Claiming the Preamble is enforceable; it is part of the Constitution but confers no substantive power.
- Writing 'internal disturbance' for Art. 352 - the 44th Amendment substituted 'armed rebellion'.
- Confusing the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection, 52nd Amendment, 1985) with the Ninth Schedule.
- Treating DPSP and Fundamental Rights as interchangeable in conflict questions; the basic-structure doctrine is the correct frame.