Indian Government and Political Institutions - Study Guide
What the exam tests
Indian Government and Political Institutions tests how the Union executive, Parliament, judiciary and constitutional bodies actually work. Expect questions on the President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, bills and money bills, judicial review and independent bodies.
Core rules
- The President is the constitutional head, elected indirectly by an electoral college; executive power is exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
- The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister is the real executive and coordinates the government.
- Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Money bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha; the Rajya Sabha may recommend changes within 14 days but cannot reject a money bill.
- The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction under Article 32, appellate jurisdiction, advisory jurisdiction under Article 143, and power of judicial review.
- The Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General, UPSC and Finance Commission are constitutional bodies.
Worked example
Question: Can the President refuse to sign a bill? Reason: For a non-money bill, the President may return it once for reconsideration. If Parliament passes it again, the President must assent. For a money bill, return is not available. The President is not a competing legislative chamber; the office is constitutional, not a general political veto.
Traps
Do not say the President is the real executive; do not let the Rajya Sabha reject a money bill; do not confuse Article 32 with ordinary litigation; do not treat the CAG as a government department; do not claim the collegium is mentioned in the constitutional text.