Maharashtra HSC Political Science key terms

The opening statement of the Indian Constitution that declares the source of its authority (the people), its objectives of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, and the nature of the state as sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic and republic.

A judicial principle holding that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution in a way that destroys its essential features, such as supremacy of the Constitution, secularism, separation of powers or judicial review.

A system of government in which power is divided by a written constitution between a central authority and constituent units, each exercising its own powers independently within defined spheres.

A schedule of the Indian Constitution that lists subjects under three lists: the Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List, thereby distributing legislative powers between Parliament and state legislatures.

Powers to legislate on subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists of the Seventh Schedule; in India these rest with Parliament under Article 248.

A set of basic freedoms guaranteed to individuals by Part III of the Constitution, enforceable in courts against the state, covering equality, freedom, protection against exploitation, religion, culture and constitutional remedies.

A formal written order issued by a court directing a person or authority to act or refrain from acting; habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and quo warranto are the five writs available under Article 32 and Article 226.

Limits that the state may lawfully place on the exercise of fundamental freedoms, provided the restriction is imposed by law, serves a legitimate purpose listed in the Constitution, and is proportionate and non-arbitrary.

Guidelines in Part IV of the Constitution directing the state to promote social and economic welfare, such as adequate livelihood, equal pay and free education; they are not enforceable in courts but are fundamental in governance.

Eleven obligations listed in Article 51A requiring citizens to respect the Constitution, national symbols and institutions, protect sovereignty and the environment, and develop scientific temper and public spirit; they are non-justiciable.

The constitutional head of state elected indirectly by an electoral college, who exercises executive power on the advice of the Council of Ministers and holds office for five years.

The body of ministers headed by the Prime Minister that aids and advises the President; it is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and is the real executive of the Union.

The principle that the entire Council of Ministers is jointly answerable to the Lok Sabha for all government decisions, and must resign together if it loses the confidence of that House.

A temporary law promulgated by the President when Parliament is not in session, which must be laid before Parliament within six weeks of reassembly and ceases to operate if not approved.

The supreme legislative body of the Union, consisting of the President, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, with powers to make laws, control finance, amend the Constitution and hold the executive accountable.

The first hour of a parliamentary sitting during which members ask questions of ministers, who must answer on matters within their responsibility, thereby enabling legislative scrutiny of administration.

A formal motion moved in the Lok Sabha expressing lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers; if passed by a majority, the government is constitutionally bound to resign.

The power of courts to examine laws and executive actions and declare them void if they violate the Constitution or exceed legal authority.

A tendency of courts to take an active role in protecting rights and enforcing accountability, often through expanded interpretation, public interest litigation and directions to the executive.

A form of litigation in which any public-spirited person may approach a court on behalf of those unable to do so themselves, relaxing the usual rule that only an aggrieved party can sue.

The constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President, who exercises state executive power on the advice of the state Council of Ministers and holds office during the pleasure of the President.

The head of the state Council of Ministers, appointed by the Governor, who leads the majority party or coalition in the Legislative Assembly and directs state administration.

The three-tier system of rural local self-government at village, block and district levels, given constitutional status by the 73rd Amendment to promote democratic decentralisation.

The 1992 constitutional amendment that inserted Part IX, making Panchayati Raj institutions constitutional bodies with mandatory elections, reservations and a State Finance Commission.

Municipal institutions such as municipal corporations, municipal councils and nagar panchayats that govern urban areas, constitutionally recognised by the 74th Amendment.

An independent constitutional authority that conducts elections to Parliament, state legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President, and registers political parties.

A set of guidelines enforced by the Election Commission from the announcement of elections until results are declared, regulating campaign conduct by parties, candidates and governments.

The official register of persons entitled to vote in a constituency, prepared and revised by election authorities on the basis of age, citizenship and residence qualifications.

The principle that every citizen who has attained the prescribed age, normally eighteen in India, has the right to vote regardless of sex, caste, religion, literacy or property.

Provisions in the Tenth Schedule that disqualify a legislator who voluntarily gives up party membership or votes against the party whip, aimed at curbing floor-crossing.

An organised group that seeks to win public office through elections, aggregates interests around a programme, and is recognised by the Election Commission on the basis of electoral performance.

A situation in which two or more parties jointly form a government or contest elections together, usually because no single party commands a legislative majority.

An organised association that seeks to influence public policy and decision-makers on behalf of a particular interest without itself contesting elections for public office.

The sphere of voluntary associations, non-governmental organisations, media and citizen groups that operate between the family, market and state and seek to influence public affairs.

A statutory right enabling citizens to obtain information held by public authorities, subject to limited exemptions, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in administration.

The conduct of public affairs in a manner that is accountable, transparent, responsive, efficient, participatory and rule-bound, and that delivers services equitably to citizens.

The policy adopted by India after independence of not joining either of the Cold War military blocs while retaining freedom to judge international issues on merit and pursue national interest.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence agreed between India and China in 1954, covering mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality and peaceful coexistence.

The capacity of a state to make foreign and defence policy choices independently, keeping multiple partnerships without becoming subordinate to any single great power.

The growing integration of economies and societies through trade, investment, technology, migration and communication, which increases interdependence and also exposes states to external shocks.

The removal or relaxation of state controls over economic activity, such as licensing, tariffs and price regulation, allowing markets and private enterprise a larger role.

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.

Basic entitlements inherent in all persons regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity or religion, covering civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights protected under international and domestic law.

The fair distribution of resources, opportunities and dignity across society, especially through measures that protect historically disadvantaged groups from discrimination and exclusion.

Constitutional and statutory provisions that set aside seats in legislatures, educational institutions and public employment for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward classes.

The constitutional principle that the state has no official religion, treats all religions equally, and may intervene to reform social practices while guaranteeing freedom of religion.

A political ideology that treats religious communities as homogeneous, antagonistic blocs and mobilises identity along religious lines, posing a challenge to secular and democratic politics.

Identification with and loyalty to a particular region, expressed through demands for greater autonomy, cultural recognition or separate statehood within the national political framework.