Political Science (Civics): Constitution and Government
Political Science, or Civics, tests how the Indian Constitution distributes power, protects rights, and organises government. Questions often ask you to distinguish institutions and justify a constitutional feature with examples.
Constitutional design
The Constitution is federal, parliamentary, and partly unitary. Power is divided between the Union and states through the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists; residuary powers rest with the Union. Fundamental Rights are justiciable; Directive Principles are goals for policy. The Parliament has two Houses: the Lok Sabha is directly elected and controls the executive; the Rajya Sabha represents states and reviews legislation. The judiciary protects the basic structure and exercises judicial review.
Worked example
Question: Why is India described as federal with a strong Centre? Reasoning: India has two levels of government, a written constitution, and a division of powers. But the Union List covers defence, foreign affairs, and currency; the Centre can legislate on Concurrent List subjects; the Governor is appointed by the President; and emergency provisions can temporarily centralise power. The answer should pair each federal feature with a unitary tilt.
Traps that cost marks
Do not say Fundamental Rights include the right to property; it was removed as a fundamental right by the 44th Amendment. Do not confuse the 73rd and 74th Amendments: panchayats and municipalities respectively. Do not claim the Rajya Sabha controls the Council of Ministers; it can only discuss and delay money bills. Avoid vague answers: name the list, article, or institution.