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CBSE Class 9 – Social Science (Democratic Politics)
Chapter : Working of Institutions
Competency-Based Question Bank with Answers
Section A – Multiple-Choice Questions (1 mark each)
1. Which organ of the government makes laws?
A) Executive B) Legislature C) Judiciary D) President
2. Which of the following is the highest law-making body in
India?
A) Lok Sabha B) Rajya Sabha C) Parliament D) Supreme
Court
3. The President of India is elected by:
A) Prime Minister B) Electoral College C) Parliament D) Chief
Justice
4. Which of these powers is not enjoyed by the President?
A) Appointing the Prime Minister B) Passing laws C) Giving
assent to bills D) Summoning Parliament
5. The Prime Minister is appointed by the:
A) Lok Sabha B) President C) Rajya Sabha D) Supreme Court
6. Collective responsibility means:
A) Only PM is responsible B) Only ministers are responsible C)
Council of Ministers is responsible to Lok Sabha D)
Parliament is responsible to people
7. Who presides over the joint sitting of both Houses of
Parliament?
A) Prime Minister B) Speaker of Lok Sabha C) Vice
President D) President
8. Which statement about the Supreme Court is true?
A) It is the highest court of appeal B) It is controlled by
Parliament C) It is appointed by the President D) It cannot review
laws
9. Judicial Review means:
A) Judiciary can review executive decisions B) Judiciary can
review laws for constitutionality C) Judiciary can make laws
D) Judiciary can dissolve Parliament
10. The real executive authority in India is vested in the:
A) President B) Prime Minister C) Chief Justice D) Governor
11. Which body can remove the President from office?
A) Supreme Court B) Parliament C) Prime Minister D) Election
Commission
12. The term “Council of Ministers” includes:
A) Cabinet Ministers only B) Cabinet + Ministers of State +
Deputy Ministers C) Only PM D) President and Ministers
13. Article mentioning collective responsibility:
A) 74 B) 75(3) C) 76 D) 78
14. Tenure of the Lok Sabha:
A) 4 years B) 5 years C) 6 years D) 7 years
15. The Judiciary ensures:
A) Independence of Executive B) Rule of Law C) Supremacy of
Parliament D) Authority of President
16. The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in:
A) Civil cases B) Disputes between States and Centre C)
Criminal cases D) Appeals from High Courts
17. Who acts as link between President and Council of
Ministers?
A) Vice President B) Prime Minister C) Speaker D) Chief
Justice
18. “Separation of Powers” means:
A) Division among three organs B) Power in one organ C)
Power shared unequally D) None
19. Who can dissolve the Lok Sabha?
A) President B) Prime Minister C) Speaker D) Chief Justice
20. Minimum age for Lok Sabha membership:
A) 18 B) 21 C) 25 D) 30
Section B – Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)
1. Explain the relationship between the Legislature, Executive
and Judiciary in a democracy.
→ They are three organs of government that work independently
yet interdependently.
- Legislature makes laws.
- Executive implements laws.
- Judiciary interprets laws and ensures they are followed.
This separation prevents misuse of power and maintains checks
and balances.
2. Why is the Prime Minister called the real head of the
government?
→ Because all executive powers are exercised in the Prime
Minister’s name.
He leads the Council of Ministers, shapes national policies, and
advises the President on appointments and decisions.
3. How does the Parliament control the Executive?
→ Through question hour, motions of no confidence, debates, and
budget approval.
It ensures ministers remain accountable to the elected
representatives.
4. What is meant by independence of the judiciary? Why is it
important?
→ Judiciary works free from executive or legislative influence.
It ensures fair justice, protects citizens’ rights, and upholds the
Constitution.
5. Describe any three functions of Parliament.
→ (i) Law making (ii) Control over executive (iii) Financial
control – passing the budget.
6. What are the powers and functions of the President?
→ (i) Appoints PM, ministers, governors, judges.
(ii) Gives assent to bills.
(iii) Represents India internationally.
(iv) Can dissolve Lok Sabha and declare emergencies.
7. Explain the process of passing a bill in Parliament.
→ (i) First reading (introduction).
(ii) Debate and committee review.
(iii) Second reading and vote.
(iv) Sent to other House.
(v) Presidential assent.
8. Why do we need an independent judiciary?
→ To ensure rule of law, safeguard fundamental rights, and protect
citizens from misuse of power.
9. Describe the role of the Prime Minister in decision-making.
→ Chairs Cabinet meetings, coordinates ministries, advises
President, and represents government policies.
10. Differentiate between Cabinet Ministers and Ministers
of State.
→ Cabinet Ministers are senior members forming the core
decision-making body.
Ministers of State assist them or handle smaller departments
independently.
11. What are the powers of the Supreme Court?
→ (i) Original jurisdiction (Centre–State disputes).
(ii) Appellate jurisdiction.
(iii) Advisory jurisdiction.
(iv) Power of judicial review.
12. How can Parliament ensure accountability of the
executive?
→ Through debates, questions, and passing or rejecting motions.
Ministers must justify actions to Parliament.
13. Mention three ways in which the Lok Sabha is more
powerful than the Rajya Sabha.
→ (i) Controls Council of Ministers.
(ii) Can pass no-confidence motion.
(iii) Has more power in money bills.
14. How does the concept of Rule of Law protect citizens’
rights?
→ Everyone is equal before law — leaders, officials, citizens alike.
No one is above the Constitution; it prevents arbitrary rule.
15. What are Public Interest Litigations (PILs)? How do
they help common people?
→ Legal actions filed for public causes.
Allow even non-victims to seek justice for others.
They make justice more accessible and affordable.
Section C – Case-Based Questions (4–5 marks each)
1. Collective Responsibility
Passage:
The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible
to the Lok Sabha. If a no-confidence motion is passed, all ministers
including the PM must resign.
Answers:
(a) Collective responsibility means all ministers are jointly accountable for
government decisions.
(b) It ensures unity, coordination, and accountability to the legislature.
(c) If PM loses majority, the entire ministry must resign or seek fresh
elections.
2. Judicial Review
Passage:
The Supreme Court struck down a law passed by Parliament for being
unconstitutional.
Answers:
(a) This shows the power of judicial review.
(b) It prevents Parliament or Executive from violating the Constitution.
(c) It ensures the supremacy of the Constitution and protects citizens’
rights.
3. Law-Making Process
Passage:
Parliament debated a Bill on the Right to Education. Both Houses passed
it, and the President gave assent.
Answers:
(a) Stages: Drafting → Introduction → Debate → Vote → Other House →
Presidential assent.
(b) The President signs to make it an official law.
(c) Debate allows scrutiny and ensures democratic participation.
4. Fundamental Rights and Courts
Passage:
A citizen filed a petition claiming a law violated Fundamental Rights; the
Court struck down parts of it.
Answers:
(a) Right used – Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32).
(b) Shows judiciary’s power to protect rights and strike down
unconstitutional laws.
(c) Strengthens democracy by upholding rule of law.
5. Balance of Power
Passage:
The Prime Minister chairs a Cabinet meeting; the President must be
informed of all decisions.
Answers:
(a) Because President is the constitutional head and must be kept
informed.
(b) Indicates coordination between nominal and real executive.
(c) Maintains balance — neither office dominates the other, preserving
checks and harmony.
Competency Focus
Analyse: The relationship and interdependence between
Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
Evaluate: The role of institutions in maintaining accountability and
Rule of Law.
Apply: Democratic principles to case-based scenarios of
governance.
Interpret: The significance of constitutional provisions ensuring
balance of power.
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