How Is A Major Policy Decision Taken Class 9 – Concept, MCQ’s & Notes PDF

Topic covered: How Is A Major Policy Decision Taken class 9 notes and MCQs Questions: Working Of Institutions (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 9th about the “How Is A Major Policy Decision Taken?“ from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 9th chapter 4 Working Of Institutions.

Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 4 Working Of Institutions Notes PDF

Chapter 4: Working of Institutions in Class 9 Political Science helps you understand how the Indian government actually functions. It explains the roles of the President, Prime Minister, and Parliament in simple terms, using real-life examples like how decisions are made in a democracy. Many students find it tricky to remember how these institutions balance power, so these notes break it down step by step. You’ll also get clarity on topics like judicial independence and cabinet responsibility. Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 4 Working of Institutions Notes PDF to make your revision smoother and faster.

Overview

1. Meaning of Democracy Beyond Elections:

• Democracy is not only about electing rulers through elections.
• In a democracy, rulers must follow certain rules and procedures.
• They are required to work with and within institutions that define their powers and limits.

2. Focus of the Chapter:

• The chapter explains the working of institutions in a democracy.
• It explores how major decisions are taken, implemented, and how disputes are resolved in India.
• These examples help in understanding how democracy functions in practice.

3. Key Institutions in Decision-Making:

• Three main institutions play a key role in major decisions:
  • Legislature – makes laws and policies.
  • Executive – implements decisions and policies.
  • Judiciary – resolves disputes and ensures laws are followed.
• Students have already studied the basics of these institutions in earlier classes.

4. Objective of Studying Institutions:

• The goal is to understand how these institutions together carry out the work of government.
• The chapter also compares Indian institutions with similar ones in other democracies.

5. Scope of Study:

• The examples in this chapter are taken from the national level government (also known as:
  • Central Government,
  • Union Government, or
  • Government of India).
• Students are encouraged to discuss similar examples from their own state governments while studying.

How Is A Major Policy Decision Taken?

A Government Order

1. Date and Nature of the Order:

• The Government of India issued an Office Memorandum on August 13, 1990.
• It was officially numbered O.M. No. 36012/31/90-Est (SCT), dated 13.8.1990.
• The order was signed by the Joint Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training, under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
• The memorandum was short – just one page long, similar to an ordinary government circular.

2. Importance of the Order:

• Although it looked like a routine notice, it became a very important and controversial order.
• It led to nationwide discussions and debates that continued for several years.

3. Main Policy Decision Announced:

• The order announced a major policy decision regarding job reservations.
• It stated that 27% of the vacancies in civil posts and services under the Government of India would be reserved for the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).

4. Introduction of a New Category:

• The term SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) refers to castes considered backward by the government.
• This created a new third category of reserved groups, in addition to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

5. Eligibility for Reservation:

• The 27% job quota was only for people belonging to backward classes (SEBC).
• Others were not allowed to compete for these reserved government jobs.

The Decision Makers

1. Authority Behind the Order:

• The officer who signed the Office Memorandum did not make the decision; he only implemented it.
• The decision was taken by the Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, under whom the department functions.
• Major functionaries involved in such decisions include:
  • President – Head of the State and the highest formal authority.
  • Prime Minister – Head of the government who exercises actual powers and takes key Cabinet decisions.
  • Parliament – Consists of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha; the Prime Minister must have majority support in the Lok Sabha.

2. Appointment of the Commission:

• The Government of India appointed the Second Backward Classes Commission in 1979.
• It was headed by B. P. Mandal, hence known as the Mandal Commission.

3. Purpose of the Commission:

• The Commission was asked to:
  • Identify socially and educationally backward classes in India.
  • Recommend steps for their advancement.

4. Submission of the Report:

• The Mandal Commission submitted its report in 1980.
• One key recommendation was 27% reservation in government jobs for socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC).
• The report was discussed in Parliament, and many parties demanded its implementation over the years.

5. Political Context:

• During the 1989 Lok Sabha elections, the Janata Dal promised to implement the Mandal Commission report if voted to power.
• After the election, Janata Dal formed the government and V. P. Singh became the Prime Minister.

6. Steps Leading to the Office Memorandum:

• The President, in his address to Parliament, announced the government’s intention to implement the Mandal Commission recommendations.
• On 6 August 1990, the Union Cabinet formally approved the decision.
• On the next day, Prime Minister V. P. Singh informed Parliament of this decision in both Houses.
• The Department of Personnel and Training drafted the order based on the Cabinet decision.
• The Minister approved the draft.
• A senior officer signed the order on behalf of the government.
• Thus, the Office Memorandum O.M. No. 36012/31/90 was issued on 13 August 1990.

7. Intense National Debate:

• The decision led to nationwide debate and protests lasting several months.
• It became one of the most discussed political issues in the country.

8. Arguments in Support:

• Supporters believed that inequalities among castes made job reservations necessary.
• They felt it would ensure fair representation for communities previously underrepresented in government jobs.

9. Arguments Against:

• Opponents argued that it was unfair to those outside backward classes, even if they were more qualified.
• Some feared it would promote caste divisions and weaken national unity.

10. The Legal Challenge:

• Many persons and associations opposed the order and filed cases in court.
• The Supreme Court combined all cases into one known as the
  “Indira Sawhney and Others vs Union of India” case.

11. Supreme Court Verdict:

• Eleven judges of the Supreme Court heard the case.
• In 1992, the Court upheld the government’s order as valid.
• However, it directed that “creamy layer” (well-to-do persons among backward classes) should be excluded from reservation benefits.

12. Final Implementation:

• Following the verdict, the Department of Personnel and Training issued a new Office Memorandum on 8 September 1993.
• This modified the earlier order as per the Court’s direction.
• The policy of reservation for SEBCs has been implemented since then.

Need for Political Institutions

1. Meaning and Purpose of Political Institutions:

• Governing a country involves multiple activities like ensuring security, providing education, and health facilities to citizens.
• The government collects taxes and spends the money on administration, defence, and development programmes.
• It also formulates and implements welfare schemes for citizens.
• Some people are responsible for taking decisions, while others implement those decisions.
• When disputes arise over these decisions, an authority is needed to decide what is right or wrong.
• It is important for citizens to know who is responsible for what in governance.
• Activities of government should continue even when people in key positions change.

2. Definition of Institutions:

• To handle all government tasks, arrangements called institutions are created in all modern democracies.
• A democracy functions effectively when these institutions perform their assigned functions properly.
• The Constitution of a country lays down basic rules regarding the powers and functions of each institution.

3. Examples of Political Institutions:

• Prime Minister and the Cabinet – Take all important policy decisions.
• Civil Servants – Work together to implement ministers’ decisions.
• Supreme Court – Settles disputes between citizens and the government.

4. Nature and Challenges of Working with Institutions:

• Working with institutions involves rules and regulations, which can limit the powers of leaders.
• Institutions function through meetings, committees, and formal routines, leading to delays and complications.
• These delays can be frustrating, as decisions take time.

5. Importance of Institutions in Democracy:

• Although institutions slow down decision-making, they allow for wider consultation and collective discussion.
• Institutions prevent hasty or bad decisions by requiring proper procedures and agreement.
• They make good governance more accountable and stable.
• This is why democratic governments insist on institutions – they ensure that decisions are made through due process and not by a single person’s will.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 4: Working Of Institutions

MCQs on NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 4 Topic – How Is A Major Policy Decision Taken Class 9 Notes

Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “How Is A Major Policy Decision Taken Class 9 Notes” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. Which of the following is an example of malpractice in Indian elections?

a) Inclusion of false names in voters’ list
b) Misuse of government facilities by ruling party
c) Excessive use of money by candidates
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Question 2. What is meant by “rigging” in elections?

a) Counting of votes twice
b) Fraud and malpractices to increase votes
c) Campaigning after deadline
d) Use of technology in elections

Answer: b) Fraud and malpractices to increase votes

Question 3. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India?

a) Prime Minister
b) Parliament
c) President of India
d) Chief Justice of India

Answer: c) President of India

Question 4. Once appointed, the Chief Election Commissioner is:

a) Answerable to the President
b) Answerable to the Prime Minister
c) Not answerable to government or President
d) Answerable to Parliament

Answer: c) Not answerable to government or President

Question 5. The Election Commission of India enjoys the same independence as:

a) Media
b) Judiciary
c) Political parties
d) Bureaucracy

Answer: b) Judiciary

Question 6. Who controls government officers during election duty?

a) Ruling party
b) Election Commission
c) Chief Minister
d) Cabinet Secretariat

Answer: b) Election Commission

Question 7. What power does the Election Commission have if polling is found unfair in some booths?

a) Cancel elections permanently
b) Reprimand candidates
c) Order repolling
d) Dissolve government

Answer: c) Order repolling

Question 8. People’s participation in elections is usually measured by:

a) Number of candidates
b) Turnout percentage
c) Size of constituencies
d) Party manifestos

Answer: b) Turnout percentage

Question 9. In India, who participates more in voting?

a) Rich and privileged
b) Poor and underprivileged
c) Only educated voters
d) Only urban citizens

Answer: b) Poor and underprivileged

Question 10. Which group in the USA votes less compared to the rich and white population?

a) Asians
b) Hispanics and African Americans
c) Europeans
d) Immigrants

Answer: b) Hispanics and African Americans

Question 11. What proportion of voters took part in campaign-related activities during the 2004 elections?

a) One-fourth
b) One-third
c) Half
d) One-tenth

Answer: b) One-third

Question 12. According to NCERT, how many voters out of every seven are members of a political party in India?

a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four

Answer: a) One

Question 13. In the last 25 years, in how many elections did ruling parties lose on average?

a) One out of three
b) Two out of three
c) Three out of three
d) None

Answer: b) Two out of three

Question 14. In India, about how many sitting MPs or MLAs lose elections?

a) One-fourth
b) Half
c) One-third
d) Almost none

Answer: b) Half

Question 15. Candidates with money and criminal connections in India:

a) Always win elections
b) Often lose elections
c) Never contest elections
d) Are banned from elections

Answer: b) Often lose elections

Question 16. The defeated parties usually accept electoral outcomes in India as:

a) Fake verdict
b) People’s verdict
c) Rigged result
d) Temporary outcome

Answer: b) People’s verdict

Question 17. Which factor gives big parties unfair advantage?

a) Party symbol
b) Money power
c) Media coverage
d) None of these

Answer: b) Money power

Question 18. In some parts of India, candidates with criminal connections have:

a) Been denied tickets
b) Pushed others out of the race
c) Never contested
d) Always lost

Answer: b) Pushed others out of the race

Question 19. Which factor often dominates political parties in India?

a) Student leaders
b) Political families
c) Independent candidates
d) Women leaders

Answer: b) Political families

Question 20. Why do smaller parties and independents face disadvantage?

a) Lack of media support
b) Lack of resources compared to big parties
c) No party symbols
d) Lack of voters’ trust

Answer: b) Lack of resources compared to big parties

Question 21. The percentage of eligible voters who cast their votes is called:

a) Turnout
b) Quorum
c) Majority
d) Popular vote

Answer: a) Turnout

Question 22. The current holder of a political office is known as:

a) Nominee
b) Candidate
c) Incumbent
d) Representative

Answer: c) Incumbent

Question 23. A set of norms to be followed by political parties during elections is called:

a) Election rules
b) Code of Conduct
c) Party manifesto
d) Election guidelines

Answer: b) Code of Conduct

Question 24. A condition in which all parties get equal opportunities during elections is called:

a) Level playing field
b) Equal rights
c) Free contest
d) Equal campaign ground

Answer: a) Level playing field