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id: "67b7d819444073b65d6df7ef"
title: "WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 9"
subject: "Social Science"
book: "Democratic Politics"
chapter: "WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS"
chapter_slug: "working-of-institutions"
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---

# WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS

This chapter discusses the functioning of various institutions in a democracy and how they contribute to governance. It examines the processes through which major policy decisions are made and the resolution of disputes that arise, focusing on three key institutions: legislature, executive, and judiciary. Examples are primarily drawn from the Central Government of India while encouraging comparisons with state governments.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Democratic Politics |
| Chapter | WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS |
| Pages | 56-73 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
The chapter outlines the importance of institutions in a democracy, detailing the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary in decision-making processes and governance.

### Detailed Summary
The chapter elaborates on the mechanisms by which major decisions, such as job reservation policies, are formulated and executed within the government. It discusses how the Office Memorandum issued in 1990 established job reservations for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) and highlights the historical context leading up to this decision. The involvement of various democratic actors, such as the Prime Minister, Parliament, and judicial bodies, is showcased through the example of the Mandal Commission's recommendations and subsequent legal disputes. The Supreme Court's role in interpreting and validating these decisions emphasizes the intricate balance of powers and responsibilities among the institutions.

---

## Topic-Wise Explanation

### HOW IS A MAJOR POLICY DECISION TAKEN?
The chapter explains the timeline of events leading to the introduction of job reservations for SEBC, including the establishment of the Mandal Commission and the political promises made by parties during elections.

### PARLIAMENT
Discussion on Parliament involves its composition and how it interacts with the other branches of government to enact laws and policies.

### POLITICAL EXECUTIVE
The political executive, represented by the Prime Minister and Cabinet, is responsible for significant policy decisions and implementation of laws.

### THE JUDICIARY
The judiciary's function is to adjudicate disputes arising from governmental decisions, evidenced by the Supreme Court's rulings on job reservations.

---

## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Role of Institutions | Institutions ensure democratic governance through defined roles and responsibilities that guide decision-making and implementation. |

---

## Key Concepts

| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Democracy | A form of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. |
| Bureaucracy | The administrative system governing any large institution, managing complex functions and policy implementations. |

---

## Important Points for Revision

* Democracy requires adherence to rules and procedures by elected rulers.
* Institutions such as legislature, executive, and judiciary are vital for governance.
* The Office Memorandum on job reservations for SEBC is a key example of decision-making.
* The Mandal Commission was established to identify socially and educationally backward classes.
* The Supreme Court settled disputes regarding the Office Memorandum, emphasizing its role in governance.
* Political decisions can lead to public debates and protests, reflecting differing opinions.
* Public consultations are important in a democracy to ensure inclusive decision-making.
* The Constitution delineates the powers and functions of governmental institutions.

---

## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. What is the significance of the Office Memorandum issued on August 13, 1990?
2. Who was responsible for the decision to reserve jobs for SEBC?
3. What role did the Mandal Commission play in job reservations?
4. Describe the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the Office Memorandum.
5. How do institutions contribute to the functioning of democracy?

### Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the process leading to the formulation of the Office Memorandum regarding SEBC job reservations, highlighting the key players involved.
2. Analyze the implications of the Supreme Court's rulings on government policies and their importance in a democratic setup.
3. Evaluate the role of Parliament in shaping and implementing significant policies in the context of a democratic government.

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 67b7d819444073b65d6df7ef |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-9-social-science-democratic-politics-working-of-institutions |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-9-social-science-democratic-politics-working-of-institutions.md |