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I. Chapter Summary
This chapter explains how the democratic government functions through key institutions—the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. It highlights the roles and responsibilities of the President, Prime Minister, Parliament, and the Judiciary, and how these institutions work together while maintaining a system of checks and balances. Through real examples like the process of law-making and selection of the Prime Minister, students understand how power is distributed and decisions are made in a democracy like India.
II. Key Concepts Covered
| Concept | Explanation | |
| Parliament | The supreme legislative body in India, consisting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. | |
| Need for Parliament | Makes laws, controls the government, approves budgets, and represents the people. | |
| Executive | Body that executes laws and administers the country—includes the President and the Council of Ministers. | |
| Prime Minister and Council of Ministers | Real executive authority; responsible for policy and decision-making. | |
| President | The constitutional head of the country; works on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. | |
| Judiciary | Interprets laws, protects the Constitution, and ensures justice through independent courts. | |
| Independent Judiciary | Ensures the separation of powers and upholds citizens’ rights against misuse of laws. |
III. Important Questions
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)
- Who is the real executive in a parliamentary form of government?
a) President
b) Prime Minister ✔️
c) Chief Justice
d) Governor - Which body makes laws in India?
a) Supreme Court
b) Executive
c) Parliament ✔️
d) Cabinet - Who presides over the Lok Sabha?
a) Prime Minister
b) President
c) Speaker ✔️
d) Vice President - Which institution settles disputes between individuals and the government?
a) Parliament
b) Election Commission
c) Judiciary ✔️
d) Finance Commission
(PYQ 2019)
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)
- Differentiate between political executive and permanent executive. (PYQ 2018)
- What is the role of the judiciary in a democratic setup?
- Mention any three functions of the Indian Parliament. (PYQ 2020)
- What is meant by ‘Council of Ministers’? Name its types.
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
- Explain the composition and functions of the Indian Parliament. (PYQ 2020)
- Describe the powers and role of the Prime Minister in India.
- Discuss the importance of an independent judiciary in a democracy.
- How do the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary work together in a democratic country?
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
- If the Prime Minister becomes more powerful than Parliament, how might it affect democracy?
- Should judges be elected like politicians? What are the pros and cons of such a system?
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts
| Term/Concept | Definition/Explanation |
| Executive | The branch of government responsible for implementing laws. |
| Legislature | The law-making body, i.e., Parliament in India. |
| Judiciary | Interprets laws and delivers justice. |
| Political Executive | Elected leaders like the Prime Minister, responsible for decision-making. |
| Permanent Executive | Civil servants (bureaucrats) who help in implementation and administration. |
| Independent Judiciary | Free from the control of the legislature and executive. |
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)
| Unit/Chapter | Estimated Marks | Type of Questions Typically Asked |
| Chapter 4: Working of Institutions | 5–6 Marks | 1 MCQ, 1 Short Answer, 1 Long Answer, 1 HOTS/Conceptual Question |
VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
| Mark | Question | Year |
| 1 mark | Who is the head of the real executive in India? | PYQ 2019 |
| 3 marks | Mention three functions of the Parliament. | PYQ 2020 |
| 5 marks | Explain the role of the judiciary in a democracy. | PYQ 2018 |
VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics
- Law-Making Process: Recent laws (like the GST Act or Right to Education) help students understand the functioning of Parliament.
- Court Rulings in the News: Supreme Court judgments on public interest matters highlight judicial independence.
- Cabinet Decisions: Real-life examples of decisions made by the PM and Council of Ministers (e.g., national lockdown in 2020).
- Role of Speaker: Parliamentary debates and speaker’s role in maintaining order during sessions.
IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success
Time Management
- Allocate 3 sessions:
Day 1 – Institutions & Functions
Day 2 – Parliament & Judiciary
Day 3 – Mind maps & Practice Questions
Exam Preparation
- Use flowcharts for steps in law-making and hierarchy of courts.
- Practice writing differences (e.g., political vs permanent executive).
Stress Management
- Create role-plays (Parliament session or courtroom drama) to make concepts interactive.
- Watch parliamentary sessions or court news to visualize institutions in action.
X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class 9 Focus)
Streams After Class 10:
Arts (Political Science, Law, History)
Commerce (Public Policy, Governance)
Career Paths:
Civil Servant (IAS, IFS, IPS)
Legal Advisor / Lawyer / Judge
Policy Analyst
Member of Parliament / Legislative Assembly
Researcher in Political Studies
Relevant Exams & Competitions:
NTSE
CBSE Heritage India Quiz
Legal Literacy Club Activities
Model Parliament / Mock Court Competitions
XI. Important Notes
Clarify key distinctions (e.g., Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha, President vs PM).
Diagrams and charts enhance understanding and scoring.
Use NCERT book activities and official websites (parliamentofindia.nic.in) for real-life examples.
Consistent revision with mock questions helps retain structural understanding.