Types of Government
You can vote/choose your own leader in your nation
People elect representatives on their behalf; no monarch
Democracy
Republic
2 houses of Parliament
Rajya Sabha; Lok Sabha
This Party was founded in 1980. The ideologies consists of nationalism, conservatism and Hindu cultural identity. The current major leader is PM Narendra Modi. It leads the national government of India and the currently the largest Political Party in India.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Date India gained independence from the British
15 August 1947
What does the Preamble declares India to be and what does it promise its people?
The Preamble declares India to be Sovereign, Socialist, Secular and Democratic Republic.
It promises its people justice, fraternity, liberty and equality.
The government is run by religion
Theocracy
Council of States
Rajya Sabha
This Party was founded in 1885. The current prominent leader of this party is Rahul Gandhi. This is one of the oldest political parties in India. It led the Indian Independence Movement. It supports secularism, democracy and social welfare programs.
Indian National Congress (INC)
Important Leaders during that time
Mahatma Gandhi
Jawaharlal Nehru
Subhas Chandra Bose
What is the Structure of the Government in India?
The constitution creates 3 branches of government:
Legislative: Makes laws (Example: Parliament)
Executive: Enforces laws (led by Prime Minister)
Judicial: Interprets laws (headed by the Supreme Court)
Ruled by Kings or Queens
Monarchy
House of People
Lok Sabha
This party was found in 2012. The leader of this party is Arvind Kejriwal. It emerged from anti-corruption movement. It focuses on education, healthcare and anti-corruption policies. It has a storng influence in Punjab and Delhi.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAM)
When did the Indian Independence Movement last?
1857-1947. It was a long struggle for India to gain independence from the British Rule
What are all the Fundamental Rights and basic freedoms every citizen is entitled to?
One person holds the power (often seized by force)
Dictatorship
Terms
Rajya Sabha (6 year Term but permanent)
Lok Sabha (5 years but can be dissolved quickly)
This party was founded in 1992. It focuses on social justice and welfare policies.
Samajwadi Party (SP)
How did the British Control India?
They controlled India politically and economically through the British Raj. Problems include heavy taxation, economic exploitation, discrimination against Indians and limited Political Power for Indians.
Who wrote the Indian Constitution?
The constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly. A key leader who contributed to this was B.R. Ambedkar. B.R. Ambedkar was the chairman of the Drafting Committee and he is often called “The Father of the Indian Constitution”. Other contributers include Jawarharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
State owns property; government plans economy; aims for a classless society
Communism
Name a power of Rajya Sabha
Name a power of the Lok Sabha
Rajya Sabha
Represents states and union territories
Reviews, debates and suggest new changes to law
Has equal powers with Lok Sabha in most matters except money
Lok Sabha
Controls the government (Prime Minister comes from here)
Has more power over money bills (Rajya Sabha can't really stop this)
Represents people directly
This party was founded in 1984. The leader of this party is Mayawati. This party focuses on rights for marginalized communities especially the Dalits. There is a strong base in Uttar Pradesh.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
What else did India Independence also cause?
It caused a partition for 2 countries to divide apart (India and Pakistan).
What is the constitution of India and what does it do?
The constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It explains how the nation is governed, citizen’s rights and the duties of the government.