Constitutional Government and Democracy in India

Paper Code: 
CPOL 112
Credits: 
06
Contact Hours: 
90.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Rationale: The focus of this paper is on the political processes and the actual functioning of the political system in India. One needs to understand that the Indian Constitution was intended to provide a framework for a modern, secular and democratic society and simultaneously be discussing the working of select political institutions like the Union Executive, the Parliament and the Judiciary.

 

The objectives of this course are to:

  1. Develop understanding of the functioning of the Indian Constitution and other institutions how it has shaped contemporary rhetoric’s and policy orientations in Indian politics.
  2. Acquaint the students with a holistic overview of the process of interaction between society and politics in contemporary India
  1. Acquaint the students with the meaning of fundamental institutions of democratic regimes: legislatures, the executive and its bureaucracy, law and judicial systems, elections, interest groups

 

Course Outcomes (CO)

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

 

 

 

CPOL 112

 

 

 

Constitutional Government and Democracy in India

CO6: Develop critical understanding of functioning of the Indian Constitution and various institutions.

CO7: Reflect comprehensively on the strategic importance of Executive, Legislature and Judiciary in the Indian government and analyze the competent interests of state and non-state actors in Indian politics.

CO8: To develop understanding of parliamentary form of government and how it has shaped contemporary rhetoric and policy orientations in Indian politics.

CO9: Develop an in-depth interrogation of the principles of the Indian Constitution.

CO10: Synthesize knowledge from various sources to support a persuasive argument on the benefits of

Decentralization

Approach in teaching

 

Lecture, Power point presentations, Classroom discussions

 

Interactive sessions,

various online resources, PowerPoint presentations

case studies

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

Online Quiz
 
18.00
Unit I: 
The Constituent Assembly and the Constitution:

 Philosophy of the Constitution; the Preamble; Features of the Constitution; Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles 

18.00
Unit II: 
Organs of the Government:

The Legislature: Parliament; Parliamentary Procedure and Law -making Process

18.00
Unit III: 
Organs of the Government

: The Executive: President and Prime Minister; the Judiciary: Supreme Court

18.00
Unit IV: 
Federalism:

 Divisions of Powers; Emergency Provisions; Centre-State Relations; Contemporary trends

18.00
Unit V: 
Decentralization:

 Evolution of Local Self Government; Municipalities and Panchayats; Current scenario: critical analysis

Essential Readings: 

Ø  Laxmikanth,M., (2021), Indian Polity,Noida,Mc Graw Hill Education

Ø  Basu,D.D. , (2021),Introduction to the  Constitution of India, New Delhi, Prentice Hall of India

Ø  Fadia,B.L(2021),Indian Government and Politics, Agra,Sahitya Bhawan

Ø  Agarwal ,R.C., (2018) Constitutional Development and National Movement of India,New Delhi, Sultan Chand & Sons,

Ø  Johari,J.C.,(2012), Indian Government and Politics (Vol. I& II), New Delhi,Vishal Publications

References: 

Ø  Pylee,M.V.(2014), Constitutional History of India, New Delhi, S.Chand

Ø  Jayal, N.G.,& Mehta, P.B.(2011),(ed.), The Oxford Companion to Politics in India (edited) ,London, Oxford

Ø  Jaffrelot,C .,(2010), Religion, Caste and Politics in India, New Delhi, Primus Books

Ø  Brass,P ,(2009),Politics of India since Independence, Hyderabad,Orient Longman

Ø  Rudolph,L.I., &  Rudolph,S.H.,  (2008), In Pursuit of Lakshmi : The Political Economy of the Indian State, Delhi, Orient Longman

Ø  Austin,G, (2003), Working of a Democratic Constitution, New Delhi, OUP

E-Resources:

Ø  Austin, G. (2003). Working a Democratic Constitution: A History of the Indian Experience. India: Oxford University Press. Can be retrieved http://library.lol/main/EEC6FE8A3C2323D2A752AABE526FD09C

Ø  The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution. (2016). United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. Can be retrieved http://library.lol/main/44F743AA9F01AFDF350627BDB03BAB71

Ø  Austin, G. (1999). The Indian constitution: cornerstone of a nation. India: Oxford University Press. Can be retrieved http://library.lol/main/B050AF104D11AEE7874F52891A5E94BE

Ø  Constitution of India And Indian Polity | For Civil Service Exam | LLB Entrance | By Pearson. (2019). India: Pearson Education India. Can be retrieved http://library.lol/main/DFA9D213E5491487B576FE6A679DFF13

Ø  Pandey, R. K., Chakrabarty, B. (2008). Indian Government and Politics. India: SAGE Publications. Can be retrieved https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Indian_Government_and_Politics/KwxjDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

Ø  Agarwal, R. C. (1987). Indian Government and Politics: A Close Study of Indian Political System. India: S. Chand & Company. Can be retrieved https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Indian_Government_and_Politics/_OWhtgAACAAJ?hl=en

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic Year: 
2023-24
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