Indian Political Institutions and Processes

Paper Code: 
Pol 411
Credits: 
03
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

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 Objectives (CO)

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

 

 

 

POL 411

 

 

 

Indian Political Institutions and Processes

CO62: Develop critical understanding of functioning of the Indian Constitution and various institutions.

CO63: 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.

CO64: To develop understanding of parliamentary form of government and how it has shaped contemporary rhetoric and policy orientations  in Indian politics.

CO65: Develop an in-depth interrogation of the principles of the Indian Constitution.

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

 

9.00
Unit I: 
Unit 1

The Constituent Assembly of India- Meaning, Formation, Working and Criticism

Preamble to the Constitution

9.00
Unit II: 
Unit 2

Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles; Nature of Indian Federal System

 

9.00
Unit III: 
Unit 3

Union Executive-President; Prime Minister; Council of Ministers

 

9.00
Unit IV: 
Unit 4

Union Parliament; Methods of Amendment; Centre-State Relations

 

9.00
Unit V: 
Unit 5

Supreme Court of India;

Judicial Review; Public Interest Litigation; Judicial Activism

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Laxmikanth,M ,(2019), Indian Polity,Noida,Mc Graw Hill Education
  • Fadia, B.L,(2019), Indian Government and Politics, Agra,Sahitya Bhawan
  • Agarwal,R.C., (2018), Constitutional Development and National Movement of India, New Delhi ,Sultan Chand & Sons
  • Grover, B.L., (2018), A New Look at Modern Indian History, New Delhi, S.Chand & Co
  • Chandra,B ,(2012), India Since Independence, New Delhi,Penguin Books
  • Basu,DD , (2017), Constitution of India,New Delhi, Prentice Hall of India
  • Dr Sidhartha, (2015), Indian National Movement and Constitutional Development,New Delhi, Nisha Publications 
  • Talware, M.K., (2014), History of National Movement and Constitutional Development in India, Kerela,Mangalam Publications

 

 

References: 
  • Austin, G.,(2010), The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation, New Delhi, Oxford University Press
  • Austin, G., (2003), Working a Democratic Constitution, New Delhi, Oxford University Press
  • Brass, P., (2009), Politics of India since Independence,Hyderabad, Orient Longman
  • Morris ,W.H.J.,(1971), The Government and Politics of India,  London, Hutchinson
  • Pylee, M.V.,( 2013), An Introduction to the Constitution of India, Pune,Vikas Book House
  • Jaffrelot,C .,(2010), Religion, Caste and Poltics in India, New Delhi, Primus Book
  • Rudolph,L.I., &  Rudolph,S.H.,  (2008), In Pursuit of Lakshmi : The Political Economy of the Indian State, Delhi,Orient Longman

 

Academic Year: