Other Select Constitutions

Paper Code: 
POL 214
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This paper studies some model constitutions of the world, other then the European ones. The historical background of individual constitutions is to be emphasized to gain an understanding of its evolution. Furthermore the political institutions are to be studied in the light of the political process to gain an understanding of the dynamics of actual politics and policy making.

The objectives of this course are to:

1. Make learners familiarise with the Constitutions of Major Economies of the world.

 

2. Acquaint the students with the evolution of these countries political system and their position in the present time. 

 

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

POL 214

Other Select Constitutions

CO33: Developing knowledge regarding the evolution of the various Constitution

CO34: Understanding the dynamics of actual politics and policy making.

CO35: Acquiring an ability to describe the political institutions that are to be described in the light of political process.

CO36: Apply the Comparative knowledge of the Constitutions in various areas of International Relations.

Approach in teaching:

Discussion, Demonstration, Action Research, Project, Field Trip

 

Learning activities for the students:

Field activities, Seminar, Presentation, Giving tasks

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

 

 

 

                                             Course Objectives (CO)

 

8.00
Unit I: 

Constitution of United States of America- Salient Features; American Federalism; The President and his Cabinet

8.00
Unit II: 

Constitution of United States of America- The Congress; The Federal Judiciary; Checks and Balances; Political Parties

9.00
Unit III: 

Constitution of Russia-The Present Constitution; the Legislature; Executive; Communist Party

10.00
Unit IV: 

Constitution of Japan- General Features; Fundamental rights in the Constitution; The Executive; Diet; Judiciary; Political Parties

10.00
Unit V: 

Constitution of China- Salient Features of the 1982 Constitution; The National People’s Congress- Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress; The President of China; The State Council; The Judicial System; Fundamental Rights and Duties; The Communist Party

Essential Readings: 
  • Vishnoo Bhagwan and Vidhya Bhushan, World Constitutions, Sterling Publishers, New Delhi, 2001
  •  AC Kapur, Select Constitutions, Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi, 1995
  • VD Mahajan, Select Modern Governments, S. Chand & Co., New Delhi, 2001

 

References: 
  • AV Dicey, The Law of the Constitution, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1885
  • James Bryce, Modern Democracies, The Macmillan Company, New York,1921
  • WB Munro, The Government of United States, Macmillan, New York, 1956
  •  Herman Finer, The Theory and Practice of Modern Government, The Dial Press, New York, 1932
  • Frederic Austin Ogg and Perley Orman Ray, Essentials of American Government, Appleton- Century- Crofts, University of Virginia, 1964
  • Kahin, Major Governments of Asia, New York, Cornell University Press, 1958

 

Academic Year: