3. Features of the Constitution
Complete solutions to the Exercise. Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Seven History and Civics.
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Exercise
| Union List | State List | Concurrent List |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Defence | (1) Agriculture | (1) Employment |
| (2) Foreign relations | (2) Law and order | (2) Environment |
| (3) War and peace | (3) Local government | (3) Education |
Other examples include: Union List (currency, international trade), State List (health, prison administration), and Concurrent List (economic and social planning, personal law).
- (1) Machinery for the governance of the entire country — Union Government (or Federal Government)
- (2) Machinery for conducting elections — Election Commission
- (3) The third list of subjects for making laws — Concurrent List
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(1) Why does the Government function at two levels in a federation?
In countries with large territories and huge populations, ruling from a single capital city is not only difficult but may also lead to the neglect of some far-flung areas. People residing in those remote areas cannot properly participate in the affairs of the Government. Therefore, to ensure smooth administration and the active participation of the people across the entire country, the Government functions at two levels (Union and State) in a federation.
(2) What do you understand by Residuary Powers?
The Constitution has divided the subjects for making laws into three comprehensive lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. However, if a new subject comes up that is not included in any of these three lists, the Union Government is exclusively entitled to make laws on it. These special powers to make laws on unlisted subjects are termed as Residuary Powers.
(3) Why has the Constitution created an independent Judiciary for India?
Disputes that cannot be resolved mutually are referred to the Judiciary, which has to hear the contesting parties, look into the injustice, and give its judgement impartially. To ensure that these judgments are made fairly, without any external pressure, bias, or interference from the Government, the Constitution has created an independent Judiciary.
Advantages of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs):
Using EVMs has modernized the election process in India. The major advantages include:
- Saves Paper: EVMs eliminate the need for printing millions of paper ballots, saving trees and significantly reducing the environmental impact.
- Quick Counting: Votes cast on EVMs can be tabulated electronically, allowing results to be declared in a matter of hours instead of days.
- Prevents Invalid Votes: Unlike paper ballots, where a stamp placed incorrectly could make the vote invalid, EVMs only register one precise click, reducing voter error.
- Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Though the initial cost is high, EVMs can be securely reused for multiple elections, cutting down long-term recurring expenses.
The first part of this question (group discussion on the merits and demerits of an independent judicial system) is a classroom activity to be conducted with your teacher and classmates.
The Activity (establishing an Election Commission in your class and conducting mock elections) is a practical classroom project. Students should participate actively to understand the democratic voting process firsthand.