Learning Objectives
- Understand the distinction between parliamentary and presidential executive systems, focusing on the interdependence of the executive and legislature in parliamentary systems and the separation of powers in presidential systems.
- Explore the constitutional role of the President of India, including powers, limitations, and the process of appointing the Prime Minister.
- Analyze the composition, roles, and responsibilities of the Council of Ministers and the Prime Minister in India, emphasizing their collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha.
- Examine different types of executive systems globally, such as presidential, parliamentary, and semi-presidential systems, and their unique characteristics.
- Detail the semi-presidential system in Sri Lanka, highlighting the powers of the President and the relationship with the Prime Minister and Parliament.
- Discuss the role, structure, and functioning of the bureaucracy in India, including its political neutrality and accountability.
- Explain the circumstances under which the President of India can exercise discretionary powers, such as during the appointment of the Prime Minister in a hung parliament.
- Explore the principle of collective responsibility in the Indian parliamentary system, where the entire Council of Ministers is accountable to the Lok Sabha.
- Cover the classification of civil services in India, the role of the UPSC, and the importance of merit-based recruitment and reservation policies.
- Analyze the impact of political interference on the functioning of the bureaucracy and the need for reforms to ensure accountability and efficiency.