Constitutional Values And Political System In India — Important Questions

Every Indian citizen above 18 years can vote without discrimination

Universal Adult Franchise means every Indian citizen after attaining 18 years of age has the right to vote without any discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth or residence. This reflects the constitutional values of equality and justice. Option A is incorrect because education is not a requirement for voting. Option C is wrong as both men and women can vote equally. Option D is incorrect as property ownership is not a voting requirement - this would be contrary to the principle of equality.

Central government has more power than states

The term 'Union of States' instead of 'federation of states' indicates that the Indian federal system has a strong center. The central government has sole power over the territory of India and can even alter state boundaries or create new states. Parliament can form new states, alter boundaries, or change names of states (with some safeguards). This makes India 'federal in form but unitary in spirit.' Option A is wrong as states are not completely independent. Option C is incorrect as powers are not equally distributed. Option D is wrong as the center has significant powers over states.

Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

In the Indian parliamentary system, the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers form the real executive. Though all executive powers are theoretically vested in the President, in practice these powers are exercised by the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The President acts only on their advice and is the nominal/formal executive. The Speaker of Lok Sabha (option C) presides over the lower house but is not part of the executive. The Chief Justice (option D) heads the judiciary, which is separate from the executive branch.

Three lists

The Constitution divides powers between Center and States through three lists: Union List (97 subjects of national importance like Defence, Railways), State List (66 subjects of local interest like Public Health, Police), and Concurrent List (47 subjects like Education, Electricity where both can legislate). Additionally, subjects not mentioned in any list fall under Residuary Powers of the Union government. Two lists (option A) would be insufficient for proper federal division. Four or five lists (options C and D) don't exist in the Indian Constitution.