Grade 12

Classification of States Early classification. A classification of modern states.

Modern States
Totalitarian and Authoritarian States, Unitary and Federal States, Federation and
Confederation. Pre-requisites of a Federation. Future of Federalism. Parliamentary and Presidential form of government. Features, merits and demerits of these governments.

Constitution
Meaning, kinds, written and unwritten. Rigid and flexible constitutions. Merits and demerits.

The Separation of Powers

The theory of separation of powers - its application to modern governments - is separation desirable and practicable?

Franchise and Representation Suffrage - who should be entitled to vote? Adult franchise;
duties of a representative; modes of election; constituency; minority representation.
Political parties; two party system; multiple party system; functional representation.

Organs of the Government
(i) The Legislature Functions of legislature; structure of legislature.
(ii) The Executive Functions; types of executive. The Civil Services. Difference between
the political executive and the permanent executive.
(iii) The Judiciary
Organisation of the Judiciary; importance of Judiciary. Functions of Judiciary. Conditions
of independence of Judiciary. Relation of the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Executive.
Judicial Review.
(i) Social and Economic Inequality.
(ii) Regional Imbalance.
(iii) Communalism, Casteism, Separatism, Political Violence.