Which of the following statements reflects the republican character of Indian…
2010
Which of the following statements reflects the republican character of Indian democracy?
Answer: D. Elected President and a Parliament constituted mainly through direct and indirect elections — ConceptA republic is a form of government in which the head of state is not a hereditary monarch; public offices ultimately derive their authority from the…
- A.
Written Constitution
- B.
No State religion
- C.
Devolution of power to local government institutions
- D.
Elected President and a Parliament constituted mainly through direct and indirect elections
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Correct answer: D
Concept
A republic is a form of government in which the head of state is not a hereditary monarch; public offices ultimately derive their authority from the people.
This principle is distinct from constitutionalism, secularism, and decentralisation, which describe other dimensions of a political system.
Application
The Preamble describes India as a democratic republic. Article 52 establishes the office of President, and Article 54 provides for the President’s election by an electoral college. The Lok Sabha is directly elected, while the Rajya Sabha is mainly constituted through indirect election. Together, these arrangements make public authority elective rather than hereditary.
Contrast
Written Constitution concerns the codified form of the fundamental law.
No State religion concerns secular neutrality.
Devolution to local government institutions concerns decentralisation.
An elected President and an electorally constituted Parliament concern non-hereditary public authority.
Result
Therefore, the statement about an elected President and a Parliament constituted mainly through direct and indirect elections reflects the republican character.