Political ChallengesChapter 9 Section 2

India’s GovernmentIndia’s Government Federal government (a group of states that are subordinate (lower rank) to the central government-like the US) 25 states, 7 territories India’s federal government is more powerful than the US

India’s GovernmentIndia’s Government Parliamentary Democracy (based on the British government) President is the head of the country-has very little power

Prime minister is the leader of the party that wins the most seats in parliament-has most of the power

India’s GovernmentIndia’s Government 2 houses of parliament

Council of State: members chosen by________________ (see pg 205)

House of the People: member chosen by ________________ (see pg 205) More powerful

State legislatures

the people

SummarySummary How is India’s government similar to the the US’s government?

Political PartiesPolitical Parties Political parties represent the interests of: (see pg 206) different castes, languages, religions

Anyone over 18 can vote Many cannot read so they use symbols to represent the party

Political PartiesPolitical Parties Main Parties are: (see pg 206)

Congress Party-helped to win independence

Bharata Janata-stress Hindu traditions

If no party wins the majority, then several parties join together to rule-Coalition Often doesn’t accomplish much because they can’t agree

Dividing ForcesDividing Forces Caste system

Efforts to help lower castes/poor is met with strong opposition from upper castes/wealthy

Untouchable caste is illegal according to the constitution Government sets aside jobs for this caste

Even so, they are not fully accepted by other Indians.

Dividing ForcesDividing Forces Cultural Diversity WHY? (see pg 206)

Different ethnic and language groups demand their own states

Sikh Separatism (Islam/Hindu combo) Believe in 1 god Don’t believe in caste system Think they should have more political power

Want to form a separate country

Dividing ForcesDividing Forces Hindu-Muslim Clashes

Muslim built a mosque on the birthplace of Rama

Hindus say Muslims torn down temple to Rama Bharata Janata party leader called on Hindus to destroy the Muslim mosque Lots of violence, especially when the Hindu temple began

Unifying ForcesUnifying Forces What things have brought Indians together? (see pg 208)

Commitment to democratic traditions

Common religious faith of Hindus

Strong leaders

Modern communication

India’s LeadersIndia’s Leaders Jawaharlal Nehru-led for 17 years after independence Wanted India to be casteless Wanted India to be secular (no official religion)

India’s LeadersIndia’s Leaders Indira Gandhi-

Nehru’s daughter was elected NO relation to Mahatma

Wanted to modernize India Was killed by her bodyguards

India’s LeadersIndia’s Leaders Rajiv Gandhi

Indira’s son was elected Also murdered

After his death, there is a realization of the need to balance the demands of rival political parties

AssignmentAssignment

Why is it important to know how a different country’s government operates?