UPSC Prelims 2020: Indian Polity Quick Revision Notes

Book excerpt: UPSC Prelims 2020: Indian Polity Quick Revision Notes for Civil Services Examination Indian Polity is one of the most important and crucial subjects in both the UPSC (IAS) Prelims and Mains examination. In 2019, 11 questions were asked alone from the polity section, while in 2017, 18 questions were asked from the Indian Polity section in the UPSC IAS Prelims exam. This highlights the significance of the subject in the Prelims syllabus and its preparation. These topics are extremely important and should be a part of your preparation and revision process. Current Affairs consists of latest news/ information about Polity based on The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, Yojana, People, Events, Ideas and Issues across the Social, Economic & Political climate of the State. A polity encapsulates a vast multitude of organizations, many of which form the fundamental apparatus of contemporary states such as their subordinate civil and local government authorities. Polities do not need to be in control of any geographic areas, as not all political entities and governments have controlled the resources of one fixed geographic area. The historical Steppe Empires originating from the Eurasian Steppe are the most prominent example of non-sedentary polities. These polities differ from states because of their lack of a fixed, defined territory. Empires also differ from states in that their territories are not statically defined or permanently fixed and consequently that their body politic was also dynamic and fluid. It is useful then to think of a polity as a political community. Thomas Hobbes was a highly significant figure in the conceptualization of polities, in particular of states. Hobbes considered notions of the state and the body politic in Leviathan, his most notable work. The powers of the legislature in India are exercised by the Parliament, a bicameral legislature consisting of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. Of the two houses of parliament, the Rajya Sabha is considered to be the upper house or the Council of States and consists of members appointed by the president and elected by the state and territorial legislatures. The Lok Sabha is considered the lower house or the House of the people.