Q:
Question Hour
The first one hour period (usually 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.) each day during the meetings of the Parliament is allotted for asking the questions by the members to be replied by the Ministers, is called the Question Hour. A ten days prior notice is required for asking questions in the Parliament by its members.
Quorum
It refers to the required presence of the minimum member of members of a body to hold its meetings and conduct its business. For example, the presence of 1/10 members (quorum of 1/10) is required to hold the meetings of the Parliament. In the absence of the quorum, the meeting is adjourned and no business is conducted.
The first one hour period (usually 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.) each day during the meetings of the Parliament is allotted for asking the questions by the members to be replied by the Ministers, is called the Question Hour. A ten days prior notice is required for asking questions in the Parliament by its members.
Quorum
It refers to the required presence of the minimum member of members of a body to hold its meetings and conduct its business. For example, the presence of 1/10 members (quorum of 1/10) is required to hold the meetings of the Parliament. In the absence of the quorum, the meeting is adjourned and no business is conducted.
R:
Ratification
The process of ratification is the formal approval required by many constitutions which set up elaborate systems of checks and balances and which seeks to make certain kinds of constitutional change difficult to achieve without a substantial measure of political unanimity.
Recall System
This is an arrangement for recalling the representatives of the people before the expiry of their prescribed term by the majority votes by the electorates, if the representative fails to discharge his responsibility in the public interest. Thus it is the right of voters to recall their representative any time and elect a new representative. The Recall System is still prevalent in some Cantons (provinces) of Switzerland.
Red Giants
It refers to those Communist countries which are bigger in size and population. The red colour is identified with the communism. Generally, the Soviet Russia and China are referred to as the Red Giants.
Red Guards
Those young Chinese people were called the Red Guards, who used to tie red bands in their hands and propagated the principles and ideals propounded by their leader Mao-tse-tung. Red Guards were instrumental in the success of the Cultural Revolution in China.
Red Tapism
Traditionally the paper files used in the official works of the Government were tied with a red tape. Thus, the red tapism refers to undue delay in the movement of files or official business due to the bureaucratic hurdles at various levels. The undue delay in the official transactions and procedures defeats the very purpose of the Government policies and programs.
Referendum
The referendum is a method of referring a question or set of questions to the electorate directly rather than allowing them to be settled by the people's representatives in the legislature. It was used frequently in the USA from the revolutionary period at the state level and was used even earlier, and frequently since, in Switzerland. The policy question may originate from a group of electors directly via an initiative or from an official body such as a state government, legislature or constitutional council.
Repatriation
It means returning back of the people (refugees) or sending back of the war prisoners to their own country from/ by another country. For example, India is gradually repatriating Chakma refugees to Bangladesh.
Ratification
The process of ratification is the formal approval required by many constitutions which set up elaborate systems of checks and balances and which seeks to make certain kinds of constitutional change difficult to achieve without a substantial measure of political unanimity.
Recall System
This is an arrangement for recalling the representatives of the people before the expiry of their prescribed term by the majority votes by the electorates, if the representative fails to discharge his responsibility in the public interest. Thus it is the right of voters to recall their representative any time and elect a new representative. The Recall System is still prevalent in some Cantons (provinces) of Switzerland.
Red Giants
It refers to those Communist countries which are bigger in size and population. The red colour is identified with the communism. Generally, the Soviet Russia and China are referred to as the Red Giants.
Red Guards
Those young Chinese people were called the Red Guards, who used to tie red bands in their hands and propagated the principles and ideals propounded by their leader Mao-tse-tung. Red Guards were instrumental in the success of the Cultural Revolution in China.
Red Tapism
Traditionally the paper files used in the official works of the Government were tied with a red tape. Thus, the red tapism refers to undue delay in the movement of files or official business due to the bureaucratic hurdles at various levels. The undue delay in the official transactions and procedures defeats the very purpose of the Government policies and programs.
Referendum
The referendum is a method of referring a question or set of questions to the electorate directly rather than allowing them to be settled by the people's representatives in the legislature. It was used frequently in the USA from the revolutionary period at the state level and was used even earlier, and frequently since, in Switzerland. The policy question may originate from a group of electors directly via an initiative or from an official body such as a state government, legislature or constitutional council.
Repatriation
It means returning back of the people (refugees) or sending back of the war prisoners to their own country from/ by another country. For example, India is gradually repatriating Chakma refugees to Bangladesh.
Republic
Republic is unusual among political terms in being one that is actually very easy to give an ostensive definition to, but of which it is rather hard to explain the history. A republic is, very simply, a system of government that does not entail monarchy, nor, at least officially, aristocratic or oligarchical rule.
Responsible Government
In general terms, it means a Government which is elected by the people and is responsible to them for its policies and programmes. More specifically, it refers to the Parliamentary form of Government in which the executive (the Council of Ministers) is responsible to the Legislature (the popular House of the Parliament) for its activities and programmes. It is also called the Cabinet Government.
Rightists
Rightists are those persons and groups that subscribe to the conservative views about change and restructuring of the society. They are opposed to the Leftists in ideological spectrum. Rightists have faith in the tradition and advocate gradual change, not revolutionary change. The term 'Rightists' also originated in France after the revolution to refer to those parties and groups who sat on the right of the Chair and opposed the radical socio-economic changes in the French society. Those groups and persons who adopt the middle ideological position between the Rightists and the Leftists are called the Centrists.
Rule of Law
The concept of Rule of Law was given by the British political thinker Dicey. It means that every citizen is equal before the law and will get equal protection of the law. No person shall be discriminated on the grounds of caste, creed, religion, etc. Also, no one should be given special privileges in terms of the legal provisions. Rule of law is the corner stone of the modern democracies and the basis of the Constitutional Government.
Rule of Presumption
It means that the enactments of the Legislature are normally presumed to be constitutionally valid, unless the person who challenges the enactment proves that the law is discriminatory. However, the rule is not absolute in its application and would depend on the facts and circumstances of a particular case.
Republic is unusual among political terms in being one that is actually very easy to give an ostensive definition to, but of which it is rather hard to explain the history. A republic is, very simply, a system of government that does not entail monarchy, nor, at least officially, aristocratic or oligarchical rule.
Responsible Government
In general terms, it means a Government which is elected by the people and is responsible to them for its policies and programmes. More specifically, it refers to the Parliamentary form of Government in which the executive (the Council of Ministers) is responsible to the Legislature (the popular House of the Parliament) for its activities and programmes. It is also called the Cabinet Government.
Rightists
Rightists are those persons and groups that subscribe to the conservative views about change and restructuring of the society. They are opposed to the Leftists in ideological spectrum. Rightists have faith in the tradition and advocate gradual change, not revolutionary change. The term 'Rightists' also originated in France after the revolution to refer to those parties and groups who sat on the right of the Chair and opposed the radical socio-economic changes in the French society. Those groups and persons who adopt the middle ideological position between the Rightists and the Leftists are called the Centrists.
Rule of Law
The concept of Rule of Law was given by the British political thinker Dicey. It means that every citizen is equal before the law and will get equal protection of the law. No person shall be discriminated on the grounds of caste, creed, religion, etc. Also, no one should be given special privileges in terms of the legal provisions. Rule of law is the corner stone of the modern democracies and the basis of the Constitutional Government.
Rule of Presumption
It means that the enactments of the Legislature are normally presumed to be constitutionally valid, unless the person who challenges the enactment proves that the law is discriminatory. However, the rule is not absolute in its application and would depend on the facts and circumstances of a particular case.
S:
Sanctions
It means imposing restrictions by a country or a group of countries against another country whose policies or practices are not approved by them. Sanctions consist of the restriction on trade flow, supply of technology or armaments, snapping diplomatic contacts, cultural exchanges, etc. For example, many countries imposed sanctions against the white regime of South Africa due to its policy of apartheid against the native black population.
Sarvodaya
It literally means the welfare of all. The philosophy of Sarvodaya was propounded by Gandhiji and Vinoba Bhave. The ideology of Sarvodaya stands for the peaceful and gradual socio-economic changes ensuring the continuous welfare of all the people.
Secularism
The concept of secularism refers to the separation of religion from politics. In a secular State, there is no State religion and every person has freedom to adopt and pursue the religious faith of his/her choice. India is also a secular country. However, the Indian concept of secularism is more positive, which means equal treatment of all the religions ('Sarva Dharma Sambhava') and simultaneously protection of valid interests of the religious minorities.
Sit down Strike
This is a form of strike when the workers/ employees go for work in their respective places of duty but do not perform any work. Thus, they keep on sitting in their place of work without doing any work. This is also known as the pen down strike.
Snap poll
This refers to the mid-term elections which are held within a short notice as a result of a sudden and surprising dissolution of the Legislature. The elections of 1971 after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha is an example of the snap poll.
Social Justice
The idea of social justice denotes a social condition where there is a social equality, and exploitation of the weaker section is absent. In broad terms, it ensures an equal opportunity to all for development and growth. It is one of the principles included in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. In practical politics, it means the amelioration of the weaker sections and the backward classes by providing them a special treatment and facilities.
Socialism
The ideology of socialism is just opposed to individualism and capitalism. It strives to socialise the ownership of the means of production and distribution through gradual control by the democratic means. It wants to evolve a society which is characterised by equality, welfare of all and the equal opportunity of development to all. Socialism realizes its objective through the agency of the State. The State is considered the representative of the public interest. Though the right to private property is recognised under the socialism, it is regulated by law in public interest.
Socialistic pattern of Society
Sanctions
It means imposing restrictions by a country or a group of countries against another country whose policies or practices are not approved by them. Sanctions consist of the restriction on trade flow, supply of technology or armaments, snapping diplomatic contacts, cultural exchanges, etc. For example, many countries imposed sanctions against the white regime of South Africa due to its policy of apartheid against the native black population.
Sarvodaya
It literally means the welfare of all. The philosophy of Sarvodaya was propounded by Gandhiji and Vinoba Bhave. The ideology of Sarvodaya stands for the peaceful and gradual socio-economic changes ensuring the continuous welfare of all the people.
Secularism
The concept of secularism refers to the separation of religion from politics. In a secular State, there is no State religion and every person has freedom to adopt and pursue the religious faith of his/her choice. India is also a secular country. However, the Indian concept of secularism is more positive, which means equal treatment of all the religions ('Sarva Dharma Sambhava') and simultaneously protection of valid interests of the religious minorities.
Sit down Strike
This is a form of strike when the workers/ employees go for work in their respective places of duty but do not perform any work. Thus, they keep on sitting in their place of work without doing any work. This is also known as the pen down strike.
Snap poll
This refers to the mid-term elections which are held within a short notice as a result of a sudden and surprising dissolution of the Legislature. The elections of 1971 after the dissolution of the Lok Sabha is an example of the snap poll.
Social Justice
The idea of social justice denotes a social condition where there is a social equality, and exploitation of the weaker section is absent. In broad terms, it ensures an equal opportunity to all for development and growth. It is one of the principles included in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. In practical politics, it means the amelioration of the weaker sections and the backward classes by providing them a special treatment and facilities.
Socialism
The ideology of socialism is just opposed to individualism and capitalism. It strives to socialise the ownership of the means of production and distribution through gradual control by the democratic means. It wants to evolve a society which is characterised by equality, welfare of all and the equal opportunity of development to all. Socialism realizes its objective through the agency of the State. The State is considered the representative of the public interest. Though the right to private property is recognised under the socialism, it is regulated by law in public interest.
Socialistic pattern of Society
The idea and programme of a socialistic pattern of society was enunciated by the Congress party in its Avadi session in 1955. This refers to a society characterised by an equal opportunity and equality of status to all, removal of exploitation, amelioration of conditions of the weaker sections. This is another name of the socialism in India.
Sovereignty
Sovereignty means the right to own and control some area of the world It has, nowadays, nothing to do with monarchy, which might seem to be implied by the connotation of sovereign, but entirely refers to the idea of independent rule by a country or institution over a certain territory or set of political concerns. Thus a country might dispute the sovereignty of an island over which another country had established control, claiming that they had the right to rule.
Starred and unstarred questions
Sovereignty means the right to own and control some area of the world It has, nowadays, nothing to do with monarchy, which might seem to be implied by the connotation of sovereign, but entirely refers to the idea of independent rule by a country or institution over a certain territory or set of political concerns. Thus a country might dispute the sovereignty of an island over which another country had established control, claiming that they had the right to rule.
Starred and unstarred questions
When a member wants oral answer to his questions from a Minister in the House, such questions are called the starred questions. Supplementary questions can be asked after the answer to such a question.
When the answer is demanded by the members of the House in written, such a question is called the unstarred question. There is no provision of supplementary questions after the written reply.
Shadow Cabinet
It is a notional Cabinet formed by the main Opposition party in the Parliament wherein the members are assigned certain special functions to perform. Such members lead the Opposition during the discussions in the Parliament. It is also known as the 'Cabinet-in-waiting'.
This system not only provides a Government but also an effective Opposition. Further, it helps in training the members in the art of Governance even while in Opposition. The system can function only in the Parliamentary form of Government having only two political parties. It functions well in the United Kingdom.
Subordinate legislation
The rules and regulations made by the Government within the purview of the authority delegated by the Legislature are called subordinate legislation.
Split
It means division in a party as some members of the party leave it and they either join an other party or form a new party. The split in a party becomes inevitable when its leaders hold an irreversible position of confrontation. Split is the common feature of the Indian political parties on petty issues.
Stars and Stripes
This is the name of the National Flag of the U.S.A., which depicts many thick lines and as many Stars as there are States in the U.S.A.
Syndicalism
This is a form of socialism, which originated in France in later 19th century. Syndicalism aims at giving ownership and controls of the industries in the hands of the workers by adopting a violent means such as general strike and sabotage etc. French thinker Sorel was the chief profounder of the Syndicalism.
When the answer is demanded by the members of the House in written, such a question is called the unstarred question. There is no provision of supplementary questions after the written reply.
Shadow Cabinet
It is a notional Cabinet formed by the main Opposition party in the Parliament wherein the members are assigned certain special functions to perform. Such members lead the Opposition during the discussions in the Parliament. It is also known as the 'Cabinet-in-waiting'.
This system not only provides a Government but also an effective Opposition. Further, it helps in training the members in the art of Governance even while in Opposition. The system can function only in the Parliamentary form of Government having only two political parties. It functions well in the United Kingdom.
Subordinate legislation
The rules and regulations made by the Government within the purview of the authority delegated by the Legislature are called subordinate legislation.
Split
It means division in a party as some members of the party leave it and they either join an other party or form a new party. The split in a party becomes inevitable when its leaders hold an irreversible position of confrontation. Split is the common feature of the Indian political parties on petty issues.
Stars and Stripes
This is the name of the National Flag of the U.S.A., which depicts many thick lines and as many Stars as there are States in the U.S.A.
Syndicalism
This is a form of socialism, which originated in France in later 19th century. Syndicalism aims at giving ownership and controls of the industries in the hands of the workers by adopting a violent means such as general strike and sabotage etc. French thinker Sorel was the chief profounder of the Syndicalism.
T:
Territorial waters
The term refers to the extent of the territorial jurisdiction of a country in adjacent sea waters. In terms of the present principles of the International Law, the territorial waters of a country extends up to 12 Nautical Miles from its land boundary. Thus, a country can exercise all the sovereign rights in the territorial waters up to 12 Nautical miles.
Theocratic state
A theocratic State is opposed to a secular State. In theocratic state, a particular religion is recognized as the State religion and the transaction of the Government affairs is generally carried out in accordance with the canons and rules of the State religion. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Nepal etc. are some of the theocratic States, whereas India is a secular State.
Three Language Formula It is a compromise formula of the language problem evolved by the Union in consultation with the Governments of the States. Under this formula, if Hindi happens to be the mother tongue of the people of that State, then apart from English, a third language preferably a South Indian language should be taught to the students at Standards VI, VII and VIII. The formula has not been successful in India. The only State following this formula is Haryana which has introduced Telugu as the third language.
Two-Party System
When there exist only two parties in a country, sufficiently strong to win major part of the electoral vote and exercise political control, such a country is called working on a two-party political system. This does not mean that the other parties do not exist, but they are without much electoral influence so as to play effective role in the national politics. This system is working well in Bangladesh and in Sri Lanka.
Total Revolution
The concept of 'Total Revolution' was propounded by Jai Prakash Narayan. It refers to a new consciousness and awareness for a change among the people so that the fast and desirable changes and reforms can be brought about in the social, economic and political system.
Totalitarianism
Totalitarianism is a political concept often either combined with, or even confused with, others such as authoritarianism or dictatorship. The confusion arises because there trends to be an empirical connection so that authoritarian or dictatorial societies are often also totalitarian. There is, however, no necessary connection. To call a society totalitarian means that the political rulers control eveiy aspect of private and social life in the society, as well as having so extensive a political power that virtually no liberty or autonomy in decision-making is left to individuals or groups outside the political power system.
Treaty
This is a formal and written agreement between two or more Nations, which prescribes certain rules and conditions with respect to some matter. In the modern International Law, the conditions of a Treaty are binding on all the parties to the treaty. A treaty provides some rights and obligations to the member parties.
Territorial waters
The term refers to the extent of the territorial jurisdiction of a country in adjacent sea waters. In terms of the present principles of the International Law, the territorial waters of a country extends up to 12 Nautical Miles from its land boundary. Thus, a country can exercise all the sovereign rights in the territorial waters up to 12 Nautical miles.
Theocratic state
A theocratic State is opposed to a secular State. In theocratic state, a particular religion is recognized as the State religion and the transaction of the Government affairs is generally carried out in accordance with the canons and rules of the State religion. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Nepal etc. are some of the theocratic States, whereas India is a secular State.
Three Language Formula It is a compromise formula of the language problem evolved by the Union in consultation with the Governments of the States. Under this formula, if Hindi happens to be the mother tongue of the people of that State, then apart from English, a third language preferably a South Indian language should be taught to the students at Standards VI, VII and VIII. The formula has not been successful in India. The only State following this formula is Haryana which has introduced Telugu as the third language.
Two-Party System
When there exist only two parties in a country, sufficiently strong to win major part of the electoral vote and exercise political control, such a country is called working on a two-party political system. This does not mean that the other parties do not exist, but they are without much electoral influence so as to play effective role in the national politics. This system is working well in Bangladesh and in Sri Lanka.
Total Revolution
The concept of 'Total Revolution' was propounded by Jai Prakash Narayan. It refers to a new consciousness and awareness for a change among the people so that the fast and desirable changes and reforms can be brought about in the social, economic and political system.
Totalitarianism
Totalitarianism is a political concept often either combined with, or even confused with, others such as authoritarianism or dictatorship. The confusion arises because there trends to be an empirical connection so that authoritarian or dictatorial societies are often also totalitarian. There is, however, no necessary connection. To call a society totalitarian means that the political rulers control eveiy aspect of private and social life in the society, as well as having so extensive a political power that virtually no liberty or autonomy in decision-making is left to individuals or groups outside the political power system.
Treaty
This is a formal and written agreement between two or more Nations, which prescribes certain rules and conditions with respect to some matter. In the modern International Law, the conditions of a Treaty are binding on all the parties to the treaty. A treaty provides some rights and obligations to the member parties.
U:
Ultimatum
It is making a binding declaration of the conditions by a party against its opponent to fulfill those conditions within the time limit mentioned in such a declaration. The ultimatum also mentions the consequences to follow, if the conditions are not met within the time. For example, the UN gave ultimatum to Iraq to remove its army from Kuwait and vacate her territory within a specified time.
Unattached members of the legislature
Ultimatum
It is making a binding declaration of the conditions by a party against its opponent to fulfill those conditions within the time limit mentioned in such a declaration. The ultimatum also mentions the consequences to follow, if the conditions are not met within the time. For example, the UN gave ultimatum to Iraq to remove its army from Kuwait and vacate her territory within a specified time.
Unattached members of the legislature
They are those members whose status vis-a-vis a political party, subsequent to defection or dismissal, is yet to be decided by the Presiding Officer of the Legislature.
W:
War Crimes
The International Law prescribes certain rules for the regulation of the conduct of the States during a war. If a party to war violates these rules and indulges in killing, torturing or inflicting pain the innocent people, it is termed as war crimes. During Second World War, Germany and Japan were convicted of the war crimes by the Nuremberg Tribunal and the Tokyo Tribunal respectively.
Welfare States
The notion of a Welfare State was developed in 20th century. A Welfare State, as distinct from a Police State, performs multifarious activities and functions to ensure the welfare of the people with respect to health, education, social development, creating employment, removal of poverty and hunger, amelioration of the weaker sections of the society.
Whip
This is an official appointed by a political party to regulate and monitor the behaviour of its members in the Legislature. The violation of whip invites the disciplinary action against the erring party members. White Flag
The White Flag is the symbol of peace. It is displayed by a defeated and surrendering army in a war to signify its intention to surrender and request for peace.
War Crimes
The International Law prescribes certain rules for the regulation of the conduct of the States during a war. If a party to war violates these rules and indulges in killing, torturing or inflicting pain the innocent people, it is termed as war crimes. During Second World War, Germany and Japan were convicted of the war crimes by the Nuremberg Tribunal and the Tokyo Tribunal respectively.
Welfare States
The notion of a Welfare State was developed in 20th century. A Welfare State, as distinct from a Police State, performs multifarious activities and functions to ensure the welfare of the people with respect to health, education, social development, creating employment, removal of poverty and hunger, amelioration of the weaker sections of the society.
Whip
This is an official appointed by a political party to regulate and monitor the behaviour of its members in the Legislature. The violation of whip invites the disciplinary action against the erring party members. White Flag
The White Flag is the symbol of peace. It is displayed by a defeated and surrendering army in a war to signify its intention to surrender and request for peace.
Y:
Yellow peril
The communist China more often adopts hegemonistic policy towards its small neighbours. This danger emanating from the communist China is termed as the 'Yellow peril'.
Young Turks
Young Turks are those forward looking young.
Yellow peril
The communist China more often adopts hegemonistic policy towards its small neighbours. This danger emanating from the communist China is termed as the 'Yellow peril'.
Young Turks
Young Turks are those forward looking young.
Z:
Zionism
It refers to the consciousness of unity and nationhood among the Jews. The movement of Zionism started in late 19th century and influenced all the Jews scattered throughout the world. The idea of Zionism aims at uniting all the Jews and establishing their own Nation-State in the territories occupied by the Palestinians. With support of the world powers, the Nation-State of the Jews, called Israel came into being in 1948.
Zero Hour
It is a period which follows after the Question Hour when the members raise any issue of public importance on very short or even without any notice. The procedure is not recognized under the Rules and Procedures of the Parliament, but has become conventional since 1970's.
Zionism
It refers to the consciousness of unity and nationhood among the Jews. The movement of Zionism started in late 19th century and influenced all the Jews scattered throughout the world. The idea of Zionism aims at uniting all the Jews and establishing their own Nation-State in the territories occupied by the Palestinians. With support of the world powers, the Nation-State of the Jews, called Israel came into being in 1948.
Zero Hour
It is a period which follows after the Question Hour when the members raise any issue of public importance on very short or even without any notice. The procedure is not recognized under the Rules and Procedures of the Parliament, but has become conventional since 1970's.
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