Class 8 Social Science Notes Chapter 3 (Why do we need a Parliament?) – Social and Political Life Book

Alright class, let's delve into Chapter 3, 'Why do we need a Parliament?'. This is a fundamental chapter for understanding how our country functions and is crucial for your government exam preparation. Pay close attention to the details.

Chapter 3: Why do we need a Parliament? - Detailed Notes

1. Introduction: The Basis of Indian Democracy

• India is a democracy. This means the citizens of India have the power to choose their government.
• The core idea of democracy is the consent of the people – decisions should be made with the approval and participation of the citizens.
• The Parliament is the physical and symbolic embodiment of this democratic principle in India. It is the supreme legislative body of the country.

2. Why Should People Decide? The Historical Context

• Colonial Rule Experience: Under British rule, Indians lived in fear of the government and did not agree with many decisions made. They faced arbitrary laws and lacked representation.
  • Example: The Rowlatt Act (1919) allowed detention without trial. The Salt Satyagraha protested the unfair salt tax.
• Freedom Struggle: The leaders of the freedom movement envisioned a future India where the government would be sensitive to people's needs and demands. They fought for a system where citizens could participate in decision-making.
• Universal Adult Franchise: The Constitution of independent India adopted the principle of Universal Adult Franchise. This means all adult citizens (initially 21 years, now 18 years and above) have the right to vote, regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender, or economic status. This ensures political equality and empowers every citizen to participate in choosing their representatives.

3. People and Their Representatives: The Mechanism of Participation

• Representative Democracy: In a vast country like India, it's impossible for all citizens to directly participate in daily decision-making. Therefore, citizens participate indirectly by electing their representatives.
• Elections: Regular elections are held where citizens vote for candidates to represent their constituency in the Parliament.
• Members of Parliament (MPs): The elected representatives are known as Members of Parliament (MPs). They collectively form the Parliament.
• Accountability: These MPs are accountable to the people who elected them. They are expected to voice the concerns and aspirations of their constituents in Parliament.

4. The Role and Functions of the Parliament

The Parliament performs several vital functions:

• (a) To Select the National Government:

  • After the Lok Sabha elections, the political party (or coalition of parties) that secures a majority of seats forms the government.
  • The leader of the majority party (or coalition) is appointed as the Prime Minister by the President.
  • The Prime Minister then selects other ministers to form the Council of Ministers (the Executive).
  • The party/coalition that forms the government is called the Ruling Party.
  • Parties that do not form the government constitute the Opposition. The Opposition plays a crucial role in scrutinizing the government's work.

• (b) To Control, Guide, and Inform the Government:

  • Parliament keeps a check on the Council of Ministers (the Executive). The Executive is responsible and accountable to the Parliament (specifically the Lok Sabha).
  • Mechanisms of Control:
    • Question Hour: A crucial part of the parliamentary session where MPs can ask questions to ministers about the working of their ministries. This holds the government accountable for its actions.
    • Zero Hour: An Indian parliamentary innovation where MPs can raise matters of urgent public importance without prior notice.
    • Discussions/Debates: Parliament debates various issues, bills, and policies, allowing for diverse viewpoints to be heard.
    • Adjournment Motions, Calling Attention Motions: Used to draw attention to urgent matters.
    • No-Confidence Motion: If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the government has to resign, demonstrating Parliament's ultimate control.
    • Financial Control: Parliament approves the government's budget and proposals for taxation. The government cannot spend money without Parliament's approval.

• (c) Law-Making (Legislation):

  • Parliament is the supreme law-making body in India.
  • It makes new laws and amends or repeals existing ones on subjects mentioned in the Union List and Concurrent List of the Constitution.
  • Bills (proposals for laws) go through readings, discussions, and voting in both Houses before becoming Acts (laws) after the President's assent.

• (d) Representational Function:

  • Parliament represents the diverse social, economic, regional, and cultural groups of India. MPs bring the perspectives and problems of their constituencies to the national forum.

5. The Two Houses of Parliament

Indian Parliament is bicameral, meaning it has two Houses:

• (a) The Rajya Sabha (Council of States):

  • Composition: Maximum strength of 250 members.
    • Up to 238 members are elected indirectly by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). Representation is based on the population of the state.
    • 12 members are nominated by the President from amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.
  • Term: It is a permanent house and cannot be dissolved. Members are elected for a 6-year term, with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
  • Presiding Officer: The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Role: Represents the interests of the States. Reviews and can suggest amendments to laws passed by the Lok Sabha (except Money Bills, where its powers are limited). Acts as a check against hasty legislation.

• (b) The Lok Sabha (House of the People):

  • Composition: Maximum strength of 552 members (currently 543 elected + 2 nominated Anglo-Indians, though the nomination provision has been discontinued by the 104th Amendment Act, 2019 - important for current affairs). Members are directly elected by the people through general elections based on universal adult franchise.
  • Term: Normally 5 years, but can be dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • Presiding Officer: The Speaker, elected by the Lok Sabha members from amongst themselves.
  • Role: Plays a primary role in forming the government. Has greater power in financial matters (Money Bills can only be introduced here). The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

6. Who are the People in Parliament?

• Diversity: Parliament aims to reflect the diversity of India. There has been an increase in representation from rural areas and various regional parties over the decades.
• Representation of Marginalized Groups:
  • Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs): Seats are reserved for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha in proportion to their population to ensure their representation.
  • Women: Representation of women has historically been low, although it has increased slightly over time. There is an ongoing debate about reserving seats for women in Parliament.
  • Other Groups: Efforts are made to ensure representation of minorities and other backward classes, though specific reservations (like for SC/ST) don't exist for them in the Lok Sabha in the same way.
• Importance of Diverse Representation: A diverse Parliament ensures that the concerns and perspectives of all sections of society are considered during law-making and policy formulation.

7. Conclusion: Why Parliament Matters

Parliament is the cornerstone of Indian democracy. It represents the people's authority, makes laws on their behalf, ensures the government remains accountable, and provides a forum for debating national issues. It embodies the principles of participation, consent, and representation that are essential for a functioning democracy.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. The principle of Universal Adult Franchise, adopted by the Indian Constitution, guarantees the right to vote to:
   a) Only male citizens above 21 years
   b) All adult citizens (18 years and above) irrespective of caste, creed, gender etc.
   c) Only citizens who own property
   d) Only citizens who have passed Class 10

2. In India's parliamentary system, the national government is formed by:
   a) The party/coalition with a majority in the Rajya Sabha
   b) The party/coalition with a majority in the Lok Sabha
   c) The party chosen directly by the President
   d) All parties represented in Parliament together

3. What is the primary legislative function of the Parliament?
   a) Appointing the Prime Minister
   b) Controlling the finances of the government
   c) Making laws for the country
   d) Conducting elections

4. Which mechanism allows Members of Parliament to hold the government accountable by asking specific questions about the functioning of ministries?
   a) Zero Hour
   b) No-Confidence Motion
   c) Question Hour
   d) Adjournment Motion

5. The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) primarily represents the interests of:
   a) The President
   b) The States and Union Territories
   c) The Prime Minister's Office
   d) The Judiciary

6. What is the normal term of the Lok Sabha (House of the People)?
   a) 6 years
   b) 4 years
   c) 5 years
   d) It is a permanent house

7. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
   a) The President of India
   b) The Prime Minister of India
   c) The Speaker of Lok Sabha
   d) The Vice-President of India

8. How are members of the Lok Sabha chosen?
   a) Nominated by the President
   b) Elected indirectly by State Legislative Assemblies
   c) Directly elected by the people through general elections
   d) Chosen by the members of the Rajya Sabha

9. Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) is provided in which house of the Parliament?
   a) Only Rajya Sabha
   b) Only Lok Sabha
   c) Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
   d) Neither Lok Sabha nor Rajya Sabha

10. The idea that citizens should participate in decision-making and give their consent to be governed is central to:
    a) Monarchy
    b) Dictatorship
    c) Democracy
    d) Colonialism

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. b
2. b
3. c
4. c
5. b
6. c
7. d
8. c
9. b
10. c

Study these notes carefully. Understanding the 'why' behind Parliament's existence and its various functions is key not just for exams, but for being an informed citizen. Let me know if any part needs further clarification.