Parliament and the Making of Laws of Class 8 Civics (CBSE):-
Extra 20 important long-answer questions of Chapter 3:
1. What is the need for a Parliament in a democracy?
Answer:
Representation of People – Parliament represents the voice of the people in decision-making.
Law-Making – It is responsible for framing laws that govern the country.
Control Over the Executive – Parliament holds the government accountable for its actions.
Debates and Discussions – It allows discussions on various national and international issues.
Protection of Rights – Ensures that fundamental rights of citizens are upheld.
Approval of Budgets – It sanctions the financial expenditure of the government.
2. Explain the structure of the Indian Parliament.
Answer:
Lok Sabha (House of the People) – It is the lower house of Parliament with members elected directly by citizens.
Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – It is the upper house with members elected by State Legislative Assemblies.
President of India – The President is an integral part of Parliament and gives assent to bills.
Tenure – Lok Sabha members serve for 5 years, while Rajya Sabha members serve for 6 years with one-third retiring every two years.
Leadership – The Lok Sabha is headed by the Speaker, while the Rajya Sabha is chaired by the Vice President.
Role of Parliament – It makes laws, controls the government, and represents citizens.
3. What are the functions of the Parliament?
Answer:
Legislative Function – It makes and amends laws for the country.
Executive Control – It checks the functioning of the government and its policies.
Financial Function – Approves the budget and taxation policies.
Representational Function – Acts as the voice of the people and expresses their concerns.
Judicial Function – Can remove the President or judges through impeachment.
Amendment of Constitution – It has the power to amend the Constitution as per the need.
4. How are Members of Parliament elected?
Answer:
Lok Sabha Elections – Members are directly elected by citizens through a general election.
Rajya Sabha Elections – Members are elected by State Legislative Assemblies using proportional representation.
Reserved Seats – Some seats in Lok Sabha are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Nomination by the President – The President nominates 12 members to Rajya Sabha who have expertise in literature, science, arts, or social service.
Election Process – Conducted by the Election Commission of India.
Universal Adult Franchise – Every citizen above 18 years has the right to vote.
5. How is a law made in the Indian Parliament?
Answer:
Introduction of Bill – A bill is introduced in either house of Parliament.
First Reading – The bill is presented and discussed in detail.
Second Reading – The bill is debated, and changes may be suggested.
Third Reading – The final version is voted on by the house.
Approval by Other House – The bill is sent to the other house for approval.
Presidential Assent – After passing both houses, the bill is sent to the President for approval and becomes a law.
6. What are the different types of bills in Parliament?
Answer:
Ordinary Bill – Deals with general matters and is passed by both houses.
Money Bill – Deals with taxation and government expenditure; introduced only in Lok Sabha.
Financial Bill – Concerns financial matters but is different from Money Bills.
Constitutional Amendment Bill – Used to amend the Constitution.
Private Member’s Bill – Introduced by MPs who are not ministers.
Government Bill – Introduced by ministers on behalf of the government.
7. What is the role of the President in law-making?
Answer:
Gives Assent – The President must approve bills before they become laws.
Sends Back for Reconsideration – Can return non-money bills for reconsideration.
Ordinance Making Power – Can issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
Summons and Dissolves Parliament – Calls Parliament sessions and can dissolve Lok Sabha.
Appoints Prime Minister – Invites the leader of the majority party to form the government.
Represents the Nation – Acts as the constitutional head of India.
8. How does Parliament control the executive?
Answer:
Question Hour – MPs ask ministers questions about government policies.
Zero Hour – Issues of urgent public importance are discussed.
No-Confidence Motion – If passed, the government must resign.
Adjournment Motion – Discusses government failures.
Budget Approval – Parliament must approve the government’s financial plans.
Parliamentary Committees – Investigate government actions.
9. What is the role of the Speaker of Lok Sabha?
Answer:
Maintains Order – Ensures discipline and decorum in the House.
Decides Who Speaks – Grants permission for debates and discussions.
Interprets Rules – Decides on procedural matters.
Conducts Voting – Oversees voting and declares results.
Refers Bills to Committees – Sends bills to parliamentary committees for examination.
Represents Lok Sabha – Acts as its representative in official matters.
10. What is the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
Answer:
Lok Sabha – Members are directly elected; Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected.
Tenure – Lok Sabha has a 5-year term; Rajya Sabha members serve for 6 years.
Money Bills – Can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.
Dissolution – Lok Sabha can be dissolved; Rajya Sabha is a permanent body.
Size – Lok Sabha has 543 members; Rajya Sabha has 250 members.
Leadership – Lok Sabha is headed by the Speaker; Rajya Sabha is chaired by the Vice President.
11. What is the role of opposition parties in Parliament?
Answer:
Checks the Government – Criticizes policies and ensures accountability.
Participates in Debates – Raises concerns and suggests improvements.
Questions the Government – Uses Question Hour to seek clarifications.
Moves No-Confidence Motion – Can challenge the government’s majority.
Protects Public Interest – Highlights issues affecting the people.
Alternative Policies – Suggests better policies and solutions.
12. What is the difference between a Bill and a Law?
Answer:
Definition – A bill is a proposed law; a law is an enacted rule.
Process – A bill must pass through Parliament and get presidential assent to become law.
Types – Bills can be Money Bills, Ordinary Bills, or Constitutional Amendments, while laws cover various subjects.
Enforcement – Laws are legally binding; bills are proposals until approved.
Changes – Bills can be modified in Parliament before approval; laws require amendments for changes.
Examples – Right to Education Act (law) started as a bill in Parliament.
13. What are the different types of parliamentary sessions?
Answer:
Budget Session – Held from February to May; discusses financial matters.
Monsoon Session – Held from July to September; debates important issues.
Winter Session – Held from November to December; passes pending bills.
Special Session – Called for urgent matters.
Joint Session – Both houses meet together, chaired by the Speaker.
Emergency Session – Convened during national crises.
14. What is a coalition government?
Answer:
Definition – A government formed by multiple political parties.
Reason – Happens when no single party wins a majority.
Example – The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
Challenges – Conflicts between parties can lead to instability.
Decision-Making – Requires consensus among coalition partners.
Impact – Can bring diverse perspectives but may slow governance.
15. What is the difference between a Government Bill and a Private Member’s Bill?
Answer:
Introduced By – Government bills are introduced by ministers; private members' bills are by MPs not in the government.
Priority – Government bills get more priority in Parliament.
Approval Rate – Private members' bills rarely become laws.
Example – Right to Information (RTI) was a private member’s bill that later became law.
Debate – Both are debated, but government bills have better chances of passing.
Implementation – Government bills align with ruling party policies.
16. What is the role of parliamentary committees?
Answer:
Detailed Examination – Studies bills in-depth before they become laws.
Ensures Accountability – Reviews government decisions.
Types – Standing Committees (permanent) and Ad-hoc Committees (temporary).
Reduces Workload – Helps Parliament focus on major discussions.
Examples – Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee.
Reports to Parliament – Provides recommendations for better governance.
17. How is the Prime Minister elected in India?
Answer:
Elected Leader of Majority Party – The party with the most seats in Lok Sabha selects its leader.
Appointed by the President – The President invites the leader to form the government.
Majority Support – Must prove majority in Lok Sabha through a floor test.
Five-Year Term – Serves as long as the government holds a majority.
Head of the Government – Makes key decisions and leads administration.
Can be Removed – If a no-confidence motion is passed in Parliament.
18. What is a Money Bill? How is it passed in Parliament?
Answer:
Definition – A bill related to taxation, borrowing, or government expenditure.
Introduced in Lok Sabha – Only Lok Sabha can introduce it, with the President’s recommendation.
Sent to Rajya Sabha – Rajya Sabha can suggest changes but cannot reject it.
Returned in 14 Days – If Rajya Sabha does not act, the bill is deemed passed.
Presidential Assent – Sent to the President for approval before becoming law.
Example – Annual Budget of the government.
19. How can a Member of Parliament be removed?
Answer:
Disqualification – Due to corruption, defection, or criminal charges.
Resignation – Can voluntarily resign by submitting to the Speaker or Chairman.
Expulsion – If found guilty of misconduct.
Impeachment – Used for the removal of high officials like the President.
Failure to Attend – If absent for 60 consecutive days without permission.
Judicial Review – Courts can intervene in case of disputes.
20. What is an ordinance? When can the President issue an ordinance?
Answer:
Definition – A temporary law made by the President when Parliament is not in session.
Issued Under Article 123 – The President has the power to issue ordinances.
When Needed? – Only in cases of urgent matters.
Approval Required – Must be passed by Parliament within six weeks of the next session.
Can be Rejected – Parliament can refuse to approve an ordinance.
Example – The Banking Regulation Ordinance to strengthen banks.
