Extra 20 important long-answer questions of Chapter 3: Parliament and the Making of Laws of Class 8 Civics (CBSE):-
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.
