Here are 30 short-answer questions and their answers, each suitable for 2 to 3 marks, based on Chapter 3: "Parliament and the Making of Laws" from Class 8 Civics:
What is the Parliament of India?
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body, consisting of the President, the Lok Sabha (House of the People), and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Why is the Parliament considered the most important symbol of Indian democracy?
The Parliament enables citizens to participate in decision-making and control the government, embodying the principles of democracy.
What are the main functions of the Indian Parliament?
The main functions include making laws, controlling finances, discussing national issues, and representing the interests of the people.
Differentiate between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha is the lower house with members directly elected by the people for a five-year term, while the Rajya Sabha is the upper house, a permanent body with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
Who elects the members of the Rajya Sabha?
Members are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies and Union territories using a single transferable vote system.
What is the role of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha?
The Speaker presides over Lok Sabha sessions, maintains order, and ensures the rules of procedure are followed.
Explain the term 'bicameral legislature'.
A bicameral legislature refers to a legislative body with two houses or chambers, such as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in India.
What is a Money Bill, and where can it be introduced?
A Money Bill pertains to taxation or government spending and can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Who has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha?
The President of India has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha.
What is the tenure of a Rajya Sabha member?
Each member serves a six-year term, with one-third of members retiring every two years.
Define 'Question Hour' in the context of parliamentary proceedings.
'Question Hour' is the first hour of a parliamentary sitting where members ask questions to ministers about their ministries' work.
What is the 'Zero Hour' in Parliament?
'Zero Hour' is the time immediately following 'Question Hour' where members raise matters without prior notice.
Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
How is the Prime Minister of India selected?
The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha and is appointed by the President.
What is a coalition government?
A coalition government is formed when multiple political parties collaborate to form a majority and establish a government.
Explain the term 'Opposition' in Parliament.
The Opposition consists of all parties that are not part of the ruling government and scrutinize its work.
What is the significance of the 'No-Confidence Motion'?
A 'No-Confidence Motion' is a parliamentary motion moved by the Opposition expressing lack of confidence in the government, which, if passed, requires the government to resign.
Describe the process of impeachment of the President of India.
The President can be impeached for violating the Constitution through a process initiated in either house of Parliament, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses.
What is the role of the 'Whip' in Parliament?
A 'Whip' is an appointed party official responsible for ensuring party members attend and vote as per the party line in the legislature.
How does the Parliament control the executive?
Parliament controls the executive through mechanisms like Question Hour, debates, no-confidence motions, and financial oversight.
What is a 'Joint Session' of Parliament, and when is it convened?
A 'Joint Session' is a combined meeting of both houses, convened by the President to resolve deadlocks on bills.
Explain the term 'Adjournment Motion'.
An 'Adjournment Motion' is introduced to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance by adjourning the business of the house.
What is the 'Budget Session' of Parliament?
The 'Budget Session' is the first session of Parliament each year, where the annual budget is presented and discussed.
Who nominates the 12 members to the Rajya Sabha, and on what basis?
The President nominates 12 members with special knowledge or practical experience in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
What is the 'Cut Motion' in parliamentary terms?
A 'Cut Motion' is a tool allowing members to oppose a demand for grants during the budget session, aiming to reduce the amount of grant.
Define 'Quorum' in the context of parliamentary proceedings.
'Quorum' is the minimum number of members required to be present for the proceedings to be valid, which is one-tenth of the total membership.
What is the significance of the 'Privilege Motion'?
A 'Privilege Motion' is moved when a member believes that a minister has committed a breach of privilege of the house or its members.
Explain the term 'Guillotine' in parliamentary procedure.
'Guillotine' refers to the process of expediting the passage of remaining demands for grants without discussion.
What is the role of the 'Public Accounts Committee'?
The 'Public Accounts Committee' examines government expenditures to ensure they are in accordance with Parliament's decisions.
How are laws made in the Indian Parliament?
How are laws made in the Indian Parliament?
Answer: Laws in India are made through the following process in Parliament:
Introduction of Bill – A bill is introduced in either house (except Money Bills, which start in Lok Sabha).
First Reading – The bill is presented, and its objectives are explained.
Second Reading – Clause-by-clause discussion and amendments take place.
Third Reading – Final approval is given by voting.
Passage in Other House – The bill follows the same process in the second house.
President’s Assent – Once both houses pass the bill, the President’s approval is required for it to become a law.
