The Parliamentary System: Legislature and ExecutiveClass 8 Social Science NCERT Solutions

The number of representatives from each state in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is based on the population of the state. To find the exact number of representatives from a specific state, one would need to consult official data from the Election Commission of India or the Parliament of India website. The allocation of seats is periodically reviewed and may change based on census data.

The Indian Parliament is considered the "voice of the people" because its members are directly elected by the citizens of India through universal adult suffrage. This ensures that representatives are chosen by and accountable to the people. Different opinions are heard through debates and discussions in the Parliament, where members can express diverse viewpoints. The committee system also allows for detailed examination of issues and consideration of different perspectives. Furthermore, mechanisms like the Question Hour enable members to seek clarifications and hold the government accountable, ensuring that various concerns are addressed.

The Constitution made the Executive responsible to the Legislature to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of power. In a parliamentary system, the Executive (the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is drawn from the Legislature (Members of Parliament). This arrangement ensures that the Executive remains accountable to the elected representatives of the people. The Legislature can hold the Executive accountable through mechanisms like the Question Hour, debates, and committee scrutiny. This system of checks and balances is crucial for maintaining a democratic government where power is not concentrated in one branch.

India has chosen a bicameral legislature at the Union level for several reasons. First, it allows for greater deliberation and scrutiny of laws. The two houses, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, can review and amend bills, ensuring that laws are well-considered. Second, it represents the principle of federalism. The Rajya Sabha represents the states and ensures that their interests are taken into account in the law-making process. Third, a bicameral system prevents hasty decisions and provides a check on the power of the directly elected house (Lok Sabha). The Constitution makers felt that a single directly elected House would be inadequate to meet the challenges independent India would face.

To track the journey of a recent bill passed by the Parliament, one would need to research its progress through both houses. The first step is to identify a recently passed bill. Then, using resources like the Parliament of India website (which provides information on legislative proceedings), newspaper archives, and government publications, one can determine which house the bill was introduced in (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha). One can also find information on any major debates or disagreements that occurred during its passage by searching records of parliamentary debates. Finally, the time it took for the bill to become a law can be calculated from the date of introduction to the date of presidential assent.

This question requires students to engage in an activity. The answer would describe the process of how a bill becomes a law based on the chapter content. The process includes the introduction of a bill in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, followed by debates, committee reviews, amendments, and voting in both houses. Once passed by both houses, the bill is sent to the President for assent, after which it becomes an act. The skit should demonstrate these stages, including the roles of MPs, ministers, and the President.

The Women's Reservation Bill, 2023, may have taken over 25 years to be passed due to several factors. These can include political consensus, differing opinions among political parties, concerns about representation for specific groups within women, and the prioritization of other legislative issues. The Bill requires a Constitutional amendment, which requires a special majority in the Parliament, making consensus crucial. Logistical challenges related to implementation, such as delimitation of constituencies, may also have contributed to the delay. The passage of any law requires the navigation of complex political dynamics, especially when it involves significant social or political change.

Disruptions in the Parliament and reduced functioning days can negatively impact the quality of laws and erode public trust in their representatives. When parliamentary proceedings are disrupted, there is less time for thorough debate and scrutiny of proposed laws, potentially leading to poorly drafted or ill-considered legislation. This can result in laws that are ineffective or have unintended consequences. Furthermore, frequent disruptions can create a perception that parliamentarians are not fulfilling their duties, leading to a decline in public trust and confidence in the democratic process. Effective functioning of the Parliament is essential for good governance and maintaining the integrity of the democratic system.

This is an activity-based question. The answer should describe the process of forming interest groups and framing questions for Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The questions for an MP would focus on national-level policies, such as defense, foreign affairs, or national economic policies. Questions for an MLA would focus on state-level policies, such as education, healthcare, or local infrastructure development. The key difference lies in the scope and jurisdiction of the issues addressed.

The Judiciary plays a crucial role in Indian democracy by interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and safeguarding fundamental rights. It acts as the custodian of the Constitution, ensuring that all branches of the government operate within the principles and parameters enshrined in the Constitution. The Judiciary keeps a check on the effective functioning of society and institutions of the government. If there were no independent judiciary, the rights of citizens would be at risk, and there would be no impartial body to resolve disputes or ensure that the government acts within the bounds of the law. This could lead to arbitrary rule and a breakdown of the rule of law.