NCERT Class 8 Political Science Chapter 3: Why Do We Need a Parliament? YouTube Lecture Handouts

Get unlimited access to the best preparation resource for CBSE/Class-8 : get questions, notes, tests, video lectures and more- for all subjects of CBSE/Class-8.

Get video tutorial on: Examrace YouTube Channel

NCERT Class 8 Political Science Chapter 3: Why do we need a Parliament?

Participation of citizens in decision making

Democratic government to have consent of citizens

Why Should People Decide?

  • Growth of nationalism
  • 1885: Indian National Congress demanded that there be elected members in the legislature with a right to discuss the budget and ask questions
  • 1909: Government of India Act allowed for some elected representation
  • Under colonial rule, people lived in fear of British rule
  • Learnt need for freedom, equality and participation in decision making
  • Government had to be sensitive to people՚s needs and demands
  • Principle of universal adult franchise: All adult citizens of the country have the right to vote

How?

  • By elections – people elect their representatives to Parliament
  • Parliament made up of all representatives together, controls and guides the government

Electronic Voting Machines

  • Used for 1st time in 2004 general elections
  • Saved around 1,50, 000 trees that would be cut
  • About 8,000 tons of paper for printing the ballot papers saved

Composition of Parliament

  • Parliament of India (Sansad) is the supreme law-making institution. It has two Houses, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States) , with a total strength of maximum 250 members, is chaired by the Vice-President of India.
  • Lok Sabha (House of the People) , with a total membership of 545, is presided over by the Speaker.
  • Elections to Parliament are held in similar manner as that of state legislature

Lok Sabha

  • Elected every 5 years
  • Country divided into constituencies
  • 1 person from each constituency
  • Candidates from different political parties (BJP, Congress)
  • When elected become Members of Parliaments (MPs)
  • MPs make up Parliament

Functions of Parliament

  • Select National Government: To form government, majority is required (543 elected + 2 nominated) – have at least half or more members (i.e.. , 272)
    • Opposition in Parliament: Formed by all parties that oppose majority/coalition. Largest party in opposition is Opposition Party
    • Select executive – who can implement the laws
    • PM is the leader of the ruling party in Lok Sabha
    • Ministers selected for health, education, finance etc.
    • Coalition Government: When one or more parties join to form government (no clear majority)
    • Rajya Sabha: As representative of states, can initiate legislation & bill must pass through Rajya Sabha to become law – review and alter laws of Lok Sabha (233 elected + 12 nominated)
  • Control Guide and Inform Government: Parliament session begins with question hour
    • Question Hour raises shortcomings of government, brings in opinion of people
    • Opposition helps in healthy functioning of democracy – they highlight drawbacks in programs and policies of government & mobilize popular support
    • In financial matter – Parliament՚s approval is crucial
  • Law Making: In Next Lesson
Illustration: Functions of Parliament

Who Forms Parliament?

  • People from rural background
  • Minorities – Dalits and Backward castes
  • Historically marginalized communities must be given representation
  • Reservation of seats for SC/STs
  • MP from backward constituencies will be familiar with local problems
  • Proportion of Women MPs increased from 4% to 11% (in 2014) (no reservation – still debated)

Profile of MPs (1952 to 2014) - Trend Speaks

Illustration: Profile of MPs (1952 to 2014) - Trend Speaks
Illustration: Profile of MPs (1952 to 2014) - Trend Speaks
Illustration: Profile of MPs (1952 to 2014) - Trend Speaks

Mayank