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

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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 1^st 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 atleast 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 together 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

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

-Mayank