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?
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Growth of nationalism
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1885: Indian National Congress demanded that there be elected members in the legislature with a right to discuss the budget and ask questions
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1909: Government of India Act allowed for some elected representation
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Under colonial rule, people lived in fear of British rule
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Learnt need for freedom, equality and participation in decision making
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Government had to be sensitive to people’s needs and demands
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Principle of universal adult franchise: All adult citizens of the country have the right to vote
How?
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By elections – people elect their representatives to Parliament
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Parliament made up of all representatives together, controls and guides the government
Electronic Voting Machines
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Used for 1st time in 2004 general elections
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Saved around 1,50,000 trees that would be cut
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About 8,000 tons of paper for printing the ballot papers saved
Composition of Parliament
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Parliament of India (Sansad) is the supreme law-making institution. It has two Houses, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
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Rajya Sabha (Council of States), with a total strength of maximum 250 members, is chaired by the Vice-President of India.
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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
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Elected every 5 years
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Country divided into constituencies
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1 person from each constituency
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Candidates from different political parties (BJP, Congress)
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When elected become Members of Parliaments (MPs)
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MPs make up Parliament
Functions of Parliament
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Select National Government: To form government, majority is required (543 elected+ 2 nominated) – have atleast half or more members (i.e. 272)
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Opposition in Parliament: Formed by all parties that oppose majority/coalition. Largest party in opposition is Opposition Party
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Select executive – who can implement the laws
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PM is the leader of the ruling party in Lok Sabha
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Ministers selected for health, education, finance etc.
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Coalition Government: When one or more parties join together to form government (no clear majority)
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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)
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Control Guide and Inform Government: Parliament session begins with question hour
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Question Hour raises shortcomings of government, brings in opinion of people
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Opposition helps in healthy functioning of democracy – they highlight drawbacks in programs and policies of government & mobilize popular support
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In financial matter – Parliament’s approval is crucial
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Law Making: In Next Lesson
Image of Example of Question Asked in the Parliament
Image of Example of Question Asked In The Parliament
Who Forms Parliament?
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People from rural background
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Minorities – Dalits and Backward castes
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Historically marginalized communities must be given representation
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Reservation of seats for SC/STs
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MP from backward constituencies will be familiar with local problems
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Proportion of Women MPs increased from 4% to 11% (in 2014) (no reservation – still debated)
Profile of MPs (1952 to 2014) - Trend Speaks
Image of Percentage of Women in Lok Sabha
Image of Percentage of Women In Lok Sabha
Image of Age Profile of MPs - 1st to 16th Lok Sabha
Image of Age Profile of MPs - 1st to 16th Lok Sabha
Image Level of MPs - 1st to 16th Lok Sabha
Image level of MPs - 1st to 16th Lok Sabha
-Mayank