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