Why Do We Need A Parliament, Civics, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

EVMs were used throughout the country for the first time in the general elections held in 2004.
Explanation:
The use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) revolutionized the voting process in India by replacing the traditional paper ballot system. Here is a detailed explanation of the timeline:
1. Introduction of EVMs:
- EVMs were first introduced in a limited manner in a few constituencies during the state assembly elections of Kerala in 1982.
- The success and positive feedback of the limited trial led to the gradual expansion of EVM usage across different states in subsequent elections.
2. Nationwide Implementation:
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) decided to use EVMs on a large scale for the first time in the general elections held in 2004.
- This decision was made to ensure a more efficient and transparent voting process, eliminating the drawbacks associated with paper ballots.
3. Advantages of EVMs:
- EVMs offer several advantages, such as reducing the possibility of booth capturing, minimizing the chances of invalid votes, reducing the time required for counting, and providing immediate results.
- EVMs also facilitate the use of Braille symbols and audio assistance for visually impaired voters, ensuring inclusivity.
4. Subsequent Elections:
- Following the successful implementation of EVMs in 2004, they have been used extensively in all subsequent general elections in India.
- EVMs have also been utilized in various state assembly elections, local body elections, and by-polls across the country.
In conclusion, EVMs were used for the first time throughout the country in the general elections held in 2004, marking a significant milestone in India's electoral process.

The Parliament of India is also known as "Sansad".
The Parliament of India, also known as Sansad, is the supreme legislative body of the country. It is responsible for making laws, discussing important issues, and representing the interests of the people. The Parliament consists of two houses - the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Key Points about the Parliament of India:
- The Parliament of India is based on the Westminster model of democracy.
- It is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two houses - the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
- The Lok Sabha is the lower house and represents the people of India. Its members are directly elected by the people through general elections.
- The Rajya Sabha is the upper house and represents the states and union territories of India. Its members are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
- The President of India is an integral part of the Parliament and gives assent to bills passed by both houses.
- The Parliament has the power to make laws on subjects mentioned in the Union List, Concurrent List, and matters of national importance.
- The Parliament also plays a crucial role in the appointment and removal of the President, Prime Minister, and other high-ranking officials.
- It exercises control over the executive through various mechanisms such as question hour, debates, and discussions.
- The Parliament meets in the Parliament House in New Delhi, which is a grand architectural masterpiece.
Conclusion:
The Parliament of India, also known as Sansad, is the supreme legislative body of the country. It consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and is responsible for making laws, representing the people, and discussing important issues. The Parliament plays a crucial role in the functioning of Indian democracy and ensures the representation of diverse voices and interests.

Answer:
The total membership of the Rajya Sabha is 245.
Explanation:
- The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament of India.
- It is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution.
- The Constitution of India has fixed the maximum membership of the Rajya Sabha at 250.
- Out of these, 238 members are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies and Union territories.
- The President of India nominates 12 members to represent expertise in various fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.
- The remaining 2 members are elected by the Anglo-Indian community if the President feels they are not adequately represented.
- The Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories of India and plays a crucial role in the legislative process.

The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha is the Speaker. Here is a detailed explanation:
Role of the Speaker:
- The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of the Parliament of India.
- The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order and decorum during the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.
- The Speaker also ensures that parliamentary rules and procedures are followed.
- The Speaker has the authority to take disciplinary action against members who violate the rules of the House.
- The Speaker represents the Lok Sabha in its relations with the President and the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament).
Election of the Speaker:
- The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha.
- The election takes place at the beginning of the first session after a general election or when the office of the Speaker becomes vacant.
- The Speaker is elected through a voting process where members cast their votes in favor of the candidate they prefer.
- The candidate who secures the majority of votes becomes the Speaker.
Importance of the Speaker:
- The Speaker plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha.
- The Speaker acts as the impartial guardian of the rights and privileges of the members of the House.
- The Speaker also has the power to decide on points of order, interpretation of rules, and admissibility of questions and motions.
- The Speaker represents the Lok Sabha in its relations with the President, the Rajya Sabha, and other authorities.
In conclusion, the Lok Sabha is presided over by the Speaker, who is elected by the members of the House. The Speaker plays a vital role in maintaining order and ensuring the proper functioning of the Lok Sabha.

The Supreme law-making institution is the Parliament.

The Parliament is the highest legislative body in a country and has the power to make laws, amend existing laws, and repeal laws. It plays a crucial role in the governance of a country and represents the will of the people.

• Composition: The Parliament is composed of two houses - Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House).


• Lok Sabha: Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people through general elections. It represents the people's voice and has the power to introduce and pass laws.


• Rajya Sabha: Rajya Sabha is composed of members who are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies. It represents the states and plays a revising and review role in the law-making process.


• Functions: The Parliament is responsible for enacting laws, discussing and debating important issues, approving the budget, and holding the government accountable.


• Law-making process: The Parliament follows a detailed procedure for making laws, which includes the introduction of a bill, its discussion and debate, voting, and finally, the President's assent for it to become a law.


• Judiciary: While the Judiciary interprets and applies the laws made by the Parliament, it is not the supreme law-making institution. The Judiciary's role is to ensure that the laws are consistent with the Constitution and protect the rights and liberties of the citizens.

In conclusion, the Parliament, consisting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, is the supreme law-making institution in a country. It has the authority to make, amend, and repeal laws, and plays a pivotal role in the governance of the nation.

The Constitution of Independent India adopted the principle of Universal Adult Franchise.
The answer is True. The Constitution of Independent India did adopt the principle of Universal Adult Franchise, which means that every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote in elections. Here is a detailed explanation:
- Universal Adult Franchise: This principle ensures that every adult citizen, regardless of their gender, caste, religion, or economic status, has the right to vote in elections. It is based on the idea of equality and inclusion in the democratic process.
- Adoption in the Constitution: The framers of the Indian Constitution recognized the importance of Universal Adult Franchise and enshrined it in the Constitution of India, which was adopted on 26th January 1950. This marked a significant departure from the limited franchise that was prevalent during the colonial period.
- Article 326: The right to vote is guaranteed under Article 326 of the Indian Constitution. It states that "the elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage."
- Significance: Universal Adult Franchise plays a crucial role in ensuring that every citizen has an equal say in the governance of the country. It promotes inclusivity, representation, and accountability in the democratic system.
In conclusion, the Constitution of Independent India adopted the principle of Universal Adult Franchise. This principle grants every adult citizen the right to vote, regardless of their background, and is a fundamental aspect of a democratic society.

Explanation:
The statement that the opposition parties play no role in the functioning of a government is false. Opposition parties in a democratic system have several important roles and functions:
1. Checks and balances: Opposition parties serve as a check on the ruling party or government by scrutinizing their actions, policies, and decisions. They provide an alternative perspective and hold the government accountable for its actions.
2. Debate and discussion: Opposition parties play a crucial role in parliamentary debates and discussions. They raise important issues, ask questions, and engage in constructive criticism, which contributes to a healthy democratic process.
3. Policy formulation: Opposition parties often develop their own policy proposals and present them as alternatives to the government's policies. These proposals may influence public opinion and shape the government's decision-making process.
4. Representation of diverse views: Opposition parties represent different ideologies, interests, and sections of society. They ensure that a wide range of perspectives are considered in the governance process and prevent the dominance of a single party or group.
5. Public opinion and support: Opposition parties provide a platform for citizens to express their grievances and concerns. They act as a voice for marginalized groups and help channel public support for or against government initiatives.
6. Peaceful transition of power: Opposition parties play a crucial role in democratic transitions and peaceful transfers of power. They provide a viable alternative government and offer voters a choice during elections.
7. Accountability and transparency: Opposition parties often demand transparency and accountability from the government. They highlight corruption, maladministration, and other misconduct, which helps improve governance and prevent abuse of power.
In conclusion, opposition parties play a vital role in the functioning of a government in a democratic system. They ensure checks and balances, promote debate and discussion, contribute to policy formulation, represent diverse views, reflect public opinion, facilitate peaceful transitions of power, and promote accountability and transparency.

Not a single seat is reserved in the Parliament for SCs and STs.
Answer: False
Explanation:
The statement mentioned in the question is false. In India, seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Parliament. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Reservation Policy: The Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats in the Parliament for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This policy is implemented to ensure representation and upliftment of these marginalized communities.
2. Scheduled Castes (SCs): SCs are given reserved seats in both the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). The reservation for SCs is based on their population proportion in each state.
3. Scheduled Tribes (STs): STs are also given reserved seats in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Similar to SCs, the reservation for STs is based on their population proportion in each state.
4. Representation: The reservation policy aims to provide adequate representation to SCs and STs in the Parliament. This ensures that their voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their interests are protected.
5. Constitutional Provisions: The reservation policy for SCs and STs in the Parliament is enshrined in the Constitution of India. It is a fundamental right provided to these communities to ensure their political representation.
In conclusion, seats are reserved for SCs and STs in the Parliament of India. The statement that not a single seat is reserved for SCs and STs is false.

Is the statement true or false?
The statement "The total membership of the Lok Sabha is 500" is False.
Explanation:
The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament of India. Let's look at the correct information regarding its membership:
1. The total membership of the Lok Sabha is not fixed at 500. It can vary depending on various factors, including population and representation.
2. As per the Constitution of India, the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552 members.
3. Out of these 552 members, 530 members are elected from the states and union territories of India, while the remaining 20 members are nominated by the President of India.
4. The elected members of the Lok Sabha are chosen through a general election held every five years.
5. The representation of each state and union territory in the Lok Sabha is based on the population of that region.
6. The Lok Sabha is the directly elected house, where the people's representatives are elected by the voters.
Therefore, the correct statement would be that the total membership of the Lok Sabha is not fixed at 500, but can vary up to a maximum of 552 members.

Question Hour in Parliament:
- The statement given is true. When the Parliament is in session, it begins with a question hour.
- The question hour is a practice followed in the Parliament where Members of Parliament (MPs) get the opportunity to ask questions to Ministers and hold them accountable for the functioning of their respective ministries or departments.
- The question hour usually takes place at the beginning of the day's proceedings in both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) of the Indian Parliament.
- During the question hour, MPs can ask both oral and written questions on a wide range of issues related to governance, policies, and current affairs.
- The questions can be related to matters of public interest, government policies, implementation of schemes, and any other issue that the MPs deem important.
- Ministers are required to be present in the Parliament during the question hour to answer these questions raised by MPs.
- The question hour serves as a platform for MPs to seek clarifications, gather information, and raise concerns regarding the functioning of the government.
- It also allows for transparency and accountability in governance by ensuring that the executive branch is answerable to the legislative branch.
- The question hour is an essential part of the democratic process as it enables elected representatives to actively participate in the decision-making and oversight of the government.
Therefore, the statement is true that when the Parliament is in session, it begins with a question hour.