Case Study Based Questions: Parliament and the Making of Laws | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 PDF Download

Case Study 1

India, as we know, became independent on 15 August 1947. Preceding this was a long and difficult struggle in which many sections of society participated. People from various backgrounds joined the struggle and they were inspired by the ideas of freedom, equality and participation in decision– making. Under colonial rule, the people had lived in fear of the British government and did not agree with many of the decisions that they took. But they faced grave danger if they tried to criticise these decisions. The freedom movement changed this situation. The nationalists began to openly criticise the British government and make demands. As far back as 1885, the Indian National Congress demanded that there be elected members in the legislature with a right to discuss the budget and ask questions. The Government of India Act 1909, allowed for some elected representation. While these early legislatures under the British government were in response to the growing demands of the nationalists, they did not allow for all adults to vote nor could people participate in decision making. the experience of colonial rule as well as the participation of different people in the struggle for freedom left little doubt in the minds of the nationalists that all persons in independent India would be able to participate in making decisions. With the coming of independence, we were going to be citizens of a free country. This did not mean that the government could do what it felt like, it meant that the government had to be sensitive to people’s needs and demands. The dreams and aspirations of the freedom struggle were made concrete in the Constitution of independent India that laid down the principle of universal adult franchise, i.e. that all adult citizens of the country have the right to vote.

Q1: What was the significance of the Indian National Congress’ demand for elected members in the legislature with a right to discuss the budget and ask questions in 1885?
Ans: The demand by the Indian National Congress in 1885 was significant as it marked the beginning of the nationalist movement’s pursuit for political representation and accountability from the British government. This demand sought to create elected legislative bodies where Indians could voice their concerns, question the government’s decisions, and have a say in budgetary matters. While the Government of India Act 1909 partially addressed this demand, it fell short of universal suffrage and genuine participation. Nonetheless, the idea of elected representatives and participatory decision-making was firmly ingrained in the minds of nationalists, later culminating in universal adult franchise in the Constitution of independent India.

Q2: How did the experience of colonial rule shape the aspirations of the nationalists regarding citizen participation in decision-making in independent India?
Ans: The experience of colonial rule under the British government instilled fear and limited the rights of Indian citizens to criticize or challenge the decisions made by the rulers. The bloodshed, violence and the quasi slavery nature of colonialism brought forth the need for self governance and equality within the Indian mind. The massive influx of political activity within the sphere of the Indian freedom struggle brought together citizens from widely contrasting backgrounds into the forefront of the struggle, this unification focussed on a demand for the right to participate in the decision making of their own country. The nationalists were of the stern belief that all citizens of an unchained, independent India must be given the opportunity to voice their opinions and thereby contribute to the governance and sculpting of national policy. This sentiment was reflected in the Constitution of independent India.

Q3: In what way did the principle of universal adult franchise in the Indian Constitution embody the dreams and aspirations of the freedom struggle?
Ans: The principle of universal adult franchise in the Indian Constitution was a direct embodiment of the dreams and aspirations of the freedom struggle. It transformed the method of casting of votes in a very fundamental manner. The elitist system of voting which was practiced by the British colonial rule was done away with and in deep contrast to it, the power to cast a vote was declared as a right which shall be held by all adult citizens of India.  Universal adult franchise reflected the democratic ideals for which the nationalists had fought relentlessly. It handed the power of governance to the common man, this further empowered him to choose who speaks for them in the houses of government, to hold the government accountable for their actions, thereby creating the possibility of consequence for nefarious activities of government and through such means, allowed the citizens to hold the pen which writes the history of the nation for centuries to come.

Q4: What was the impact of the Government of India Act 1909 on the nationalist movement’s demand for greater political representation?
Ans: The Government of India Act 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, allowed for some elected representation in the legislative bodies under the British government. While it represented a partial acknowledgment of the growing demands for political participation by the nationalists, it fell short of meeting their aspirations. The Act introduced separate electorates, which further fragmented society along religious lines. It did not grant universal suffrage, nor did it provide adequate opportunities for genuine participation in decision-making processes. The Act, in fact, intensified the nationalist movement’s resolve to strive for greater political representation, eventually culminating in the principle of universal adult franchise in independent India.

Q5: How did the concept of citizenship in independent India differ from living under colonial rule?
Ans: In independent India, citizenship underwent a transformation from being subjects under colonial rule to becoming citizens of a free nation. During colonial rule, people lived in fear of the British government, with limited rights and opportunities for political participation. They lacked the power to criticize government decisions openly and participate in governance. However, after gaining independence, Indian citizens were guaranteed certain fundamental rights and freedoms. They became entitled to universal adult franchise, allowing every adult citizen to vote and have a say in the decision-making process. Citizenship in independent India meant being part of a democratic nation where the government was accountable to the people and their aspirations and needs were to be addressed with sensitivity.

Case Study 2

The take-off point for a democracy is the idea of consent, i.e. the desire, approval and participation of people. It is the decision of people that creates a democratic government and decides about its functioning. The basic idea in this kind of democracy is that the individual or the citizen is the most important person and that in principle the government as well as other public institutions need to have the trust of these citizens. How does the individual give approval to the government? One way of doing so, as you read, is through elections. People would elect their representatives to the Parliament, then, one group from among these elected representatives forms the government. The Parliament, which is made up of all representatives together, controls and guides the government. In this sense people, through their chosen representatives, form the government and also control it. Created after 1947, the Indian Parliament is an expression of the faith that the people of India have in principles of democracy. These are participation by people in the decision-making process and government by consent. The Parliament in our system has immense powers because it is the representative of the people. Elections to the Parliament are held in a similar manner as they are for the state legislature. The Lok Sabha is usually elected once every five years. The country is divided into numerous constituencies as shown in the map on page 41. Each of these constituencies elects one person to the Parliament. The candidates who contest elections usually belong to different political parties. Once elected, these candidates become Members of Parliament or MPs. These MPs together make up the Parliament.

Q1: What is the core concept that serves as the starting point for a democracy. How does it relate to the functioning of the government?
Ans: The cornerstone of a democracy lies in the notion of consent, which encompasses the willingness, approval and active involvement of its people. In a setup it is through the consent of those governed that the government derives its legitimacy and authority. The citizens decision to elect representatives via elections signifies their endorsement of how the government operates. Through these chosen representatives, people. Maintain control over their government ensuring that public institutions gain their trust.

Q2: Explain how the Indian Parliament embodies principles in India.
Ans: The Indian Parliament, established post 1947 represents the embodiment of values such as participation in decision making and governance by consent. As a body for its citizens Parliament holds significant powers within India’s system. It contains various elected members from across every single constituency in India, these elected members are aptly called Members of Parliament (MPs). They have a role in creating law,  providing guidance to the government and ensuring that the government works in accordance, with the wishes of the people of India.

Q3: Explain the process of electing representatives to the Indian Parliament? Why are these elections important to the fabric of  Indian democracy?
Ans: Elections to the Indian parliament are done in a similar nature to the elections to state legislature. They are the primary method of expressing the acceptance and consent of the the citizens to their elected representatives. The parliaments lower house, the Lok Sabha is elected every five years. India is divided in to several constituencies and each one of these constituencies elects one representative to the parliament. The candidates who may take part in the process of election can hail from several different political parties, the winner of this election shall become an MP. These elected members represent the collective will of the Indian citizens of their own constituency, hence ensuring that not even a single constituency is left unheard.

Q4: How does the concept of consent-based governance impact the importance of the individual in a democratic system?
Ans: In a democratic system, the individual or citizen takes precedence in a consent-based governing model. The fundamental principle behind such a system is that the populace must have trust in the government and its institutions in order for the proper functioning of a democracy. This trust can be materialised through the process of elections. The elected officials then seek to reflect the people’s wishes and goals, making the individual a significant participant in decision-making and a central figure in molding the nation’s direction.

Q5: What is the significance of the Indian Parliament having immense powers? How does it reflect the principles of democracy?
Ans: The immense powers of the Indian Parliament reflect its role as the people’s representative legislature. Consent and participation in decision-making reconcile these powers with democratic norms of government. Members of Parliament (MPs) together embody voters’ confidence and consent as elected representatives. The authority of Parliament permits it to lead and control the acts of the government, ensuring that public policy and laws are impacted by popular will. This emphasizes the democratic notion that the authority of the government comes from the people, and the Parliament is the fundamental institution through which citizens actively engage in governance.

Case Study 3

Parliament of India consists of the President, the Rajya Sabha and the LokSabha. After the Lok Sabha elections, a list is prepared showing how many MPs belong to each political party. For a political party to form the government, they must have a majority of elected MPs. Since there are 543 elected (plus 2 Anglo-Indian nominated) members in Lok Sabha, to have a majority a party should have at least half the number i.e. 272 members or more. The Opposition in Parliament is formed by all the political parties that are not part of the majority party/coalition formed. The largest amongst these parties is called the Opposition party. One of the most important functions of the Lok Sabha is to select the executive. The executive, as you read in Chapter 1, is a group of persons who work together to implement the laws made by the Parliament. This executive is often what we have in mind when we use the term government. The Prime Minister of India is the leader of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha. From the MPs who belong to her party, the Prime Minister selects ministers to work with her to implement decisions. These ministers then take charge of different areas of government functioning like health, education, finance etc. Often times in the recent past it has been difficult for a single political party to get the majority that is required to form the government. They then join together with different political parties who are interested in similar concerns to form what is known as a coalition government. The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the states of India in the Parliament. The Rajya Sabha can also initiate legislation and a bill is required to pass through the Rajya Sabha in order to become a law. It, therefore, has an important role of reviewing and altering (if alterations are needed) the laws initiated by the Lok Sabha. The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of various states. There are 233 elected members plus 12 members nominated by the President.

Q1: How many elected members of the Lok Sabha must a political party have in order to secure a majority?  How is the opposition in the Parliament organised?
Ans: To have a majority government in the Lok Sabha, a political party or coalition needs to secure at least 272 elected MPs out of the total 543 members. The Opposition in Parliament includes all the parties that are not part of the ruling majority. The biggest among these parties becomes the designated Opposition party.

Q2: Describe the Prime Minister’s position in India’s executive branch. How are ministers chosen to carry out decisions?
Ans: In India, the Lok Sabha’s ruling group is under the leadership of the Prime Minister. They personally handpick ministers from the MPs to form the executive ensemble in her role as the party chief. They work in close collaboration to execute the laws ratified by the Parliament. Each minister is entrusted with specific domains of government operation, like healthcare, education, finances, and such. Following the Prime Minister’s guidance, they join forces to effectively administer the nation.

Q3: In what circumstances do coalition governments usually form in India? What is their significance in recent political scenarios?
Ans: Coalition governments often form in India when a single political party fails to secure the required majority of 272 elected MPs in the Lok Sabha. In such situations, parties join together with other political groups that share similar concerns to create a coalition government. These coalitions are essential for providing stability and facilitating governance by bringing together diverse perspectives and interests.

Q4: Mention the main role of the Rajya Sabha in India’s Parliament?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha mainly serves as the spokesperson for India’s states in the Parliament. It has a vital task in evaluating and modifying legislation that originates in the Lok Sabha. To become a law, a bill must be approved by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha members, comprises of 233 elected members and 12 nominated members. they elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of different states.

Q5: How is the representation of states ensured by the Rajya Sabha in the legislative process?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha guarantees the inclusion of states in the legislative process since its members are chosen by state Legislative Assemblies. This inclusion is critical in preserving India’s federal structure, where states possess considerable autonomy and unique interests. The Rajya Sabha serves as a platform for states to express their concerns. It also examines and modifies legislation proposed by the Lok Sabha, and contribute to the overall governance of the nation. It reinforces the federal equilibrium by ensuring that the states’ interests are acknowledged at the national level.

Case Study 4

The Parliament, while in session, begins with a question hour. The question hour is an important mechanism through which MPs can elicit information about the working of the government. This is a very important way through which the Parliament controls the executive. By asking questions the government is alerted to its shortcomings, and also comes to know the opinion of the people through their representatives in the Parliament, i.e. the MPs. Asking questions of the government is a crucial task for every MP. The Opposition parties play a critical role in the healthy functioning of a democracy. They highlight drawbacks in various policies and programmes of the government and mobilise popular support for their own policies. The government gets valuable feedback and is kept on its toes by the questions asked by the MPs. In addition, in all matters dealing with finances, the Parliament’s approval is crucial for the government. This is one of the several ways in which the Parliament controls, guides and informs the government. The MPs as representatives of the people have a central role in controlling, guiding and informing Parliament and this is a key aspect of the functioning of Indian democracy. The Parliament has an important role in making laws. There are many ways through which this takes place and it is often different groups in society that raise the need for a particular law. An important role of Parliament is to be sensitive to the problems faced by people. Let us read the following story to understand how issue of domestic violence was brought to the attention of Parliament and the process adopted for this issue to become law. the role of citizens is crucial in helping Parliament frame different concerns that people might have into laws. From establishing the need for a new law to its being passed, at every stage of the process the voice of the citizen is a crucial element. This voice can be heard through TV reports, newspaper editorials, radio broadcasts, local meetings – all of which help in making the work that Parliament does more accessible and transparent to the people.

Q1: What is the significance of the question hour in Parliament? How does it enable MPs to control the executive?
Ans: The question hour is a crucial mechanism in Parliament where MPs can elicit information about the government’s functioning. By asking questions, MPs alert the government to its shortcomings and gather public opinion through their representatives. the executive is held accountable for its actions and decisions in front of the Parliament through this process. Moreover, the government gets valuable feedback. Due to this process the government is kept on its toes to address concerns raised by MPs and the public.

Q2: In a democracy, what role is played by the Opposition? What is their contribution in the functioning of Parliament?
Ans: In a democractic state, opposition parties are important because they expose the shortcomings of the ruling party’s policies. They serve as a check  by ensuring that the government is held accountable for its actions. The Opposition actively participates in debates and discussions, keeping a close check on the government. Furthermore, bringing up crucial issues and assisting in the efficient operation of Parliament is also one of their roles. Their role is vital in maintaining a healthy democratic system where different voices are heard and diverse perspectives are considered.

Q3: How does Parliament exercise control over the government in financial matters? Why is its approval crucial for the government?
Ans: Parliament’s approval is crucial for the government in financial matters as it holds the power of the purse. The government needs the Parliament’s approval to allocate funds, pass budgets, and implement financial policies. This ensures transparency and accountability in the government’s financial decisions. The government also has to justify its spending and budgetary proposals to the representatives of the people.

Q4: Describe the role of MPs as representatives of the people?
Ans: As representatives of the people, they act as the spokespeople for their voters. They articulate their worries and make the government answerable for its conduct. Through inquiries, engaging in discussions, and expressing public sentiment, MPs guarantee that Parliament stays receptive. Their involvement is essential in upholding a democratic system where various viewpoints are heard and the interests of the public are safeguarded..

Q5: What vital role do citizens play in the legislative process in Parliament?
Ans: The active engagement of citizens in the legislative process holds immense significance. They present diverse concerns to lawmakers, prompting the necessity for new laws. Their voices find expression through multiple channels such as TV reports, newspaper editorials, radio broadcasts, and local gatherings. This in turn contributes to greater accessibility and transparency in Parliament’s workings. Their involvement strengthens the democratic foundation, fostering a system where the public’s needs are duly considered and addressed.

Case Study 5

Sometimes a law can be constitutionally valid and hence legal, but it can continue to be unpopular and unacceptable to people because they feel that the intention behind it is unfair and harmful. Hence, people might criticise this law, hold public meetings, write about it in newspapers, report to TV news channels etc. In a democracy like ours, citizens can express their unwillingness to accept repressive laws framed by the Parliament. When a large number of people begin to feel that a wrong law has been passed, then there is pressure on the Parliament to change this. For example, various municipal laws on the use of space within municipal limits often make hawking and street vending illegal. No one will dispute the necessity for some rules to keep the public space open so that people can walk on the pavements easily. However, one also cannot deny that hawkers and vendors provide essential services cheaply and efficiently to the millions living in a large city. This is their means of livelihood. Hence, if the law favours one group and disregards the other it will be controversial and lead to conflict. People who think that the law is not fair can approach the court to decide on the issue. The court has the power to modify or cancel laws if it finds that they don’t adhere to the Constitution. We need to remember that our role as citizens does not end with electing our representatives. Rather, it is then that we begin to use newspapers and the media to carefully chart the work that is being done by our MPs and criticise their actions when we feel it is required. Thus, what we should bear in mind is that it is the extent, involvement and enthusiasm of the people that helps Parliament perform its representative functions properly.

Q1: Can a law be legally valid but still face criticism from the public? How does public discontent influence the legislative process?
Ans: Yes, a law can be constitutionally valid and legally acceptable but still be criticized by the public if they perceive its intentions as unfair or harmful. Public discontent can exert pressure on the Parliament to reconsider or amend such laws. When a significant number of people express dissatisfaction, it may lead to discussions, public meetings, media coverage, and even court interventions. Such citizen activism can prompt lawmakers to reevaluate the law’s implications and address the concerns raised by the public.

Q2: How do municipal laws on hawking and street vending exemplify a situation where a law can be controversial and lead to conflict?
Ans: Municipal laws on hawking and street vending often create controversy and conflict because they impact both vendors’ livelihoods and the convenience of pedestrians. While some regulations are necessary for public safety and access to pavements, these laws can be perceived as biased when they favor one group over the other. Hawkers and vendors provide essential services to urban populations, and strict laws against them may be seen as unfair.

Q3: What remedy can the citizens avail if their fundamental rights are infringed?
Ans: If they believe a legislation is unfair or violates the Constitution, people have the right to contest its validity in a democratic system. The judiciary is given the authority to examine and invalidate laws that conflict with the fundamental principles of the Constitution. People turn to the judiciary for fair adjudication. They seek appropriate justice when they believe their rights have been infringed or if they experience injustice as a result of legislative actions.

Q4: How does citizen involvement beyond voting contribute to effective parliamentary functioning?
Ans: Citizen involvement beyond voting, such as expressing opinions through newspapers and media, plays a crucial role in holding elected representatives accountable. By closely monitoring the work of MPs and critiquing their actions when necessary, citizens ensure transparency and responsiveness in the legislative process. Public scrutiny also keeps MPs aware of the concerns and interests of their constituents, enhancing the representative nature of parliamentary functioning.

Q5: What is the significance of public enthusiasm, involvement, and critique in facilitating the proper functioning of Parliament?
Ans: Public enthusiasm, involvement, and critique are vital in ensuring that Parliament effectively performs its representative functions. The active participation of citizens in the public discourse regarding the laws being made, pushes the lawmakers to consider alternative and diverse perspectives and thereby make, informed decision that will positively affect a larger number of citizens. This participation in the democracy moulds a more responsive and responsible government that is in tune with the needs and aspirations of even the most invisible of citizens.