Class 8 Civics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Social and Political Life - III

Q1. Opposition plays an important role in democracy. Justify.

Ans: The Opposition parties are essential for the effective functioning of a democracy. They perform several important roles:

• They identify and highlight the shortcomings in government policies and programmes.
• They mobilise public support for their own policies.
• They provide a necessary check on the government's actions, ensuring accountability.
• They represent the views and concerns of the public in Parliament.

Through these functions, the Opposition contributes to a more balanced and responsive government.

Q2. What are the major functions of the parliament?

Ans: The major functions of Parliament include:

• Selecting the National Government
• Controlling, guiding, and informing the government
• Law-making

Parliament plays a crucial role in ensuring that the government is accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. Members of Parliament (MPs) represent the public and are essential in overseeing government actions.

Q3. State the demands of the Indian National Congress in 1885.

Ans: The Indian National Congress, established in 1885, began to openly challenge the British government. Their key demands included:

• The right for elected members of the legislature to discuss the budget.
• The ability to ask questions regarding government decisions.

Although the Government of India Act 1909 introduced some elected representation, it did not grant voting rights to all adults or allow full participation in decision-making. This was a significant step towards the nationalists' goal of ensuring that all citizens could engage in governance.

Q4. How many seats should a political party acquire in Lok Sabha to have a majority?

Ans: To form a government in the Lok Sabha, a political party must secure a majority of elected MPs. Here are the key points:

• The Lok Sabha consists of 543 elected members.
• A party needs at least 272 members to achieve a majority.
• The opposition is made up of parties that do not belong to the majority coalition.
• The largest party among the opposition is referred to as the Opposition party.

Q5. Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian Democracy. Explain.

Ans: The Parliament of India is a vital institution that embodies the principles of democracy. It allows citizens to:

• Participate in decision-making.
• Hold the government accountable.

This makes Parliament the most significant symbol of Indian democracy and a key feature of the Constitution.
Historically, the struggle for independence involved various groups advocating for freedom, equality, and participation. Under colonial rule, citizens faced oppression and could not voice their dissent. The freedom movement empowered people to demand representation and challenge unjust laws.

Q7. Give reasons for the reservation of seats in Parliament for SCs, STs and OBCs.

Ans: Seats are reserved in Parliament for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to ensure their representation. Here are the key reasons for this reservation:

• To ensure that elected representatives understand and advocate for the interests of Dalits and Adivasis.
• To promote inclusivity and diversity in the legislative process.
• To address historical inequalities and provide a voice to underrepresented communities.

This reservation helps create a more equitable political landscape in India.

Q8. Enlist the components of the Indian Parliament.

Ans: The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country. It is a bicameral legislature, consisting of:

1. President of India 
2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

• Comprises 250 members
• Chaired by the Vice-President of India

3. Lok Sabha (House of the People)

• Consists of 543 members
• Presided over by the Speaker

The Indian Parliament represents the democratic principles of the nation, allowing citizens to participate in the decision-making process.