Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 Important Question Answers - Why Do We Need Parliament

Q1. What are the basic ideals of a democracy?

Ans: The basic ideals of democracy include:

• Citizen participation in government decision-making.
• The government must obtain the consent of its citizens for major issues.

Q2. What is the purpose of a Parliament?

Ans: The Parliament allows citizens of India to:

• Participate in decision-making.
• Exert control over the government.

This ensures that the voices of the people are heard and considered in the governance of the country.

Q3. What was the main principle of the Indian constitution?

Ans: The main principle of the Indian constitution was the universal adult franchise. This meant that:

• All adults in free India were eligible to vote.
• Every citizen had the opportunity to participate in decision-making.

Q4. How can all the citizens participate in the government's decision-making process?

Ans: In a democracy, citizens can participate in the government's decision-making process in several ways:

• Voting: General elections allow all adults to vote.
• Representation: Citizens elect representatives to the Parliament.
• Members of Parliament: These elected officials represent the people's interests.
• Government Formation: A group of these representatives forms the government.

Through this system, citizens can influence decisions via their elected representatives.

Q5. Who designed the Parliament House in India?

Ans: The Parliament House in India was designed by the British architect Herbert Baker.

Q6. What is an EVM?

Ans: An EVM is an Electronic Voting Machine used in elections in India. It consists of a two-piece system:

• The balloting unit presents a button for each choice.
• This unit is connected by a cable to an electronic ballot box.

This technology simplifies the voting process and enhances security during elections.

Q7. What is a constituency?

Ans: A constituency is a specific area within a country designated for electoral purposes. Key points include:

• The country is divided into multiple constituencies.
• Each constituency elects a representative.
• Representatives serve in the legislative body.

Q8. Mention the 2 houses of the Indian Parliament.

Ans: The two houses of the Indian Parliament are:

• Rajya Sabha
• Lok Sabha

Q9. Write a brief note on the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

Ans:

Rajya Sabha - The Rajya Sabha represents the states of India in Parliament. It consists of:

• 233 elected members
• 12 members nominated by the President

Members are elected by the Legislative Assemblies of the states. The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in reviewing and amending laws proposed by the Lok Sabha.

Lok Sabha - Known as the House of the People, the Lok Sabha has a total of 543 members. Key points include:

• Presided over by the Speaker
• Divided into 543 constituencies
• Members are elected during general elections

Once elected, these individuals become Members of Parliament (MPs), who collectively form the Parliament.

Q10. What are the three major duties of the Parliament?

Ans: The three major duties of the Parliament are:

• Select the National Government: Parliament chooses the government and its leaders.
• Control, Guide, and Inform the Government: It oversees government actions and policies, ensuring accountability.
• Law-Making: Parliament creates, amends, and repeals laws that govern the country.

Q11. How is a National government selected?

Ans: After the Lok Sabha elections, a list is created to show how many Members of Parliament (MPs) from each political party have won. The party with the majority of MPs will form the National government.

A majority party must have at least 272 MPs, which is more than half of the total number of MPs in the Lok Sabha.

Q12. What is ‘Question hour’ in Parliament?

Ans: The first hour of each sitting in a Parliament session is known as Question Hour. During this time:

• Members pose questions to specific government ministries.
• Concerned ministries are required to respond to these questions on a designated date.

The questions raised during Question Hour serve to:

• Highlight the shortcomings of the government.
• Reflect the opinions of citizens through their representatives, the MPs.

This process enables Parliament to effectively oversee the Executive (Government).

Q13. Write a brief note on the Members of Parliament.

Ans: The Members of Parliament come from diverse backgrounds, including many from rural areas and regional parties. This inclusivity allows for:

• Representation of previously unrepresented groups.
• Increased numbers from Dalit, backward castes, and minorities.

Having representatives from all sections of society ensures that every Indian is included in the decision-making process.