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Importance of Parliament

Parliament of IndiaParliament of India

  • We in India pride ourselves on being a democracy. There is a relation between the ideas of participation in decision-making and the need for all democratic governments to have the consent of their citizens. It is these elements that together make us democracy and this is best expressed in the institution of the Parliament. 
    Importance of Parliament | Social Studies (SST) Class 8
  • Parliament enables citizens of India to participate in decision making and control the government, thus making it the most important symbol of Indian democracy and a key feature of the Constitution.

People Power 

Importance of Parliament | Social Studies (SST) Class 8

  • India became independent on 15 August 1947. Many sections of society participated in the struggle. 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 criticize these decisions. The freedom movement changed this situation. 
  • The nationalists began to openly criticize 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. 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.

People and their Representatives

Elected Members at the First Constituent AssemblyElected Members at the First Constituent Assembly

  • The take-off point for democracy is the idea of consent, i.e. the desire, approval, and participation of people. It is the decision of people that create 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 the principle, as well as other public institutions, needs to have the trust of these citizens.
  • People elect their representatives to the Parliament, 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.
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FAQs on Importance of Parliament - Social Studies (SST) Class 8

1. What is the role of Parliament in a democracy?
Ans. The role of Parliament in a democracy is to represent the people, make laws, and oversee the government. Parliament consists of elected representatives who debate and decide on important national issues, ensuring that the voice of the citizens is heard in the decision-making process.
2. How do citizens influence their representatives in Parliament?
Ans. Citizens influence their representatives in Parliament by voting in elections, participating in public discussions, and engaging in advocacy. They can express their opinions through petitions, social media, and community meetings, thereby encouraging their representatives to consider their views and needs when making decisions.
3. Why is it important for Parliament to be accountable to the public?
Ans. It is important for Parliament to be accountable to the public because it ensures transparency and trust in the democratic process. When Parliament is accountable, it means that representatives must explain their decisions and actions to their constituents, allowing citizens to hold them responsible for their performance and choices.
4. What are the different functions of Parliament?
Ans. The different functions of Parliament include law-making, representing the electorate, scrutinizing the government, and debating important issues. Parliament also plays a crucial role in approving budgets and ensuring that the government is acting in the best interest of the people.
5. How does Parliament ensure that everyone's voice is heard?
Ans. Parliament ensures that everyone's voice is heard through the election of diverse representatives who reflect the varied interests and backgrounds of the population. Additionally, parliamentary committees, public consultations, and discussions provide platforms for citizens to express their opinions and contribute to the legislative process.
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