Why do we need a Parliament? Video Lecture | NCERT Video Summary: Class 6 to Class 12 (English) - UPSC

Ans. The Parliament plays a crucial role in a democratic country like India. It serves as the legislative body responsible for making laws, representing the interests of the people, and ensuring accountability of the government. The need for a Parliament arises from the following reasons: - Legislation: Parliament is responsible for making and amending laws that govern the country, ensuring a fair and just society. - Representation: It provides a platform for elected representatives to voice the concerns and interests of the people they represent. - Oversight: Parliament exercises oversight over the executive branch, ensuring that the government functions within the limits of the Constitution and remains accountable to the people. - Debate and Discussion: It allows for open debates and discussions on matters of national importance, facilitating the exchange of ideas and perspectives. - Decision-making: Parliament decides on crucial matters such as budget allocation, international treaties, and policy decisions, ensuring a collective and inclusive decision-making process.

Ans. The Parliament of India is a bicameral legislature consisting of two houses: - Rajya Sabha (Council of States): It represents the states and union territories of India. It consists of 245 members, of which 233 are elected by the members of State Legislative Assemblies and Union Territory Legislative Assemblies, while the President nominates 12 members with special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. - Lok Sabha (House of the People): It represents the people of India. It consists of a maximum of 552 members, including two members nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community and the rest elected through direct elections from territorial constituencies.

Ans. The Parliament of India has several powers and functions, including: - Legislative Powers: It has the authority to make laws on subjects within its jurisdiction, as enumerated in the Constitution's Union List and Concurrent List. - Financial Powers: It exercises control over the government's finances, including the approval of budgets, taxation, and expenditure. - Executive Control: Parliament holds the executive accountable through mechanisms like question hour, debates, and no-confidence motions. - Representation: It represents the interests of the people and acts as a platform for discussions and debates on issues of national importance. - Amendment of Constitution: Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, subject to certain procedural requirements. - Judicial Powers: It can impeach the President, Vice-President, and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts for violation of the Constitution or gross misconduct.

Ans. Members of Parliament (MPs) in India are elected through a general election process, which is conducted by the Election Commission of India. The process involves the following steps: - Electoral constituencies are demarcated based on population, ensuring equal representation. - Political parties nominate candidates to contest in their respective constituencies. - Registered voters cast their votes through electronic voting machines (EVMs) or postal ballots. - The candidate who secures the highest number of valid votes in a constituency is declared elected as an MP. - The elected MPs from different constituencies form the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

Ans. The duration of a Parliament session in India varies. However, there are typically three sessions in a year: - Budget Session: It is the longest session and usually starts in late January or early February and concludes in May. It includes a recess period. - Monsoon Session: It is held during July and August and focuses on legislative business and other important issues. - Winter Session: It is held in November and December and primarily focuses on legislative business. The duration of each session is decided by the President of India in consultation with the government. The sessions are conducted in both houses of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.