Key Concepts: The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive | Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

Introduction

• Independence: India gained freedom in 1947 after many years of struggle against British rule. This meant Indians could now govern themselves.
• Constitution: A special book of rules that explains how the country should be run and protects the rights of everyone.
• Universal Adult Franchise: Every adult, whether man or woman, rich or poor, from any community, has the right to vote in elections.
• Parliament: A place where elected representatives from all over India meet to make laws and control the government. It works with the consent of the people.

Composition of the Parliament of India

• Bicameral System: This means Parliament has two houses to balance power and representation — the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
• Lok Sabha: Also called the House of the People, members are chosen directly by citizens through elections. The maximum number is 550 members.
• Rajya Sabha: This is the Council of States, where members are elected indirectly by the state legislative assemblies to represent their states.
• Presiding Officers: Lok Sabha members elect a Speaker who runs the sessions. The Vice President of India acts as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha

Function

• Legislative Role: Parliament makes laws for the whole country on important issues.
• Executive Role: The government (called the Executive), led by the Prime Minister and ministers, puts these laws into action.
• Translation Services: To include all members, Parliament provides translations in many Indian languages so everyone can follow the discussions.
• Council of Ministers: A group of ministers from Parliament runs the government and is responsible to the Lok Sabha for their actions.

Legislative Functions of the Parliament

Constitutional function

• Election of President and Vice President: Parliament elects these important national leaders.
• Amendments: Sometimes the Constitution needs to be updated; Parliament can make these changes.
• Core Values: It protects democracy by ensuring voting rights to all adults, maintains the separation of powers to prevent misuse, supports federalism (division of powers between the Centre and states), and upholds fundamental rights.

Lawmaking

• Bill: A proposed law introduced in Parliament for discussion.
• Act: When a bill is approved by both houses and signed by the President, it becomes a law called an act.
• Process: The bill is read, debated clause-by-clause, sometimes sent to a committee for detailed study, voted on by both houses, and finally receives the President’s assent.
• Example: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) started as a bill and became a law to guarantee education for children aged 6 to 14.

Executive accountability

• Question Hour: A special session when MPs question ministers about their departments to make sure they are doing their jobs properly.
• Committees: Parliamentary special groups look closely at government policies and actions to hold ministers accountable.

Financial accountability

• Budget Approval: Parliament examines and approves the government’s yearly spending plan (budget).
• Monitoring: It also checks how the government spends money to make sure it follows approved plans carefully.

Executive Functions of the Parliament

The President

• Head of State: The formal leader and symbol of India’s unity.
• Role: The President appoints the Prime Minister, calls Parliament sessions, and signs bills into law. In certain emergencies or political crises, the President can act on their own.

The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers

• Prime Minister: The real leader of the government, chosen to lead the majority party in the Lok Sabha.
• Key Functions: Leads the Council of Ministers, advises the President, coordinates ministries, and shapes national policies.
• Council of Ministers: Ministers who head different government departments, chosen from Parliament, collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• Civil Servants: Professional officials who help ministers implement laws and run government departments.

The Judiciary — Role of Checks and Balances

• Judiciary: The system of courts, including the Supreme Court, that interprets laws and ensures all laws follow the Constitution.
• Checking Power: The Judiciary stops the Legislature and Executive if they misuse power by reviewing laws and actions.
• Guardian of Rights: Courts protect the fundamental rights of citizens against any unfair laws or government actions.
• Separation of Powers: Ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by balancing each other’s powers.

Legislative and Executive Functions at the State Level

Structure of State Legislatures

• Vidhan Sabha: The main legislative assembly in every state, where MLAs make laws for the state.
• Vidhan Parishad: Some states have a second house (legislative council,) creating a bicameral legislature; others have only one house (unicameral).
• Unicameral vs. Bicameral: States like Karnataka and Maharashtra have two houses; many others have only Vidhan Sabha.

Challenges to the Effective Functioning of the Legislatures

• Productivity: Measured by how much time Parliament and state assemblies work effectively compared to the scheduled time.
• Disruptions: Frequent interruptions and shouting matches reduce time for serious discussion and delay passing laws.
• Attendance: Some members miss sessions regularly, reducing the quality of debates.
• Criminal Cases: Some elected representatives have criminal charges, raising concerns about their ability to serve well.
• Citizens’ Role: People staying informed, asking questions, and participating in politics help make democracy stronger and governments more accountable.