Parliament and the Making of Laws Chapter Notes - Class 8 PDF Download

Introduction

In India, the concepts of democracy and the consent of citizens are intertwined. This is exemplified in the institution of the Parliament, which enables citizens to participate in decision-making and control the government. In these notes, we will explore how the Parliament functions as a symbol of Indian democracy and a key feature of the Constitution.

Why should People Decide?

• Independence of India: India gained independence on 15 August 1947 after a long struggle involving various sections of society.
• Inspiration for the struggle: People joined the fight for freedom, driven by ideas of freedom, equality, and participation in decision-making.
• Colonial rule limitations: Under British rule, Indians lived in fear and were unable to openly criticise or influence decisions made by the government.
• Freedom movement impact: Nationalists began openly criticising the British government and making demands, such as elected representation in the legislature.
• Gradual change: The Government of India Act 1909 allowed some elected representation, but did not provide full voting rights or decision-making participation for all adults.
• Post-independence expectations: Nationalists believed that after independence, all citizens would be able to participate in decision-making processes.
• Meaning of independence: Being a free country meant the government had to be sensitive to people's needs and demands, rather than acting as it pleased.
• Constitution of India: The dreams of the freedom struggle were realised in the Constitution, which established the principle of universal adult franchise, giving all adult citizens the right to vote.

In conclusion, people should decide because the struggle for India's independence was driven by ideas of freedom, equality, and participation in decision-making. Post-independence, the Constitution established universal adult franchise, allowing all citizens to vote and participate in shaping a government sensitive to people's needs and demands.

• Consent as the foundation of democracy: The concept of democracy is built on the desire, approval, and participation of the people.
• Power of the individual: In a democracy, the citizen is the most important person, and the government and public institutions must earn their trust.
• Approval through elections: Individuals give their consent to the government by electing representatives to the Parliament.
• Formation of government: A group of elected representatives forms the government from within the Parliament.
• Parliament's role: The Parliament, consisting of all representatives, controls and guides the government.
• People's control over government: Through their chosen representatives, citizens both form and control the government.

In conclusion, democracy is founded on people's consent, participation, and approval. Citizens hold power and elect representatives to form the government in Parliament. Parliament guides the government, and people control it through their chosen representatives.

The Role of the Parliament

• Creation and purpose: The Indian Parliament was established in 1947 to represent the people's faith in democracy, ensuring participation in decision-making and government by consent.
• Elections: Parliament elections are held every five years, with the country divided into numerous constituencies, each electing one person to the Parliament.
• Members of Parliament (MPs): Candidates are usually from different political parties, and once elected, they become MPs, forming the Parliament.

There are two major roles of the Parliament:

1. To Select the National Government

• Parliament composition: The Indian Parliament includes the President, the Rajya Sabha, and the Lok Sabha.
• Majority party: A political party must have a majority of elected MPs (at least 272) to form the government.
• Opposition: All political parties not part of the majority form the Opposition, with the largest being the Opposition party.
• Executive selection: The Lok Sabha which contains 543 elected (plus 2 Anglo-Indian nominated) members selects the executive is led by the Prime Minister, who appoints ministers to implement decisions in various government areas.
• Coalition government: If no single party has a majority, parties with similar interests may form a coalition government.
• Rajya Sabha role: Representing the states in Parliament, the Rajya Sabha can initiate legislation and review or alter laws from the Lok Sabha. Members are elected by Legislative Assemblies, with 233 elected members and 12 nominated by the President.

In conclusion, the Indian Parliament consists of the President, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha. A party needs 272 MPs to form the government, while others become the Opposition. The Lok Sabha selects the executive, led by the Prime Minister. A coalition government can be formed if no party has a majority. The Rajya Sabha represents states and can initiate or amend legislation.

2. To Control, Guide and Inform the Government

• Question hour: The Parliament session begins with a question hour, where MPs can obtain information about the government's workings, helping to control the executive.
• Opposition parties: They point out policy flaws and mobilise support for their own policies, contributing to a healthy democracy.
• Government feedback: The government is kept accountable through questions asked by MPs and requires Parliament's approval for financial matters.
• MPs' central role: As representatives of the people, MPs play a key role in controlling, guiding, and informing the Parliament and Indian democracy.

In conclusion, the Parliament session starts with a question hour for MPs to learn about the government's workings. Opposition parties highlight policy issues and promote their own policies. The government is held accountable through MPs' questions and needs Parliament's approval for financial matters. MPs are crucial in controlling, guiding, and informing Indian democracy.

Introduction of New Laws

• Parliament's role: Parliament plays a significant role in creating laws, with various groups in society raising the need for specific laws.
• Addressing issues: Parliament must be sensitive to the problems faced by the public, like how the issue of domestic violence was brought to their attention and turned into law.
• Citizens' involvement: Citizens play a crucial role in helping Parliament frame laws by voicing their concerns through TV reports, newspaper editorials, radio broadcasts, and local meetings, making the process more accessible and transparent.

In conclusion, parliament creates laws based on society's needs and addresses issues faced by the public. Citizens play a crucial role in this process by voicing their concerns through various media channels and local meetings, making law-making accessible and transparent.

Unpopular and Controversial Laws

• Public Response to Unpopular Laws: Sometimes a law is legal but unpopular, and people may criticise it, hold public meetings, write in newspapers, or report on TV news channels.
• Democratic Expression of Disapproval: In a democracy, citizens can express their unwillingness to accept repressive laws passed by Parliament.
• Pressure for Change: When a large number of people feel a wrong law has been passed, there is pressure on Parliament to change it.
• Controversial Laws and Conflict: If a law favours one group and disregards another, it can be controversial and lead to conflict.
• Court Intervention: People who think a law is unfair can approach the court, which has the power to modify or cancel laws if they don't adhere to the Constitution.
• Protesting Unjust Laws: Citizens can protest, campaign, and show solidarity against unjust laws in various ways.Unpopular and controversial laws may face public criticism, protests, and pressure for change. In a democracy, citizens can express disapproval and even approach the court if a law is considered unfair. Controversial laws can lead to conflicts between different groups.

In conclusion, unpopular and controversial laws may face public criticism and protests. In a democracy, citizens can express disapproval and pressure Parliament to change such laws. Conflicts may arise if a law favors one group over another. People can approach courts to modify or cancel unfair laws, and protest against unjust laws in different ways.

Citizen's Role in Monitoring Parliament

• Responsibilities Beyond Elections: Citizens' roles don't end with electing representatives; they should also monitor and criticise MPs' actions when required.
• Importance of Public Involvement: The extent, involvement, and enthusiasm of the people help Parliament perform its representative functions properly.

Questions and Answers

Answer: People should decide because the struggle for India's independence was driven by ideas of freedom, equality, and participation in decision-making. Post-independence, the Constitution established universal adult franchise, allowing all citizens to vote and participate in shaping a government sensitive to people's needs and demands. In a democracy, the consent, approval, and participation of the people form the foundation, empowering individuals to elect representatives to form the government in Parliament. Parliament guides the government, and people control it through their chosen representatives.

2. What are the two major roles of the Indian Parliament? 

Answer: The two major roles of the Indian Parliament are: (1) to select the national government, which involves forming the government by a political party having a majority of elected MPs and selecting the executive led by the Prime Minister; and (2) to control, guide, and inform the government, which includes holding question hours for MPs to learn about the government's workings, keeping the government accountable through MPs' questions, and requiring Parliament's approval for financial matters.

3. How do citizens play a crucial role in helping Parliament frame laws? 

Answer: Citizens play a crucial role in helping Parliament frame laws by voicing their concerns through TV reports, newspaper editorials, radio broadcasts, and local meetings. By expressing their needs and highlighting issues faced by the public, citizens make the law-making process more accessible and transparent, ensuring that Parliament addresses society's needs and remains sensitive to the problems faced by the people.

4. How can citizens respond to unpopular and controversial laws in a democracy? 

Answer: In a democracy, citizens can express their disapproval of unpopular and controversial laws by criticizing them, holding public meetings, writing in newspapers, or reporting on TV news channels. They can also protest, campaign, and show solidarity against unjust laws in various ways. If a law is considered unfair, people can approach the court, which has the power to modify or cancel laws that do not adhere to the Constitution.

5. What is the role of citizens in monitoring the Parliament, and why is it important?

Answer: Citizens' roles don't end with electing representatives; they should also monitor and criticise MPs' actions when required. The extent, involvement, and enthusiasm of the people help Parliament perform its representative functions properly. Public involvement ensures that Parliament remains accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs and demands of the citizens, thereby strengthening the democratic process and upholding the principles of democracy.