Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 Practice Question Answers - Why Do We Need a Parliament?

Q1: Why is the Parliament an essential institution in a democratic country?
(a) To elect the Prime Minister
(b) To make and amend laws
(c) To enforce judicial decisions
(d) To conduct foreign diplomacy
Ans: (b)
Parliament plays a crucial role in making and amending laws. It is responsible for representing the interests of the citizens, discussing and debating various issues, and passing laws that govern the country.

Q2: Which house of Parliament is responsible for representing the states of India?
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Vidhan Sabha
(d) State Assembly
Ans: (b)
Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories of India. It ensures that the interests of different states are considered at the national level and provides a platform for their voices to be heard in the legislative process.

Q3: What is the primary function of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha?
(a) To lead the ruling party
(b) To propose new laws
(c) To maintain order and decorum in the house
(d) To conduct foreign affairs
Ans: (c)
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is responsible for maintaining order and decorum during parliamentary sessions. They ensure that debates are conducted in an organized and respectful manner, allowing all members to express their views.

Q4: Which of the following statements about a 'No Confidence Motion' is true?
(a) It is introduced in the Rajya Sabha
(b) It requires a majority of all members to pass
(c) It is aimed at removing the President
(d) It challenges the government's position in power
Ans: (d)
A 'No Confidence Motion' is a parliamentary motion introduced in the Lok Sabha to challenge the government's position in power. If the motion is passed by a majority, it signifies that the members have lost confidence in the government.

Q5: What is the purpose of the Budget Session in the Parliament?
(a) To introduce new laws
(b) To discuss foreign policy
(c) To present the annual budget
(d) To elect the Prime Minister
Ans: (c)
The Budget Session of Parliament is primarily focused on presenting and discussing the annual budget of the country. It outlines the government's financial plans and allocations for various sectors, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters.

Q6: Explain the role of the President in the functioning of the Parliament.
Ans: The President of India plays a significant role in the functioning of the Parliament. They are an integral part of the legislative process and have the following key roles:

• Summoning Sessions: The President summons both Houses of Parliament for sessions and can also prorogue (end) them. They have the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha in certain circumstances.
• Giving Assent: Bills passed by both Houses require the President's assent to become laws. The President can choose to give assent, withhold assent, or return the bill for reconsideration.
• Calling Joint Sessions: If there is a deadlock between the two Houses over a bill, the President can call a joint session to resolve the issue.
• Addressing Parliament: The President addresses both Houses at the beginning of the first session after each general election and at the start of the Parliament's annual session.

Q7: Describe the composition and significance of the Rajya Sabha.
Ans: The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of India's Parliament and plays a crucial role in the legislative process. Its composition includes:

• Elected Members: Members are elected by the members of State Legislative Assemblies using a single transferable vote system.
• Nominated Members: The President can nominate individuals with special knowledge or experience in literature, science, art, and social service.
• Representation of States: Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories, ensuring their interests are considered at the national level.
• Staggered Terms: Members serve staggered terms to provide continuity and expertise.

Q8: What is a 'Private Member's Bill,' and how does it contribute to the legislative process?
Ans: A 'Private Member's Bill' is a legislative proposal introduced by a Member of Parliament (MP) who is not a part of the government. It is usually presented on Fridays in the Lok Sabha. Such bills contribute to the legislative process in the following ways:

• Encouraging Participation: Private members can raise issues that might not be a priority for the government, broadening the range of topics discussed.
• Promoting Public Interest: These bills often address issues affecting the general public or specific constituencies.
• Enhancing Debate: Debates on private member's bills provide a platform for constructive discussions, diverse viewpoints, and potential improvements to existing laws.
• Democratic Participation: They showcase democratic participation beyond the government's agenda.

Q9: Discuss the importance of Question Hour in the functioning of Parliament.
Ans: Question Hour is a significant feature of the parliamentary proceedings that holds the government accountable to the people and the Parliament. It is essential for the following reasons:

• Government Accountability: Members can question ministers about various aspects of governance, policies, and decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Informing Citizens: The questions and answers during this hour provide valuable information to citizens about the government's actions and plans.
• Policy Scrutiny: It allows for in-depth discussions and clarifications on policies, aiding informed decision-making by the Parliament.
• Exposing Issues: Questions may highlight issues that need attention or reveal flaws in existing policies.

Q10: Describe the significance of the Parliament's role in making and passing laws.
Ans: The Parliament's role in making and passing laws is of utmost importance for a democratic nation. Its significance lies in:

• Representation: Parliament represents the diverse interests and aspirations of the citizens, making laws that reflect their needs and values.
• Debate and Deliberation: Lawmakers engage in rigorous debates and discussions before passing laws, ensuring comprehensive analysis and refining of ideas.
• Checks and Balances: Parliament's approval is essential for any legislation, ensuring that no single entity has unchecked power.
• Public Participation: Laws are often based on public opinion and expert inputs, fostering a sense of participation and ownership among citizens.
• Rule of Law: Parliament's role in enacting laws ensures the application of the rule of law, promoting fairness and justice in society.

Q11: Explain the role of Parliament in a democratic country. How does it ensure representation and participation of the people in the decision-making process?
Ans: The Parliament plays a pivotal role in a democratic country by representing the diverse interests of its citizens and ensuring effective governance. It consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, both representing the people's voice. The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people, reflecting their preferences, while the Rajya Sabha represents the states' interests. Through debates, discussions, and voting, Parliament ensures that laws and policies are formulated with the participation of various viewpoints, making decision-making more inclusive and reflective of the nation's collective will.

Q12: Discuss the legislative functions of the Indian Parliament. How does it contribute to the making and amending of laws?
Ans: The Indian Parliament performs crucial legislative functions by making and amending laws. It does this through a well-defined process involving both houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A proposed bill goes through readings, debates, and discussions in both houses. If both houses agree, the bill is sent for the President's assent, after which it becomes law. The Parliament's role in this process ensures that laws are thoroughly scrutinized, debated upon, and represent the diverse needs and aspirations of the citizens.

Q13: Elaborate on the oversight and control functions of the Parliament. How does it exercise control over the executive branch of the government?
Ans: The Parliament serves as a vital mechanism for oversight and control over the executive branch of the government. It achieves this through mechanisms like Question Hour, debates, discussions, and parliamentary committees. During Question Hour, Members of Parliament (MPs) can question ministers about their departments' functioning, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, parliamentary committees conduct in-depth examinations of various issues, ensuring the executive's actions are in the best interest of the people. This oversight mechanism strengthens the democratic fabric by preventing abuse of power and promoting good governance.

Q14: Describe the significance of a bicameral legislature in India's parliamentary system. How does the Rajya Sabha complement the functioning of the Lok Sabha?
Ans: In India's parliamentary system, the bicameral legislature holds immense significance. The Rajya Sabha, as the upper house, complements the Lok Sabha's functioning by representing the federal nature of the country. It ensures that states' interests are safeguarded and prevents hasty decisions that might ignore regional concerns. While the Lok Sabha represents the people's will directly, the Rajya Sabha represents states' interests, providing a balanced approach to legislation. This arrangement prevents any undue concentration of power and contributes to a more inclusive and well-considered decision-making process.

Q15: Explain the concept of 'Money Bill' in the Indian parliamentary context. How does the special treatment of Money Bills emphasize the importance of financial matters in the functioning of the government?
Ans: In the Indian parliamentary context, a 'Money Bill' is a specific type of legislation that deals exclusively with matters related to taxation, government expenditure, borrowing, or the Consolidated Fund of India. These bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and are accompanied by special procedures. The Lok Sabha's authority over Money Bills reflects the significance of financial matters in governance. This exclusive treatment highlights the Parliament's control over public funds, ensuring transparency, accountability, and careful consideration of financial decisions that impact the nation's well-being.