Morning Star Textbook Solutions: The Union Legislature | History and Civics Class 10 ICSE PDF Download

Very Short Questions

Q1: Name the organs of the Indian Government.
Ans: The Indian Government consists of three organs: Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.

Q2: State the functions of Legislatures, Executive and Judiciary.
Ans: The Legislature creates laws, the Executive implements these laws, and the Judiciary interprets and applies the laws in real situations.

Q3: Which is the law making body at Central level?
Ans: The Parliament is the central law-making body in India.

Q4: What are the constituents of the Parliament?
Ans: The Parliament comprises the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha, and the President.

Q5: Name the lists, which distribute the subjects of Legislation between the Union and the State.
Ans: They are:

• The Union List
• The State List
• The Concurrent List.

Q6: Mention any one situation when both the houses of Parliament meet for a joint session.
Ans: A joint session can be held for electing the Vice-President.

Q7: Who summons the budget session every following year?
Ans: The President summons the annual budget session.

Q8: When does the President summons the Parliament in session?
Ans: The President convenes Parliament on the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers' advice, ensuring sessions occur at least every 6 months.

Q9: What is the maximum gap allowed between two Parliamentary sessions?
Ans: A maximum 6-month gap is permitted between Parliamentary sessions.

Q10: Who administers the oath of office to the Members of Parliament?
Ans: The President administers the oath to Parliament Members.

Q11: India has which type of Legislature?
Ans: India has a Bicameral Legislature.

Q12: Name the houses of Parliament.
Ans: The houses of Parliament are the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Q13: Mention the maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha?
Ans: The Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 552 members.

Q14: Whom does the President nominate in the Lok Sabha?
Ans: The President nominates two members from the Anglo-Indian Community.

Q15: Who exercises a casting vote in case of a tie in the Lok Sabha?
Ans: The Speaker exercises a casting vote during a tie in the Lok Sabha.

Q16: Who can dissolve the Lok Sabha before its tenure?
Ans: The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha before its tenure on advice of Prime Minister.The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha before its term ends on the Prime Minister's advice.

Q17: What is the minimum age required to be attained by a member of Lok Sabha?
Ans: A Lok Sabha member must be at least 25 years old.

Q18: State the minimum number of times the Lok Sabha must meet in a year.
Ans: The Lok Sabha must meet at least twice a year with no more than six months between sessions.

Q19: What is meant by the term Quorum? Or Explain the term Quorum.
Ans: Quorum refers to the minimum number of members required for Parliamentary proceedings.

Q20: What is the Quorum of the Lok Sabha?
Ans: The Lok Sabha's Quorum is one-tenth of the total membership.

Q21: What is the normal term of the Lok Sabha?
Ans: The Lok Sabha normally serves for five years.

Q22: Who elects the members of the Lok Sabha ?
Ans: Lok Sabha members are directly elected by citizens through adult franchise from single-member constituencies.

Q23: Mention any two devices through which the Lok Sabha exercises control over the Council of Ministers.
Ans: The Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers through Question Hour and Votes of No Confidence.

Q24: An adult Indian citizen holding an office of profit under the State Government wishes to contest for election to the Lok Sabha. Is he/she eligible? Give a reason to justify your answer.
Ans: No, a person holding an office of profit under the government cannot contest Lok Sabha elections.

Q25: What is the Constitutional provision with regard to the representation of the Anglo-Indian community in the Lok Sabha?
Ans: Under Article 79, the President can nominate two Anglo-Indian representatives to the Lok Sabha.

Q26: How is the Speaker of Lok Sabha elected?
Ans: The Lok Sabha Speaker is elected from among the Lok Sabha members.

Q27: Who presides over the proceedings of the Lok Sabha in the absence of the Speaker?
Ans: The Deputy Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha in the Speaker's absence.

Q28: Which is the Upper House?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House, representing States and Union Territories.

Q29: Name the body, which elects the Rajya Sabha members.
Ans: State Legislative Assemblies elect Rajya Sabha members.

Q30: Who is the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: The Vice-President of India serves as the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Q31: Mention the maximum number of members in the Rajya Sabha.
Ans: The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members.

Q32: What is the tenure of the members of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: Rajya Sabha members serve six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years.

Q33: Why cannot the Rajya Sabha be dissolved?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha is a Permanent House of Parliament and cannot be dissolved.

Q34: Name the Bill that cannot originate in the Rajya Sabha.
Ans: Money Bills cannot originate in the Rajya Sabha.

Q35: Why is the Rajya Sabha called a permanent House?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha is called permanent because it's never fully dissolved, with one-third of members retiring every two years and being replaced by new members.

Q36: What is the Zero Hour?
Ans: Zero Hour is the period from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM before lunch, when members can raise questions without prior permission.

Q37: What is a Motion?
Ans: A Motion is a proposal used by Parliament members to gather House opinions on important public issues.

Q38: What is meant by the term question hours in the context of Parliamentary procedures in India?
Ans: Question Hour is the first hour of each sitting in both houses dedicated to asking and answering questions.

Q39: What do you understand by Adjournment Motion?
Ans: An Adjournment Motion allows members to draw government attention to urgent matters.

Q40: Mention the ways, how Parliament Control over the Executive?
Ans: Parliament controls the Executive through Question Hour and Adjournment Motions.

Q41: Mention two financial powers of the Union Parliament.
Ans: The Union Parliament passes the annual Union Budget and ensures no money is raised or spent without its consent.

Q42: What happens if either the Parliament or a State Legislature passes any law that is against the Constitution?
Ans: The Supreme Court declares such laws invalid.

Q43: How does Parliament exercise control over the Union Council of Ministers?
Ans: The Council of Ministers must maintain Lok Sabha majority confidence; a no-confidence vote forces them to resign.

Q44: How many members can the president nominate to the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Ans: The President can nominate two members to the Lok Sabha and twelve to the Rajya Sabha.

Q45: Who addresses the joint session of both the Houses?
Ans: The President addresses joint sessions of both Houses.

Q46: Who decides whether a Bill is Money Bill or not?
Ans: The Lok Sabha Speaker decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill.

Q47: What is the difference between a Money Bill and Non-Money Bill?
Ans: Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, while Non-Money Bills can be introduced in either House.

Q48: What is the procedure adopted for resolving deadlock between the two houses of Parliament with regard to an Ordinary Bill?
Ans: If the President returns a Bill for reconsideration and Parliament passes it again, the President must give assent.

Q49: What are Residuary Powers?
Ans: Residuary Powers cover subjects not mentioned in any list of the Constitution.

Q50: Which House is more powerful? Why?
Ans: The Lok Sabha is more powerful because in a democracy, the house with directly elected representatives is constitutionally granted more power.

Q51: What is understood by the term ‘Individual Responsibility’ in a Parliament Democracy?
Ans: Individual Responsibility means a Parliament member is accountable for their actions and decisions, taking sole blame and resigning if they fail to fulfill responsibilities.

Short Questions – I

Q1: Give any four qualifications necessary for an individual seeking election to the Lok Sabha.
Ans: Lok Sabha candidates must be:

• Indian citizens
• At least 25 years old
• Mentally sound
• Meeting qualifications prescribed by Parliament

Q2: What are the disqualifications laid down to be elected as the member of Lok Sabha?
Ans: Disqualifications include:

• Being a government contractor
• Imprisonment conviction exceeding two years
• Election offense or corrupt practice guilt
• Failure to report election expenses

Q3: What are the facilities and allowances given to a Member of Parliament?
Ans: MPs receive salaries and allowances determined by Parliament, daily session allowances, free nationwide rail travel, and amenities like housing, telephone, and electricity.

Q4: Differentiate between Unicameral and Bicameral Legislature.
Ans: A Bicameral Legislature has two houses (Lower and Upper), while a Unicameral Legislature has only one house.

Q5: Mention two Legislative powers of the Union Parliament.
Ans: The Union Parliament exclusively makes laws on the 97 Union List subjects and holds residuary power over subjects not mentioned in any constitutional list.

Q6: Mention any two privileges of the Member of the Parliament.
Or
Mention one privilege of a Member of Parliament.
Ans: MPs enjoy freedom of speech in the House without legal consequences and freedom from court appearance as witnesses or jurors.

Q7: Who elects the Members of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies and Union Territories elect Rajya Sabha members through proportional representation with single transferable votes.

Q8: What is the duration of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that isn't dissolved. Members serve six-year terms with one-third retiring every two years.

Q9: Describe how Parliament controls the executive through Adjournment Motion?
Ans: Adjournment Motion: Motion for adjournment furnishes the opportunity to censure the acts of omission and commission of the Ministers. The following are some of the subjects on which Adjournment Motions were allowed:
(i) Killing of a senior IPS Officer in a place of worship.
(ii) Death of several persons due to the consumption of unlicensed liquor.

Q10: What are the privileges and immunities of the members of the Lok Sabha?
Ans: Lok Sabha members have absolute freedom of speech in the House without legal consequences and protection from civil proceedings during Parliament sessions, including freedom from court appearances as witnesses or jurors.

Short Questions – II

Q1: Give any four qualifications necessary for an individual seeking election to the Lok Sabha.
Ans: Qualifications of members: In order to be chosen as a member of the Lok Sabha a person;

• should be a citizen of India;
• should not be less than 25 years of age; and
• should possess such other qualifications as may be prescribed under any law made by Parliament.
• A person shall not be qualified to be elected for a seat in the Lok Sabha unless-he is registered as a voter in any of the Parliamentary constituencies;
• should be mentally sound.

Q2: What is the duration of the Lok Sabha?
Ans: The Lok Sabha's term is five years unless dissolved earlier. During Emergency, its term may be extended by Parliament for up to one year at a time, not exceeding six months after the Emergency ends.

Q3: What is the schedule for Parliamentary sessions?
Ans: Sessions of the Lok Sabha: The sessions of each House of Parliament are summoned by the President. This is subject to the condition that six months shall not intervene between the two sessions. In other words, Parliament should hold at least two sessions in a year. Normally, three sessions are held in a year:

• Budget Session (February – May)
• Monsoon Session (July – September), and
• Winter Session (November – December).

The President is empowered to prorogue Parliament or any of its Houses. He may dissolved the Lok Sabha.

Q4: What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha provided by the Constitution? How many members does the president nominate to the Lok Sabha? How are members to the Lok Sabha elected?’
Ans: The Constitution provides for a maximum of 552 Lok Sabha members. The President nominates two Anglo-Indian community members. The remaining members are directly elected by citizens aged 18 and above through Universal Adult Franchise.

Q5: How can the Speaker be removed from office?
Ans: The Speaker can resign due to ill-health or by submitting a resignation to the Deputy Speaker. Alternatively, the House can remove the Speaker by passing a majority resolution after providing fourteen days' notice, during which the Deputy Speaker cannot preside over Lok Sabha meetings.

Q6: Discuss the powers of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha reference to regulate proceedings of the House.
Ans: Power to regulate proceedings of the House:

• Speaker presides over meetings of the House. He allots time for the discussion of matter mentioned in the President’s address. He decides who shall have the floor and all speeches and remarks and addressed to the Chair.
• The Speaker decides the admissibility of questions and all resolutions. He is the final judge to decide on the admissibility of a Motion of Adjournment.
• All Bills passed by the House are authenticated by his signatures before they are sent to the Rajya Sabha for its consideration or to the President for his assent.

Q7: Mention three Disciplinary functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Ans: Disciplinary functions:

• The Speaker maintains order in the House. He may name a member for suspension, if he disregards the authority of the Chair. In case of grave disorder, he can adjourn the House.
• If the Speaker is of the opinion that a word or words used in the debate are indecent or unparliamentary, he may expunge such words from the proceedings of the House.
• The Speaker decides whether there is a prima facie case regarding breach of privilege or contempt of the House.

Q8: Discuss about Administrative functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Ans: The Speaker:

• Receives all petitions and documents addressed to the House
• Communicates House decisions to relevant authorities for compliance
• Controls admission of visitors and press to House galleries

Q9: How the Parliamentary Committees are controlled by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
Ans: Control over Parliamentary Committees:

• The speaker is the Ex-officio Chairman of some of the Committees of the House, such as the Business Advisory Committee and the Rules Committee.
• He appoints Chairmen of all Committees of the House.
• He issues directions to the Chairmen in all matters relating to their working.
• If Government claims that a particular document is secret, but the Committees insist on its production before them, the matter is referred to the Speaker for advice and his instructions are obeyed.

Q10: How are members to the Rajya Sabha elected?
Ans: Rajya Sabha members are elected by State Legislative Assembly elected members through proportional representation with single transferable votes. Union Territory representatives are chosen as Parliament prescribes. Delhi's three representatives are elected by its Legislative Assembly members. Currently, the Rajya Sabha has 245 members, including 12 Presidential nominees.

Q11: What are the qualifications of the members of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: Qualifications for membership: In order to be chosen as a member of the Rajya Sabha, a person;

• Must be a citizen of India;
• Must not be less than 30 years of age.
• Must possess such additional qualifications as may be prescribed by law from time to: time. Under the Representation of People Act a person should ordinarily be a resident of the State or the Territory where from he is seeking election.

Q12: Mention two ways in which the Rajya Sabha and the Legislative Council can control the executive. Explain one of its limitations in this regard.
Ans: Two ways in which Rajya Sabha and the Legislative Council can control the executive:
(i) It can reject an Ordinary Bill passed by the Lower House which would then be resolved by a joint session.
(ii) Though a Money Bill originates in the Lower House it can be sent back with recommendations.
One limitation in this regard is that the Lower House is not bound to follow the recommendations.

Q13: What are Financial Powers of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha has limited financial powers compared to Lok Sabha. Money Bills originate only in Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes within 14 days, playing merely an advisory role, while Lok Sabha maintains financial supremacy.

Q14: What are the Administrative Powers of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha can exercise administrative control over the executive through questions, discussions, and debates. Ministers can be appointed from its members and participate in proceedings, though they cannot vote if not Lok Sabha members.

Q15: Three reasons to justify why the Lok Sabha is considered to be more powerful then the Rajya Sabha.
Ans: Following are the three reasons to justify why Lok Sabha is considered to be more powerful than Rajya Sabha:
(i) The members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by people of India, whereas Rajya Sabha is indirectly elected body. Thus, in the Indian democratic set-up, Lok Sabha acts as the mirror and voice of the nation.
(ii) The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha. It is not responsible to the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha may pass No-Confidence Motion against the Council of Ministers. This power is not enjoyed by the Rajya Sabha.
(iii) The Lok Sabha controls the national purse. In fact, the power of the Lok Sabha over national income and expenditure is absolute. The Constitution has made the Rajya Sabha powerless in this regard. If the Annual Budget is finally passed by the Lok Sabha then Rajya Sabha can delay it only for 14 days.

Q16: The two Houses of the Parliament enjoy co-equal powers in many spheres explain it by giving any three examples.
Ans: The two Houses of the Parliament enjoy co-equal powers because:
(i) Either House can frame charges and impeach the President for violation of the Constitution.
(ii) An Ordinary Bill can originate in either House of the Parliament and must be passed by both the Houses of Parliament.
(iii) Both the House have equal rights of asking questions or bringing in various kinds of motions against the Govememnt.

Q17: Mention three instances when the Parliament can make laws on the subjects entered in the State list.
Ans: Parliament can legislate on State List subjects when:

• A National Emergency is proclaimed under Article 352
• The Rajya Sabha passes a two-thirds majority resolution declaring a subject nationally important
• Two or more States request Parliament to legislate on a State List subject (applicable only to consenting States)

Q18: Mention three Legislative Powers of Union Parliament.
Ans: Three Legislative Powers of the Union Parliament are:
(i) It has exclusive powers to make laws with respect to matters mentioned in the Union List and also in the Concurrent List.
(ii) The Parliament can Legislate on subjects included in the State List during emergency.
(iii) It has residuary powers which means that it can make laws with respect to all these matters which are not mentioned in any of the three lists.

Q19: Mention three of Financial Powers of the Union Parliament.
Ans: Three Financial Powers of the Union Parliament are:
(i) It passes the Union Budget.
(ii) It can make supplementary grants if the amount authorised is insufficient.
(iii) If the Budget is not Passed before April 1, then there would be no money for the executive to spend. To provide money to the executive for day to day expenditure till the passage of budget a “Vote on Account” is passed.

Q20: Explain the powers of the Union Parliament in respect of matters in the Union List and Concurrent List.
Ans: Powers of the Parliament with Respect to Matters in the Union List and Concurrent List:

• Union List: There are 97 subject in the Union list. The Union list includes subjects of national importance like, defence, finance, foreign affairs, etc. Only the Union Parliament can make laws on these subjects.
• Concurrent List: The concurrent list includes subjects on which both the Union and State Government can make laws. Along with the State Legislative Assemblies, the Parliament can make laws on the 47 subjects listed in the Concurrent List. If there is a conflict between the law enacted by the Parliament and the law made by the State Legislature with respect to concurrent list, the Union Law will prevail.

Q21: Discuss the procedure to be followed by the Union Parliament in passing a Non-Money Bill.
Ans: The Non-Money Bills or Ordinary Bills can be introduced on either House of the Parliament. Approval of both the Houses of the Parliament is necessary to pass the Ordinary Bill. In case of difference, there is a provision of joint sitting of both the Houses. In each House an Ordinary Bill has to pass through these following stages:
(i) First reading
(ii) Second reading,
(iii) Committee stage
(iv) Report stage
(v) Third reading.

Then the Bill goes for assent to the President. If the President returns the Bill for reconsideration and the Parliament repasses it again, the President has to give his assent to the Bill and it is considered as passed.

Q22: Discuss, how Parliament controls the executive through Censure Motion and No-Confidence motion interpolation?
Ans: Parliament controls the executive through Question Hour, Calling Attention Notices, and Half-an-Hour Discussions. The Question Hour (first hour of each sitting) is most important, allowing members to seek information on government policies and performance, addressing public concerns and keeping Ministers accountable.

Q23: Discuss, how Parliament controls the executive through Censure Motion and No-Confidence Motion?
Ans: Parliament can move Censure Motions against the Council of Ministers or individual Ministers to express strong policy disapproval. If adopted, the Government must resign, though censure of individual Ministers has no such effect. No-Confidence Motions, moved by Opposition members, also force Government resignation if carried.

Long Questions

Q1: In the context of the Union Parliament, describe the Financial Powers of the Union Parliament.
Ans: The Union Parliament holds significant financial authority, which includes:

• The Budget: Parliament approves the annual budget, which outlines the government's estimated receipts and expenditures. The budget is presented in two parts: the Railway Budget and the General Budget.
• Supplementary Grants: If the initial funds are insufficient for the year, Parliament may approve additional funding through supplementary grants.
• Votes on Account: To ensure the government continues to function even if the budget has not been approved by April 1, Parliament can approve a 'Vote on Account,' allowing the government to withdraw necessary funds from the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Fixation of Salaries: Parliament sets the salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament and Ministers.
• Taxation and Expenditure Approval: No new taxes can be levied nor can any public expenditure occur without Parliament's approval.

Q2: Mention four of Administrative or Executive Powers.
Ans: The Union Parliament exercises several administrative or executive powers:

• Monetary Oversight: Parliament can scrutinize government spending through mechanisms like cut motions, ensuring funds are used as intended.
• Motions of Censure and No Confidence: Parliament can express disapproval of government actions or policies through censure motions, or challenge the government's mandate to govern through no-confidence motions.
• Adjournment Motion: This motion can be used to defer the day's scheduled business to address urgent matters or criticize the government.
• Question Hour: The initial hour of a parliamentary session is dedicated to questioning the government about its actions and policies, allowing MPs to hold the government accountable.

Q3: Discuss the procedure to be followed by the Union Parliament in Passing a Money Bill.
Ans: The following procedure is followed by the Union Parliament in passing the Money Bills:

• A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha on the prior recommendation of the President.
• After it has been passed by the Lok Sabha, the Money Bill is sent to the Rajya Sabha, which must return the Bill within 14 days with or without its recommendations to Lok Sabha.
• If the Rajya Sabha does not make any recommendations within 14 days the Bill is deemed to have been passed by the Rajya Sabha. However, if the Lok Sabha does not accept the recommendations made by the Rajya Sabha, the Bill is deemed to have been passed in the form it was passed by the Lok Sabha. If the Money Bill is not sent back by the Rajya Sabha within a period of 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by the both Houses at the expiration of the said period.
• After a Money Bill is passed by both the Houses, it is sent to the President, who shall not with hold his assent from the Money Bill.

Q4: Mention four special powers of the Rajya Sabha.
Or
What are the powers of the Rajya Sabha? Describe the legislative and financial powers of the Rajya Sabha.
Ans: The Rajya Sabha possesses several unique powers, including:

• Emergency Provisions: The Rajya Sabha can approve the continuation of a presidential emergency declaration if the Lok Sabha is not in session.
• Constitutional Amendments and Presidential Actions: The Rajya Sabha shares equal power with the Lok Sabha in constitutional amendments, and matters like presidential elections and impeachments.
• State List Legislation: With a two-thirds majority, the Rajya Sabha can enable Parliament to legislate on matters from the State List deemed of national importance.
• Creation of All-India Services: The Rajya Sabha can initiate the creation of new All-India Services, which require its approval.

Q5: What is the relation between the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha?
Ans: Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha enjoy equal powers but the Lok Sabha is more powerful than the Rajya Sabha:

• The Rajya Sabha has no control over the Cabinet who are responsible to the Lok Sabha. It cannot censure a minister or bring a No-Confidence Motion.
• In financial matters the power of the Rajya Sabha is negligible as no Money Bill can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. It can just scrutinize the Bill.
• In all matters of legislation including Constitutional Amendment, the Rajya Sabha enjoys the equal powers with Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha enjoys two exclusive powers:
(a) If the Rajya Sabha passes by two-third majority sitting and voting that a particular subject mentioned in the State list is of national interest then the Parliament is empowered to make laws on the subject.
(b) Rajya Sabha can decide to set up an All India Service in the similar way.