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

Introduction

• India’s independence led to the framing of the Constitution, establishing foundational democratic principles.
• The Constitution introduced Universal Adult Franchise, enabling all adults to vote.
• Parliament is the supreme legislative body, formed by elected representatives, and functions with the consent of the people.
• India’s democracy includes checks and balances among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.

Composition of the Parliament of India

• The Parliament consists of the President, the Lok Sabha (House of the People, Lower House), and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States, Upper House).
• Lok Sabha members are directly elected; state legislatures indirectly elect Rajya Sabha members.
• The system is bicameral, accommodating the principle of federalism to balance national and regional interests.
• The maximum strength: 550 members in Lok Sabha (as per Constitution), state-wise allocation by population.

Function

• Each House has a presiding officer: the Speaker for Lok Sabha; the Vice President (Chairperson) for Rajya Sabha.
• Duties include ensuring debates are orderly and accessible, with interpretation services in multiple languages.
• Parliament is responsible for law-making (legislative function) and ensuring laws are implemented (executive function).
• Council of Ministers is chosen from the MPs and is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Legislative Functions of the Parliament

• The Parliament performs key functions under four main areas:
  - Constitutional function- Lawmaking
  - Executive accountability
  - Financial accountability

Constitutional function

• Elects the President and Vice President.
• Amends the Constitution as needed.
• Upholds constitutional values: democracy, separation of powers, federalism, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles.

Lawmaking

• Major role: Make laws through a rigorous procedure.
• A bill (draft law) goes through introduction, readings, debates, committee scrutiny, voting, and then gets the President’s assent to become a law.
• Example: The Right to Education Act, 2009, started as a bill and became law after passing through these steps.
• Money Bills (financial matters) can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Executive accountability

• The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers implement and enforce laws.
• They are answerable to Lok Sabha, especially via Question Hour, where ministers must justify their actions and decisions.
• Parliamentary committees examine government policies and report to Parliament.

Financial accountability

• Parliament approves and monitors governmental expenditure via the annual budget process.
• Ensures government spending follows approved allocations, promoting transparency and accountability.

Executive Functions of the Parliament

• The President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers make up the Union Executive.
• They implement and administer laws passed by Parliament.

The President

• Is the nominal Head of State and Executive.
• Appoints the Prime Minister and other Ministers, gives assent to bills, and summons Parliament.
• Exercises some discretionary powers, especially during political uncertainty, like a hung Lok Sabha.

The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers

• The Prime Minister is the real executive authority, leading the government, policy-making, and administration.
• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• Most bills discussed and passed in Parliament are introduced by the government.
• Civil servants (bureaucrats) help implement policies and programs.

The Judiciary — Role of Checks and Balances

• The Judiciary interprets laws and ensures all branches respect the Constitution, resolving disputes when needed.
• Checks and balances keep any one branch from becoming too powerful.
• The Judiciary can review the validity of laws and the implementation of programs, and acts as guardian of fundamental rights.
• Encourages accountability by requiring the Legislature and Executive to act within constitutional limits.

Legislative and Executive Functions at the State Level

• Every state has a legislature (Vidhan Sabha, and sometimes Vidhan Parishad) and an Executive (Governor as head of state, Chief Minister as executive head).
• States make laws on matters in the State and Concurrent Lists; Parliament controls Union and Concurrent matters.
• Most states have a unicameral legislature, but some have a bicameral system.
• Structure mirrors the Union level to a large extent, promoting federalism.

Challenges to the Effective Functioning of the Legislatures

• Common challenges include absenteeism, disruptions, low debate quality, and a slow legislative process.
• Parliament meets in three sessions a year—Budget, Monsoon, and Winter Sessions. The actual productivity (hours worked vs. scheduled) can be low due to disruptions.
• Presence of members with criminal backgrounds and divisive debates can undermine public trust.
• Efficiency and effectiveness of Parliament and Assemblies are vital for democracy to deliver on citizens’ needs.
• Citizen participation and awareness help keep the system strong; the media also plays a key role in communicating concerns and informing the public.