Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 Important Question Answers - Why Do We Need Parliament

Q 1: Why do you think our national movement supported the idea that all adults have a right to vote? 

Ans. Under colonial rule, the people lived in fear of the British government and did not agree with many of the decisions that they took.

• It was believed that every responsible citizen should have a say in the government, regardless of their social background, and that this was essential for a truly democratic and representative nation where people from all walks of life could participate in decision-making and contribute to the country's progress.
• The freedom movement changed this situation, and the nationalists began to openly criticise the British govt & make demands.
• They demanded that there be elected members in the legislature with a right to discuss the budget & ask questions.

That is why the nationalist movement supported the idea of a universal adult franchise so that the people can take part in the decision-making of the country.

Q 2: Use the terms ‘Constituency’ and ‘Represent’ to explain who an MLA is and how the person gets elected.

Ans. An MLA is a Member of the Legislative Assembly. 

• Constituency: A state is divided into multiple constituencies based on population. 
• Represent: Each constituency elects one representative, who then becomes an MLA and represents the people of that constituency.

Q 3: What is the difference between a State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and a Parliament (Lok Sabha)?

Q 4: From the list below, identify the work of a State government and that of a Central government.

1. The decision of the Indian Govt. to maintain peaceful relations with China.
2. The decision of the Madhya Pradesh govt. to discontinue Board exams in Class VIII for all schools under this Board. 
3. Introduction of a new train connection between Ajmer & Mysore 
4. Introduction of a new 1,000 rupee note

Ans. 

1. The decision of the Indian Govt. to maintain peaceful relations with China. (Central Govt)
2. The decision of the Madhya Pradesh govt. to discontinue Board exams in Class VIII for all schools under this Board. (State Govt)
3. Introduction of a new train connection between Ajmer & Mysore (Central govt)
4. Introduction of a new 1,000 rupee note (Central Govt)

Q 5: Fill in the blanks

Democratic governments, in our times are usually referred to as representatives’ democracies. In representative democracies, people do not participate -----but, instead, choose their - - --- through an election process. These ---- meet & make decisions for the entire population. These days, a govt. can not call itself democratic unless it allows what is known as ------. This means that all adult citizens in the country are allowed to vote.

Ans. 

Democratic governments, in our times are usually referred to as representatives’ democracies. In representative democracies, people do not participate directly but, instead, choose their representative through an election process. These MLA’s meet & make decisions for the entire population. These days, a govt. can not call itself democratic unless it allows what is known as Universal Adult Franchise. This means that all adult citizens in the country are allowed to vote.

Q 6: Why do we have a system where the representatives are elected for a fixed period and not for life?

Ans.  We have a system where the representatives are elected for a fixed period & not for life. This is because –

1. So that the elected representative may not become strong & try to misuse their powers.
2. If we choose a representative for a lifetime, it will be against democracy.
3. An infinite or unspecified duration could result in voters not having a say in the matter when change is desired.
4. Being elected forever could result in representatives not remaining accountable to his/her voters.

Q 7: Describe the ways other than participating in elections to express approval or disapproval of the actions of the government.

Ans. People participate in ways other than participating in elections & not just through elections to express approval or disapproval of the actions of the government. Three ways in which they do so are

1. Participating in political discussions
2. Writing letters to the elected representatives
3. Campaigning for a candidate running for elections
4. Expressing opinions for or against government laws
5. Contesting an election, etc.