The Parliamentary System Legislature and Executive Class 8 Question Answer SST Chapter 6

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The Parliamentary System Legislature and Executive Class 8 Questions and Answers

Class 8 SST Chapter 6 The Parliamentary System Legislature and Executive Question Answer

The Big Questions

Question 1.
What is India’s parliamentary system, and how is it structured?
Answer:
India follows a parliamentary system of democracy in which the government is formed through elected representatives and remains accountable to the people through Parliament.

Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India and consists of the President, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The President is the constitutional Head of State, while the Prime Minister is the Head of Government and the real executive authority.
The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, is directly elected by citizens through Universal Adult Franchise.
The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, represents the states and is elected indirectly by elected representatives of the states.
India has a bicameral Parliament, which means it has two Houses. This structure balances the interests of both the people and the states.
The government functions with the consent of the people and is responsible to the Lok Sabha.
The parliamentary system reflects important constitutional principles such as democracy. federalism, representation and accountability.

Thus, India’s parliamentary system combines democratic participation with responsible government and ensures that power is exercised according to the Constitution.

Question 2.
What are the key functions of the Parliament?
Answer:
Parliament performs several important functions that help in governing the country and protecting democratic values.

Parliament makes laws for the country through a detailed process in which bills are discussed, debated and approved before becoming Acts.
It performs constitutional functions such as participating in the election of the President and Vice President and passing constitutional amendments.
Parliament examines and discusses national issues, policies and matters of public importance.
Through the Question Hour and Parliamentary committees, it holds the Executive accountable for its decisions and actions.
Standing Committees study bills and government activities in detail and suggest improvements where necessary.
Parliament approves and monitors public finances by discussing and approving the annual budget and monitoring government expenditure.
It ensures that government policies and actions remain consistent with constitutional values and the needs of the people.

Therefore, Parliament serves as the central lawmaking institution of the country while also ensuring accountability, financial control and democratic governance.

Question 3.
What are the roles of the legislature and the executive in India’s Parliamentary democracy?
Answer:
The Legislature and the Executive perform different functions, but they work together to ensure effective and accountable governance.

The Legislature, which consists of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, is responsible for making laws for the country.
It debates important issues, examines government policies and represents the interests of the people and the states.
The Legislature keeps a check on the Executive through discussions, Question Hour; committees and budget approval.
The Executive, headed by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.
It manages the day-to-day administration of the country and takes decisions relating to governance and public welfare.
Civil servants assist the Executive by carrying out government policies and ensuring the smooth functioning of administration.
The Executive remains accountable to the Legislature and must explain and justify its actions before Parliament.

Thus, the Legislature makes laws and oversees the government, while the Executive implements those laws and runs the administration, creating a system of accountability and shared responsibility.

Question 4.
How are the legislature and the executive organised at the union and state levels?
Answer:
India follows a federal system in which both the Union and the States have their own legislatures and executives.

At the Union level, Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Executive consists of the President, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
The President is the constitutional head of the Union, while the Prime Minister is the real executive authority and leads the government.
At the State level, the legislature is known as the Vidhan Sabha, and some states also have a Vidhan Parishad.
Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are elected by the people and make laws on subjects assigned to the states.
The Governor is the constitutional head of the state, while the Chief Minister is the real executive head and leads the Council of Ministers.
Legislative powers are divided between the Union and the States through the Union List, State List and Concurrent List.
Both Union and State Governments function within the framework of the Constitution and work together to serve the people.

Therefore, the organisation of the legislature and exccutive at looth levels ensures representation, accountability and effective governance while maintaining India’s federal structure.

Class 8 The Parliamentary System Legislature and Executive Question Answer

InText Questions

Question 1.
From your previous lessons on the theme of Democracy and Governance, name a few Constitutional functions of the Parliament.
Answer:
Parliament performs several important Constitutional functions that help strengthen India’s democracy.

It participates in the election of the President and the Vice President.
It has the power to amend the Constitution according to the prescribed procedure.
It makes laws to uphold the values and principles of the Constitution.
It helps ensure the functioning of parliamentary democracy through Universal Adult Franchise.
It supports the principles of federalism, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles through legislation and policy-making.

Thus, Parliament plays an important role in protecting and strengthening the constitutional framework of India.

Question 2.
Draw a small chart to show the process of how RTE became an Act. What do you think the process would be if RTE had been tabled in the Lok Sabha?
Answer:
The Right to Education (RTE) Act became law through the parliamentary lawmaking process.
86th Constitutional Amendment (2002)
↓
Article 21A inserted in the Constitution
↓
RTF. Bill introduced in Parliament
↓
Discussion and debate in Parliament
↓
Passed by both Houses of Parliament
↓
President’s assent
↓
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009

If the RIE Bill had been introduced in the Lok Sabha, it would still have been discussed, debated and voted upon there first. After being passed by the Lok Sabha, it would have gone to the Rajya Sabha for approval and then to the President for assent before becoming an Act.

Question 3.
Extract from a report of the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare:
Who is reporting to whom? What is the subject that has been reviewed? Identify the Committee’s recommendation. What is the government’s reply?
Answer:
The extract shows how Parliamentary Committees review government work and seek explanations from ministries.

The Ministry of Ayush is reporting to the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.
The subject under review is the availability of separate Departments of Ayush in different States and Union Territories and the coordination of Ayush services.
The Committee recommended that States and Union Territories without a separate Department of Ayush should create one to improve coordination and ensure better implementation of Ayush schemes.
In its reply, the government stated that the creation of separate departments is a State subject. However, the Ministry of Ayush has been encouraging State Governments to establish separate Directorates and strengthen administrative arrangements for the implementation of Ayush programmes.

This example shows how Standing Committees examine government work and encourage improvements in public administration.

Question 4.
Why do you think that Parliament keeps an eye on government expenditure? (Hint: Whose money does the government spend?)
Answer:
Parliament monitors government expenditure because the government spends public money collected from citizens through taxes and other sources.

Parliament examines and approves the annual budget.
It checks whether public money is being used properly and for the benefit of the people.
It ensures that ministries spend funds according to approved plans and policies.
It helps prevent misuse or wastage of taxpayers’ money.

Therefore, Parliament’s financial oversight makes the government accountable to the people whose money it spends.

Question 5.
Part V of the Indian Constitution begins with Chapter I – The Executive. It looks at the roles and responsibilities of the President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers, among others. It is in Chapter II that the role and functions of Parliament are listed. Why might this be so?
Answer:
The Constitution places the chapter on the Executive before the chapter on Parliament because the Executive is closely connected to the functioning of Parliament in India’s parliamentary system.

The President is a part of Parliament and also the constitutional head of the Executive.
The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are responsible for running the government and are drawn from Parliament.
Most bills and policies are introduced in Parliament by the Executive.
The Exccutive is responsible for implementing laws and administering the country, while remaining accountable to Parliament.
Presenting the Executive first helps explain who governs the country and how government authority is organised before describing the detailed functions of Parliament.

Thus, the Constitution highlights the close relationship between the Executive and Parliament, showing how both work together in India’s parliamentary democracy.

Question 6.
If the Executive is part of the Legislature, how do we say that there is separation of power?
Answer:
In India’s parliamentary system, the Executive is drawn from the Legislature, but the two perform different functions.

The Legislature makes laws and holds the government accountable.
The Executive implements laws and manages government administration.
Ministers are members of Parliament, but they have separate responsibilities as part of the government.
Parliament can question ministers and examine government actions through debates, committees and Question Hour.
The Judiciary remains independent and reviews both laws and government actions.

Therefore, separation of powers exists because each organ has distinct functions and checks the others, even though the Executive and Legislature are closely connected.

Question 7.
(a) What might happen if one of the organs Legislature, Executive, Judiciary – had all the power? How could it affect the rights of people? Discuss with your classmates how each organ checks the others. For example, how does the Legislature question the actions of the Executive? How does the Judiciary make sure that laws and government actions respect the Constitution? Do you think there might be ways in which the actions of the Judiciary itself are reviewed?
Answer:
If one organ of government had all the power, democracy and citizens’ rights could be threatened.

A powerful Legislature could pass unfair laws without any checks.
A powerful Executive could misuse authority and ignore people’s rights.
A powerful Judiciary could interfere excessively in policymaking.
The Legislature checks the Executive through Question Hour, debates, committees and budget approval.
The Executive carries out laws and implements decisions taken by the Legislature.
The Judiciary checks both the Legislature and the Executive by ensuring that laws and actions follow the Constitution.
Judicial decisions can also be reviewed through appeals to higher courts, and judges are expected to follow constitutional principles and legal procedures.

(b) Can you find examples where the Judiciary has asked lawmakers to review a law? Can you find any instances when the implementation of a law has been questioned by the Judiciary?
Answer:
Examples:

The Supreme Court has asked governments to review or improve the implementation of laws relating to environmental protection and education.
Courts have examined whether certain laws or government actions are consistent with Fundamental Rights and constitutional principles.

Thus, checks and balances help prevent the misuse of power and protect democracy.

Question 8.
Study the data given in the following table. What conclusions can you draw about the functioning of Parliament over time? Compile data for more recent years.
The Parliamentary System Legislature and Executive Class 8 Question Answer SST Chapter 6 1
Answer:
The data shows that the functioning of Parliament has changed over time.

The number of sittings of the Lok Sabha has decreased significantly over the decades.
The 1st Lok Sabha had 677 sittings, while the 13th Lok Sabha had only 356 sittings.
This suggests that Parliament now spends fewer days in session than it did in the early years of the Republic.
Fewer sittings may reduce opportunities for debate, scrutiny and lawmaking.
The trend raises concerns about legislative productivity and effective parliamentary functioning.

Therefore, the data suggests a gradual decline in the amount of time available for parliamentary work.
(Students may collect and compare data on the number of sessions and siltings of more recent Lok Sabhas to identify whether this trend has continued or changed over time.)

Question 9.
Read the following statement of the former chairman of the Rajya Sabha, M. Venkaiah Naidu given in 2021:
“…the productivity of Rajya Sabha during 2004-14 has been about 787 and it declined to about 65 % since then.
Of the 11 sessions [that he presided over], four of them clocked low productivity of 6.80 %, 27.30 %, 28.90 % and 29.55 %; during the year 2018, the Rajya Sabha recorded the lowest ever productivity of 35.75 % under the impact of disruptions.”
What conclusions can you draw from this statement? What implications does this have for the role that the Rajya Sabha is expected to play?
Answer:
The statement highlights concerns about the declining productivity of the Rajya Sabha.

Productivity fell from about 78 % during 2004-14 to around 65% in later years.
Some sessions recorded very low productivity because of repeated disruptions.
Frequent disruptions reduce the time available for debates and legislative work.
Important bills and issues may not receive adequate discussion.
The Rajya Sabha plays an important role in reviewing laws and representing the interests of states.

Therefore, declining productivity can weaken the Rajya Sabha’s ability to perform its legislative and reviewing functions effectively.

Question 10.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a former Prime Minister of India, said during a speech in the Lok Sabha, “Sarkaarein auyengi, jaayengi. Paartiyaan banengi, bigadengi. Lekin yeh desh rehna chaahiye, is desh ka loktantra amar rehna chaaliye.”
(Governments will come and go, parties will rise and fall. But the nation must endure, and its democracy must live on.)
What message do you think this gives about the role of Parliament and leaders in a democracy?
Why is it important to protect democratic values even when political power changes?
Answer:
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statement emphasises that democratic institutions are more important than any particular government or political party.

Governments and political parties may change over time, but democratic institutions must remain strong.
Parliament should work for the welfare of the nation rather than narrow political interests.
Leaders have a responsibility to uphold constitutional values and democratic traditions.
Respect for democratic processes ensures peaceful transfer of power.
Protecting democratic values helps safeguard citizens’ rights, freedoms and participation in governance.

Thus, the statement reminds us that democracy survives not because governments remain in power, but because institutions, constitutional values and public trust continue to be protected.

The Parliamentary System Legislature and Executive Question Answer Class 8

Questions and Activities

Question 1.
Find out how many representatives from your state are in each House of the Parliament.
Answer:
(For self-attempt. Students should find out the number of Lok Sabha MPs and Rajya Sabha MPs representing their state using official government websites, election resources, neuspapers or other reliable sourres.)

Question 2.
What makes the Indian Parliament the “voice of the people”? How does it ensure that different opinions are heard?
Answer:
The Indian Parliament is often called the “voice of the people” because its members represent citizens from different parts of the country.

Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people through Universal Adult Franchise.
MPs raise issues, concerns and needs of the people they represent.
The Lok Sabha represents the people, while the Rajya Sabha represents the interests of the states.
Parliament includes members belonging to different political parties and backgrounds.
Debates, discussions and committee meetings allow different viewpoints to be expressed before decisions are made.
Translation and interpretation services help members participate in several Indian languages.

Thus, Parliament gives representation to diverse groups and provides a platform where different opinions can be heard and discussed.

Question 3.
Why do you think the Constitution made the Executive responsible to the Legislature?
Answer:
The Constitution made the Executive responsible to the Legislature to ensure accountability in a democracy.

The Executive exercises important powers and takes decisions that affect citizens’ lives.
Parliament represents the people and therefore has the authority to question the government.
Ministers must explain and justify their actions through debates, Question Hour and committee reviews.
The Council of Ministers remains in office only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
This system prevents misuse of power and ensures that the government remains answerable to elected representatives.

Therefore, Executive accountability helps protect democratic values and strengthens responsible government.

Question 4.
Why do you think we have chosen the system of bicameral legislature at the Union level?
Answer:
India adopted a bicameral legislature to balance the interests of both the people and the states.

The Lok Sabha directly represents the people of India.
The Rajya Sabha represents the states and reflects India’s federal structure.
The two Houses provide an additional level of discussion and review before laws are passed.
Different viewpoints can be considered during debates in both Houses.
The Rajya Sabha helps ensure that state interests are taken into account in national decisionmaking.

Thus, the bicameral system promotes balanced representation and careful lawmaking.

Question 5.
Try to track the journey of a recent bill passed by the Parliament. Identify in which House it was introduced.
Were there any major debates or disagreements? How long did it take for the bill to become a law? Use newspaper archives, government websites, and Lok Sabha debates, or ask your teacher for help.
Answer:
(For self-attempt. Students should choose a recent bill and trace its journey using newspaper articles, government websites, parliamentary debates and other reliable sources. They should identify:

The House in which the bill was introduced.
The main issues discussed during debates.
Whether there were disagreements or amendments.
The date on which it received Presidential assent.
The total time taken to become a law.)

Question 6.
Choose a recent law passed by the Parliament. Divide into teams to role-play different parts of the process – MPs debating in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, ministers answering questions, and the President giving assent. Present a short skit showing how a bill becomes a law; enact a ‘model Parliament’.
Answer:
(Glass Activity. Students should work in groups and organise a role-play showing how a bill becomes a larat. The activity should demonstrate debate, discussion, voting and Presidential assent.)

Question 7.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023, was passed with wide support. Why might it have taken over 25 years for this bill to be passed, despite being discussed for so long?
Answer:
The Women’s Reservation Bill was debated for many years because it involved important political and social questions.

Different political parties had varying views on the details of the bill.
There were discussions about how seats should be reserved and how the system should operate.
Changes in governments and political priorities affected the progress of the bill.
Reaching agreement on major constitutional changes often takes time and extensive debate.
Parliament needed to consider different viewpoints before arriving at a broad consensus. Thus, the long delay shows that major constitutional reforms often require extensive discussion and
political agreement before they can be passed.

Question 8.
Sometimes the Parliament is disrupted and does not function for the number of days it is supposed to. What impact do you think this has on the quality of laws and the trust people place in their representatives?
Answer:
Parliamentary disruptions can affect both governance and public confidence.

Important bills may not receive sufficient discussion and scrutiny.
MPs may get fewer opportunities to raise public concerns and question the government.
Delays in debates can slow down decision-making and lawmaking.
Citizens may feel that their representatives are not using parliamentary time effectively.
Repeated disruptions can reduce public trust in democratic institutions.

Therefore, productive discussions and orderly functioning are important for maintaining the quality of laws and public confidence in Parliament.

Question 9.
Can you create ‘interest’ groups among students and list questions related to any policy that you may want to ask your MP and/or your MLA? How would these questions be different if it is to the MP instead of the MLA, and vice versa?
Answer:
(Class Activity. Students should form groups based on issues such as education, health, environment, transport or sports and prepare questions for their MP and MLA.

Questions for an MP may focus on national issues such as railuvy projects, national education policies, defence. national highuveys or central government schemes.
Questions for an MLA may focus on state and local issues such as roads, schools, hospitals, public transport, water supply and slate government programmes.)

Question 10.
What is the role that the Judiciary plays in Indian democracy? What could happen if we didn’t have an independent judiciary?
Answer:
The Judiciary plays a vital role in protecting the Constitution and the rights of citizens.

It interprets laws and resolves disputes according to the Constitution.
It examines whether laws and government actions are consistent with constitutional principles.
It protects Fundamental Rights and ensures justice for citizens.
It acts as a check on both the Legislature and the Executive.
Courts can declare unconstitutional laws or actions invalid.
If the Judiciary were not independent, governments could misuse power without effective checks. Citizens’ rights might not be protected properly, and confidence in the rule of law could weaken.

Therefore, an independent Judiciary is essential for maintaining democracy, justice and constitutional governance.