Why Do We Need a Parliament
Welcome to HSLC Guru! In this article, we present detailed notes and complete question answers for Class 8 Social Science Political Science Chapter 3 — Why Do We Need a Parliament, prepared strictly according to the ASSEB (Assam State School Education Board) syllabus. This English medium guide covers the chapter summary, all textbook exercise questions and answers, additional MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, true/false statements, and a glossary of important terms to help students prepare effectively for their examinations.
Chapter Summary
India is the largest democracy in the world. In a democracy, the people are the ultimate source of all authority. Since it is not possible for every citizen to participate directly in decision-making, the people elect their representatives who form the Parliament. The Parliament is the highest law-making body of the country and represents the will of the people. The need for a Parliament arises from the very idea of democracy — that the government should be accountable to the people, decisions should be taken with the consent of the citizens, and laws should reflect the aspirations of the nation. Through Parliament, citizens are able to hold their government responsible and ensure that power is exercised in a fair, transparent, and democratic manner.
People play the most important role in choosing their representatives. India follows the system of universal adult franchise, which means every citizen aged 18 years and above has the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic status. General elections are held every five years to elect Members of Parliament (MPs). The country is divided into constituencies, and each constituency elects one representative to the Lok Sabha. Through these elections, citizens express their views, choose leaders they trust, and decide which political party should form the government. Voting is therefore considered both a right and a responsibility, as it gives ordinary people direct power to shape the nation’s future.
The Indian Parliament has three parts — the President, the Lok Sabha (House of the People), and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 545 members, of which 543 are directly elected by the people and 2 may be nominated. The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 245 members, who are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies, except for 12 members who are nominated by the President for their contribution to art, literature, science, and social service. The President of India is the constitutional head of the country. The Parliament performs three main functions — to select the national government, to control, guide, and inform the government, and to make laws for the country. Question Hour is a special time during the parliamentary session when MPs can ask questions to ministers and seek information about government policies and actions. This keeps the executive accountable.
The role of the Opposition is equally important in Parliament. The Opposition consists of those parties which are not part of the ruling government. They highlight the failures and weaknesses of the government, suggest alternative policies, and ensure that the ruling party does not misuse its power. The presence of women in Parliament has been gradually increasing, but their representation is still much lower compared to men. To strengthen democracy, ensuring greater participation of women, marginalised communities, and youth in Parliament is essential. A Bill is the draft of a proposed law. It is introduced in either House of Parliament, debated, examined by committees, and put to vote. Once passed by both Houses and signed by the President, the Bill becomes a law. Thus, Parliament is the heart of Indian democracy — protecting people’s rights, ensuring accountability, and giving every citizen a voice in the governance of the nation.
Textbook Question Answers
1 Mark Questions
Q1. What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?
Answer: The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 545 members.
Q2. What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?
Answer: The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 245 members.
Q3. Who is the constitutional head of India?
Answer: The President of India is the constitutional head of the country.
Q4. What is universal adult franchise?
Answer: Universal adult franchise means every citizen of India who is 18 years or above has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, or economic status.
Q5. What is another name of the Lok Sabha?
Answer: The Lok Sabha is also known as the House of the People.
Q6. What is another name of the Rajya Sabha?
Answer: The Rajya Sabha is also known as the Council of States.
Q7. What is a Bill?
Answer: A Bill is the draft or proposal of a law placed before the Parliament for discussion and approval.
Q8. What is Question Hour?
Answer: Question Hour is the first hour of every parliamentary sitting during which Members of Parliament ask questions to the ministers regarding government policies and actions.
Q9. After how many years are general elections held in India?
Answer: General elections are held in India every five years.
Q10. What is a constituency?
Answer: A constituency is a geographical area whose voters elect a representative to the Lok Sabha or the Legislative Assembly.
2-3 Mark Questions
Q1. Why do we need a Parliament?
Answer: We need a Parliament because India is a democratic country where laws and decisions must reflect the will of the people. Since it is impossible for every citizen to participate directly in lawmaking, people elect representatives to form Parliament. Parliament makes laws, controls the government, and ensures accountability and transparency in governance. It gives every section of society a voice in the running of the country.
Q2. What is the role of the Opposition in Parliament?
Answer: The Opposition plays a crucial role in Parliament. It includes the political parties which are not in power. The Opposition criticises the policies of the ruling government, exposes its weaknesses, suggests better alternatives, and raises issues of public concern. It prevents the misuse of power by the ruling party and acts as a watchdog of democracy.
Q3. What are the main functions of Parliament?
Answer: The main functions of Parliament are: (i) To select the national government — the political party with the majority in the Lok Sabha forms the government. (ii) To control, guide, and inform the government through debates, discussions, and Question Hour. (iii) To make laws for the country by passing Bills.
Q4. What is the importance of elections in a democracy?
Answer: Elections are the foundation of democracy. Through elections, citizens choose their representatives and decide which party should form the government. Elections give citizens the power to change the government if they are dissatisfied. They ensure that the government remains accountable to the people and that the rule of the country is based on the consent of the governed.
Q5. Why is participation of women in Parliament important?
Answer: Women form nearly half of India’s population, and their participation in Parliament is essential for true democratic representation. When women participate in lawmaking, issues affecting women — such as education, health, safety, and equality — are better addressed. Greater representation of women strengthens democracy and ensures gender justice. However, the number of women in Indian Parliament is still relatively low and needs improvement.
Q6. What is the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
Answer: The Lok Sabha (House of the People) consists of members directly elected by the people and has a maximum of 545 members with a term of five years. The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) consists of members elected by the State Legislative Assemblies and 12 members nominated by the President; it has a maximum of 245 members and is a permanent body with one-third of its members retiring every two years.
5-6 Mark Questions
Q1. Explain how a Bill becomes a law in India.
Answer: The process by which a Bill becomes a law in India involves the following steps:
- Drafting: A Bill is drafted by the concerned ministry or member of Parliament.
- Introduction (First Reading): The Bill is introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. The title and objectives are read out.
- Second Reading: The Bill is discussed clause-by-clause. It may be sent to a Standing Committee for detailed examination.
- Third Reading: The Bill is voted upon. If passed by a majority, it is sent to the other House.
- Passage in the other House: The same procedure is followed in the second House. If both Houses pass the Bill, it is sent to the President.
- President’s Assent: When the President signs the Bill, it becomes a law (Act).
Thus, lawmaking in India is a careful, democratic process involving discussion, debate, and approval at multiple stages.
Q2. Explain the structure of the Indian Parliament.
Answer: The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body of the country. It consists of three parts:
- The President of India: The constitutional head of the country. Every Bill passed by Parliament requires the President’s assent to become law.
- Lok Sabha (House of the People): The lower house, consisting of a maximum of 545 members, of whom 543 are directly elected by the people and 2 may be nominated. Its term is five years.
- Rajya Sabha (Council of States): The upper house, consisting of a maximum of 245 members. 233 members are elected by State Legislative Assemblies, and 12 are nominated by the President for their distinguished service in art, literature, science, and social service. It is a permanent body.
Together, these three components make laws, control the government, and represent the will of the people.
Q3. Discuss the role of citizens in choosing their representatives in a democracy.
Answer: Citizens are the cornerstone of any democracy. In India, the role of citizens in choosing their representatives is exercised through universal adult franchise — every citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic status. The country is divided into constituencies, and people elect one representative from each constituency to the Lok Sabha. Citizens evaluate political parties on the basis of their policies, manifestos, and past performance, and decide whom to vote for. Through their vote, citizens decide which party will form the government for the next five years. If the government fails to fulfil its promises or misuses power, the citizens can vote it out in the next election. Therefore, voting is both a right and a duty, ensuring that democracy remains alive, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of the people.
Q4. Explain the functions of Parliament in detail.
Answer: The Indian Parliament performs several important functions:
- Selecting the National Government: The political party or coalition that wins a majority in the Lok Sabha forms the government. The leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister and forms the Council of Ministers.
- Controlling, Guiding, and Informing the Government: Parliament keeps the executive accountable through Question Hour, Zero Hour, debates, no-confidence motions, and parliamentary committees. Ministers must answer questions and explain their decisions.
- Lawmaking: Parliament makes laws on subjects in the Union and Concurrent Lists. Bills are introduced, debated, and passed before becoming law.
- Financial Functions: Parliament approves the Union Budget, taxes, and government expenditure.
- Representation: Parliament reflects the diverse opinions, aspirations, and concerns of the people of India.
Through these functions, Parliament safeguards democracy and ensures that India is governed in accordance with the Constitution.
Q5. Why is Question Hour considered an important feature of parliamentary functioning?
Answer: Question Hour is considered an essential and powerful tool of Indian parliamentary democracy. It is held during the first hour of every parliamentary sitting and provides Members of Parliament with the opportunity to ask questions to the ministers regarding the policies, programmes, and functioning of various government departments. The ministers are required to answer these questions, and any failure or shortcoming may be exposed publicly. Question Hour ensures that the executive remains alert, transparent, and responsible to the people through their representatives. It enables MPs to bring forth issues affecting their constituencies and to demand information about how government schemes are being implemented. By keeping a constant check on the government, Question Hour strengthens accountability, prevents misuse of power, and helps in correcting policy mistakes. Thus, it is one of the most effective instruments of democratic control over the executive in India.
Additional Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is:
(a) 245 (b) 500 (c) 545 (d) 552
Answer: (c) 545
Q2. The Rajya Sabha is also known as:
(a) House of the People (b) Council of States (c) Cabinet (d) Assembly
Answer: (b) Council of States
Q3. The minimum age to vote in India is:
(a) 16 years (b) 18 years (c) 21 years (d) 25 years
Answer: (b) 18 years
Q4. The constitutional head of India is:
(a) Prime Minister (b) Chief Justice (c) President (d) Speaker
Answer: (c) President
Q5. A Bill becomes a law after it is signed by the:
(a) Prime Minister (b) Speaker (c) President (d) Chief Justice
Answer: (c) President
Q6. The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is:
(a) 250 (b) 245 (c) 240 (d) 200
Answer: (b) 245
Q7. The term of the Lok Sabha is:
(a) 4 years (b) 5 years (c) 6 years (d) 7 years
Answer: (b) 5 years
Q8. Question Hour takes place during:
(a) The last hour of the day (b) The first hour of the sitting (c) Lunch break (d) None of these
Answer: (b) The first hour of the sitting
Q9. The political party that does not form the government is called:
(a) Ruling party (b) Opposition (c) Coalition (d) Cabinet
Answer: (b) Opposition
Q10. The Rajya Sabha members nominated by the President are:
(a) 10 (b) 12 (c) 15 (d) 20
Answer: (b) 12
Fill in the Blanks
Q1. The Lok Sabha is also called the __________.
Answer: House of the People
Q2. The minimum age for voting in India is __________ years.
Answer: 18
Q3. A draft of a proposed law is called a __________.
Answer: Bill
Q4. The Parliament of India consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the __________.
Answer: Rajya Sabha
Q5. The system in which all adult citizens have the right to vote is called __________.
Answer: Universal adult franchise
True or False
Q1. The Rajya Sabha is also known as the House of the People.
Answer: False
Q2. The Indian Parliament makes laws for the country.
Answer: True
Q3. The President of India is the constitutional head of the country.
Answer: True
Q4. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 245.
Answer: False
Q5. Question Hour is the time when MPs ask questions to ministers.
Answer: True
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Parliament | The supreme law-making body of India consisting of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha. |
| Lok Sabha | The House of the People; lower house of Parliament with a maximum of 545 members elected directly by the people. |
| Rajya Sabha | The Council of States; upper house of Parliament with a maximum of 245 members. |
| Constituency | A geographical area whose voters elect one representative to the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly. |
| Universal Adult Franchise | The right of every adult citizen (18 years and above) to vote irrespective of caste, religion, or gender. |
| Bill | A draft of a proposed law placed before Parliament for discussion and approval. |
| Act | A Bill that has been passed by both Houses of Parliament and signed by the President. |
| Question Hour | The first hour of every parliamentary sitting during which MPs ask questions to ministers. |
| Opposition | The political parties that are not in power and act as a check on the ruling government. |
| Coalition Government | A government formed when no single party gets a majority and two or more parties join together. |
| Democracy | A form of government in which power is held by the people through elected representatives. |
| Constitution | The supreme law of India that lays down the framework of government and rights of citizens. |
| Election | The process by which citizens choose their representatives by voting. |
| President | The constitutional head of India who gives assent to Bills passed by Parliament. |
| Prime Minister | The head of government and leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha. |