Notes Civics Chapter 2 Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Civics Class 8

The Indian Parliament

1. Introduction to the Indian Parliament

• The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country.
• Established by the Constitution of India.
• Functions at the national level (central government).
• Composed of:
  • President
  • Lok Sabha (House of the People) – Lower House
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – Upper House

Role of the President in Parliament

• The President of India is an integral part of the Parliament but does not participate in parliamentary discussions.
• The President’s role includes:
  • Summoning and proroguing sessions of Parliament.
  • Giving assent to bills passed by Parliament.
  • Addressing the Parliament at the beginning of each session.

2. Structure of the Parliament

(i) Lok Sabha (House of the People)

• Lower and first house of Parliament.
• Directly elected by the people through general elections.

Composition of Lok Sabha

• Maximum strength: 552 members
  • 530 members from States
  • 20 members from Union Territories
  • 2 members from Anglo-Indian community (if not represented, nominated by the President)

Representation and Reservations

• Seats are allocated to States based on population.
• Reserved seats:
  • For Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Tenure of Lok Sabha

• 5 years from the date of its first meeting.
• Can be dissolved before the completion of the term.
• If dissolved, elections held = Mid-term elections.

Qualifications for Membership

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Minimum age = 25 years.
• Must not hold any office of profit under the government.
• Must be mentally sound.

Disqualification Criteria

• If found guilty of:
  • Corruption
  • Criminal offenses
  • Holding office of profit under the government
  • Unsound mind declared by a court

(ii) Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

• Upper and second house of Parliament.
• Indirectly elected – Represents the states and Union Territories.

Composition of Rajya Sabha

• Maximum strength: 250 members
  • 238 members elected from States and Union Territories.
  • 12 members nominated by the President (from fields of literature, arts, science, sports, and social work).

Representation

• Seats are allocated to States and Union Territories based on population.
• All States do not have equal representation.

Tenure of Rajya Sabha

• 6 years for each member.
• Rajya Sabha is a permanent house – never dissolved.
• 1/3rd of members retire every 2 years and are replaced by new members.

Qualifications for Membership

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Minimum age = 30 years.
• Must not hold any office of profit under the government.

3. Functions of the Parliament

(i) Law-Making

• Parliament is responsible for:
  • Making new laws.
  • Amending existing laws.
  • Repealing outdated laws.
• Process of making laws:
  • Draft prepared = Bill
  • Bill introduced in either house.
  • Discussed, amended, and approved.
  • Sent to the President for assent.
  • Becomes a law after Presidential assent.

(ii) Control Over the Executive (Government)

• The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are accountable to the Parliament.
• Parliament exercises control through:
  • Question Hour – MPs question ministers about their work.
  • No-Confidence Motion – If passed, the government must resign.
  • Budget Approval – Parliament approves government’s financial proposals.
  • Debates and Discussions – MPs discuss policies and decisions of the government.

(iii) Financial Control

• Parliament controls national finances by:
  • Approving the Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister.
  • Passing Money Bills and other financial bills.

(iv) Constitutional Amendments

• Parliament can amend the Constitution by:
  • Simple majority – Minor changes.
  • Special majority – 2/3rd majority of members present and voting.
  • Special majority + consent of more than half the States – For federal structure changes.

4. Speaker of Lok Sabha

• Elected in the first meeting of Lok Sabha after the election.
• Functions:
  • Maintains order and discipline in the House.
  • Ensures that debates are conducted fairly.
  • Interprets the rules of the House.
  • Represents the Lok Sabha to the President.

5. Chairman of Rajya Sabha

• The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
• Functions:
  • Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions.
  • Maintains order during discussions.
  • Ensures fair opportunity for members to speak.

6. Law-Making Process

(i) Draft Proposal (Bill)

• Draft prepared by the government or an MP = Bill.
• Two types of Bills:
  • Money Bill – Introduced only in Lok Sabha.
  • Ordinary Bill – Can be introduced in either House.

(ii) Stages of Law-Making Process

1. First Reading

• Bill introduced and explained.

2. Second Reading

• Stage 1 – Debate on principles and objectives.
• Stage 2 – Clause-by-clause discussion and amendments.
• Voting takes place.

3. Third Reading

• Final discussion and voting.
• If approved → Sent to other House.

4. Approval by Both Houses

• If approved → Sent to the President.

5. Presidential Assent

• After approval → Becomes law.

7. Differences Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

8. National Budget

• Presented by the Finance Minister in February.
• Outlines government’s revenue and expenditure for the year.

9. Rights and Privileges of Members

• Freedom of speech in Parliament.
• Protection from legal action for statements made in Parliament.
• Right to question and challenge government decisions.