Notes Chapter 6 Class 8 Social Science CBSE Board

The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive

1. Introduction

• India became independent after years of struggle against colonial rule.
• The Constitution of India was drafted to guide the nation.
• Universal Adult Franchise: All adults can vote, regardless of social status, gender, religion, or wealth.
• People elect representatives to the Lok Sabha.
• The Parliament is the supreme law-making body and controls the government.
• Since 1952, there have been 18 Lok Sabhas (latest in June 2024).

2. Composition of the Indian Parliament

• Bicameral system: Two Houses + the President

1. Lok Sabha (House of the People / Lower House)

• Members elected directly by citizens.
• Maximum strength: 550 members.

2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States / Upper House)

• Members elected indirectly by state legislatures.
• Number of seats depends on each state’s population.

3. President of India

Inspired by British Parliamentary democracy and India’s own traditions (ancient republics, panchayats).

3. Presiding Officers

• Lok Sabha Speaker: Elected by members; maintains order in the House.
• Rajya Sabha Chairperson: Vice President of India.

4. Union Executive

Consists of:

1. President
2. Vice President
3. Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

Ministers are chosen from MPs of both Houses.

Responsible to the Lok Sabha.

5. Functions of the Parliament

A. Legislative Functions

1. Constitutional Functions

• Elect President & Vice President.
• Amend the Constitution.
• Protect Fundamental Rights & follow Directive Principles.

2. Lawmaking

• Bills → Acts → Laws.
• Example: Right to Education Act, 2009.
• Steps in Lawmaking:
  1. Introduction in either House.
  2. Reading & discussion.
  3. Clause-by-clause voting.
  4. Approval by other House.
  5. President’s assent.
  6. Gazette notification.

3. Executive Accountability

• Question Hour: MPs question ministers.
• Committees review government work.

4. Financial Accountability

• Passes the Budget.
• Approves government spending.

B. Executive Functions

• President: Nominal head, appoints PM & ministers, summons Parliament, gives assent to bills.
• Prime Minister: Real head of government; leads Council of Ministers, shapes policies, coordinates ministries.
• Council of Ministers: Runs daily administration, introduces most bills.

6. Differences Between Legislature & Executive

7. Role of Judiciary

• Interprets and applies laws.
• Acts as the guardian of the Constitution.
• Ensures Legislature and Executive act within the law.
• Maintains checks and balances.

8. State Level Structure

• States have their own legislatures (unicameral or bicameral).
• Vidhan Sabha = Lower House (elected MLAs).
• Vidhan Parishad = Upper House (only in some states).
• Governor = Nominal head of state.
• Chief Minister = Real head of state government.

9. Union, State & Concurrent Lists

• Union List: Only Parliament makes laws (e.g., defence).
• State List: Only states make laws (e.g., police).
• Concurrent List: Both can make laws, but Union law prevails (e.g., education).

10. Challenges in Legislature

• Absenteeism of members.
• Disruptions in sessions.
• Decline in productivity.
• Criminal cases against some MPs/MLAs.
• Biased or angry debates.

11. Importance of Citizen Participation

• Citizens must stay informed, ask questions, and take part in discussions.
• Democracy strengthens with active public engagement.
• Future voters play a key role in improving governance.