sign in sign up
<<
Home , Union List

CLASS – 8

SUBJECT – CIVICS

CHAPTER -1 THREE MAIN ORGANS OF THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT LEGISLATURE

HIGHLIGHTS:-

1. Reasons adopted Parliamentary form of Government.

2. Meaning of Parliament.

3. The .

4. Powers and functions of the Speaker.

5. The .

6. Powers of union Parliament.

7. How does a bill become a Law?

Why did India adopt Parliamentary form of Government?

India adopted Parliamentary system of government due to the following reasons.

1. The makers of the were inspired by the British ideas of Parliamentary democracy.

2. The makers of the constitution were familiar with the working of the Parliamentary institution set up in India under the acts of 1919 & 1935.

3. In the parliamentary system which is both responsible and responsive the council of ministers is collectively responsible to Lok sabha. Hence there are no chances of the government or the Minister’s working in an unrestrained manner. 4. The Parliament exercises control over the Ministers. During the Question hour members of parliament can seek information on matters of public importance.

Opposition may move no confidence motion against the council of Ministers and if the motion is passed the government has to resign.

Meaning of Parliament

According to the constitution Parliament shall comprise of the president and two houses, i.e. Lok sabha and Rajya sabha. Although the president does not sit in the parliament, he / she may address either house or both Houses. Moreover a bill passed by the parliament cannot become a law without President’s assent.

The Lok Sabha:

The House of people is known as Lok sabha. It is also called Lower House.

A. Composition:

According to the constitution the maximum strength of Lok sabha is 552 out of this 530 members represent the states, 20 members can represent the union Territories and two members of the Anglo Indian community nominated by President to Lok sabha.

B. Reservation of Seats:

Seats have been reserved in Lok sabha for the scheduled castes and the schedule tribes.

C. Qualification of members:

 Must be a Citizen of India.

 Must not be less than 25 years of age.

 Must possess other Qualifications as prescribed under any Law made by Parliament. A person is disqualified to be a member of either House of Parliament.

 He / she holds an office of profit under the .

 He / she is of unsound mind declared by the competent court.

D. Duration of the House:

The term of the house is five years but the President has the power to dissolve the house if the party in power looses majority before the expiry of its term.

E. Quorum:

The Quorum of the house is one tenth of the total number of members including the speaker who presides over its meeting.

F. Leader of the opposition:

The leader of the opposition party is recognized as the leader of opposition. He / she enjoy same facilities as a union cabinet Minister.

G. Speaker of Lok Sabha:

The Lok Sabha elects its Speaker from among its members to preside over its sittings. Powers and functions of the Speaker:

 Functions concerning the business of the House: The Speaker presides over the meeting of the house. All bills passed by the House are authenticated by his / her signature before they are sent to Rajya sabha or to the President for his / her assent.

 Disciplinary Function: The speaker ensures order and discipline in the house. In case of disorder, the speaker may adjourn the house.

 Other power and Functions: The speaker presides over the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament.

The Rajya Sabha:

The upper house of the parliament is known as Rajya Sabha.

A. Composition:

The maximum strength of Rajya Sabha is 250 members. 12 members are nominated by the president whereas the running members are representative of the state and union territories. B. Qualification for membership:

 Must be a citizen of india.

 Must be not less than 30 years of age.

 Must possess additional qualifications as prescribed by Law from time to time.

C. Duration of the House:

The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body which is not subject to dissolution. The members are elected for a term of six years and one third retires at the end of every second year.

D. The Presiding Officer:

The vice is the ex- officio chairman of the Rajya sabha.

Powers and Functions of Rajya Sabha:

 Legislative Powers: All bills, other than money bills, can originate in the Rajya Sabha.

 Financial Powers: A money bill can only originate in Lok Sabha. After money bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha it is sent to Rajya sabha for its recommendation and has to be returned after a period of 14 days along with its recommendations. Powers of the union Parliament:

 Legislative Powers: The parliament makes Laws on matters mentioned in the union list and the .During emergency it can legislate even on subjects included in .

 Financial Powers: Money bill can be introduced only in Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha is free to accept or reject the recommendation made by Rajya Sabha in money matters.

The union parliament also exercises control over the union executive (the union council of Ministers).It amends the constitution and has a few elective functions as well.

How does a bill become a Law?

An ordinary bill can originate in any house whereas the money bill can originated only in Lok Sabha. A bill has to pass through three readings. First reading, second reading and third reading before it becomes an act. After the bill is passed in one house, it is sent to the other house. If the bill is passed by the second house, it is presented to the President for his / her approval. If the President gives an assent, the bill becomes an Act or a Law. Activity:

Identify the picture and answer the following questions:

I. Which building is shown in the picture?

II. Where is it situated?

III. How many members can be housed in it?

IV. What functions are performed here?

V. What are its members known as?

VI. What is the importance of this institution? Questions and Answers:

1. What is meant by the Parliament?

Ans. The word ‘Parliament’ in India refers to the union legislature whose permission is required to make or change the country’s Laws. The Parliament has also the power to control the union council of Ministers.

2. Mention the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?

Ans. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552.

3. What is meant by universal suffrage?

Ans. The right of all adults (both men and women) to vote is called universal suffrage. Every person (both male and female) who has attained the age of 18 years is entitled to vote.

4. Mention any two disciplinary functions of the ?

Ans. The speaker ensures order and discipline in the house.

In case of grave disorder; the speakers may adjourn the house.

5. What happens when a money bill is not return to the Lok sabha by the Rajya Sabha within 14 days?

Ans. If a money bill is not returned to the Lok Sabha by the Rajya Sabha within 14 days, it shall be seemed to have been passed by both the houses.

6. How many members of the Anglo Indian community can the President nominate to the Lok Sabha?

Ans. 2 members of the Anglo- Indian community can be nominated by the president to the Lok Sabha. Answers the following questions briefly:

1. Mention the speaker’s powers and functions concerning the business of the house.

2. Discuss the Legislative Power of the Parliament.

3. Discuss the procedure to be followed by the parliament in passing money Bills.