Class 8 Social Science – Chapter 6

The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive

Complete Question & Answer Notes :

A. THE NEW PARLIAMENT BUILDING

Q1. What is the new Parliament of India also known as?

Ans. The new Parliament of India is also known as Sansad Bhavan.

Q2. What is the shape of the new Parliament building?

Ans. The new Parliament building has a soft triangular design.

Q3. What does the triangular design of the new Parliament building symbolise?

Ans. The triangular design symbolises balance and inclusivity.

Q4. How is the new Parliament building eco-friendly?

Ans. It uses eco-friendly construction, which helps reduce electricity consumption by 30 per cent.

Q5. What decorations are found on the walls inside the new Parliament building?

Ans. The walls are decorated with carvings of peacocks, lotuses, tribal art and freedom fighters.

Q6. What do the ancient symbols in the new Parliament building remind us of?

Ans. The ancient symbols remind us that Indian democracy respects its roots while looking towards the future.

B. INTRODUCTION

Q7. How did India gain independence?

Ans. India gained independence after a long struggle and immense sacrifices by its people.

Q8. What came with India's independence?

Ans. With freedom came the power for citizens to shape their own governance.

Q9. What was the first major step after India's independence?

Ans. The first major step was the drafting of the Constitution of India.

Q10. What did the Constitution of India provide?

Ans. The Constitution laid down the guiding principles of the nation.

Q11. What is Universal Adult Franchise?

Ans. Universal Adult Franchise is the system under which every adult citizen has the right to vote.

Q12. On what basis can an adult citizen exercise the right to vote?

Ans. Every adult citizen can vote regardless of caste, gender, religion or economic status.

Q13. How do citizens choose their representatives to the Lok Sabha?

Ans. Citizens elect their representatives directly to the Lok Sabha.

Q14. Who forms the government after elections?

Ans. The political party or group with a majority forms the government.

Q15. What is the Parliament?

Ans. The Parliament is the highest law-making body in the country.

Q16. What do members of Parliament do?

Ans. Members of Parliament:

• Make laws.
• Monitor the government's work.
• Discuss important national matters.
• Ensure that the government functions with the consent of the people.

Q17. How does the Parliamentary system ensure people's participation in government?

Ans. Citizens elect their representatives, and the government functions through representatives chosen by the people. Thus, the government works with the consent of the people.

Q18. How many Lok Sabhas had India had since 1952?

Ans. Since 1952, India has had 17 Lok Sabhas.

Q19. When was the 18th Lok Sabha constituted?

Ans. The 18th Lok Sabha was constituted in June 2024.

Q20. What does the formation of successive Lok Sabhas show?

Ans. It shows the continuation of India's democratic journey.

C. COMPOSITION OF THE PARLIAMENT OF INDIA

Q21. What are the three important institutions that compose the Parliament of India?

Ans. The Parliament of India consists of:

1. The President
2. The Lok Sabha – House of the People
3. The Rajya Sabha – Council of States

Q22. What is the Lok Sabha?

Ans. The Lok Sabha is known as the House of the People and is the Lower House of Parliament.

Q23. What is the Rajya Sabha?

Ans. The Rajya Sabha is known as the Council of States and is the Upper House of Parliament.

Q24. What is a bicameral system?

Ans. A bicameral system is a system in which the legislature has two Houses.

Q25. What does the word "Bi" mean?

Ans. "Bi" means two.

Q26. What does "Cameral" mean?

Ans. "Cameral" means chamber or house.

Q27. Why did the Constitution makers discuss the bicameral system?

Ans. The Constitution makers held extensive discussions because they wanted to decide whether India's Parliament should have one House or two Houses.

Q28. Why was a second House considered necessary?

Ans. The Constitution makers believed that a single House would not adequately represent the diversity and aspirations of the Indian people.

Q29. Why was the Rajya Sabha established?

Ans. The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, was established to reflect:

• The federal spirit
• The diversity
• The interests of the states

Q30. Why does the Rajya Sabha have a different structure and method of election from the Lok Sabha?

Ans. The Rajya Sabha was intentionally given a distinct structure and method of election to represent the states and their interests.

D. FEDERAL SYSTEM

Q31. What type of system does India follow?

Ans. India follows a federal system.

Q32. Among which levels of government is power shared in India?

Ans. Power is shared among:

• The Centre/Union Government
• The State Governments
• The Local Governments

Q33. What does power-sharing ensure?

Ans. Power-sharing ensures a balance between national unity and regional representation.

Q34. How are Lok Sabha members elected?

Ans. Lok Sabha members are elected directly by Indian citizens through universal adult franchise.

Q35. What does universal adult franchise mean?

Ans. It means that every adult citizen has the right to vote.

Q36. How are Rajya Sabha members elected?

Ans. Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by an electoral college, which includes members of State Legislative Assemblies and other bodies.

Q37. On what basis are seats allocated to states in both Houses?

Ans. The allocation of seats to each state in both Houses is based on the state's population.

E. THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

Q38. What is special about the Indian Constitution?

Ans. The Indian Constitution is a unique blend of the best features from some of the world's finest constitutions, particularly the British Parliamentary system, combined with the experiences of India's freedom fighters.

Q39. How did Indian freedom fighters gain knowledge of Parliamentary procedures?

Ans. Indian freedom fighters had exposure to British colonial legislative bodies, which gave them insight into Parliamentary procedures.

Q40. What ancient institutions showed early forms of collective decision-making?

Ans. Ancient republics such as the Mahajanapadas and village Panchayats showed early forms of collective decision-making.

F. FUNCTIONS AND WORKING OF PARLIAMENT

Q41. Who is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?

Ans. The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha.

Q42. How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha chosen?

Ans. The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves.

Q43. What are the main functions of the Speaker?

Ans. The Speaker:

• Conducts meetings.
• Allows members to speak.
• Maintains order.
• Ensures that Parliamentary rules are followed.

Q44. Who is the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha?

Ans. The Vice President of India acts as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

Q45. What is the role of the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha?

Ans. The Chairperson ensures the orderly working of the House.

Q46. Why are Parliamentary discussions translated into different languages?

Ans. Parliamentary discussions are translated into 18 languages to promote better understanding and participation.

Q47. Which languages are used for Parliamentary translation?

Ans. The languages include:

• Hindi
• English
• Assamese
• Bengali
• Gujarati
• Kannada
• Malayalam
• Marathi
• Odia
• Tamil
• Punjabi
• Telugu
• Bodo
• Dogri
• Maithili
• Manipuri
• Urdu
• Sanskrit

G. UNION EXECUTIVE

Q48. What is the Union Executive?

Ans. The Union Executive consists of:

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

Q49. From where are members of the Council of Ministers chosen?

Ans. Members of the Council of Ministers are chosen from among the MPs of both Houses of Parliament.

H. THE SENGOL

Q50. To whom was the Sengol given?

Ans. The Sengol was given to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.

Q51. When was the Sengol given to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru?

Ans. It was given to him on 14 August 1947.

Q52. What did the Sengol symbolise?

Ans. The Sengol symbolised the transfer of power.

Q53. Where is the Sengol kept today?

Ans. It is kept near the Speaker's chair in the new Lok Sabha.

Q54. What is the historical origin of the Sengol?

Ans. The Sengol comes from the Chola period.

Q55. What does the Sengol remind rulers to follow?

Ans. It reminds rulers to follow dharma.

Q56. What does Nandi on top of the Sengol represent?

Ans. Nandi represents justice.

I. LEGISLATIVE FUNCTIONS OF PARLIAMENT

Q57. What does the Constitution define regarding Parliament?

Ans. The Constitution defines key functions of Parliament to ensure effective governance.

Q58. What are the major categories of Parliamentary functions?

Ans. They include:

• Constitutional functions
• Law-making
• Executive accountability
• Financial accountability

J. CONSTITUTIONAL FUNCTION

Q59. What is the constitutional function of Parliament?

Ans. Parliament has the important job of protecting the core principles of the Indian Constitution.

Q60. How does Parliament support parliamentary democracy?

Ans. It supports parliamentary democracy with universal adult voting rights.

Q61. What is separation of powers?

Ans. Separation of powers means maintaining a division of powers among the:

• Legislature
• Executive
• Judiciary

Q62. How does Parliament support federalism?

Ans. Parliament helps maintain the federal structure of India.

Q63. How does Parliament protect Fundamental Rights?

Ans. Parliament makes laws and policies that protect basic Fundamental Rights and support the country's progress.

K. LAW-MAKING

Q64. What is the most important function of Parliament?

Ans. The most important function of Parliament is to make laws for the country.

Q65. What is an Act?

Ans. A law comes into force through a document called an Act.

Q66. What is a Bill?

Ans. A Bill is a draft of a proposed law.

Q67. What happens to a Bill before it becomes an Act?

Ans. A Bill is:

Debated → Revised → Passed by Parliament → Becomes an Act

Q68. Give an example of a law made through this process.

Ans. The Right to Education Act, 2009, became law through this process.

L. EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY

Q69. Who belongs to the Union Executive?

Ans. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers belong to the Union Executive.

Q70. What are the responsibilities of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers?

Ans. They are responsible for:

• Implementing laws
• Ensuring smooth functioning of the government
• Taking decisions related to day-to-day administration

Q71. To whom is the Union Executive answerable?

Ans. The Union Executive is answerable to the Lok Sabha, the directly elected House of the People.

Q72. What is Question Hour?

Ans. Question Hour is the first hour of a Parliamentary sitting during which Members of Parliament can ask questions to ministers.

Q73. What can MPs ask during Question Hour?

Ans. MPs can ask ministers about:

• Government decisions
• Government policies
• Government actions

Q74. What must ministers do during Question Hour?

Ans. Ministers must answer questions and justify their actions.

Q75. What are Parliamentary Committees?

Ans. Parliamentary Committees are groups made up of MPs from various political parties.

Q76. What do Parliamentary Committees do?

Ans. They:

• Question ministers.
• Examine how ministries work.
• Monitor the Executive.
• Ensure that the Executive remains answerable to the people through Parliament.

M. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Q77. How does Parliament control government spending?

Ans. Parliament controls government spending through the annual budget process.

Q78. What does Parliament do with the government's budget?

Ans. Parliament approves the allocation of funds to various ministries and departments.

Q79. How does Parliament monitor public money?

Ans. Parliament keeps track of how public funds are utilised.

Q80. What financial information must the government provide to Parliament?

Ans. The government must provide detailed, accurate and timely financial information to Parliament.

N. EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS

The President

Q81. What position does the President hold in the Indian government?

Ans. The President is the Head of State and symbolic leader of the Executive.

Q82. Who handles the day-to-day affairs of the government?

Ans. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers handle the day-to-day affairs of the government.

Q83. What role does the President play in appointing the government?

Ans. The President:

• Chooses the Prime Minister.
• Appoints other ministers.

Q84. Who advises the President on most matters of governance?

Ans. The Council of Ministers advises the President on most matters related to governance.

Q85. What happens if no political party gets a clear majority in the Lok Sabha?

Ans. If no party gets a clear majority, the President can use special powers in that situation while determining who should form the government.

O. PRIME MINISTER AND COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Q86. Who is appointed as the Prime Minister?

Ans. The leader of the majority party or coalition of parties in the Lok Sabha is appointed as the Prime Minister by the President of India.

Q87. Who is the real executive head of the government?

Ans. The Prime Minister is the real executive head of the government in India.

Q88. What are the major functions of the Prime Minister?

Ans. The Prime Minister:

• Leads the Council of Ministers.
• Coordinates the work of different ministries.
• Advises the President.
• Helps shape national policies.
• Takes major decisions.
• Manages the government's work.

Q89. To whom are the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers accountable?

Ans. They are collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha for their actions and policies.

Q90. Who are civil servants?

Ans. Civil servants are officials who assist ministers in carrying out government work.

Q91. How do civil servants help ministers?

Ans. They help ensure that:

• Laws are followed.
• Government decisions are implemented.
• Government work is done properly.

P. LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI AND RESPONSIBILITY

Q92. Who resigned after a train accident in 1956?

Ans. Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned after a train accident in 1956.

Q93. Was Lal Bahadur Shastri personally responsible for the train accident?

Ans. No. He was not personally at fault.

Q94. Why did Lal Bahadur Shastri resign?

Ans. He believed that ministers must accept responsibility for anything that happens in their department.

Q95. Did Prime Minister Nehru immediately accept Shastri's resignation?

Ans. No. Prime Minister Nehru did not accept his resignation at first.

Q96. What happened after Shastri insisted on resigning?

Ans. Shastri insisted on his resignation, and it was eventually accepted.

Q97. What principle does this example demonstrate?

Ans. It demonstrates the principle of ministerial responsibility and accountability.

Q. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEGISLATURE AND EXECUTIVE

Q98. What is the Legislature?

Ans. The Legislature is the supreme law-making body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Q99. What is the Executive?

Ans. The Executive is composed of the President, Vice President and Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister.

Q100. What is the main function of the Legislature?

Ans. The Legislature makes laws and oversees the work of the Executive.

Q101. What is the main function of the Executive?

Ans. The Executive enforces the laws made by the Legislature.

Q102. Who can introduce Bills in Parliament?

Ans. The Legislature can introduce some Bills, while the Executive introduces most Bills in Parliament.

Q103. How does the Legislature monitor the Executive?

Ans. It questions and monitors the Executive by seeking explanations.

Q104. How does the Executive respond to the Legislature?

Ans. The Executive gives the Legislature information and answers about its work and advises the President.

Q105. What role do Parliamentary Committees play?

Ans. The Legislature consults various Parliamentary Committees, while the Executive handles daily work and asks committees for help when needed.

Q106. What is the financial relationship between the Legislature and Executive?

Ans. The Legislature approves the government budget prepared by the Executive, while the Executive carries out the budget passed by Parliament.

R. THE JUDICIARY – CHECKS AND BALANCES

Q107. What is the role of the Judiciary?

Ans. The Judiciary interprets and applies the laws of the land according to the Constitution.

Q108. How does the Judiciary provide justice?

Ans. It resolves disputes and provides justice through the court system.

Q109. How does the Judiciary protect democracy?

Ans. It safeguards democratic values in society and ensures that the government functions according to constitutional principles.

Q110. What does the Judiciary ensure about laws passed by the Legislature?

Ans. It ensures that the Legislature passes laws within the limits of the Constitution.

Q111. Can courts review laws passed by Parliament?

Ans. Yes. Courts can review laws passed by Parliament when those laws are challenged in the High Court or Supreme Court.

Q112. Can the Judiciary review Executive decisions?

Ans. Yes. It has the power to review decisions taken by the Executive while implementing laws.

Q113. How does the Judiciary function?

Ans. It functions independently through the courts.

Q114. What is the role of the Judiciary in checks and balances?

Ans. The Judiciary maintains a system of checks and balances.

Q115. How does the Judiciary prevent misuse of power?

Ans. It prevents the misuse of power by the Legislature and Executive.

Q116. What rights does the Judiciary protect?

Ans. The Judiciary protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens.

Q117. What is separation of powers?

Ans. Separation of powers means dividing powers among the Judiciary, Legislature and Executive.

Q118. Why is separation of powers important?

Ans. It maintains checks and balances and ensures that no single organ becomes too powerful.

S. LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS AT THE STATE LEVEL

Q119. Does every Indian state have its own Legislature and Executive?

Ans. Yes. Every state has its own Legislature and Executive.

Q120. What is the State Legislature?

Ans. The State Legislature is the law-making body at the state level.

Q121. What does the State Legislature do?

Ans. It performs functions similar to Parliament, but at the state level.

Q122. Who are members of the State Legislative Assembly called?

Ans. They are called Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

Q123. How does the Constitution divide legislative powers between the Union and States?

Ans. The Constitution divides subjects into three groups:

1. Union List
2. State List
3. Concurrent List

Q124. What is the Union List?

Ans. The Union List contains subjects on which the Union Government can make laws.

Q125. What is the State List?

Ans. The State List contains subjects on which State Governments can make laws.

Q126. What is the Concurrent List?

Ans. The Concurrent List contains subjects on which both Union and State Governments can make laws.

Q127. What happens if the Union Government makes a law on a Concurrent List subject?

Ans. If the Union Government makes a law on a Concurrent List subject, states must follow it.

Q128. Give an example of a Concurrent List subject mentioned in the chapter.

Ans. Right to Education (RTE) is given as an example.

T. UNION GOVERNMENT AND STATE GOVERNMENT

Q129. Who is the constitutional head at the Union level?

Ans. The President is the constitutional head at the Union level.

Q130. Who is the constitutional head at the State level?

Ans. The Governor is the constitutional head at the State level.

Q131. Who is the real executive leader at the Union level?

Ans. The Prime Minister is the real executive leader at the Union level.

Q132. Who is the real executive leader at the State level?

Ans. The Chief Minister is the real executive leader at the State level.

Q133. How is the Prime Minister chosen?

Ans. The Prime Minister is chosen from the Lok Sabha, generally as the leader of the majority party or coalition.

Q134. How is the Chief Minister chosen?

Ans. The Chief Minister is chosen from the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly).

Q135. Who chooses the Union Council of Ministers?

Ans. The Prime Minister chooses the Council of Ministers.

Q136. Who chooses the State Council of Ministers?

Ans. The Chief Minister chooses the State Council of Ministers.

Q137. To whom is the Union Government answerable?

Ans. It is answerable to the Lok Sabha.

Q138. To whom is the State Government answerable?

Ans. It is answerable to the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly).

U. UNION AND STATE LEGISLATURES

Q139. How many Houses does the Union Parliament have?

Ans. The Union Parliament has two Houses:

• Lok Sabha
• Rajya Sabha

Q140. How many Houses can a State Legislature have?

Ans. A State Legislature can have one or two Houses.

Q141. What is the Lower House of Parliament?

Ans. The Lok Sabha is the Lower House of Parliament.

Q142. What is the Upper House of Parliament?

Ans. The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament.

Q143. What is the Lower House of a State Legislature?

Ans. The Vidhan Sabha, or Legislative Assembly, is the Lower House.

Q144. What is the Upper House of a State Legislature?

Ans. The Vidhan Parishad, or Legislative Council, is the Upper House in states that have one.

Q145. What is the term of the Lower House?

Ans. The term of the Lok Sabha is 5 years, and the normal term of a State Legislative Assembly is also 5 years.

Q146. Who presides over the Lok Sabha?

Ans. The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha.

Q147. Who presides over the Vidhan Sabha?

Ans. The Speaker presides over the Vidhan Sabha.

Q148. What are the legislative powers of the Union Government?

Ans. The Union Government can make laws on the Union List and Concurrent List.

Q149. What are the legislative powers of the State Government?

Ans. The State Government can make laws on the State List and Concurrent List.

Q150. Where do financial Bills originate at the Union level?

Ans. Financial or Money Bills originate in the Lok Sabha.

Q151. Where do financial Bills originate at the State level?

Ans. Financial or Money Bills originate in the Vidhan Sabha.

V. STRUCTURE OF STATE LEGISLATURES

Q152. What are the two types of State Legislatures?

Ans. State Legislatures can be:

1. Unicameral
2. Bicameral

Q153. What is a unicameral State Legislature?

Ans. A unicameral State Legislature has only one House.

Q154. What is a bicameral State Legislature?

Ans. A bicameral State Legislature has two Houses.

Q155. What are the two Houses in a bicameral State Legislature?

Ans. They are:

1. Vidhan Sabha – Legislative Assembly, Lower House
2. Vidhan Parishad – Legislative Council, Upper House

Q156. Which Indian states have bicameral legislatures?

Ans. The states with bicameral legislatures include:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Bihar
• Karnataka
• Maharashtra
• Telangana
• Uttar Pradesh

W. CHALLENGES TO THE EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF LEGISLATURES

Q157. What important functions does the Indian Legislature perform?

Ans. The Indian Legislature:

• Makes laws.
• Supervises the government.
• Approves the budget.
• Discusses policies.
• Discusses development.
• Discusses foreign relations.
• Discusses public issues.

Q158. How can absence of members affect the Legislature?

Ans. Many members are sometimes absent, which can slow down important legislative work.

Q159. How can disruptive behaviour affect Parliamentary work?

Ans. Some members may behave uncooperatively or disruptively during meetings, affecting the smooth functioning of the Legislature.

Q160. What happens to Question Hour when Parliament is disrupted?

Ans. The Question Hour, which is meant for asking questions to the government, can be disturbed or wasted.

Q161. What are some concerns about the backgrounds of some legislators?

Ans. Some members who join the Assembly or Parliament may have criminal backgrounds.

X. PARLIAMENTARY SESSIONS

Q162. How many traditional Parliamentary sessions are mentioned in the chapter?

Ans. Three traditional Parliamentary sessions are mentioned:

1. Budget Session
2. Monsoon Session
3. Winter Session

Q163. What is the Budget Session?

Ans. The Budget Session deals particularly with the annual budget, government expenditure and financial matters.

Q164. What is the Monsoon Session?

Ans. The Monsoon Session is a period when Parliament discusses Bills, government actions, policies and public issues.

Q165. What is the Winter Session?

Ans. The Winter Session is a period when Parliament discusses Bills, government actions and important national matters.

Q166. What does Parliament discuss during its sessions?

Ans. Parliament discusses:

• Laws
• Government actions
• Policies
• Development
• Foreign relations
• Public issues

Q167. How long do Parliamentary sittings usually last according to the notes?

Ans. The notes state that Parliamentary sittings usually last about 6 hours a day.

Y. ROLE OF CITIZENS IN DEMOCRACY

Q168. When does democracy become stronger?

Ans. Democracy becomes stronger, healthier and more responsive when citizens are informed, critical and involved.

Q169. How can citizens participate in democracy?

Ans. Citizens can participate by:

• Asking questions
• Sharing their opinions
• Joining public discussions

Q170. Why should citizens ask questions?

Ans. Asking questions helps citizens understand and examine government decisions, policies and public issues.

Q171. Why should citizens share their opinions?

Ans. Sharing opinions allows citizens to participate in public discussion and democratic decision-making.

Q172. Why should citizens join public discussions?

Ans. Public discussions help citizens contribute to debates about laws, policies, development and public issues.

Q173. How do active citizens help democracy?

Ans. Active citizens help create:

• Better laws
• Better policies
• More responsive representatives

QUICK REVISION QUESTIONS

Q174. What are the three parts of the Parliament of India?

Ans. President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Q175. What are the two Houses of Parliament?

Ans. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Q176. What is the Lok Sabha also called?

Ans. House of the People.

Q177. What is the Rajya Sabha also called?

Ans. Council of States.

Q178. What is the system of two Houses called?

Ans. Bicameral system.

Q179. Who presides over the Lok Sabha?

Ans. Speaker.

Q180. Who is the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha?

Ans. Vice President of India.

Q181. Who is the Head of State?

Ans. President of India.

Q182. Who is the real executive head?

Ans. Prime Minister.

Q183. What is the most important function of Parliament?

Ans. Making laws.

Q184. What is a Bill?

Ans. A draft of a proposed law.

Q185. What does a Bill become after being passed through the legislative process?

Ans. An Act.

Q186. What is Question Hour?

Ans. The first hour of a Parliamentary sitting when MPs ask questions to ministers.

Q187. What are the three organs of government?

Ans. Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.

Q188. What is the purpose of checks and balances?

Ans. To prevent any one organ of government from becoming too powerful.

Q189. What are the three lists of legislative powers?

Ans. Union List, State List and Concurrent List.

Q190. What are the two types of State Legislatures?

Ans. Unicameral and Bicameral.

Q191. What is the Lower House of a State Legislature?

Ans. Vidhan Sabha.

Q192. What is the Upper House of a State Legislature where it exists?

Ans. Vidhan Parishad.

Q193. Name the six states mentioned as having bicameral legislatures.

Ans. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

Q194. What makes democracy healthy and responsive?

Ans. Informed, critical and involved citizens make democracy healthy and responsive.

Q195. What three actions of citizens strengthen democracy?

Ans. Asking questions, sharing opinions and joining public discussions.

⭐ ONE-LINE REVISION

Parliament → Highest law-making body of India.

Lok Sabha → House of the People.

Rajya Sabha → Council of States.

President → Head of State.

Prime Minister → Real executive head.

Speaker → Presiding officer of Lok Sabha.

Vice President → Chairperson of Rajya Sabha.

Bill → Draft of a proposed law.

Act → Law passed through the legislative process.

Question Hour → MPs question ministers about government work.

Bicameral → Two Houses.

Unicameral → One House.

Vidhan Sabha → State Legislative Assembly.

Vidhan Parishad → State Legislative Council.

Union List → Union Government's legislative subjects.

State List → State Government's legislative subjects.

Concurrent List → Subjects on which both Union and State Governments can make laws.

Judiciary → Interprets laws and protects constitutional rights.

Checks and Balances → Prevents concentration and misuse of power.

Universal Adult Franchise → Right of every adult citizen to vote.

Democracy → Becomes stronger when citizens are informed, critical and involved.