Class 8 Social Science – Chapter 6

The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive

1. The New Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan)

The new Parliament of India, also known as Sansad Bhavan, has a soft triangular design, symbolising balance and inclusivity.

Important Features

• It uses eco-friendly construction.
• The design helps reduce electricity consumption by 30 per cent.
• The walls inside the building are decorated with:
• Carvings of peacocks
• Lotuses
• Tribal art
• Images and representations of freedom fighters
• The building also features ancient symbols.
• These symbols remind us that Indian democracy respects its roots while looking towards the future.

2. Introduction

India gained independence after a long struggle and immense sacrifices by its people. With freedom came the power for citizens to shape their own governance.

The first major step in this new era was the drafting of the Constitution of India.

The Constitution laid down the guiding principles of the nation.

Universal Adult Franchise

One of the key features of the Indian democratic system was the introduction of Universal Adult Franchise.

It gave every adult citizen the right to vote, regardless of:

• Caste
• Gender
• Religion
• Economic status

Citizens elect their representatives directly to the Lok Sabha.

The political party or group that gets a majority forms the government.

Parliament

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

It consists of elected members who:

• Make laws
• Discuss important national issues
• Monitor the government's work
• Ensure that the government remains accountable

This system ensures that the government functions with the consent of the people.

Lok Sabha Since Independence

• Since 1952, India has had 17 Lok Sabhas.
• The 18th Lok Sabha was constituted in June 2024.
• This continues India's long democratic journey.

3. Composition of the Parliament of India

The Parliament of India is composed of three important institutions:

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

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are the two Houses of Parliament.

A system with two Houses is called a Bicameral System.

Meaning of Bicameral

• Bi = Two
• Cameral = Chamber or House

Therefore:

Bicameral Legislature = Legislature having two Houses

Why Does India Have Two Houses?

The Constitution makers held extensive discussions about adopting a bicameral system.

They believed that a single House would not adequately represent the diversity and aspirations of the Indian people.

Therefore, a second House, the Rajya Sabha or Council of States, was established.

It represents:

• The federal spirit of India
• Diversity
• Interests of the states

The Rajya Sabha was intentionally given a different structure and method of election from the Lok Sabha.

Federal System in India

India follows a federal system, in which power is shared among:

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

This system of power-sharing helps maintain a balance between:

National Unity + Regional Representation

Election of Members

Lok Sabha members are elected directly by Indian citizens through Universal Adult Franchise.

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

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

4. The Indian Constitution

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.

Indian freedom fighters had experience with British colonial legislative bodies. This gave them an understanding of Parliamentary procedures.

India also had its own traditions of collective decision-making.

Examples include:

• Ancient republics
• Mahajanapadas
• Village Panchayats

These traditions showed early forms of collective decision-making.

5. Functions and Working of Parliament

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha.

The Speaker is:

• Elected by the members of the Lok Sabha
• Chosen from among the members themselves

Functions of the Speaker

The Speaker:

• Conducts the meetings of the Lok Sabha
• Allows members to speak
• Maintains order
• Ensures that Parliamentary rules are followed

Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha

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

The Chairperson helps ensure the orderly working of the House.

Parliamentary Languages

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

These include:

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

6. The Union Executive

The Union Executive consists of:

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

The members of the Council of Ministers are chosen from among the MPs of both Houses of Parliament.

7. The Sengol

The Sengol was given to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, on 14 August 1947.

It symbolised the transfer of power.

Today, the Sengol is kept near the Speaker's chair in the new Lok Sabha.

Historical Significance

• It comes from the Chola period.
• It reminds rulers to follow dharma.
• Nandi, placed on top, represents justice.

8. Legislative Functions of Parliament

The Constitution defines important functions of Parliament to ensure effective governance.

These functions include:

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

A. Constitutional Function

Parliament has the important responsibility of protecting the core principles of the Indian Constitution.

These include:

1. Parliamentary Democracy

Supporting parliamentary democracy with universal adult voting rights.

2. Separation of Powers

Maintaining separation of powers between:

• Legislature
• Executive
• Judiciary

3. Federalism

Maintaining the federal structure of India.

4. Fundamental Rights

Making laws and policies that:

• Protect Fundamental Rights
• Support the progress of the country

9. Law-Making

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

How Does a Law Come Into Being?

Law-making begins with a Bill.

Bill

A Bill is a draft of a proposed law.

The Bill is:

Introduced → Debated → Revised → Passed → Becomes an Act

An Act is a law that has been passed through the required legislative process and comes into force.

Example

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

10. Executive Accountability

The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are part of the Union Executive.

They are responsible for:

• Implementing laws
• Running the government
• Taking decisions related to day-to-day administration

They are answerable to the Lok Sabha, the directly elected House of the People.

Question Hour

One important method through which the Executive is held accountable is the Question Hour.

The Question Hour is the first hour of a Parliamentary sitting when MPs can ask questions to ministers.

MPs may ask about:

• Government decisions
• Government policies
• Administration
• Actions taken by ministries

Ministers are required to answer and justify their actions.

Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary Committees are made up of MPs from different political parties.

They:

• Question ministers
• Examine the functioning of ministries
• Study government work
• Monitor the Executive

These committees ensure that the Executive is regularly monitored and remains answerable to the people through Parliament.

11. Financial Accountability

Parliament controls government spending through the annual budget process.

It:

• Approves the allocation of funds to ministries and departments
• Monitors the use of public money
• Keeps track of how public funds are utilised

The government must provide Parliament with:

• Detailed financial information
• Accurate financial information
• Timely financial information

12. Executive Functions of Parliament

The President

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

The President:

• Chooses the Prime Minister
• Appoints other ministers
• Performs constitutional functions

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

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

When No Party Gets a Clear Majority

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

13. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers

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.

Prime Minister – Real Executive Head

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

The Prime Minister:

• Leads the Council of Ministers
• Coordinates the work of different ministries
• Advises the President
• Plays a key role in shaping national policies
• Takes major decisions
• Manages the government's work

The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are collectively accountable to the Lok Sabha for their actions and policies.

Role of Civil Servants

A group of officials called civil servants helps ministers.

They help ensure that:

• Laws are properly implemented
• Government decisions are carried out
• Government work is completed properly
• Administration functions smoothly

14. Lal Bahadur Shastri and Ministerial Responsibility

In 1956, Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned after a train accident, even though he was not personally at fault.

He believed that ministers must accept responsibility for what happens in their departments.

Prime Minister Nehru did not initially accept his resignation.

However, Shastri insisted, and his resignation was eventually accepted.

Lesson

This example demonstrates the principle of ministerial responsibility and accountability.

15. Differences Between the Legislature and the Executive

LegislatureExecutiveThe supreme law-making body of India, consisting of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.Composed of the President, Vice President and Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister.Makes laws and oversees the work of the Executive.Enforces the laws made by the Legislature.Can introduce some Bills in Parliament.Introduces most Bills in Parliament.Questions and monitors the Executive by seeking explanations.Gives the Legislature information and answers about what it does; also participates in Parliament sessions and advises the President.Consults various Parliamentary Committees.Handles daily work on its own and asks committees for help when needed.Approves the government budget prepared by the Executive.Proposes government spending and carries out the budget passed by Parliament.16. The Judiciary – Role of Checks and Balances

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

It plays a very important role in protecting democracy.

Functions of the Judiciary

The Judiciary:

• Resolves disputes
• Provides justice through the court system
• Safeguards democratic values
• Ensures that the government functions according to the Constitution
• Ensures that the Legislature passes laws within constitutional limits
• Reviews laws passed by Parliament when they are challenged in the High Court or Supreme Court
• Reviews decisions taken by the Executive while implementing laws
• Functions independently through the courts
• Maintains a system of checks and balances
• Prevents misuse of power by the Legislature and Executive
• Protects the Fundamental Rights of citizens

Separation of Powers

The separation of powers among the:

Legislature + Executive + Judiciary

helps maintain checks and balances.

It ensures that:

No single organ of government becomes too powerful.

17. Legislative and Executive Functions at the State Level

Every state in India has its own legislature and executive.

The State Legislature performs functions similar to Parliament, but at the state level.

The State Legislature includes members called Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

18. Division of Legislative Powers

The Constitution of India divides the subjects on which the Union and State Governments can make laws.

These subjects are divided into three lists:

1. Union List

Subjects on which the Union Government can make laws.

2. State List

Subjects on which the State Governments can make laws.

3. Concurrent List

Both the Union and State Governments can make laws.

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

Example

Right to Education (RTE) is an example mentioned in this context.

19. Parallel Structure of Union and State Governments in India

FeatureUnion GovernmentState GovernmentHead of GovernmentPresidentGovernorTerm of OfficeBoth serve for 5 yearsBoth serve for 5 yearsExecutive LeaderPrime Minister – has real powerChief Minister – has real powerChoosing the LeaderPrime Minister is chosen from the Lok SabhaChief Minister is chosen from Vidhan SabhaCouncil of MinistersChosen by the Prime MinisterChosen by the Chief MinisterResponsibilityAnswerable to the Lok SabhaAnswerable to the Vidhan SabhaStructure of LegislatureParliament has two Houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya SabhaState Legislature can have one or two Houses: Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan ParishadLower HouseLok Sabha – House of the PeopleVidhan Sabha – Legislative AssemblyUpper HouseRajya Sabha – Council of StatesVidhan Parishad – Legislative Council, in some states onlyTerm of Lower House5 years5 yearsPresiding OfficerSpeaker leads the Lok SabhaSpeaker leads the Vidhan SabhaLegislative PowersCan make laws on the Union List and Concurrent ListCan make laws on the State List and Concurrent ListFinancial PowersMoney Bills originate in the Lok SabhaMoney Bills originate in the Vidhan Sabha20. Structure of State Legislatures

State Legislatures can be of two types:

A. Unicameral Legislature

A state having only one House.

B. Bicameral Legislature

A state having two Houses.

The two Houses in a bicameral state are:

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

States with Bicameral Legislatures

The states with bicameral legislatures include:

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

21. Challenges to the Effective Functioning of Legislatures

The Indian Legislature performs several important functions.

It:

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

However, legislatures also face several challenges.

Major Challenges

1. Absence of Members

Many members are sometimes absent.

This can slow down important legislative work.

2. Disruptive Behaviour

Some members may behave uncooperatively or disruptively during meetings.

3. Disturbance of Question Hour

The Question Hour is meant for MPs to question the government.

However, it may sometimes be disturbed or wasted.

4. Criminal Backgrounds

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

These issues can affect the effective functioning of democratic institutions.

22. Parliamentary Sessions

Parliament generally meets in sessions during the year.

The three traditional Parliamentary sessions are:

1. Budget Session

Deals mainly with:

• Annual Budget
• Government expenditure
• Financial matters

2. Monsoon Session

Deals with:

• Bills
• Government policies
• Public issues
• Parliamentary discussions

3. Winter Session

Deals with:

• Bills
• Government actions
• Important national matters

Parliament generally works for several hours during a sitting; the material notes that sessions usually last around 6 hours a day.

23. Role of Citizens in a Democracy

Democracy becomes stronger, healthier and more responsive when citizens are:

• Informed
• Critical
• Involved

Citizens can participate in democracy by:

Asking Questions

Citizens can question government policies and decisions.

Sharing Opinions

Citizens can express their views on public issues.

Joining Public Discussions

Citizens can participate in discussions about:

• Laws
• Policies
• Development
• Public issues

These actions help create:

Better Laws + Better Policies + More Responsive Representatives

⭐ Quick Revision – Chapter at a Glance

Parliament of India

Parliament = President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha

Two Houses

• Lok Sabha → House of the People
• Rajya Sabha → Council of States

Union Executive

President + Vice President + Council of Ministers

Head of Government

Prime Minister

Real Executive Head

Prime Minister

Presiding Officer of Lok Sabha

Speaker

Chairperson of Rajya Sabha

Vice President

Three Organs of Government

Legislature + Executive + Judiciary

Three Legislative Lists

Union List + State List + Concurrent List

State Executive

Governor + Chief Minister + Council of Ministers

State Legislature

Vidhan Sabha + Vidhan Parishad (where applicable)

Three Traditional Parliamentary Sessions

Budget + Monsoon + Winter

Important Accountability Mechanism

Question Hour

Main Function of Parliament

Making Laws

Important Principle

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

📌 Important Terms to Remember

TermMeaningParliamentThe highest law-making body of IndiaBicameralA legislature having two HousesLok SabhaHouse of the PeopleRajya SabhaCouncil of StatesUniversal Adult FranchiseRight of every adult citizen to voteBillDraft of a proposed lawActA law passed through the legislative processExecutiveOrgan responsible for implementing laws and running administrationLegislatureOrgan responsible for making lawsJudiciaryOrgan responsible for interpreting laws and providing justiceQuestion HourTime when MPs question ministers about government workFederalismDivision and sharing of powers between different levels of governmentChecks and BalancesSystem that prevents any one organ of government from becoming too powerfulUnicameralLegislature having one HouseBicameralLegislature having two HousesVidhan SabhaLegislative Assembly of a stateVidhan ParishadLegislative Council of a state, where it existsCivil ServantsOfficials who assist ministers in administration and implementation of government decisions🎯 Most Important Points for Exams

1. Parliament of India consists of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
2. India follows a bicameral Parliamentary system at the Union level.
3. Lok Sabha is the House of the People.
4. Rajya Sabha is the Council of States.
5. The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha.
6. The Vice President is the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
7. The Prime Minister is the real executive head of the government.
8. The President is the Head of State.
9. Parliament's most important function is law-making.
10. A proposed law is called a Bill; after being passed through the required process, it becomes an Act.
11. Question Hour helps Parliament hold the Executive accountable.
12. Parliament exercises financial control through the budget.
13. The Judiciary protects the Constitution and Fundamental Rights.
14. Separation of powers creates checks and balances.
15. Legislative subjects are divided into the Union List, State List and Concurrent List.
16. State Legislatures may be unicameral or bicameral.
17. Vidhan Sabha is the Lower House of a State Legislature.
18. Vidhan Parishad is the Upper House in states having a bicameral legislature.
19. Citizens strengthen democracy by asking questions, sharing opinions and participating in public discussions.
20. A healthy democracy requires informed, critical and active citizens.