Alok thinks that a country needs an efficient government that looks after the welfare of the people. So, if we simply elected our Prime Minister and Ministers and left to them the task of government, we will not need a legislature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer

No, I do not agree with Alok's view. **Electing only the executive does not ensure accountability** or address diverse opinions effectively. A **legislature is crucial for a balanced democracy**; it serves as a check on executive powers, ensuring decisions are debated and scrutinized. It also represents diverse interests through elected lawmakers. Without a legislature, a country risks autocracy where significant powers rest with a few, possibly leading to misuse and less democratic governance.

A class was debating the merits of a bicameral system. The following points were made during the discussion. Read the arguments and say if you agree or disagree with each of them, giving reasons. $\\sqrt{ }$ Neha said that bicameral legislature does not serve any purpose. $\\sqrt{ }$ Shama argued that experts should be nominated in the second chamber. $\\sqrt{ }$ Tridib said that if a country is not a federation, then there is no need to have a second chamber.

$\\sqrt{}$ **Disagree with Neha**: The bicameral legislature serves significant purposes. It allows for **double scrutiny** of legislation, which helps in comprehensive law-making. It ensures that smaller or less populous states are represented, maintaining balance in representation and preventing dominance by more populous regions. $\\sqrt{}$ **Agree with Shama**: Nominating experts in the second chamber, like the Rajya Sabha in India, can enhance the quality of debates and legislation. Experts bring **specialized knowledge** to discussions, which can lead to more **informed decision-making** and enriched policy outcomes. $\\sqrt{}$ **Disagree with Tridib**: Even if a country is not a federation, having a second chamber can still be beneficial. It introduces **additional checks and balances** within the legislative process, fostering more cautious and considered law-making. A second chamber can also represent varied interests beyond just territorial issues, such as socio-economic groups, contributing to a more representative governance.

Why can the Lok Sabha control the executive more effectively than the Rajya Sabha can?

The **Lok Sabha** can control the executive more effectively than the **Rajya Sabha** because it is **directly elected by the people**, making it the **primary legislative body**. The Council of Ministers is **responsible** to the Lok Sabha, meaning it must maintain the confidence of the majority of its members. The Lok Sabha has exclusive powers to **introduce and reject money bills**, and can also file a **no-confidence motion** against the executive, which if passed, necessitates the resignation of the government. Essentially, the **face of direct public accountability** reinforces its dominant role over the executive.

Rather than effective control of the executive, the Lok Sabha is a platform for the expression of popular sentiments and people's expectations. Do you agree? Give reasons.

**Yes, I agree** that the Lok Sabha primarily serves as a **platform for the expression of popular sentiments** and people's expectations. This is evident from its composition, drawing representatives from various societal segments across the country. It hosts **dynamic debates and discussions** reflecting the concerns and aspirations of constituents, thus encapsulating diverse national issues. Although it has mechanisms like **question hours and no-confidence motions** to control the executive, its predominant role is to voice the myriad perspectives of the population, **making it a crucial democratic link** between the government and the governed.

The following are some proposals for making the Parliament more effective. State if you agree or disagree with each of them and give your reasons. Explain what would be the effect if these suggestions were accepted. $\\sqrt{ }$ Parliament should work for longer period. $\\sqrt{ }$ Attendance should be made compulsory for members of Parliament. $\\sqrt{ }$ Speakers should be empowered to penalise members for interrupting the proceedings of the House.

$\\sqrt{ }$ **Parliament should work for longer periods.** - Agree. Extending the working hours or days of Parliament would **allow for more thorough discussion and deliberation of bills and policies**, enhancing transparency and accountability. It would **encourage more comprehensive legislative scrutiny** and help ensure that intricate issues are addressed appropriately. $\\sqrt{ }$ **Attendance should be made compulsory for members of Parliament.** - Agree. Mandatory attendance would ensure that all elected representatives **participate actively in the governance process**, providing diverse viewpoints and fulfilling their duty to represent their constituencies. This would lead to **more informed decision-making and greater accountability**. $\\sqrt{ }$ **Speakers should be empowered to penalize members for interrupting the proceedings of the House.** - Agree. Empowering the Speaker to penalize interruptions would **improve the order and decorum** within Parliament sessions, leading to **more productive and focused discussions**. This would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the parliamentary sessions, focusing on constructive debate rather than disruptive behavior.

Arif wanted to know that if ministers propose most of the important bills and if the majority party often gets the government bills passed, what is the role of the Parliament in the law making process? What answer would you give him?

Arif, the role of the Parliament in the law-making process is crucial despite most bills being proposed by ministers. **Parliament scrutinizes, debates, and amends proposed legislation**, ensuring it aligns with the public's interests and legal standards. **It acts as a check on the government**, preventing arbitrary decisions and ensuring transparency. Even if the majority often passes government bills, the process of debate and amendment within Parliament plays a key role in refining laws and holding the government accountable.

Which of the following statements you agree with the most? Give your reasons. $\\sqrt{ }$ Legislators must be free to join any party they want. $\\sqrt{ }$ Anti-defection law has contributed to the domination of the party leaders over the legislators. $\\sqrt{ }$ Defection is always for selfish purposes and therefore, a legislator who wants to join another party must be disqualified from being a minister for the next two years.

I agree with the statement that **Anti-defection law has contributed to the domination of the party leaders over the legislators**. This law restricts legislators from voting contrary to the party's directives, thereby limiting their independence and making them strongly adherent to the party line. While it aims to bring stability by preventing opportunistic shifts in allegiance, it paradoxically enhances the control of party leaders over their members, potentially stifling individual judgement and accountability to the electorate. This centralization of control can undermine democratic principles and individual representation.

Dolly and Sudha are debating about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Parliament in recent times. Dolly believed that the decline of Indian Parliament is evident in the less time spent on debate and discussion and increase in the disturbances of the functioning of the House and walkouts etc. Sudha contends that the fall of different governments on the floor of Lok Sabha is a proof of its vibrancy. What other arguments can you provide to support or oppose the positions of Dolly and Sudha?

**Supporting Dolly:** The **decrease in the number of sessions and hours spent on actual legislative work** in Parliament is concerning. Frequent disruptions, walkouts, and a **focus on politics over policy** undermine the effectiveness of Parliament as a legislative body. **Extended disruptions** delay the passage of critical bills and reduce the time available for thorough discussion of important issues, impacting the quality of enacted laws. **Supporting Sudha:** The multiple instances of government collapses in Lok Sabha illustrate the **active role and robust nature of Indian democracy**. The ability of Parliament to **hold the executive accountable** is a sign of its functioning health. Frequent government changes can also be seen as a mechanism that prevents authoritarianism, ensuring that **no single party can take absolute control** without adequate support and scrutiny from the Parliament.

Arrange the different stages of passing of a bill into a law in their correct sequence:. $\\sqrt{ }$ A resolution is passed to admit the bill for discussion $\\sqrt{ }$ The bill is referred to the President of India - write what happens next if $\\mathrm{s} /$ he does not sign it $\\sqrt{ }$ The bill is referred to other House and is passed $\\sqrt{ }$ The bill is passed in the house in which it was proposed $\\sqrt{ }$ The bill is read clause by clause and each is voted upon $\\sqrt{ }$ The bill is referred to the subcommittee - the committee makes some changes and sends it back to the house for discussion $\\sqrt{ }$ The concerned minister proposes the need for a bill $\\sqrt{ }$ Legislative department in ministry of law, drafts a bill

1\. **The concerned minister proposes the need for a bill** 2\. **Legislative department in ministry of law, drafts a bill** 3\. **A resolution is passed to admit the bill for discussion** 4\. **The bill is referred to the subcommittee** - the committee makes some changes and sends it back to the house for discussion 5\. **The bill is read clause by clause and each is voted upon** 6\. **The bill is passed in the house in which it was proposed** 7\. **The bill is referred to the other House and is passed** 8\. **The bill is referred to the President of India** - if the President does not sign it, he/she may return the bill (if it is not a money bill) with recommendations for reconsideration. If passed again by both Houses with or without amendments and presented to the President again, the President must sign it.

How has the system of parliamentary committee affected the overseeing and appraisal of legislation by the Parliament?

The **system of parliamentary committees** has greatly **enhanced the efficiency and scrutiny** of legislation in Parliament. Committees allow for **detailed examination** of issues, which is often not feasible in full parliamentary sessions due to time constraints. They **specialize in specific areas**, providing informed oversight and enabling thorough debates, improving the quality of laws passed. Moreover, committees **reduce the workload** on the main legislative body by dealing with specialized matters extensively, making parliamentary operations more effective. Their recommendations are generally respected, though legally, the full Parliament retains the final say in law-making.

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Legislature Class 11 Notes and Solutions

Explore the vital role of the Indian Parliament in democracy, including lawmaking, executive control, and bicameral structure with the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

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Notes - Legislature | Class 11 Indian Constitution at Work | Political Science

Understanding Legislature: Class 11 Notes

Introduction to Legislature

Definition and Importance

A legislature is a crucial component of a democratic system, responsible for making laws, representing the citizenry, and overseeing the executive branch. It embodies the will of the people through elected representatives, functioning as the cornerstone of democratic governance.

Composition of the Indian Parliament

The Parliament of India comprises two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). It is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two houses, each serving specific functions and balancing each other out.

Why Do We Need a Parliament?

Functions Beyond Lawmaking

The Parliament is not merely a law-making body. It plays multiple roles in the democratic process, including debating policies, representing diverse interests, scrutinising the executive, and ensuring transparency and accountability.

Accountability and Representation

One of the vital roles of the Parliament is to hold the executive accountable. By doing so, it ensures that government actions reflect the will of the people. Additionally, the Parliament represents the multifaceted interests of different regions, social groups, and communities across the nation.

Bicameral Legislature

Need for Two Houses

The two houses of the Indian Parliament serve distinct purposes. The Lok Sabha represents the people directly, while the Rajya Sabha represents the states. This system ensures a more comprehensive and balanced approach to legislation and governance.

States with Bicameral Legislatures

In India, some states also have bicameral legislatures, comprising two houses. As of now, only six states follow this system: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Lok Sabha (House of the People)

Direct Elections and Constituencies

The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives directly elected by the people. The country is divided into 543 constituencies, each electing one member through universal adult suffrage.

Powers and Functions

The Lok Sabha holds significant powers, including the ability to introduce and pass money bills, approve budgets, and control the executive through motions of no-confidence.

Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

Indirect Elections and Representation

The Rajya Sabha represents the states and is an indirectly elected body. Members are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly.

Special Powers and Terms

Members of the Rajya Sabha serve six-year terms, with one-third of the members retiring every two years. This ensures continuity and stability. Apart from legislative functions, the Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments to money bills and has the exclusive right to discuss matters that affect the states.

Lawmaking Process

Drafting a Bill

The process of lawmaking begins with drafting a bill. This can be initiated by a minister or a member of the Parliament (in the form of a private member's bill).

Stages of Approval

A bill goes through several stages before becoming a law:

Introduction
First Reading
Committee Stage
Second Reading
Third Reading
Presidential Assent

Here's a flowchart that outlines the lawmaking process:

graph TD A[Bill Introduction] --> B[First Reading] B --> C[Committee Stage] C --> D[Second Reading] D --> E[Third Reading] E --> F{Disagreement?} F -- Yes --> G[Joint Session] F -- No --> H[Passage in Both Houses] H --> I[Presidential Assent]

Role of Committees

A significant amount of detailed legislative work is done in committees. These committees review bills, suggest amendments, and report back to the House with their recommendations.

Control Over Executive

Instruments of Parliamentary Control

The Parliament exercises control over the executive through various mechanisms:

Deliberation and Discussion
Approval or Refusal of Laws
Financial Control
No Confidence Motions

Question Hour

One of the most effective tools for ensuring accountability is the Question Hour, where members ask questions directly to ministers, scrutinising their work and decisions.

Special Functions of Parliament

Judicial Functions

The Parliament has judicial functions, including the removal of the President, Vice President, and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Electoral Functions

The Parliament also elects the President and Vice President of India.

Self-Regulation within Parliament

Role of the Presiding Officer

The presiding officer of each house (Speaker of the Lok Sabha or Chairman of the Rajya Sabha) ensures orderly conduct of business and adherence to rules.

Anti-Defection Law

The anti-defection law prevents members elected on a party ticket from defecting to another party, ensuring political stability and discipline.

Conclusion

The Parliament of India, with its intricate system of checks and balances, plays an indispensable role in the democratic process. It ensures representation, transparency, and accountability, making it the backbone of the nation’s governance structure.

Here are some images that capture the essence of the Indian Parliament and its functions:

Indian Parliament Building with Two Houses

Members of Indian Parliament During a Session

By understanding the structure, functions, and importance of the Legislature, students can appreciate the complexities of governance and the crucial role it plays in shaping a democratic society.

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Extra Questions - Legislature | Indian Constitution at Work | Political Science | Class 11

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Legislature Class 11 Notes and Solutions

Contents

Notes - Legislature | Class 11 Indian Constitution at Work | Political Science

Understanding Legislature: Class 11 Notes

Introduction to Legislature

Definition and Importance

Composition of the Indian Parliament

Why Do We Need a Parliament?

Functions Beyond Lawmaking

Accountability and Representation

Bicameral Legislature

Need for Two Houses

States with Bicameral Legislatures

Lok Sabha (House of the People)

Direct Elections and Constituencies

Powers and Functions

Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

Indirect Elections and Representation

Special Powers and Terms

Lawmaking Process

Drafting a Bill

Stages of Approval

Role of Committees

Control Over Executive

Instruments of Parliamentary Control

Question Hour

Special Functions of Parliament

Judicial Functions

Electoral Functions

Self-Regulation within Parliament

Role of the Presiding Officer

Anti-Defection Law

Conclusion

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Extra Questions - Legislature | Indian Constitution at Work | Political Science | Class 11

NCERT Solutions - Legislature | Indian Constitution at Work | Political Science | Class 11

Alok thinks that a country needs an efficient government that looks after the welfare of the people. So, if we simply elected our Prime Minister and Ministers and left to them the task of government, we will not need a legislature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer

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