11 NCERT CBSE Political Science Chapter 5: Legislature
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Theme Analysis
Main ThemeIndian Legislature: Structure, Functions, and Control Mechanisms
Subject CategoryPolitical Science
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions cover the composition, powers, and functions of the Indian Parliament, including the differences between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the law-making procedure, mechanisms for executive control, and parliamentary self-regulation like the anti-defection law. Questions are designed to test recall, understanding, and analytical skills based on the provided text.
Why is a genuine democracy considered inconceivable without a representative, efficient, and effective legislature?
Hint: Think about the core role of a legislature in a representative democracy beyond just making laws.
Answer
A genuine democracy is inconceivable without an effective legislature because it is the center of democratic political processes and helps in holding representatives accountable.
Explanation
The text states that a genuine democracy is 'inconceivable without a representative, efficient and effective legislature' and that 'The legislature also helps people in holding the representatives accountable. This is indeed, the very basis of representative democracy.' It highlights its role as the center of democratic political processes.
What term is used when a legislature has two houses?
Hint: Consider the prefix 'bi-' and its meaning in relation to 'two'.
Answer
When there are two houses of the legislature, it is called a bicameral legislature.
Explanation
The text explicitly defines a bicameral legislature: 'When there are two houses of the legislature, it is called a bicameral legislature.'
What are the two Houses of the Indian Parliament?
Hint: Recall the official names of the two chambers of the Indian national legislature.
Answer
The two Houses of the Indian Parliament are the Council of States or the Rajya Sabha and the House of the People or the Lok Sabha.
Explanation
The text states: 'The two Houses of the Indian Parliament are the Council of States or the Rajya Sabha and the House of the People or the Lok Sabha.'
Which of the following states currently has a bicameral legislature, according to the text?
Hint: Refer to the specific list of states provided in the document.
Answer
Bihar is one of the six states currently having a bicameral legislature.
Explanation
The text explicitly lists states having a bicameral legislature, and Bihar is included in that list: (i) Andhra Pradesh (ii) Bihar (iii) Karnataka (iv) Maharashtra (v) Telangana (vi) Uttar Pradesh.
What is a key advantage of a bicameral legislature, as described in the text?
Hint: Think about the process of review and scrutiny when two separate bodies are involved in decision-making.
Answer
A bicameral legislature makes it possible to have every decision reconsidered, ensuring a double check on every matter.
Explanation
The text states: 'A bicameral legislature has one more advantage. A bicameral legislature makes it possible to have every decision reconsidered. Every decision taken by one house goes to the other house for its decision. This means that every bill and policy would be discussed twice. This ensures a double check on every matter.'
How is representation in the Rajya Sabha primarily determined for Indian states, differing from the American system?
Hint: Consider the contrast drawn with the US Senate system where all states have equal representation.
Answer
In India, states with larger populations get more representatives in the Rajya Sabha than states with smaller populations, as fixed by the fourth schedule of the Constitution.
Explanation
The text explains: 'The system of representation adopted for the Rajya Sabha is different from that in the USA. ... States with larger population get more representatives than States with smaller population get. Thus, a more populous State like Uttar Pradesh sends 31 members to the Rajya Sabha, while a smaller and less populous State like Sikkim has one seat in the Rajya Sabha.'
How are the majority of members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
Hint: Recall the electoral college involved in the Rajya Sabha elections.
Answer
Members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
Explanation
The text states: 'The Rajya Sabha represents the States of India. It is an indirectly elected body. Residents of the State elect members to State Legislative Assembly. The elected members of State Legislative Assembly in turn elect the members of the Rajya Sabha.'
What is the term of office for an elected member of the Rajya Sabha?
Hint: This is a direct fact about the duration of a Rajya Sabha member's tenure.
Answer
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years.
Explanation
The text explicitly mentions: 'Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years.'
Why is the Rajya Sabha referred to as the 'permanent House' of the Parliament?
Hint: Consider the staggered retirement system of its members.
Answer
The Rajya Sabha is never fully dissolved because one-third of its members complete their term and elections are held for those seats every two years, making it a permanent House.
Explanation
The text explains: 'All members of the Rajya Sabha do not complete their terms at the same time. Every two years, one third members of the Rajya Sabha complete their term and elections are held for those one third seats only. Thus, the Rajya Sabha is never fully dissolved. Therefore, it is called the permanent House of the Parliament.'
How many members are nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India?
Hint: Recall the specific number of non-elected members in the upper house.
Answer
The Rajya Sabha has twelve nominated members, appointed by the President from fields like literature, science, art, and social service.
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'Apart from the elected members, Rajya Sabha also has twelve nominated members. The President nominates these members.'
How are members of the Lok Sabha elected?
Hint: Think about how representatives in the 'House of the People' are chosen.
Answer
The Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the people through universal adult suffrage.
Explanation
The text clearly states: 'The Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies are directly elected by the people.' It further elaborates on the division into territorial constituencies and universal adult suffrage.
What is the maximum period for which the Lok Sabha is elected?
Hint: This is a direct fact about the tenure of the lower house.
Answer
The Lok Sabha is elected for a maximum period of five years.
Explanation
The text states: 'The Lok Sabha is elected for a period of five years. This is the maximum.'
While Parliament enacts legislation, who primarily performs the actual task of drafting a bill?
Hint: Consider who has the administrative expertise and daily involvement in policy details.
Answer
The actual task of drafting a bill is performed by the bureaucracy under the supervision of the minister concerned.
Explanation
The text explains under 'Legislative Function': 'The actual task of drafting the bill is performed by the bureaucracy under the supervision of the minister concerned. The substance and even the timing of the bill are decided by the Cabinet.'
What is described as 'perhaps the most vital function' of the Parliament concerning the executive?
Hint: Think about the checks and balances inherent in a parliamentary democracy.
Answer
The most vital function is to ensure that the executive does not overstep its authority and remains responsible to the people who have elected them.
Explanation
Under 'Control of Executive and ensuring its accountability', the text states: 'Perhaps the most vital function of the Parliament is to ensure that the executive does not overstep its authority and remains responsible to the people who have elected them.'
Which house of the Parliament has the exclusive power to approve any new tax proposed by the Government of India?
Hint: Consider which house is directly elected by the people and thus holds the 'purse strings'.
Answer
The Lok Sabha has the exclusive power to approve new taxes proposed by the Government of India.
Explanation
Under 'Financial Function', the text states: 'If the Government of India proposes to introduce any new tax, it has to get the approval of the Lok Sabha.' This power is explicitly listed under 'Powers of the Lok Sabha' as 'Approves proposals for taxation, budgets and annual financial statements.'
What makes the Parliament the 'highest forum of debate' in the country?
Hint: Think about the freedom of speech granted to legislators within the parliamentary chamber.
Answer
The Parliament is the highest forum of debate because members are free to speak on any matter without fear, enabling thorough analysis of national issues.
Explanation
Under 'Debating Function', the text states: 'The Parliament is the highest forum of debate in the country. There is no limitation on its power of discussion. Members are free to speak on any matter without fear. This makes it possible for the Parliament to analyse any or every issue that faces the nation.'
What kind of majority is required by both Houses of Parliament to approve constitutional amendments?
Hint: This relates to the specific threshold for changing the fundamental law of the land.
Answer
All constitutional amendments have to be approved by a special majority of both Houses.
Explanation
Under 'Constituent Function', the text specifies: 'All constitutional amendments have to be approved by a special majority of both Houses.'
Which of the following electoral functions does the Parliament perform?
Hint: Think about the high offices whose elections involve members of Parliament.
Answer
The Parliament performs the electoral function of electing the President and Vice President of India.
Explanation
Under 'Electoral functions', the text states: 'It elects the President and Vice President of India.'
Which of the following is a judicial function performed by the Parliament?
Hint: This function relates to impeachment or removal processes for high constitutional offices.
Answer
The Parliament's judicial functions include considering proposals for the removal of the President, Vice-President, and Judges of High Courts and Supreme Court.
Explanation
Under 'Judicial functions', the text states: 'The judicial functions of the Parliament include considering the proposals for removal of President, Vice-President and Judges of High Courts and Supreme Court.'
Regarding Money Bills, what specific power does the Rajya Sabha possess?
Hint: Think about the Lok Sabha's primary role in financial matters and the Rajya Sabha's more limited role.
Answer
The Rajya Sabha can suggest changes to Money Bills, but it cannot initiate, reject, or amend them directly.
Explanation
The text states: 'The Rajya Sabha cannot initiate, reject or amend money bills.' And later, under the law-making process for money bills: 'If it is a money bill, the Rajya Sabha can either approve the bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.'
What is a special power of the Rajya Sabha related to the State List?
Hint: Consider the Rajya Sabha's role in representing the states and protecting their powers.
Answer
The Rajya Sabha has the special power to give the Union Parliament power to make laws on matters included in the State List, if it is in the interest of the nation.
Explanation
Under 'Special Powers of Rajya Sabha', the text says: 'Thus, if the Union Parliament wishes to remove a matter from the State list (over which only the State Legislature can make law) to either the Union List or Concurrent List in the interest of the nation, the approval of the Rajya Sabha is necessary.' This is also listed in the chart of 'Powers of Rajya Sabha'.
Why is the Council of Ministers responsible to the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha?
Hint: Relate the concept of 'final authority' in a democracy to how representatives are chosen.
Answer
The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha because it is directly elected by the people, who are considered the final authority in India's democratic form of government.
Explanation
The text explains: 'The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha and not Rajya Sabha. ... The Rajya Sabha is elected by the MLAs and not directly by the people. Therefore, the Constitution stopped short of giving certain powers to the Rajya Sabha. In a democratic form as adopted by our Constitution, the people are the final authority. By this logic, the representatives, directly elected by the people, should have the crucial powers of removing a government and controlling the finances.'
In the Indian Parliament, in which House can a non-money bill be introduced?
Hint: Distinguish between the rules for money bills and other types of legislation.
Answer
A non-money bill can be introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
Explanation
The text states: 'Within the Parliament, a bill may be introduced in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha by a member of the House (but often a minister responsible for the subject introduces the bill).' It then clarifies: 'A money bill can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.' This implies non-money bills can be introduced in either.
What is the primary difference between a 'Government Bill' and a 'Private Member's Bill'?
Hint: Consider who introduces the bill and their position within the government structure.
Answer
A Government Bill is proposed by a minister, whereas a Private Member's Bill is proposed by a non-minister.
Explanation
The text defines these terms: 'When a non-minister proposes a bill, it is called private member’s Bill. A bill proposed by a minister is described as Government Bill.'
In which House of the Indian Parliament can a Money Bill only be introduced?
Hint: Recall which house controls the 'purse strings' and has special powers regarding finance.
Answer
A Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'A money bill can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.' This is further reinforced by Article 109 mentioned in the document.
Why are parliamentary committees referred to as 'miniature legislatures' in the law-making process?
Hint: Think about the in-depth work done by these committees that mirrors legislative activity.
Answer
Parliamentary committees are called 'miniature legislatures' because a large part of the discussion and detailed study on bills takes place within them.
Explanation
The text explains: 'A large part of the discussion on the bills takes place in the committees. The recommendation of the committee is then sent to the House. That is why committees are referred to as miniature legislatures.'
Under what circumstance is a Joint Session of Parliament called?
Hint: Consider what happens when the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cannot agree on a piece of legislation.
Answer
A Joint Session of Parliament is called to resolve a deadlock if there is a disagreement between the two Houses on a proposed non-money bill.
Explanation
The text states: 'If there is disagreement between the two Houses on the proposed bill, attempt is made to resolve it through Joint Session of Parliament.' It specifically refers to non-money bills, as money bills have different procedures.
What is the final step for a bill to become a law after being passed by both Houses of Parliament?
Hint: Think about the head of state's role in the legislative process.
Answer
After a bill is passed by both Houses, it is sent to the President for his assent, which results in its enactment into law.
Explanation
The text clearly states: 'When a bill is passed by both Houses, it is sent to the President for his assent. The assent of the President results in the enactment of a bill into a law.'
What is the main purpose of parliamentary privilege, which protects legislators for statements made in the legislature?
Hint: Consider how this freedom of speech within the house contributes to the legislature's overall function.
Answer
The main purpose of parliamentary privilege is to enable members to effectively represent the people and exercise control over the executive without fear of legal repercussions for their words.
Explanation
The text explains: 'For instance, no action can be taken against a member for whatever the member may have said in the legislature. This is known as parliamentary privilege.' It continues: 'The main purpose of such privileges is to enable the members of the legislature to represent the people and exercise effective control over the executive.'
Why is the Question Hour considered 'perhaps the most effective method' of keeping vigil on the executive?
Hint: Think about the direct accountability mechanism that involves ministers answering queries.
Answer
The Question Hour is effective because ministers are obligated to respond to searching questions, enabling members to gather information and criticize the government on matters of public interest.
Explanation
The text states: 'Perhaps the question hour is the most effective method of keeping vigil on the executive and the administrative agencies of the government. ... Most of the questions aim at eliciting information from the government on issues of public interest such as, price rise, availability of food grains, atrocities on weaker sections of the society, riots, black-marketing, etc. This gives the members an opportunity to criticise the government, and represent the problems of their constituencies.'
If a government has a majority in the Lok Sabha but not in the Rajya Sabha, what is likely to happen when it tries to get a bill approved?
Hint: Consider the need for both houses to pass a bill and the implications of a divided majority.
Answer
If the government has a majority in Lok Sabha but not in Rajya Sabha, it will be forced to make substantial concessions to gain the approval of both Houses, as seen in historical examples.
Explanation
The text states: 'If the government has majority in Lok Sabha but not in the Rajya Sabha, as has happened during the Janata Party rule in 1977 and N.D.A. rule in 2000, the government will be forced to make substantial concessions to gain the approval of both the Houses.'
How does the legislature primarily ensure that the government does not misspend or overspend public funds?
Hint: Think about the documents and oversight bodies involved in managing government finances.
Answer
The legislature ensures financial propriety through the budget and annual financial statements, and by inquiring into cases of misuse of funds.
Explanation
Under 'Financial control', the text mentions: 'This is done through the budget and annual financial statements.' It also states: 'It can enquire into cases of misuse of funds on the basis of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Public Accounts committees.'
What is considered the 'most powerful weapon' that enables the Parliament to ensure executive accountability?
Hint: This is a direct mechanism to challenge the government's legitimacy.
Answer
The No Confidence Motion is the most powerful weapon that enables the Parliament to ensure executive accountability.
Explanation
The text states: 'The most powerful weapon that enables the Parliament to ensure executive accountability is the no-confidence motion.'
What trend was observed after 1989 regarding governments facing no-confidence motions?
Hint: Consider the political landscape and coalition era that emerged around that time.
Answer
After 1989, several governments were forced to resign due to lack of confidence of the House, often because they failed to retain the support of their coalition partners.
Explanation
The text states: 'However, after 1989, several governments have been forced to resign due to lack of confidence of the house. Each of these governments lost the confidence of the Lok Sabha because they failed to retain the support of their coalition partners.'
Beyond law-making, what significant function do parliamentary committees perform in the day-to-day business of the House?
Hint: Think about the detailed, time-consuming work that the full Parliament may not have time for.
Answer
Parliamentary committees conduct in-depth study of issues, supervise the work and expenditure of various departments, and investigate cases of corruption, playing a vital role in the daily business.
Explanation
The text states: 'The making of law for instance requires in-depth study of the issue under consideration. This in turn demands more attention and time. Similarly, there are other important functions also, like studying the demands for grants made by various ministries, looking into expenditure incurred by various departments, investigating cases of corruption etc. Parliamentary committees perform such functions.'
What is the primary role of departmentally related Standing Committees in India?
Hint: Consider the ongoing oversight function these committees perform over specific areas of government.
Answer
Departmentally related Standing Committees supervise the work, budget, expenditure, and bills related to various government departments.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'Standing Committees supervise the work of various departments, their budget, their expenditure and bills that come up in the house relating to the department.'
For what specific purposes are Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) typically set up?
Hint: Think about their ad-hoc nature and the specific, often complex, tasks they undertake.
Answer
Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) are typically set up for purposes like discussing a particular bill or investigating financial irregularities.
Explanation
The text states: 'Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) can be set up for the purpose of discussing a particular bill, like the joint committee to discuss bill, or for the purpose of investigating financial irregularities.'
Who is the final authority in matters of regulating the business of the legislature?
Hint: Consider the role of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha or the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha.
Answer
The presiding officer of the legislature is the final authority in matters of regulating its business.
Explanation
The text states: 'The presiding officer of the legislature is the final authority in matters of regulating the business of the legislature.'
What was the primary aim of the anti-defection law (52nd amendment) introduced in 1985?
Hint: Think about the problem it was designed to solve regarding party loyalty.
Answer
The primary aim of the anti-defection law was to restrict a legislator, elected on one party’s ticket, from 'defecting' to another party.
Explanation
The text states: 'Finally there was an agreement among the parties that a legislator who is elected on one party’s ticket must be restricted from ‘defecting’ to another party. An amendment to the Constitution was made (52nd amendment act) in 1985. This is known as anti-defection amendment.'
Under the anti-defection law, which of the following actions is considered 'defection'?
Hint: Consider actions that demonstrate disloyalty or disobedience to the party's directives.
Answer
Remaining absent in the House when asked by the party leadership to be present is considered defection.
Explanation
The text defines defection: 'If a member remains absent in the House when asked by the party leadership to remain present or votes against the instructions of the party or voluntarily leaves the membership of the party, it is deemed as defection.'
What is the consequence for a member of the House if it is proved that they have 'defected' under the anti-defection law?
Hint: Think about the severe penalties for violating the anti-defection rules.
Answer
If a member is proved to have defected, they lose the membership of the House and are also disqualified from holding any political office like ministership.
Explanation
The text states: 'If it is proved that a member has ‘defected’, then such member loses the membership of the House. Besides, such a person is also disqualified from holding any political office like ministership, etc.'
What has the experience of the past twenty years shown regarding the anti-defection amendment?
Hint: Consider the effectiveness of the law and its unintended consequences on power dynamics within parties.
Answer
The anti-defection amendment has not been able to curb defections completely, but it has granted additional powers to the party leadership and the presiding officers of the legislatures over their members.
Explanation
The text concludes: 'Experience of the past twenty years shows that the anti-defection amendment has not been able to curb defections, but it has given additional powers to the party leadership and the presiding officers of the legislatures over the members.'
According to some critics, what has led to the remark that the Parliament has declined?
Hint: Think about which branch of government has become more dominant in setting policy.
Answer
Critics remark that Parliament has declined because the Cabinet initiates policies, sets the agenda for governance, and carries them through, shifting the central place from the legislature to the executive.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'Yet, in most democracies, legislatures are losing central place to the executive. In India too, the Cabinet initiates policies, sets the agenda for governance and carries them through. This has led some critics to remark that the Parliament has declined.'
Even with very strong cabinets, what aspect highlights the democratic potential of the Parliament?
Hint: Consider how the Parliament still acts as a check on executive power, even when the executive is strong.
Answer
The democratic potential of the Parliament lies in the fact that even strong cabinets must retain majority in the legislature, and a strong leader must face and answer to the satisfaction of the Parliament.
Explanation
The text states: 'But even very strong cabinets must retain majority in the legislature. A strong leader has to face the Parliament and answer to the satisfaction of the Parliament. Herein lies the democratic potential of the Parliament.'
How does the composition of the Indian Parliament contribute to its representativeness?
Hint: Think about the variety of backgrounds and interests found among Indian parliamentarians.
Answer
The Parliament represents divergent views of members from different regional, social, economic, and religious groups, making it highly representative.
Explanation
Under 'Representation', the text states: 'Parliament represents the divergent views of members from different regional, social, economic, religious groups of different parts of the country.' The conclusion further reiterates: 'The sheer presence of members of diverse social backgrounds makes the legislatures more representative and potentially more responsive to people’s expectations.'
Under what circumstances can the Lok Sabha be dissolved before the completion of its five-year term?
Hint: Recall the conditions under which a government might lose its majority or request new elections.
Answer
The Lok Sabha can be dissolved before its term if no party or coalition can form the government, or if the Prime Minister advises the President to dissolve it and hold fresh elections.
Explanation
The text states: 'We have seen in the chapter on the executive that before the completion of five years, the Lok Sabha can be dissolved if no party or coalition can form the government or if the Prime Minister advises the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha and hold fresh elections.'
If the Rajya Sabha takes no action on a Money Bill within 14 days of receiving it from the Lok Sabha, what is the outcome?
Hint: Consider the special rules and limited powers of the Rajya Sabha concerning Money Bills.
Answer
If the Rajya Sabha takes no action on a Money Bill within 14 days, the bill is deemed to have been passed.
Explanation
The text specifies regarding Money Bills: 'If it takes no action within 14 days the bill is deemed to have been passed.'
How does a bicameral legislature, like India's, ensure that decisions are thoroughly considered?
Hint: Think about the sequential review process between the two chambers.
Answer
A bicameral legislature ensures thorough consideration because every decision passed by one house must then be reviewed and decided upon by the other house, providing a double check.
Explanation
The text states: 'A bicameral legislature makes it possible to have every decision reconsidered. Every decision taken by one house goes to the other house for its decision. This means that every bill and policy would be discussed twice. This ensures a double check on every matter.'
According to Purnima Banerji, what useful function could an Upper House (like Rajya Sabha) perform, even if its views might count more than its votes on certain matters?
Hint: Consider the quote from Purnima Banerji provided in the text regarding the function of an Upper House.
Answer
Purnima Banerji suggested that an Upper House could perform the useful function of being a revising body and advise the Lower House, especially for those who might not engage in active politics.
Explanation
The quote from Purnima Banerji states: '...an Upper House could perform the...useful function of being a revising body, and ...its views may count but not its votes... ...,those who could not enter into the rough and tumble of active politics could...advise the Lower House.'
How are the members of the German Federal Council (Bundesrat) generally appointed?
Hint: Refer to the 'Bicameralism in Germany' section and how its federal states are represented.
Answer
Members of the German Federal Council (Bundesrat) are generally ministers in the governments at the state level and are appointed, not elected, by the governments of the federal states.
Explanation
The 'Bicameralism in Germany' section states: 'These members are generally the ministers in the governments at the state level and are appointed, not elected, by the governments of the federal states.'
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