Chapter-3 Why Do We Need Parliament?

1. Why do you think our national movement supported the idea that all adults have a right to vote?

Explanation:

People from many backgrounds engaged in the independence struggle because they were motivated by the concepts of freedom, equality, and decision-making. To live in a country with leaders who were considerate of the wants and desires of the populace and who could entirely eliminate the disparities that existed under British control was the motivation behind the battle for the nation's liberation. The Universal Adult Franchise concept, or the right to vote, served as the foundation for people's hopes and aspirations to live lives that are free and honorable.


2. Give one reason why you think there should be a universal adult franchise.

Explanation:

  1. A universal adult franchise should exist because it would allow every adult—rich or poor, young or old, black or white, male or woman, educated or illiterate—to vote or hold office in the state.

  2. A genuinely democratic government is established via the universal adult franchise system.

  3. It holds the government accountable to everyone.


3. Use the terms ‘constituency* and ‘represent’ to explain who is an MLA and how the person gets elected?

Explanation:

There are several different constituencies inside the nation. Each constituency elects one candidate to the position of MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly). During a term of five years, MLAs are directly elected by the general public in the following ways:

(1) A universal adult franchise made up of persons from various racial and religious backgrounds.

(2) The joint representation system is used. This indicates that voters of various races, sexes, and religious beliefs frequently choose their representatives. There isn't room for distinct electorates where Muslims could only vote for Muslim politicians and Hindus could only vote for Hindu candidates.


4. You have read that most elected members whether in the Panchayat, the Vidhan Sabha, or the Parliament are elected for a fixed period of five years. Why do we have a system where the representatives are elected for a fixed period and not for life?

Explanation:

Members of the Panchayats, Vidhan Sabha, or Parliament are chosen for a set term of five years rather than for life for the following reasons:

  1. According to the wishes of the populace, the majority party or parties in Parliament rule the nation.

  2. Minorities cannot be dominated by the majority party.

  3. They focus on humanitarian initiatives and the advancement of women and lower castes in addition to fighting for the country's prosperity.

  4. After five years, through a universal adult franchise, the populace has the option to replace the government if they are dissatisfied with the party in power's policies or performance.


5. Write a short note on the Lok sabha government.

Explanation:

Lok sabha :

  • A coalition government is formed when several political parties come together to form the government. When a single party does not win the majority of seats in the Lok Sabha, this typically occurs.

  • The Prime Minister of the nation and the Lok Sabha's rules are determined by the leader of the majority party.

  • Assigning portfolios to the government's ministers is one of the prime minister's important duties as soon as he assumes office.

  •  Health, defense, banking, textiles, etc. are a few examples.

  •  The executive, which consists of a group of people who work together to enact legislation produced by parliament, is chosen by the Lok Sabha.


6. Write a short note on the Rajya sabha government.

Explanation:

Rajya sabha :

The upper house of the Indian parliament is referred to as the Rajya Sabha. It serves as the parliament's permanent home.

  • It consists of 233 elected members plus 12 individuals chosen by the president for their outstanding achievements in various academic, literary, artistic, and other sectors.

  •  The other members are chosen by the state legislatures' elected representatives. The Rajya Sabha has a six-year term limit, and a third of its members leave the office each year.

  • In the Indian parliament, the states are represented by the Rajya Sabha. Its primary responsibility is to evaluate and amend the legislation that the Lok Sabha has enacted.

  • Moreover, it proposes legislation that is approved by the Lok Sabha after passing through the Rajya Parliament. If a measure has been approved by both chambers, it can then become law.

  • One must be an Indian national and at least 30 years old to join the Rajya Sabha. He or she must meet all the requirements established by the legislature.


7. What is a coalition government?

Explanation:

A political party may sometimes not garner enough votes on its own to win any significant seats in the elections. In this scenario, two or more political parties may band together to create a coalition that will enable them to share votes. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a coalition made up of the Indian National Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and other parties, is an illustration of a coalition. Another illustration is the NDA, or National Democratic Alliance, which includes the Janata Dal-United (JDU) and National People's Party (NPP).among its member parties and is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).


8. What are the functions of parliament?

Explanation:

The Parliament, which is made up of the representatives of the people, performs a number of crucial duties to help the government operate the nation. Among them are:

  1. combining members of the opposition and the incumbent party to form the national government.

  2. selecting both cabinet and non-cabinet ministers.

  3. choosing the executive committee's departments and members.

  4. to hold the government accountable by using question periods to probe what it is doing, the motivation behind it, as well as the legitimacy and sanctity of its position.

  5. to create legislation and have it become law.