Class 11 Political Science (Indian Constitution At Work) Chapter 5 Legislature

Key Concept: State List Changes

b) Approval of the Rajya Sabha with a two-thirds majority

[Solution Description] The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in moving matters from the State List to the Union or Concurrent List as it represents the states and protects their powers. According to Article 249 of the Indian Constitution, if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority present and voting that it is necessary in the national interest to move the subject, then Parliament gains the power to legislate on it.

Key Concept: Basic Functions

a) Enacting legislation

[Solution Description] The primary legislative function of Parliament is enacting legislation, which involves drafting bills by the bureaucracy and approval by the Cabinet.

Key Concept: Legislative Functions

b) To amend the Constitution

[Solution Description] The key functions of the Parliament include law-making, representation, oversight, and budgetary allocation. It also has the authority to amend the Constitution.

Key Concept: Nomination Process

d) By the President

[Solution Description] Twelve members of the Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President of India, typically representing various fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.

Key Concept: Debating Role

c) To facilitate diverse discussions

[Solution Description] The Parliament serves as the highest forum for debate in the country, where members have the freedom to discuss and analyze national issues, contributing to democratic decision-making.

Key Concept: Basic Role

c) To approve the budget

[Solution Description] The primary responsibility of the legislature regarding financial resources is to approve the budget. This involves reviewing and granting necessary funds for government operations and projects, ensuring that financial spends are managed properly.

Key Concept: Basic Role

b) To highlight issues and hold the government accountable

[Solution Description] The main role of the opposition in a parliamentary system is to hold the government accountable, highlight issues, and offer alternative policies.

Key Concept: Presidential Assent

c) The President must give his assent

[Solution Description] After a bill is passed by both Houses of Parliament, it must receive the President’s assent to become law, according to the legislative procedure.

Key Concept: Money Bill Introduction

d) Lok Sabha

[Solution Description] According to the Indian Constitution, a Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha may suggest amendments but cannot reject or amend a Money Bill.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

a) Granting resources to the government

[Solution Description] The primary role of the legislature in ensuring financial accountability includes granting resources to the government and exercising financial control over expenditures. This involves scrutinizing the budget proposed by the executive branch, ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently and effectively, and overseeing how these funds are spent.

Key Concept: Deliberation Details

b) Zero Hour

[Solution Description] The Zero Hour is a session in the Indian Parliament where Members of Parliament (MPs) can raise important issues without any formal agenda. It starts immediately after the Question Hour and allows MPs to address urgent matters that require immediate attention from the executive, thereby influencing them to take prompt action.

Key Concept: Committee Impact

b) They reduce it by streamlining decision-making processes.

[Solution Description] Parliamentary committees are essential in breaking down complex issues and handling detailed legislative work, which reduces the overall workload of Parliament. By delegating specific tasks to these committees, Parliament can focus on broader policy issues.

Key Concept: Bicameral Legislature

c) To introduce money bills

[Solution Description] The Lok Sabha has the exclusive power to introduce money bills, whereas the Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations on them.

Key Concept: Standing Committees

c) Supervising departmental work and budgets

[Solution Description]

Standing committees are tasked with supervising departmental work and budgets. They ensure that government departments operate within their allocated budgets and adhere to policies.

Key Concept: Constituency Count

d) 543

[Solution Description] The Lok Sabha is composed of 543 constituencies according to the syllabus.

Key Concept: Term Duration

c) Five years

[Solution Description]

The Lok Sabha is elected for a maximum period of five years unless dissolved earlier.

Key Concept: Presiding Officer Role

c) Presiding Officer

[Solution Description] The presiding officer, typically the Speaker in the Lower House or the Chairman in the Upper House, has the final authority in regulating the business of the legislature by managing debates, maintaining order, and ensuring adherence to rules and procedures.

Key Concept: Process Understanding

d) Question Hour

[Solution Description] The ‘Question Hour’ is the first hour of a sitting session in the Indian Parliament dedicated for asking questions. This session allows MPs to inquire and hold the government accountable through questions directed at ministers.

Key Concept: Committee Role

c) To discuss bills

[Solution Description] Committees play a crucial role in the legislative process by allowing for detailed examination and discussion of bills. They act as miniature legislatures where experts can debate, modify, and recommend changes to proposed legislation before it returns to the full house for further consideration. Their recommendations can significantly influence the acceptance or rejection of a bill.

Key Concept: Parliamentary Privilege

c) It grants MPs immunity from prosecution for actions within Parliament

[Solution Description]

Parliamentary privilege refers to special rights and immunities granted to members of Parliament, allowing them to perform their duties without interference. This includes freedom of speech within Parliament, protection from legal action for statements made in the house, and exemption from jury service or appearing as a witness when Parliament is in session.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

b) To review and suggest changes to constitutional amendments

[Solution Description] The primary role of the Rajya Sabha in the process of constitutional amendments is to participate equally with the Lok Sabha. Both houses must approve the amendment bill by a special majority, which usually means a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

Key Concept: Permanent House

c) It is never fully dissolved

[Solution Description] Rajya Sabha is considered a permanent house because it is never dissolved completely and only one-third of its members retire every two years.

Key Concept: Legislative Role

b) Enacting laws

[Solution Description] The primary legislative function of the Parliament is to enact laws. This involves discussing, amending, and approving bills which are proposed by either house of the Parliament.

Key Concept: Money Bill Process

d) Lok Sabha

[Solution Description] A money bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha as per the legislative process rules.

Key Concept: Basic Concept

c) 6 years

[Solution Description] Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years as specified in the syllabus.

Key Concept: Legislative Function

b) Drafting bills

[Solution Description] The primary role of the Cabinet in the legislative process is to draft bills that will be presented to Parliament for consideration and enactment.

Key Concept: Basic Role

b) It initiates the removal procedure

[Solution Description] The basic role of the Rajya Sabha in the removal of the Vice-President is to initiate the procedure. According to the process, any resolution for the removal must originate in the Rajya Sabha, where it needs to be passed by a special majority.

Key Concept: Types of Bills

b) Private Member’s Bill

[Solution Description] A Private Member’s Bill is introduced by members of Parliament who are not ministers.

Key Concept: Financial Control

b) To approve the national budget

[Solution Description] The primary role of the legislature in financial management is to provide checks and balances on government spending through budget approval and oversight. The legislature ensures that public funds are used appropriately and authorizes expenditures by approving the national budget.

Key Concept: Bicameral Advantage

c) It provides better representation and decision reconsideration

[Solution Description]

In a bicameral legislature, there are two houses which provide checks and balances. This structure allows for more comprehensive deliberation on proposed laws. One advantage is that it prevents hasty legislation by enabling reconsideration of decisions and ensuring diverse representation.

Key Concept: Committee Functions

a) Budget supervision

[Solution Description] A primary function of parliamentary committees concerning government finances is budget supervision. This involves examining budget estimates and ensuring that governmental financial operations are transparent and accountable. Thus, option A is correct.

Key Concept: Population-Based Representation

b) 12

[Solution Description] The President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. These nominations are usually made based on their expertise or special knowledge in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

c) To allow for decisions to be reconsidered

[Solution Description] A bicameral legislature serves the purpose of allowing different perspectives in legislature, facilitating reconsideration of decisions by having two separate chambers evaluate proposed legislation.

Key Concept: Application of Concepts

b) Zero Hour

[Solution Description]

In such situations, the member should use the Zero Hour, as it permits raising important matters without prior notice, unlike the Question Hour which follows a structured format requiring advance notice.

Key Concept: Basic Function

c) Lawmaking

[Solution Description] In a democratic system, the legislature’s main responsibility is lawmaking. This involves proposing, drafting, and enacting laws that govern society. It ensures that laws reflect the will and needs of the people.

Key Concept: Budget Oversight

b) Budget and annual financial statements

[Solution Description] To prevent misuse or overspending of funds, the Parliament utilizes the budget as well as annual financial statements. These tools give the legislature oversight over government spending and ensure accountability.

Key Concept: Legislative Process

b) By reducing the burden on Parliament through detailed examination of bills

[Solution Description] The committee system helps in dividing and sharing the workload of Parliament. Committees analyze bills in detail, gather evidence, and provide recommendations to ensure thorough examination of legislation before it is debated and voted on in the full house.

Key Concept: Representation Basis

b) By population

[Solution Description] The representation in the Rajya Sabha is based on the population of each state. This means that states with larger populations have more representatives than those with smaller populations, as per the fourth schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Key Concept: Role Clarification

a) Lok Sabha

[Solution Description] The Lok Sabha exercises greater financial control over the government as all money bills must originate in the Lok Sabha, and it has more influence on budgetary decisions.

Key Concept: Basic Functions

c) Enacting laws

[Solution Description] The legislature plays a crucial role in enacting laws, which are necessary for governing society. This is one of its fundamental functions.

Key Concept: Joint Session

b) A Joint Session is called

[Solution Description] If there is a disagreement between the two Houses on a bill, a Joint Session of Parliament can be called to resolve the issue. The President will then give assent if the bill passes in the Joint Session.

Key Concept: House Similarity

d) Both Houses have similar constituent powers

[Solution Description] Both Houses of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, have similar constituent powers when it comes to constitutional amendments.

Key Concept: Executive Accountability

c) By approving new taxes

[Solution Description] The Lok Sabha ensures executive accountability by approving new taxes and financial proposals. This power allows the Lok Sabha to scrutinize and approve or reject financial measures proposed by the government, ensuring that they align with the interests of the public.

Key Concept: Basic Concepts

b) Scrutinizing legislation

[Solution Description] Parliamentary committees primarily serve to scrutinize legislation, ensuring detailed analysis and recommendations before bills are passed.

Key Concept: Legislative Process

c) By reviewing bills and suggesting amendments

[Solution Description] Joint Parliamentary Committees are formed for a specific purpose and duration, often to investigate particular issues or scrutinize bills in detail. They play an important role by providing recommendations for modifying or improving legislation before it is presented for final approval in Parliament.

Key Concept: Term Duration

c) 6 years

[Solution Description] Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years. This is specified in the Constitution and ensures that they have a substantial period to contribute to legislative processes.

Key Concept: Committee System Impact

b) By reducing the workload through detailed examination of matters

[Solution Description] Parliamentary committees contribute by streamlining the legislative process. They perform detailed analysis and scrutiny of bills, reducing the burden on Parliament. Committees explore issues in depth, gather evidence, and make considered recommendations, which aids Parliament in making informed decisions.

Key Concept: Basic Structure

c) 543

[Solution Description] According to the syllabus, the Lok Sabha is divided into territorial constituencies. As per the 1971 census, there are 543 constituencies.

Key Concept: Population Representation

d) Uttar Pradesh

[Solution Description] The Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by the State Legislative Assemblies, and the representation is based on the population of each state. Among the given options, Uttar Pradesh has the highest population, resulting in the largest number of representatives in the Rajya Sabha.

Key Concept: Term Duration

d) 5 years

[Solution Description] The Lok Sabha, which is the lower house of India’s Parliament, is elected for a maximum term of 5 years. This duration ensures stability and continuity in governance. Unless dissolved sooner, this period remains fixed.

Key Concept: Financial Control Nuances

b) Conducts an audit of government accounts

[Solution Description] The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audits government expenditures and reports any cases of misuse or misappropriation of funds. These reports are used by the legislature to inquire into financial operations, ensuring proper use of public resources.

Key Concept: Basic Role

d) Represent the States

[Solution Description] The primary role of the Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is to represent the states of India and protect their rights within the federal structure.

Key Concept: Bill Introduction

a) Lok Sabha

[Solution Description] A money bill is a specific type of bill that deals with taxation, borrowing, and expenditure from the national treasury. As per the legislative process, such bills must originate in the Lok Sabha.

Key Concept: Basic Function

c) Lawmaking

[Solution Description] The primary function of the Parliament is lawmaking, where it formulates and enacts laws for the country. Other options are functions of different branches or bodies.

Key Concept: Committee System

c) They enable detailed examination and scrutiny of bills

[Solution Description] Parliamentary committees are crucial because they allow for detailed examination of complex issues without the time constraints of full parliamentary sessions. They help in reducing the workload of Parliament by completing detailed work and making recommendations. This system enhances detailed scrutiny and efficiency in law-making.

Key Concept: Money Bill Process

b) It can suggest changes to the bill

[Solution Description]

According to the Constitution, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend a money bill but can only make recommendations which the Lok Sabha may choose to accept or reject.

Key Concept: Bill Introduction

c) Money Bill

[Solution Description] A Money Bill is unique in that it can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and prior to its introduction, it must have the President’s recommendation. This differs from other bills which do not necessarily require this.

Key Concept: Nominated Members

b) 12 members

[Solution Description] The President of India nominates a total of twelve members to the Rajya Sabha from fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.

Key Concept: Amendment Impact

b) It ensures that legislators follow the party line, reducing dissent.

[Solution Description] The anti-defection law helps maintain party discipline by penalizing members who defy party directions on votes or actions, such as voting against the party line or abstaining when instructed to vote.

Key Concept: Executive vs Legislature

b) By setting governance agendas and policy initiatives

[Solution Description] The executive has increasingly set governance agendas, reducing the legislature’s autonomy in deciding on policy priorities.

Key Concept: Democratic Potential

b) Diverse representation across regions and communities.

[Solution Description] The democratic potential of the Parliament is enhanced by its ability to represent a wide range of societal groups through its diverse composition, which includes representatives from different regions, backgrounds, and communities. This diversity ensures that various voices are heard in the legislative process.

Key Concept: Representation

c) Diverse regional, social, economic, and religious groups

The Parliament represents diverse groups across the country, including regional, social, economic, and religious groups. It acts as a mirror reflecting various societal interests and needs.

Key Concept: Function of Parliament

c) Control of Executive

[Solution Description] The Indian Parliament exercises control over the Executive, reviews government policies and actions, and ensures accountability through various measures, including questioning ministers, debating key issues, and approving budgets.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

b) A legislature with two houses

[Solution Description]

A bicameral legislature refers to a legislative body with two separate chambers or houses, usually an upper house and a lower house, functioning together within the parliament.

Key Concept: Election Process

c) Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha

[Solution Description] The Vice President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. Hence, the entire Parliament participates in the election process.

Key Concept: Bicameral Legislature

c) It provides a double-check on decisions.

[Solution Description]

A bicameral legislature has two chambers, allowing for more comprehensive representation and scrutiny of legislation. This system enables different interests to be considered, ensuring thorough review before laws are passed.

Key Concept: President’s Role

c) To approve or reject the bill

[Solution Description] After a bill has been passed by both Houses of Parliament, it is sent to the President for his or her assent. It is only after receiving the President’s approval that the bill becomes law.

Key Concept: Election Process

d) President

[Solution Description] The positions elected by the Indian Parliament are crucial to the governance structure. According to the syllabus, the Parliament elects both the President and Vice President.

Key Concept: Legislative Approval Process

d) The approval of both Houses of Parliament and the President

[Solution Description] In a parliamentary system, for a bill to become law, it must be approved by both Houses of Parliament. Afterward, it receives the assent of the President. This process ensures that the legislation is scrutinized and agreed upon by the representatives of the people.

Key Concept: Basic Function

c) Considering proposals for the removal of judges

[Solution Description] The judicial functions of Parliament include considering proposals for the removal of certain key officials, such as the President, Vice-President, and Judges of High Courts and Supreme Court.

Key Concept: Permanent House

b) One-third of its members retire every two years.

[Solution Description] Rajya Sabha is called a permanent house because it never entirely dissolves like the Lok Sabha. Instead, one-third of its members retire every two years, maintaining continuity in the house.

Key Concept: Role of Lok Sabha

a) Ability to introduce Money Bills

[Solution Description]

According to the Constitution, Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, the approval of the Lok Sabha is mandatory for all financial legislation, while the Rajya Sabha has limited power to amend or reject such bills.

Key Concept: Basic Definition

b) To enable members to represent people and control the executive

[Solution Description] Parliamentary privilege serves to protect the freedom and authority of Parliament members, allowing them to perform their duties without external interference or undue influence. This enables them to represent people effectively and control the executive.

Key Concept: Legislative Process

d) It provides a platform for discussion and decision-making

[Solution Description] A joint session is convened by the President if there is a deadlock between the two Houses on a non-money bill. In this session, both Houses meet together to resolve the disagreement, usually leading to a majority decision favoring the Lok Sabha due to its larger membership.

Key Concept: Real-World Application

b) The government must resign due to lack of support

[Solution Description] When a government fails to get the budget passed in the Parliament, it indicates that it does not have the required majority support in the House. This situation suggests a lack of confidence and can lead to a no-confidence motion against the government. Additionally, without an approved budget, the government cannot implement its financial plans and programs.

Key Concept: Legislative Function

b) Enacting laws

[Solution Description] The primary legislative function of the Parliament is to enact laws. This involves drafting, discussing, and approving bills that become law.

Key Concept: Basic Roles

c) Either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha

[Solution Description] According to the constitution, the procedure for the removal of a judge is initiated by either house of Parliament, which means that both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha can initiate this process.

Key Concept: Bill Drafting

c) Ministry of Finance

[Solution Description] The Ministry of Finance is responsible for drafting bills related to taxation, as these fall under the financial policy and management operations of the government.

Key Concept: Role of Parliament

b) To represent diverse views

[Solution Description]

One of the primary roles of Parliament in a democracy is to represent diverse views and ensure democratic decision-making. This involves debating policies, proposing laws, and holding the executive accountable.

Key Concept: Bill Process Steps

a) Introduction

[Solution Description] In the legislative process, the introduction of the bill is typically the first step. A bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament unless it is a Money Bill, which must be introduced in Lok Sabha.

Key Concept: Rajya Sabha Term

c) 6 years

[Solution Description] Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years. One-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring continuity in its functioning.

Key Concept: Legislative Process

b) Double check on decisions

[Solution Description] A bicameral legislature provides an additional layer of scrutiny through its two houses, allowing for decisions to be reviewed and double-checked. This leads to more thorough discussions and considerations of legislation compared to a unicameral system where only one house reviews legislative proposals.