Applied Knowledge is Power
YASHODHAM HIGH SCHOOL
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Secondary Section (2025-2026) rn
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STD:VIII
Subject: SOCIAL SCIENCE)
Topic: 6. THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM: LEGISLATURE AND EXECUTIVE
I. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:
1.What is meant by ‘bicameral legislature’?
➤ A legislature with two houses or chambers is called ‘bicameral legislature’.
➤ In India: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are the two houses of the Parliament.
2.Who presides over the Lok Sabha?
➤ The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
➤ In the Lok Sabha the Speaker is elected by members of the Lok Sabha.
.3. Who is the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha?
.➤ The Vice President of India is the Presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
➤ He/She acts as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
4.What is a ‘Money Bill’?
➤ A bill dealing with taxation or government spending is known as a Money Bill.
➤ It is introduced only in the Lok Sabha with President’s approval.
5.Who is the nominal head of the Executive in India?
➤ The President of India is the nominal head of the Executive in India.
➤ Functions as the constitutional head of the country.
II. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:
1.Explain the composition of the Indian Parliament.
Ans:➤ It consists of the President, the Lok Sabha (House of the People), and the Rajya Sabha
(Council of States).
➤ Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people based on universal adult suffrage.
➤ Members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by the elected members of state legislatures.
2.What are the main legislative functions of the Parliament?
Ans: ➤ Making laws on Union List and Concurrent List subjects.
➤ Amending the Constitution.
➤ Holding the Executive accountable.
➤ Approving the annual budget and financial proposals.
3.Describe the role of the Question Hour in Parliament.
Ans:➤ It is the first hour of a Parliamentary sitting where MPs can ask questions to ministers about
government policies and actions.
➤ It ensures executive accountability and transparency.
4. How does the Prime Minister function as the de facto executive authority?
Ans: ➤ The Prime minister of India leads the Council of Ministers.
➤ He/She advises the President on matters of governance.
➤ Coordinates work among ministries.
➤ Shapes national policies.
State any two challenges faced by the Indian Legislature.
➤ Disruptions and low productivity during sessions.
➤ Declining quality of debates and absenteeism of members.
III. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:
1.Describe the process by which a bill becomes a law in the Indian Parliament.
Answer: i) A bill is introduced in either House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha), except Money Bills which
start only in Lok Sabha.
ii) The bill goes through readings, the it is referred to Standing Committee’s review, and clause-by-
clause discussion.
iii) It is voted upon and, if passed, sent to the other House for the same process.
iv) After approval by both Houses, it is sent to the President for assent.
v) Upon Presidential assent, it is notified in the Gazette and becomes an Act.
2. Discuss the differences between the Legislature and the Executive in India.
Answer: i) The Legislature consists of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha; the Executive
consists of the President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
ii) Legislature makes laws; Executive implements them.
iii) Legislature keeps the Executive accountable through questions and debates; Executive provides
explanations and executes policies.
iv) Legislature sanctions expenditure; Executive prepares and executes the budget.
v) Legislature consults committees frequently; Executive may act independently in day-to-day matters.
3.Explain the parallel structure of the Union and State governments.
Answer: i) Union Government headed by the President and Prime Minister; State Government headed
by the Governor and Chief Minister.
ii) Union Parliament is bicameral; State legislatures may be unicameral or bicameral.
iii) Both have councils of ministers collectively responsible to the lower house.
iv) Union makes laws on Union and Concurrent Lists; States make laws on State and Concurrent Lists.
v) Money Bills originate in the Lok Sabha at the Union level and Vidhan Sabha at the State level.
4. How does the Judiciary act as a check on the Legislature and Executive?
Answer: i) Interprets and applies laws to ensure they conform to the Constitution.
ii) Can strike down laws that violate the Constitution.
iii) Reviews executive actions to ensure they are lawful.
iv) Protects citizens’ fundamental rights.
v) Maintains the system of checks and balances to prevent concentration of power.
IV. (Diagram/Table Based)
Question: Name the three lists in the Constitution and explain their legislative significance.
Answer:
➤ Union List — Subjects on which only the Union Government can legislate (e.g., defence, foreign
affairs).
➤ State List — Subjects on which only State Governments can legislate (e.g., police, agriculture).
➤ Concurrent List — Subjects on which both Union and State can legislate, but Union law prevails in
case of conflict (e.g., education, forests).
HOMEWORK
I. Multiple Choice Questions:
1.Who is the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha?
a) Prime Minister
b) Vice President of India
c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
d) President of India
2.Which part of the Constitution deals with the Executive?
a) Part IV
b) Part V
c) Part VI
d) Part III
3.Money Bills can be introduced in:
a) Lok Sabha only
b) Rajya Sabha only
c) Either House
d) Any State Assembly
4.Which is the lower house of the Indian Parliament?
a) Rajya Sabha
b) Vidhan Sabha
c) Lok Sabha
d) Vidhan Parishad
5.Who gives assent to a bill passed by Parliament before it becomes law?
a) Prime Minister
b) President of India
c) Speaker
d) Chief Justice of India
II. Assertion–Reason Questions:
1.Assertion (A): The Parliament of India is bicameral.
Reason (R): It has the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
2.Assertion (A): The President is the real executive head of India.
Reason (R): The President runs the day-to-day administration of the government.
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