Parliament and the Making of Laws of class 8 CIVICS is comprehensively discussed to clear the concept of parliament and participation of the people in decision making which is an important feature of a democratic government. Class 8 Chapter 3 Parliament and the Making of Laws Notes would be helpful for the students to develop an understanding of parliament as one of the important institutions of any country.
Parliament and the Making of Laws CBSE class 8 Notes
Why should People decide?
India became independent on 15 Aug 1947.; People from various social groups joined the struggle and inspired by the idea of freedom, equality and participation in decision making.
Indian National Congress formed in 1885 demanded that there be elected members in legislature to discuss the budget and ask questions .In result, Govt of India Act 1909 allowed for some elected representatives.The demands was for all adults to vote which was not allowed by Britishers.
Experience of colonial rule and participation of different people in national struggle for freedom developed the idea of participation of people in decision making.
The demands and aspirations of freedom struggle were made concrete in the constitution of independent India that laid the principle of universal adult franchise.People and their representatives In a democracy the idea of consent i.e.desire , approval and participation of people is most important principle of a democratic government.It is the people’s approval who elect their representatives who form the government and control it.
The Role of the Parliament
Parliament is an expression of faith of the people in a democracy by the elected representatives who rule on behalf of people in decision making and govt by its consent.Election to the parliament is held as in state legislature .For this country is divided into numerous constituencies which elect one person to the parliament.Once elected,these representatives became MPs ,then these MPs together make the parliament.
Parliament consists of
1. Lok Sabha
2. Rajya Sabha
3. President
• Lok sabha has total of 545 seats ( 543 elected+ 2 nominated from Anglo Indian community)
• Rajya Sabha has 545 seats ( 233 elected+ 12 nominated)
• President has right to nominate MPs for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Functions of the Parliament
1. Parliament select the National government
Ruling Party
In Lok Sabha,for any party to become a ruling party, it must have won half of the total seats to form the government (ie,272 seats)
Opposition– All the parties which are not part of the majority party or coalition formed is called opposition.
Opposition party
Any party that wins the largest seats after ruling party become the opposition party.
Coalition government
When two or more parties come together to form thegovernment,that government is called coalition government.
Executive
A group of persons who work together to implement the laws made by the parliament.
•Lok sabha elects the executive
•Prime Minister of India is the leader of the ruling party
•Prime Minister selects ministers who take charge of different ministries like health, education etc.Rajya Sabha
•Rajya Sabha function primarily as representative of the states so it is known as Council of States.It is also known as Upper House.
•MPs of Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected MLA of assemblies of the different states.
•Rajya sabha can also initiate for the bill to become a law
•Rajya sabha can review and alter the law if required initiated by Lok Sabha.
B.To control,Guide and Inform the government
•Parliament controls the executive by asking questions about the working of the government
.•It alerts the govt for its shortcomings through the opinion of elected representatives.
•Opposition parties play a critical role in the healthy functioning of a democracy.
•It highlights drawbacks in various policies and programmes and mobilise support for their own policies
•In financial matters, parliament approval is crucial for the government.
How do new laws come about?
Parliament has role in making laws.For any law to be formed,bill is initiated by either of the house (Lok sabha or Rajya Sabha).Then, bill is discussed and need approval by both houses of the Parliament and in last by President.
From establishing a need of new law to be passed, voice of the citizens through TV reports, newspaper, editorial, local meeting etc is crucial and helpful in making the work of parliament more accessible and transparent to the people.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence refers to the injury or harm or threat to the women by adult male usually husband against wife. Injury may be caused by physically beaten or emotionally abusing her.
Abuse of a woman is done.in various forms
•Emotional
•Sexual
•Verbal
•Economical
By the efforts of women organisations,NGOs, lawyers activists, students and nation wide campaign,a bill was introduced in 2002 and finally the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act was passed in 2005 and came into effect in 2006.
Unpopular and Controversial Laws
Parliament passes a law which is constitutionally valid and legal . Despite it,it becomes unpopular and unacceptable to people because they think that intention behind it is unfair and harmful.In democracy people can express their unwillingness to accept repressive laws made by parliament.And,if there is pressure then parliament make changes in it.
People who think that law favours one group and disregards others then they can approach the courts to declare the laws as unpopular and against the democratic rights.
The court can order to modify or cancel laws to the parliament or legislature if it finds that they don’t adhere to the constitution.
Citizen’s role doesn’t end with electing representatives, rather it criticize their actions when they feel it is required so that representatives can function properly.