Chapter 3: Parliament and the Making of Laws

Importance of Democracy: India is a democratic country, which means citizens participate in decision-making and choose representatives to govern on their behalf.
Role of Parliament: Parliament is essential for Indian democracy as it enables citizen participation and ensures government accountability.

Public Participation: Democracy relies on the consent and approval of the people. In India, people give this approval by electing representatives to the Parliament.
Historical Context: Before independence, Indians couldn’t participate in decision-making under British rule. With independence, the Indian Constitution established universal adult franchise, allowing all adults to vote and choose their representatives.

Representation: In a democracy, the government is created and controlled by the people through their elected representatives.
Elections: Citizens vote for Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent them in Parliament. MPs then work to form the government and make decisions on behalf of the people.

Making the Government: Parliament consists of two houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). After elections, the political party or coalition with the majority of seats in Lok Sabha forms the government.

Prime Minister and Ministers: The Prime Minister, who is the leader of the ruling party, selects ministers to head different departments like health, education, and finance.
Coalition Governments: When no single party has a majority, parties join together to form a coalition government.

Question Hour: MPs ask questions about government actions, making the government answerable and transparent.
Role of the Opposition: Opposition parties play a vital role by questioning government policies and highlighting issues.

Law-Making Process: Parliament discusses, drafts, and passes new laws. Citizens and interest groups can raise issues, which Parliament can address through new legislation.
Example: Domestic Violence Law:

Women’s groups worked for years to highlight domestic violence issues, leading to the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
This process shows how public demand can drive Parliament to create new laws to address social issues.

Unpopular Laws: Sometimes, laws passed by Parliament may not be accepted by the public, especially if they seem unfair or restrict freedoms.
Public Response: People can protest, write in newspapers, or use social media to express their disagreement. In extreme cases, laws can be challenged in court to ensure they align with the Constitution.
Example: Laws restricting street vendors in cities are often contested because they affect the livelihoods of many.

Parliament’s Function: Parliament represents the people, makes laws, and ensures the government remains accountable.
Citizen Involvement: In a democracy, public participation is crucial in shaping laws and policies. Parliament reflects this involvement by addressing citizens' needs and concerns through its legislative role.