Why Do We Need a Parliament NCERT Class 8 Social and Political life Extra Questions

Question 1

What are the basic ideals of a democracy?

Solution:

The basic ideals of democracy are…

The participation of the citizens in the government’s decision- making.

The need for the government to have the consent of its citizens in all major issues taken by it.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a Parliament?

Solution:

The Parliament enables citizens of India to participate in decision making and control the government.

Question 3

What was the main principle of the Indian constitution?

Solution:

The main principle of the Indian constitution was Universal adult franchise. All adults in free India could vote and participate in decision- making.

Question 4

How can all the citizens participate in the decision–making process of the government?

Solution:

In a democracy general elections are held and all adults have a right to vote. The citizens elect a few people to represent them in the Parliament. The Parliament is made up of all these representatives. These representatives are known as Members of the Parliament. One group, from among these elected representatives forms the government. It is through these representatives that the citizens take part in the decision-making of the government.

Question 5

Who designed the Parliament house in India?

Solution:

The Parliament house in India was designed by the British architect Herbert Baker.

Question 6

What is an EVM?

Solution:

An EVM is an Electronic Voting Machine used for elections in India. Indian voting machines use a two-piece system with a balloting unit presenting the voter with a button for each choice connected by a cable to an electronic ballot box.

Question 7

What is a constituency?

Solution:

The country is divided into many areas for election purposes. Each area is called a constituency. A representative is elected from each constituency to serve in the legislative body.

Question 8

Mention the 2 houses of the Indian Parliament.

Solution:

The 2 Houses of the Indian Parliament are …

The Rajya Sabha

The Lok Sabha

Question 9

Write a brief note on the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

Solution:

Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the states of India, in the Parliament. There are 233 elected members plus 12 members nominated by the President. The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of various states. The Rajya Sabha plays an important role of reviewing and altering the laws initiated by the Lok Sabha.

Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha, known as the House of the People, with a total membership of 543, is presided over by the Speaker. The country is divided into 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. During a Lok Sabha election, people from different political parties stand for elections. Once elected, these candidates become Members of Parliament or MPs. These MPs together make up the Parliament.

Question 10

What are the three major duties of the Parliament?

Solution:

The three major duties of the Parliament are…

To Select the National Government

To Control, Guide and Inform the Government

Law-Making

Question 11

How is a National government selected?

Solution:

After the Lok Sabha elections, a list is prepared showing how many MPs belonging to each political party have won the elections. The Political party which has the majority of MPs will form the National government.

A majority Party should have at least 272 MPs, that is, more than half of the total number of MPs in the Lok Sabha.

Question 12

What is ‘Question hour’ in Parliament?

Solution:

The first hour of every sitting during a Parliament Session is called the Question Hour. During ‘Question hour’ Questions are posed by members to specific government ministries. The concerned Ministries have to answer these Questions on a fixed date.

The Questions asked during ‘Question Hour’ highlights the shortcomings of the Government and also bring to light the opinion of the citizen through their representatives, namely the MPs.

This Question Hour helps the Parliament to control the Executive (Government).

Question 13

Write a brief note on the Members of Parliament.

Solution:

The Members of Parliament are from different backgrounds. Many members are from rural areas and from regional parties.

Groups and peoples that were not unrepresented so far, are beginning to get elected to the Parliament. Today there are more number of people from the Dalit and backward castes and the minorities, in Parliament.

It is good to have representatives in the Parliament from all sections of society, so that every Indian will be represented in the decision- making body.