3. Why do we need a Parliament?

A. Very Short Question Answer (1 Marks):

1. Define Bill.
Ans: A Bill is the draft of a legislative proposal which has to pass through various stages
before it becomes an Act of Parliament.

2. Which Indian woman became the first Speaker of Indian Lok Sabha?
Ans: The first woman speaker of Lok Sabha was Mrs. Meira Kumar and she is the daughter of
Mr Jagjivan Ram former Defence Minister.

3. How many members of Lok Sabha are nominated by President?

Ans: Two members to be nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian Community. 

4. What is a coalition government?

Ans: A coalition government is a form of government in which political parties cooperate
to form a government. The usual reason for such an arrangement is that no single party has
achieved an absolute majority after an election.

5. What is the take off point for a democracy?

Ans: The take-off point for democracy is the idea of consensus. The decision of people
creates a democratic government and decides about its functioning. Individual gives approval
to the government in many ways one of which is through elections in which people would
elect their representative for the government

6. What is EVM ?
Ans: Nowadays, Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) are used to record votes. The machine
shows the names of the candidates and the party symbols.

7. Who all are nominated by the President of India for Rajya Sabha?
Ans: Twelve members are nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India for six-years
term for their contributions towards arts, literature, sciences, and social services.

8. Who presides the meetings of the Lok Sabha?

Ans: The Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are the Presiding Officers of the Lok Sabha.

9. What is the full form of NCPCR?

Ans: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body
established in 2007 under an act of Parliament, the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights
(CPCR) Act, 2005.

10. What are the two Houses of Parliament?

Ans: The Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

11. What does EVM mean?

Ans: EVM means Electronic Voting Machine.

12. How does the Parliament session begins?

Ans: The Parliament, while in session, begins with a question hour.

13. When were EVMs used for the first time?

Ans: EVMs were used throughout the country for the first time in the 2004 general elections.
14. What is a constituency?
Ans. Constituency is an area whose voters elect a representative to a legislative body.

15. Who presides over Lok Sabha?

Ans. Lok Sabha (House of the People), with a total membership of 545, is presided over by the
Speaker.

16. What is the purpose of parliament?

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

17. What is the principle of universal adult franchise?

Ans. The principle of universal adult franchise means that all adult citizens of the country have
the right to vote.

18. How many members does the President nominates in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
Ans: The President nominates 2 members to the Lok Sabha and 12 members to the Rajya
Sabha.

19. When did India become independent?

Ans: On 15th August 1947.
20. Which is the most important symbol of Indian democracy and a key feature of the
Constitution?
Ans: The Parliament is an important symbol and key feature of Indian democracy.
21. What is Universal Adult Franchise?
Ans: It means that all Adult Citizens of the country have the right to vote.
22. In how many years is the Lok Sabha elected?
Ans:Once in every 5 years.
23. How many elected members are there in Lok Sabha?
Ans: 543 elected members.
24. Who selects ministers to work with him/her to implement decisions?
Ans: The Prime Minister selects ministers.
25. Which is the very important way through which the Parliament controls the executive?
Ans: During Question Hour MPs can elicit information about the working of the government.
26. How are the marginalized given adequate representation?
Ans: By reserving the seats in the Parliament, the marginalized are given adequate
representation.
27. What does the term coalition means in general?
Ans: Coalition is a temporary alliance of groups of parties.
28. How many elected and nominated members are there in Rajya Sabha?
Ans: There are 233 elected and 12 nominated members in Rajya Sabha.
29. What does the Parliament enables the citizen of India to?
Ans: Parliament enables citizens of India to participate in decision making and control the
govt.
30. What is considered as the most important symbol of the Indian democracy?
Ans: Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian democracy.
31. Which act was seen as the gray danger during British rule in India?
Ans: Criticising the British government was a grave danger at that time.
32. Which act allowed some elected representation?
Ans: Govt of India Act 1909, allowed for some elected representation.
33. How can we say that Parliament in our system has immense powers?
Ans: Parliament in our system has immense powers because it is the representative of the
people.
34. Who together make’s up the Parliament?
Ans: The MP’s together makes up the Parliament.
35. What all does the Parliament consists of in India?
Ans: Parliament consists of the President, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in India.
36. What is one of the most important functions of the Lok Sabha?
Ans: One of the most important functions of the Lok Sabha is to select the executive.
37. Define the term Approval.
Ans: It meant to give one’s consent to and be favorable towards something.
38. How is the Governor of a state appointed?
Answer: The Governor of a state is appointed by the Central Government.

39. Whose responsibility is to run various government departments?

Answer: It is the responsibility of the Chief Minister and other ministers to run various
government departments.

40. What is a Legislative Assembly?

Answer: A Legislative Assembly is a place where all the MLAs, from the ruling party as well
as the opposition, meet to discuss various things.

41. What is a government?

Answer: A government is a system that includes various government departments and
ministers who work for the welfare of people.

42. Who is the head of the executive?

Answer: The Chief Minister is the head of the executive.

43. Why did the Chief Minister and the minister for health visit Patalpwam district?
Answer: They went to visit the families who had lost their relatives due to the spread of
diarrhoea. They also visited people in the hospitals.

44. Why are press conferences organised?

Answer: Press conferences are organised to discuss various current issues. Ministers and other
political leaders share information about the working of a government.

45. Why are public meetings organised?

Answer: Public meetings are organised to express the opinions of the public and to protest
against the government if something is not in the favour of the public.

46. How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected?

Ans – The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative
assemblies of various states.

47. What is the term or tenure of the Lok Sabha?

Ans –The tenure of the Lok Sabha is 5 years.

48. What is the advantage of the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)?
Ans – Cutting of trees has been stopped.

49. Who is the leader of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha?
Ans – The Prime Minister is the leader of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha.

50. What do you mean by the executive?

Ans – The executive is a group of persons who work together to implement the laws made by
the Parliament.
 51. How is the question hour an important mechanism?
Ans – Through this mechanism that MPs can elicit information about the working of the
government.

52. What is Coalition Government?

Ans –It refers to the alliance formed by political parties after elections when no party has been
able to get the adequate seats to form a clear majority.

53. What does the Parliament enable the citizen of India to?
Ans – Parliament enables citizens of India to participate in decision-making and control the
govt.

54. What is considered the most important symbol of Indian democracy?

Ans – Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian democracy.

55. Who together makes up the Parliament?

Ans – The MP’s together makes the Parliament.

56. What is the main eligibility for the political party to form the govt.?
Ans – They must have majority of elected MP’s.

57. Name the ministries which are housed in the North Block?
Ans –The Minister of Finance and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

58. What has been done to give adequate representation to the communities that have been
historically marginalized?
Ans –Some seats are reserved in the Parliament for people belonging to SC and ST categories.

59. Who designed the Parliament house in India?

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

B. Long Question Answer (3 Marks):

1. What are the functions of election in the democratic representative system?

Ans: Elections provide an important opportunity to advance democratization and encourage
political liberalization. For an election to be free and fair, certain civil liberties, such as the
freedoms of speech, association and assembly, are required.

2. What are starred and unstarred questions that is been asked in the question hour of Lok Sabha?
Ans: The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is slotted for question hour. During this time,
the members ask questions and the ministers usually give answers. The questions are of three
kinds, namely, 
1. Starred question – It is distinguished by an asterisk. It requires an oral answer, and hence
supplementary questions can follow. 
2. Unstarred question – It requires a written answer, and hence supplementary questions
cannot follow. 
3. Short notice question – It is one that is asked by giving a notice of less than ten days. It is
answered orally. 

3. With reference to the Union Parliament, state any three functions of the Speaker of the Lok
Sabha.
Ans: Function of Loksabha speaker as follows :
1. Lok Sabha functions under the guidance and control of the speaker
 2. Lok Sabha members have some rights and privileges as the representatives of the
people. These are taken care of by the Speaker.
3. Speaker has to maintain the decorum and dignity of the house as well as interpret the
rules of daily functioning of the house and work accordingly.

4. Describe the composition of Indian Parliament.

Ans: It consists of Lok Sabha, president, and Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha represents the
council of states and the upper house. While Lok Sabha represents the house of people and the
lower house. Lok Sabha represents the Indian people while Rajya Sabha represents the union
territories and states.

5. What qualifications are required to contest the election for the post of President?
Ans: According to the Constitution of India, no person shall be eligible for election as
President unless he is a citizen of India, has completed the age of thirty-five years and
is qualified for election as a member of the House of the People.

6. Bring out the differences between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Ans:

Comparison between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Difference Lok Sabha Rajya Sabha

What it is called? House of People Council of States

What is the meaning of
the name?
House of People, where Council of States, where the
people who are qualified representatives are indirectly elected
to vote can elect their by the elected representative of the
representative by way of Assemblies of States and Union
direct elections.  Territories 

What is the tenure of the It continues for 5 years It is a permanent body.

house?
Note: It can be dissolved
earlier by passing no-
confidence motion

Who heads the house? Speaker Vice President of India as the

Chairman of the house

What is the minimum 25 years 30 years

age to become a
member?

What is the strength of 552 members 250 members

the house?

What are the functions
of the house?
All bills originate in Lok
Sabha mostly and after
passing through Rajya
Sabha, they are returned
for Lok Sabha approval. It
Rajya Sabha has special powers to
protect the states’ rights against the
Union
 plays a major role in
legislation.

7. What is bi-cameral legislature?

Ans: The bicameral legislature is one where the legislature consists of two houses,
Chambers, factions for representation. E.g., the Congress of the United States which
consists of a House of Representatives, and a Senate and Indian Parliament which consists of
the House of People and Council of States.

8. Write a short note on Universal Adult Franchise.

Ans: Universal Adult Franchise means that the right to vote should be given to all adult
citizens without the discrimination of caste, class, colour, religion or gender. It is based on
equality, which is a basic principle of democracy.

9. How Parliament controls the Executive?

Ans: The Parliament keeps a day-to-day watch over the activities of the Executive. As ours is
a parliamentary system of Government, the Executive is responsible to the Parliament for
all acts of omissions and commissions. The Parliament may remove a Cabinet out of power
by a vote of no confidence.

10. How do people form and control a government in the democracy?

Ans: People would elect their representatives to the parliament, then one group from among
these elected representatives from the government. The Parliament which is made up of all
representatives together controls and guides the Govt. In this sense people, through their
chosen representatives and form the Government.

11. How Parliament selects the national government?

Ans: To form the government, the political Party should have the majority of elected MPs
in the Parliament. A political party should have half of the total elected members (543) in
Lok Sabha which is 272 members or more.

12. The Central Secretariat consist of two blocks. Name the offices situated in these two blocks?
Ans: The Secretariat Building consists of two buildings: the North Block and the South
Block. Both the buildings flank the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The South Block houses the Prime
Minister's Office, Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs.

13. Who are the presiding officers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
Ans: The presiding officer of Lok Sabha is called Speaker, is elected by the members
of Lok Sabha. Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

14. Define the term ‘Approval’ in the context of this chapter and in general.
Ans: Approval means to give one’s consent to and be favorable towards something. In the
context of this chapter, it refers to the formal consent (through elected representatives) that
Parliament has as well as the fact that it needs to continue to enjoy the people’s trust.
15. How are the marginalized group of people get an adequate representation in Parliament and
how does Parliament now have more and more people from different backgrounds?
Ans: The Parliament now has more and more people from different backgrounds. For eg.
there are more rural members and also members from many regional parties. Groups and
people that were non-unrepresented are beginning to get elected to the Parliament. There has
also been an increase in political participation from the Dalit and backward castes and the
 minorities. It has been observed that representative democracy cannot produce a perfect
reflection of society.
There is a realization that when interests and experiences separate us it is important to
ensure that communities that have been historically marginalized are given adequate
representation. With this mindset, some seats are reserved in the Parliament for SCs and STs.
This has been done so that MPs elected from these constituencies will be familiar with and can
represent Dalit and Adivasi interests in the Parliament.

16. Briefly describe the function Rajya Sabha in the working of the Parliament?
Ans: The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the States of India in the
Parliament. The Rajya Sabha can also civiliate legislation and a bill is required to pass through
the Rajya Sabha in order to become a law. It, therefore has an important role to reviewing and
altering (if needed) the laws initiated by the Lok Sabha.

The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative
Assembles of various States. There are 233 elected plus 12 nominated members in Rajya
Sabha among them 12 are nominated by the President.

17. Which is one of the most important functions of the Lok Sabha? Who are the executives?
Ans: One of the most important functions of the Lok Sabha is to select the executive. The
executive is a group of persons who work together to implement the laws made by Parliament.
This executive is often what we have in mind when use the term Government.
18. Who is the Prime Minister in India and what is the prime function of ministers selected by him
from his party?
Ans: The Prime Minister of India is the leader of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha. From the
MPs, who belong to his party, the Prime Minister selects ministers to work with him to
implement decisions. These ministers take charge of different areas of government functioning
like health, education, finance, etc.
19. Who makes the opposition party?
Ans: The Opposition in Parliament is formed by all the political parties that oppose the
majority party/coalition formed. The largest amongst these parties is called the Opposition
party.

20. Parliament is the most important symbol of Indian Democracy. Explain.

Ans. Parliament enables citizens of India to participate in decision making and control the
government, thus making it the most important symbol of Indian democracy and a key feature
of the Constitution.

21. Which house of parliament is more powerful with regard to financial matters and how?
Ans. Lok Sabha is more powerful with regard to financial matters because money bills can
only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. Thus, it controls the finances of the government.

22. Give reasons for the reservation of seats in Parliament for SCs, STs and OBCs.
Ans. Some seats are reserved in Parliament for SCs and STs. This has been done so that the
MPs elected from these constituencies will be familiar with and can represent Dalit and
Adivasi interests in Parliament.

23. Opposition plays an important role in democracy. Justify.

Ans: The Opposition parties play a critical role in the healthy functioning of a democracy.
They highlight drawbacks in various policies and programmes of the government and
mobilise popular support for their own policies.

24. What are the basic ideals of democracy?

 Ans. The basic ideals of democracy are:
a) The ideas of participation in decision-making.
b) The need for all democratic governments to have the consent of their citizens.

25. What are the major functions of the parliament?

Ans. The major functions of the parliament are:
a) To select the National Government
b) To control, guide and inform the government.
c) Law-Making

26. Enlist the components of Indian Parliament.

Ans. The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India. It is a
bicameral legislature composed of the President of India and the two houses: the Rajya Sabha
(Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

27. State the demands of the Indian National Congress in 1885.

Ans: The nationalists began to openly criticise the British government and make demands. In
1885, the Indian National Congress demanded that there be elected members in the legislature
with a right to discuss the budget and ask questions.

28. What are reserved constituencies? What is the purpose behind such constituencies?
Ans: Reserved constituencies are those constituencies in which seats are reserved for SCs and
STs on the basis of their population. This has been done so that the MPs elected from these
constituencies will be familiar with and can represent Dalit and Adivasi interests in
Parliament.

29. How many seats should a political party acquire in Lok Sabha to have a majority?
Ans. For a political party to form the government, they must have a majority of elected MPs.
Since there are 543 elected (plus 2 Anglo-Indian nominated) members in Lok Sabha, to have
a majority a party should have at least half the number i.e. 272 members or more.

30. Describe coalition government.

Ans. Often times in the recent past it has been difficult for a single political party to get the
majority that is required to form the government. They then join together with different
political parties who are interested in similar concerns to form what is known as a coalition
government.

31. How can all the citizens participate in the decision making process of the government?
Ans: People would elect their representatives to the Parliament, then, one group from among
these elected representatives forms the government.
The Parliament, which is made up of all representatives together, controls and guides the
government. In this sense people, through their chosen representatives, form the government
and also control it.

32. Who are the People in Parliament?

Ans. Parliament now has more and more people from different backgrounds. For example,
there are more rural members as also members from many regional parties. Groups and
peoples that were till now unrepresented are beginning to get elected to Parliament. There has
also been an increase in political participation from the Dalits and backward classes.

33. Write one merit and one demerit of coalition government.

 Ans. Merit Greater policy scrutiny is prominent in coalition government which could
prove beneficial for voters. Demerit Conflict within governance due to conflicting ideologies
of the two parties can make the government weak.

34. What are the government levels?

Answer: There are three levels of Government in India.
(1) Local
(2) State
(3) Natural

35. What are the parts of a government?

Answer: There are three parts of a government in India.
(1) Legislative
(2) Executive
(3) Judiciary

36. What is a constituency? Why do we have constituencies?

Answer: India is divided into different areas for the purpose of elections. These areas are
called electoral constituencies. Constituencies are created for better representation so that
people can elect their representatives in the elections. These representatives can work for the
people of that constituency.

37. Can anyone become an MLA without joining a political party?

Answer: Anyone can contest legislative assembly elections without joining a political party. If
he/she wins the election, become an MLA. Such candidates are called independent
candidates.

38. What is the role of the opposition?

Answer: In a democracy, the opposition parties are equally important as the ruling party. The
opposition parties keep a watch over the functioning of the ruling party. They take part in
every discussion and debate held in the Assembly. They can protest any wrong action of the
government.

39. What is an EVM?

Ans – 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.
40. How is the national government formed?
Ans – After the Lok Sabha elections are declared, a list is prepared showing how many MPs
belong to each political party. For a political party to form the government, they must have a
majority of elected MPs. The total membership of the Lok Sabha is 545, in which 543 are
elected members while 2 are nominated. Thus, a party should have at least half the number
i.e., 272 members or more to have a majority. The opposition in Parliament is formed by all
the political parties that oppose the majority party or coalition formed. The largest amongst
these parties is known as the Opposition party.

41. How do the individuals give approval to the government?

Ans –One way of giving approval to the government is through elections. People would elect
their representatives to the Parliament. Then one group from among these elected
representatives forms the government. The Parliament, which is made up of all
representatives together, controls and guides the government. Thus, people, through their
chosen representatives from the government and also control it.
42. 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

43. Why do we need a government? Give two ways.

Answer: We need a government to make decisions and get the things done, e g.,
 they can build roads and schools.
 they may think of ways to increase the supply of electricity.
 it runs trains and post and telegraph services

44. Why is it necessary for the government to undertake various activities?

Answer: When human beings live and work together, there needs to be some kind of
organization, so that decisions can be made. The government has to undertake various
activities because it has to fulfil various needs of the people. The wants are multifarious and
they have to be fulfilled. As the science and technology makes progress, the activities of the
government increase.

45. Name some of the rules that apply to everyone.

Answer: Some rules have to be made that apply to everyone. For example, there is a need to
control resources and protect the territory of a country so that people can feel secure.
Government does this on behalf of the people by exercising leadership, taking decisions and
implementing them among all the people living in the territory.

46. Name the three different levels at which the government works.
Answer: The government works at different levels:
1. At the local level, it means it works in the village, town and locality.
2. The state-level means that it covers the whole state like Punjab or West Bengal.
3. The national-level relates to the whole country.

47. What are the three main functions of the government?

Answer: The three main functions of the government are:
1. The government makes laws and everyone who lives in the country has to follows these
rules.
2. Just like the government makes laws, it also has the powers to see that everyone obeys the
laws, to enforce its decisions.
3. If the people do not obey the laws, the court can give decisions and orders about what
should be done. In the same way, if a person feels that he is being exploited then he can
also go to the court.

48. How did the women’s suffrage movement start?

Answer: During the First World War many men were away fighting and women were called
upon to do the work, that was earlier done by men. Women began to organize and manage
work. The people wondered at their capabilities and abilities. So, women were seen as being
equally capable of making decisions.

C. Very Long Question Answer (4 & 5 Marks)

1. What are the functions of Sansad?
The functions of the parliament are as follows:
1. Legislative function - The parliament enacts legislations for the country. Despite being the
chief law making body,the parliament often merely approves legislations .The actual task
 of drafting the bill is performed by the bureaucracy under the supervision of the minister
concerned.The substance and even the timing of the bill are decided by the cabinet .No
major bill is introduced in the parliament without the approval of the cabinet.
2.  Control of executive and ensuring its accountability -perhaps the most vital function of
the parliament is to ensure that the executive does not overstep its authority and remain
responsible to the people who have elected them.
3. Representation - parliament represents the divergent views of members from different
regional , social , economic , religious Groups of different parts of the country .
4. Judicial function - The judicial functions of the parliament include considering the
proposals for removal of president , Vice President and judges of high courts and supreme
courts.
5. Electoral function - It elects the Vice President and president of India.

2. Describe any two advantages and two disadvantages of “coalition” government in India.
Ans: Advantages of coalition of government in India are:
I. It eliminates the fear of dictatorship of one party like congress.
II. Different groups and regions are represented in the government due to various
regional and smaller political parties.

Disadvantages of coalition of government in India are:

I. It leads to the instability of the government as withdrawal of support by any

political party may lead to fall of the government.
II. The Prime Minister or the government remains vulnerable to pressure from its
partners.

3. State any four functions of the Prime Minister of India.

Ans: The Prime Minister of India serves the country by performing various functions. He
performs his functions taking responsibilities that are listed below:

 The leader of the Country: The Prime Minister of India is the Chief Head of the Government
of India.
 Portfolio allocation: The Prime Minister has the authority to assign respective portfolios to
the Ministers.
 Chairman of the Cabinet: The Prime Minister is the chairman of the cabinet and conducts the
meetings of the Cabinet. He can impose his decision if there is a crucial opinion difference and
conflict among the members.
 Official Representative of the country: The Prime minister represents the country for high-
level international meetings and he is the ambassador of the country.
 The link between the President and the Cabinet: The Prime Minister acts as the link and
bond between the President and cabinet. He communicates and transmits all decisions of the
Cabinet to the President which is related to the administration of the affairs of the Union and
proposals for legislation.
 Head: The Prime Minister is the head of many organisation and programs like Nuclear
Command Authority, NITI Aayog, Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Department of
Atomic Energy, Department of Space and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions.
 Chief Advisor: He also plays the role of chief advisor to the President.
4. How does the Parliament control, guide and inform the government?
Ans:

 The Parliament while in session, begins with a question hour. The question hour is an
important mechanism through which MPs can elicit information about the working of the
government. This is a very important way through which the Parliament controls the
executive.
 By asking questions the government is alerted to its shortcomings, and also comes to know
the opinion of the people through their representatives in the Parliament i.e. the MPs.
Asking questions is a crucial task for every MP.
 Opposition parties play a critical role in the healthy functioning of a democracy. They
highlight drawbacks in various policies and programmes of the government and mobilise
popular support for their own policies. The government gets valuable feedback and is kept
on its toes by the questions asked by the MPs.
 In addition, in all matters dealing with finances, Parliaments’ approval is crucial for the
government. This is one of the several ways in which the Parliament controls, guides, and
informs the government.
 The MPs are representatives of the people and have a central role in controlling guiding and
informing the Parliament and this is a key aspect of the functioning of Indian democracy.

5. How is the National government selected and how does the Parliament perform this function of
selecting the National government?
Ans:

 The Parliament in India consists of the President, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. After
the Lok Sabha elections, a list is prepared showing how many MPs belong to each political
party. For a political party to form the government, they must have a majority of the elected
MPs.
 Since there are 543 elected and nominated members in the Lok Sabha, to have a majority a
party should have at least half the number, i.e., 272 members or more. The Opposition in
Parliament is formed by all the political parties that oppose the majority party/coalition
formed. The largest among these parties is called the Opposition party.
 One of the most important functions of the Lok Sabha is to select the executive. They are
the groups of persons who work together to implement the laws made by the Parliament.
The Prime Minister is the leader of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha. From the MPs
belonging to his party, the Prime Minister selects ministers to work with and to implement
decisions.
 The ministers then take up the charge of different areas of government functioning. Often
when the single party does not get majority the different parties which are interested in
similar concerns join and form a coalition government.
 The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the states of India in the
Parliament. The Rajya Sabha can also initiate legislation and a bill is required to pass
through the Rajya Sabha in order to become a law. It, therefore, has an important role of
reviewing and altering the laws initiated by the Lok Sabha.
 The members of the R.S. are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies
of various States. There are 233 elected members plus 12 members nominated by the
President.

6. How is a national government selected?

 Ans: After the Lok Sabha elections, a list is prepared showing how many MPs belong to each
political party. For a political party to form the government, they must have a majority of
elected MPs. Since there are 543 elected (plus 2 Anglo-Indian nominated) members in Lok
Sabha, to have a majority a party should have at least half the number i.e. 272 members or
more.

7. Write a short note on Lok Sabha.

Ans: Lok Sabha
I. One of the most important functions of the Lok Sabha is to select. the executive.
The executive is a group of persons who work together to implement the laws made
by the Parliament.
II. The Prime Minister of India is the leader of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha.
III. Lok Sabha (House of the People), with a total membership of 545, is presided over
by the Speaker.

8. What is ‘Question Hour’ in Parliament?

Ans. The Parliament, while in session, begins with a question hour. The question hour is an
important mechanism through which MPs can elicit information about the working of the
government. This is a very important way through which the Parliament controls the executive.
By asking questions the government is alerted to its shortcomings, and also comes to know the
opinion of the people through their representatives in the Parliament, i.e. the MPs.

9. Describe the three categories of ministers that assist the Prime minister.
Ans: The three categories of Council of Ministers are:
I. The Cabinet Ministers: The Cabinet Minister hold important portfolios like Home,
Defense, Finance, External Affairs Railways etc.
II. Ministers of State: They may or may not hold an independent charge of any
portfolio.
III. Deputy Ministers: They assist the Cabinet Ministers and the Council Ministers and
the Council of Ministers.

10. "With the coming of Independence we are going to be citizens of a free country". What did this
mean for India?
Ans. With the coming of independence, we were going to be citizens of a free country. This did
not mean that the government could do what it felt like, it meant that the government had to be
sensitive to people’s needs and demands. The dreams and aspirations of the freedom struggle
were made concrete in the Constitution of independent India that laid down the principle of
universal adult franchise, i.e. that all adult citizens of the country have the right to vote.

11. How are the representatives elected to the Parliament in India?

Ans. The Parliament in our system has immense powers because it is the representative of the
people. Elections to the Parliament are held in a similar manner as they are for the state
legislature. The Lok Sabha is usually elected once every five years. The country is divided into
numerous constituencies. Each of these constituencies elects one person to the Parliament. The
candidates who contest elections usually belong to different political parties. Once elected,
these candidates become Members of Parliament or MPs. These MPs together make up the
Parliament.

12. Why do you think our national movement supported the idea that all adults have a right to
vote?
 Ans: Our national movement supported the idea that all adults have a right to vote because in
our struggle for independence people from all walks of life participated. They came from
various backgrounds and were united in their aspirations for a free, equal and independent
nation where decision making would be in the hands of the people. The only way in which this
would be possible would be through elections – allowing common people a vantage point from
where they can consent to and approve of a government that “they” have a right to choose.

13. Write a short note on Rajya Sabha.

Ans. Rajya Sabha
i. The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the states of India in the
Parliament.
ii. The Rajya Sabha can also initiate legislation and a bill is required to pass through the
Rajya Sabha in order to become a law. It, therefore, has an important role of reviewing
and altering the laws initiated by the Lok Sabha.
iii. The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative
Assemblies of various states.
iv. There are 233 elected members plus 12 members nominated by the President.

14. Who are the people in the Parliament?

Ans – The Parliament has more and more people from different backgrounds. For example,
there are more rural members as also members from many regional parties. Groups and peoples
that were till now unrepresented are beginning to get elected to the Parliament. There has also
been an increase in political participation from the Dalit and backward castes and the
minorities. The communities that have been historically marginalized such as SCs and STs are
given adequate representation in the Parliament.

15. Discuss the role and functions of the Parliament?

Ans – The parliament is the most important institution in a democracy. It performs the
following role and functions:
 The Lok Sabha selects the executive, which is a group of persons who work together to
implement the laws made by the Parliament.
 The Parliament controls, guides and informs the government. The question hour with
which the Parliament in session begins, is an important mechanism through which MPs
can elicit information about the working of the government. This is a very important
way through which Parliament controls the executive. By asking questions the
government is alerted to its shortcomings and also comes to know the opinion of the
people through their representatives in the Parliament.
 The government gets valuable feedback and is kept on its toes by the questions asked
by the MPs. In addition, in all matters dealing with finances, the Parliament’s approval
is crucial for the government. This is one of the several ways in which the Parliament
controls, guides and informs the government.
 The Parliament makes laws for the entire country.

16. How the parliament is constituted? What is the role of the Prime Minister in it? Explain.
Ans –The Parliament performs the following functions:
 It selects the national government. After the Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the
Parliament) elections are announced, a list is prepared showing how many MPs belong
to each political party. The political party with a majority of elected MPs is eligible to
form the government. Here, it is worth mentioning that there are altogether 545
members in the Lok Sabha in which 543members are elected and 2 members are
 nominated. To have a majority a party should have at least half the number i.e., 272
members or more.
 The other parties form the opposition. The Prime Minister of India is the leader of the
ruling party in the Lok Sabha. From the MP who belongs to his party, the Prime
Minister selects ministers to work with him to implement decisions. These ministers
then take charge of different areas of government functioning such as health, education,
etc. When one party does not get a clear majority, a group of parties forms a coalition
and elects a leader who forms the government, popularly known as the coalition
government.
 The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the states of India in the
Parliament. The Rajya Sabha can also initiate legislation and a bill is required to pass
through the Rajya Sabha in order to become a law. The members of the Rajya Sabha are
elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of various states. There
are 233 elected members and 12 nominated by the President.

17. Briefly describe the function of Rajya Sabha in the working of the Parliament?
Ans –The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the States of India in the
Parliament. The Rajya Sabha can also civiliate legislation and a bill is required to pass through
the Rajya Sabha in order to become a law. It, therefore has an important role in reviewing and
altering (if needed) the laws initiated by the Lok Sabha. The members of the Rajya Sabha are
elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of various States. There are 233
elected plus 12 nominated members in Rajya Sabha among them 12 are nominated by the
President.

18. How does the Parliament control, guide, and inform the government?
Ans – The Parliament while in session, begins with a question hour. The question hour is an
important mechanism through which MPs can elicit information about the working of the
government. This is a very important way through which Parliament controls the executive.
By asking questions the government is alerted to its shortcomings, and also comes to know the
opinion of the people through their representatives in the Parliament i.e. the MPs. Asking
questions is a crucial task for every MP.
Opposition parties play a critical role in the healthy functioning of a democracy. They highlight
drawbacks in various policies and programmer of the government and mobilize popular support
for their own policies. The government gets valuable feedback and is kept on its toes by the
questions asked by the MPs. In addition, in all matters dealing with finances, Parliaments’
approval is crucial for the government. This is one of the several ways in which the Parliament
controls, guides, and informs the government.
The MPs are representatives of the people and have a central role in controlling guiding and
informing the Parliament and this is a key aspect of the functioning of Indian democracy.

19. What are the basic ideas of democracy?

Ans –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.

20. How can all the citizens participate in the decision–making process of the government?
Ans – In 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.

21. Write a brief note on the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
Ans – 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.
The three major duties of the Parliament are, To Select the National Government, To Control,
Guide and Inform the Government Law-Making.

22. Write a brief note on the Members of Parliament.

Ans – 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 Parliament. Today there are more 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.

23. Why do you think it is important that people abide by the law? Think of an example.
Answer: It is important that people should abide by the law so that all the work can be
organized properly. There will be no confusion and everyone will remain within their rights.
e.g., It is a law that every vehicle owner should stop at the red traffic light. If people abide by
this law there will be a smooth flow of traffic, with little chances of accidents and even the
pedestrians can easily cross the road. If the vehicle owners do not abide by this law, there can
be traffic jams and accidents.
 D. Picture Based Questions

1. Look at the picture given below and answer the following questions:

Question:

I. What does the picture show?

Answer: It shows voter reading instructions on how to use an EVM (i.e. Electronic Voting
Machine).

II. Around how much trees were saved after the use of EVM’s in 2004?
Answer: The use of EVM in 2004 saved around 1,50,000 trees.
2. Look at the picture given below and answer the following questions:
 1) What does the picture show?
Answer: It shows the election staff using an elephant to carry polling material and EVM’s to
polling stations located in difficult terrain.
2) Is it that much necessary to carry polling material in such conditions?
Answer: Yes.

i. What does the picture show?

Ans: The picture shows the Parliament of India (Sansad).
ii. Which is known as the supreme law-making institution?
Ans: The Parliament of India (Sansad) is the supreme law-making institution.

iii. How many houses are there in the Parliament? Name them.
Ans: It has 2 houses
 The Rajya Sabha
 The Lok Sabha.

E. Fill in the blanks:

1) In a Country the people give the powers to the government to make laws.
2) In a monarchy the Kings and Queens do not have to explain their actions to the people.
3) Democratic governments in our times are called representative democracies.
4) Universal Adult Franchise means that all adults have the right to vote.
5) In India before independence only a small minority was allowed to vote.

F. Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Which of the following are the different levels of Indian government?

(a) State level and national level
(b) Local level and district level
(c) Local level, state level and national level
(d) Village level and state level.

2. Which one of the following refers to the government at the local level?
(a) The government in your village, town or locality
(b) The government which covers an entire state
(c) The government which covers the entire country
(d) The government which covers the entire block.

3. Who makes laws in the country?

(a) The government
(b) Advocates
(c) University
(d) Citizens.

4. Who have to follow laws of the country?

(a) The government
(b) Foreigners
(c) Everyone who lives in the country
(d) Advocates.

5. Which of the following are the powers of the government?

(a) To make decisions
(b) To enforce its decisions
(c) To collect revenue
(d) All of these.

6. What can the people do if they feel that a particular law is not being followed?
(a) They may approach the court
(b) They cannot do anything
(c) They can increase the amount of taxes
(d) They may approach the foreign governments.

7. Which one of the following refers to Universal Adult Franchise?

(a) All women in the country are allowed to vote
(b) All handicaps of the country are allowed to vote
(c) All adults of the country are allowed to vote
(d) There is no need to vote in the country

8. When did the Indian congress demanded the elected members in the legislature? (a) 1880 (b) 1885
(c) 1896 (d) 1845 Answer : B
9. The parliament is made up with
(a) Prime minister, BJP
(b) President, Lok sabha, Rajya sabha
(c) Vidhan sabha, Vidhan Mandal
(d) All of these

10. ____ functions based on representation of states.

(a) Lok Sabha
(b) President
(c) Vidhan Sabha
(d) Rajya Sabha

11. Representatives to the Parliament are chosen by the

 (a) People
(b) Rulers
(c) Government
(d) None of these
Answer : A

12. In the 2014 elections, ____ was the leading party of the country.
(a) Indian National Congress
(b) Bhartiya Janta Party
(c) Communist Party
(d) Swatantra Party

13. President electoral college consists of:-

(a) M.P
(b) M.L.A.
(c) Members of state legislative
(d) Elected members of parliament & state legislative

14. When was the EVM used for the first time?
(a) 2007
(b) 2004
(c) 2003
(d) 1990

15.What is the guiding philosophy of Bharatiya janata party?

(a) Marxism
(b) Revolutionary democracy
(c) Modernisation
(d) none of these

16. Which political party has won most seats in all states in 8th lok sabha election?
(a) Telugu Desam Party
(b) Independents
(c) Kerala Congress
(d) Muslim League

17. If the president has to resign, he sends his resignation to:

(a) Prime Minister
(b) Vice President
(c) Chief Minister
(d) Lok Sabha Speaker

18. What do you mean by the Houses of people? (

(a) Lok sabha
(b) Vidhan sabha
(c) Rajya sabha
(d) Parliament

19. The combined strength of all political parties in the Parliament with less than 50% of
representatives is
 (a) ruling party
(b) opposition
(c) coalition
(d) none of these

20. Each constituency elected

(a) 1 person to the parliament
(b) 2 person to the parliament
(c) 3 person to the parliament
(d) 4 person to the parliament Answer : A

21. Situation in which there are no easy solutions to the problems is called:
(a) Approval
(b) Coalition
(c) unresolved
(d) Crucial

22. Member of Parliament are representatives of?

(a) Government
(b) Party
(c) None of these
(d) People

23. The disputes regarding the election of the President and VicePresident of India are decided by the
(a) Election Commission
(b) Parliament
(c) Supreme Court
(d) Vice President

24. How many members are nominated in Rajya sabha by president?

(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 15
(d) 20

25. In which state lok sabha elections were held in 1984?

(a) Punjab
(b) Assam
(c) Both (a) & (b)
(d) None of above

26. Political party is made by

(a) Members of parliament
(b) Member of legislative assembly
(c) Prime minister
(d) None of these Answer : A

27. Which is an important way to contro l the executive in Parliament?

(a) Assembly
(b) Zero hour
 (c) Question hour
(d) none of these

28. The Parliament is made up with?

(a) Prime minister, BJP
(b) President, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
(c) Vidhan Sabha, Vidhan Mandal
(d) All of the above

29. Rajya Sabha has ____ elected members.

(a) 233
(b) 213
(c) 245
(d) 243

30. For General elections, electronic voting machines were used for the first time in ____.
(a) 2001
(b) 2005
(c) 2004
(d) 2009

31. The most important function of lok sabha is

(a) Judiciary
(b) Executive
(c) Legislature
(d) None of these

32. What is the significant function of parliament?

(a) Law making
(b) Socio reform
(c) Child development
(d) none of these

33. _____ is made up of all the representatives elected by the Indian people.
(a) Rashtrapati Bhavan
(b) White House
(c) House of Commons
(d) Lok Sabha

34. What did universal adult franchise mean:-

(a) Right to vote
(b) Right to freedom
(c) Right to equality
(d) Right to adult freedom

35. 'EVM' means

(a) Electronic voting machine
(b) Election voting machine
(c) Equal vote measure
(d) None of these
36. The members of Rajya Sabha are elected?
(a) Directly
(b) Indirectly
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above

37.The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by whom?

(a) Legislative Assemblies
(b) Parliament member
(c) Advocate
(d) None of these

38. The president of India holds office for a period of ________ years.
(a) 6
(b) 5
(c) 4
(d) 7

39. President Electoral College consists of ___________________.

(a) M.P.
(b) M.L.A.
(c) Members of State Legislative assemblies.
(d) Elected members of parliament & State Legislative assemblies.

40. A dispute regarding the election of the president is referred to the ______________
(a) Election commission
(b) Parliament
(c) Supreme Court
(d) Vice President.

41. If the president has to resign, he sends his resignation to ____________

(a) Prime minister
(b) Vice President
(c) Chief Minister
(d) Lok Sabha Speaker

42. What is the position of President in the executive?

(a) Head of executive
(b) Constitutional head of government
(c) Constitutional head of state
(d) Head of Party in power.
43. “EVM” for the first time was used in which year?
(a) 2007
(b) 2004
(c) 2003
(d) 1990

Map-Based Questions
Look at the map given below and answer the following Questions

Question 1.
On an outline Map of India shows the following:

1. The state where your currently live and from where your known to had elected there
Parliamentary representatives.
2. Represent the state where the prime minister office (PMO) is situated.

Answer:
Delhi