CLASS VIII CIVICS CHAPTER 3

THE NEED OF A PARLIAMENT

Short Answers

Q-1. Compare the two houses of the Indian Parliament.

Ans.
Rajya Sabha:-
● Rajya Sabha is also known as the Upper House.
● It represents the states, which have seats in proportion to their
population.
● Every member has a term of six years.
Lok Sabha:-
● Lok Sabha is also known as the lower house.
● It comprises members that are directly chosen by the people based
on universal adult franchise.
● Every member has a term of five years.

Q-2. What is collective responsibility?

Ans. The Prime Minister and his council of ministers are jointly responsible
for the decisions taken. This is known as collective responsibility.

Q-3. What is the difference between Question Hour and Zero Hour?
Ans.
Question Hour - Question Hour is the first hour of every sitting, when the
ministers answer the questions related to the operation of their respective
departments.
Zero Hour - Zero hour starts immediately after the Question Hour. During
this hour, discussions over the matters of public interest are held.
Q-4. How do the regional parties participate in the decision-making process
of the Parliament?
Ans. Nowadays, more and more people from diverse backgrounds are
actively participating in the functioning of the government. Regional parties
have come into prominence and are playing a crucial role in the
decision-making process and influencing the policies made by the Centre.

Long Answers

Q-1. Describe the structure of our Parliament. Is our Parliament supreme?

Ans.
● The President and the two houses of Parliament – Rajya Sabha and
Lok Sabha together form the Union Legislature.
● The President is the nominal head of the state while the Prime
Minister is the actual head of the Government.
● Rajya Sabha is also known as the Upper House. It represents the
states, which have seats in proportion to their population.
● The Lok Sabha is also known as the Lower House. It comprises
members that are directly chosen by the people based on the
Universal Adult Franchise.
● Our Parliament is the supreme law-making body of our country as it
makes laws and exercises political authority on behalf of the people.

Q-2. How does the Parliament control, guide and inform the government?
Ans.
● The executive is answerable to the legislature.
● The government has to give an account of its policies and expenses.
● The opposition plays a crucial role in highlighting flaws in the policies
and programmes of the government.
● Question hour and zero hour are the two times during the day when
relevant information can be sought from the government.
● Members of Parliament play a key role in controlling and directing the
government for making various policies.
Q-3. Briefly describe the roles of the President and the Prime Minister of
India.
Ans.
The President :-
● Ceremonial head of the state, represents India at international forums
and is the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces.
● Appoints the Prime Minister, Governors of states, Attorney General,
Chiefs of Armed Forces and judges of the Supreme and the High
Courts.
● Address joint sittings of Parliament and can also issue ordinances
when Parliament is not in session.
The Prime Minister :-
● Head of the state and the Council of ministers.
● Holds office for a period of five years provided has a majority in
Parliament.
● Chairman of the planning commission.

Q-4. discuss how the government makes laws and controls finance.
Ans.
Control on Government Finance - The Parliament manages the finance
of the country. Every year, the finance minister presents the budget before
the Parliament that explains in detail the intended expenses and probable
returns.
Law Making - As per Constitution, the Centre can make laws on 97
subjects given in the union list such as railways, banking and currency,
telephone, foreign affairs, etc. It also has the authority to amend the
constitution.