Civics

Chapter - 3 : Why Do We Need A Parliament

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

The Parliament house in India was designed by

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

National movement’s support to the idea that all adults have a right to vote
● Under colonial rule, the people had lived in fear of the British government and did not
agree with many of the decisions that they took.
● But they faced great danger if they tried to criticised these decisions.
● The freedom movement changed this situation & the nationalists began to openly
criticise the British government and made demands.
● They demanded that there be elected members in the legislature with a right to discuss
the budget and ask questions.
That is why the nationalist movement supported the idea of a universal adult franchise, so
that the people can take part in the decision making of the country.

Citizens participate in the decision-making process of the government

● In a democracy, general elections are held and all adults have the right to vote.
● The citizens elect a few people to represent them in the Parliament.
● The Parliament is made up of all these representatives who are known as Members of
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.

Composition of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha

Rajya Sabha
● 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 in 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 + 2,
is presided over by the Speaker.
● The country is divided into 543 constituencies. During a Lok Sabha election, people from
different political parties stand for elections.
 ● Once elected these candidates to become Members of Parliament or MPs. These MPs
together make up the Parliament.

Selection of National government

● After the Lok Sabha elections, a list is prepared to show 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 must have at least 272 MPs, which is more than half the number of the
total MPs in the Lok Sabha.

Members of Parliament
● The Members of the Parliament come from different backgrounds. Many members are
from rural areas and regional parties.
● Groups and people that were unrepresented so far are beginning to get elected to
Parliament.
● Today there are more people from the backward castes and minorities in Parliament.
● Women’s participation has also been witnessed over the years.
● It is good to have representatives in the Parliament from all sections of the society, so
that every citizen will be represented in the decision-making body.