'Parliament and the Making of Laws' is a chapter of Civics for Class 8 that explains the role and functions of the Parliament in India, and how laws are made. The chapter helps students understand the working of the legislature, which is the central organ of a parliamentary democracy.
The chapter begins by explaining why India needs a Parliament. In a democratic country, the people elect their representatives, who then participate in the making of laws and the running of the government. The Parliament is the highest law-making body in the country, and it represents the will of the people.
The chapter also discusses the role of the Parliament in holding the executive accountable, the process of making a law, and the difference between a new law and the amendment of an existing law. It explains how a bill becomes a law, and the role of the different houses of the Parliament.
In a democracy, the people are the ultimate source of power. The citizens elect their representatives, who then make decisions on their behalf. This is based on the principle that the people should decide what is good for the country.
The representatives are elected through elections, and they are accountable to the people. If the representatives do not work well, the people can vote them out in the next election. This makes the government responsive to the needs and wishes of the people.
In India, the representatives of the people are elected through a system of universal adult franchise. Every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote. The elected representatives sit in the Parliament at the national level, and in the state legislatures at the state level.
The Members of Parliament (MPs) represent the people in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) represent the people in the state legislatures. These representatives debate issues, make laws, and oversee the working of the government.
The Indian Parliament consists of the President and the two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people, while the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the state legislatures and the Union territories.
The Parliament makes laws, passes the budget, and controls the executive. The Parliament is the highest forum for debate and discussion on national issues. It also has the power to amend the Constitution, subject to certain procedures.
The Parliament has three main functions. First, it makes laws on the subjects that fall within its jurisdiction. Second, it controls the executive, meaning it ensures that the government works according to the wishes of the people. Third, it represents the people and articulates their needs and aspirations.
The Parliament also plays an important role in financial matters. No tax can be levied and no money can be spent without the approval of the Parliament. The Parliament scrutinises the budget and holds the government accountable for its spending.
The Parliament consists of the elected representatives of the people. The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people from different constituencies. The members of the Rajya Sabha represent the states and are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies.
The Members of Parliament include the representatives of various political parties, as well as independent members. The leader of the party that gets a majority in the Lok Sabha is usually invited to form the government. The representatives debate issues in the Parliament and pass laws.
The process of making a law begins with a proposal, which is called a bill. A bill can be introduced in either house of the Parliament. There are two types of bills: ordinary bills and money bills. Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
A bill passes through several stages in each house. It is discussed, debated and voted upon. When a bill is passed by both houses of the Parliament, it is sent to the President for approval. When the President gives his or her assent, the bill becomes a law. In some cases, the President can also return a bill for reconsideration.
Laws can be divided into two main types: new laws and the amendment of existing laws. A new law is created when there is no existing law on a particular subject. An amendment changes an existing law to make it better or to remove its shortcomings.
For example, the law on the minimum age of marriage was amended to make it more just for women. When a law is amended, the change applies to everyone. The Parliament can also repeal a law if it is no longer needed. This shows that laws are not permanent; they can be changed according to the needs of society.
| House | Composition | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Lok Sabha | Directly elected by the people | Makes laws, controls executive |
| Rajya Sabha | Elected by state legislatures | Represents states, reviews laws |
| Stage of Law-making | Detail |
|---|---|
| Proposal (Bill) | Introduced in either house |
| Debate and Vote | Discussed and voted in each house |
| Presidential Assent | President approves; bill becomes law |
'Parliament and the Making of Laws' explains how the democratic principle of rule by the people works in India. The Parliament, comprising the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha and the President, represents the will of the people, makes laws, controls the executive, and passes the budget. A bill becomes a law only after being debated and passed by both houses and receiving the President's assent. Laws can be new or amended, and they are changed according to the needs of society. Understanding the Parliament helps us appreciate how democracy functions in India.