NCERT solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 6 contain The Parliamentary System: Legislatures and Executives. It contains various aspects of how the Indian Government works through the major components of the Government. In this chapter, the two branches of Government (Parliamentary System) are examined, namely the Legislative Branch, how it is structured, what its functions and responsibilities in relation to the Executive Branch.
The NCERT Solutions are written according to the latest NCERT syllabus and CBSE guidelines. They are written in a straightforward manner and explain what each Political Concept means, using basic terms, for students' assistance. The intent is to provide students with conceptual understanding and to assist students in effectively writing descriptive answers on the topics during examinations.
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1. Find out how many representatives from your state are in each House of the Parliament.
Ans. Every state in India has representatives in both Houses of Parliament. In my state, Uttar Pradesh, there are 80 members in the Lok Sabha. These members are directly elected by the people. There are also 31 members from Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha. These members are elected by the state legislators. So, Uttar Pradesh has 80 representatives in the Lok Sabha and 31 in the Rajya Sabha. This shows how important my state is in making laws and decisions for the country.
For reference, the number of representatives from other states are also given below.
Table: Representation of States in Parliament
2. What makes the Indian Parliament the ‘voice of the people’? How does it ensure that different opinions are heard?
Ans. The Indian Parliament is called the “voice of the people” because it is made up of representatives who speak on behalf of the citizens. Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people, while members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected by the state legislatures. This system ensures that people from every region, including marginalised communities, are represented.
To ensure different opinions are heard, Parliament uses:
(i) Question Hour: Members of Parliament (MPs) ask the government questions to hold it accountable and raise important issues.
(ii) Debates and Discussions: MPs from different parties and backgrounds discuss laws, national issues, and ideas. This allows different opinions to be heard before making any decisions.
(iii) Parliamentary Committees: Standing Committees examine bills, budgets, and policies regularly.
3. Why do you think the Constitution made the Executive responsible to the Legislature?
Ans. The Constitution made the Executive (such as the Prime Minister, ministers, and civil servants) responsible to the Legislature (Parliament) to ensure that the government remains accountable to the people. This system keeps the government in check and ensures it serves the people’s interests.
(i) It prevents the misuse of power and ensures that leaders act within their limits.
(ii) Ministers must take responsibility for their decisions and actions in Parliament, making them answerable to people.
(iii) This structure strengthens democracy by making the government transparent and responsible to citizens.
4. Why do you think we have chosen the system of bicameral legislature at the Union level?
Ans.
The Constitution makers decided on a bicameral legislature after careful discussion.
(i) They believed that a single House would not adequately represent the diversity and aspirations of India.
(ii) Therefore, the Rajya Sabha was established to reflect the federal spirit, diversity, and interests of the states.
(iii) The Rajya Sabha has a different structure and election process from the Lok Sabha.
(iv) India follows a federal system where power is shared between the centre, states, and local governments.
(v) This system helps balance national unity and regional interests.
(vi) Thus, the bicameral legislature ensures fair representation for everyone.
5. Try to track the journey of a recent bill passed by the Parliament.
Ans. The Women’s Reservation Bill, aimed at reserving 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, had a long journey. It was first introduced in 1996 but faced numerous delays.
The bill was reintroduced in the Lok Sabha on 19th September 2023. It sparked debates on women’s political representation. Despite some disagreements, it was passed by the Lok Sabha on 21st September 2023, with 454 votes in favour and 2 against.
The bill was then sent to the Rajya Sabha, where it was passed on 21st September 2023, with all 215 members present voting in favour. After being passed by both Houses, it received the President’s assent on 28th September 2023, officially becoming The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023. It took 27 years for the bill to be passed.
6. The Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023 was passed with wide support. Why might it have taken over 25 years to be passed?
Ans. The Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023 took 25 years to pass due to several reasons:
(i) Political parties had different views on the reservation structure. Some demanded sub-reservation for women from OBCs within the 33% quota, while others opposed it.
(ii) Reserving seats for women meant many male members would lose their positions, causing resistance within political parties.
(iii) Although no major party openly opposed the bill, there was a lack of strong political will to prioritise and pass it.
7. Parliament is sometimes disrupted and does not function fully. What impact does this have on laws and public trust?
Ans. When Parliament is disrupted and does not function for the required number of days:
(i) Important bills may be rushed without proper debate, resulting in weak laws.
(ii) People lose trust in their elected representatives, reducing civic participation.
(iii) There is a waste of public money and time.
(iv) Such behaviour discourages capable young people from entering politics.
(v) In the long run, democratic institutions weaken, affecting national progress.
8. What role does the Judiciary play in Indian democracy? What could happen without an independent judiciary?
Ans. The Judiciary plays a vital role in Indian democracy.
(i) It ensures laws and government actions follow the Constitution through judicial review.
(ii) Citizens can approach courts if their fundamental rights are violated.
(iii) It resolves disputes between citizens and the government impartially.
Without an independent judiciary, unfair laws could go unchecked, citizens’ rights could be violated, and trust in democracy would be lost.
(Session 2026 - 27)