Parliament and the Making of Laws in Class 8 Civics explores the structure and functions of the Indian Parliament, the process of law-making, and the role of Parliament in representing the people. This chapter covers the composition of Parliament, the legislative process, and the significance of parliamentary democracy.

Democracy: In a democracy, the government is elected by the people. This ensures that the government represents the will of the people.

Accountability: Elected representatives are accountable to the people. They need to ensure that their decisions and actions reflect the interests and needs of the citizens.

Participation: Democracy encourages active participation of citizens in governance, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership among the people.

Bicameral Legislature: The Indian Parliament is a bicameral legislature, consisting of two houses:

• Lok Sabha (House of the People): The lower house, consisting of representatives directly elected by the people.
• Rajya Sabha (Council of States): The upper house, consisting of representatives elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies and nominated members.

Members: The Lok Sabha has up to 552 members, with 530 representing states, 20 representing Union Territories, and 2 nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community (if the President feels they are not adequately represented).

Term: The term of the Lok Sabha is five years unless dissolved earlier.

Leadership: The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha.

Members: The Rajya Sabha has up to 250 members, with 238 representing states and Union Territories and 12 nominated by the President for their expertise in specific fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.

Term: Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that is not subject to dissolution, with one-third of its members retiring every two years.

Leadership: The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Law-making: The primary function of Parliament is to make laws. This includes drafting, debating, and passing bills that then become laws.

Accountability: Parliament exercises control over the executive (government) by requiring it to be accountable for its actions. This is done through various mechanisms such as Question Hour, Zero Hour, and Parliamentary Committees.

Budget Approval: Parliament approves the annual budget presented by the government, ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and effectively.

Voice of the People: Parliament represents the will of the people. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the interests and concerns of their constituents.

Impeachment: Parliament has the power to impeach the President of India and remove judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Types of Bills: There are various types of bills, including government bills (introduced by ministers) and private member bills (introduced by MPs who are not ministers).

First Reading: The bill is introduced in either house of Parliament and its objectives are stated.

Detailed Examination: The bill may be referred to a parliamentary committee for detailed examination and suggestions for improvement.

Clause-by-Clause Discussion: The bill is debated clause by clause, and members can suggest amendments.

Final Debate and Vote: The bill is debated one last time and then put to vote. If passed, it moves to the other house for consideration.

Similar Process: The bill goes through a similar process in the other house. If both houses pass the bill, it is sent to the President for approval.

Becoming Law: The bill becomes a law once the President gives their assent.

Diverse Representation: Parliamentary democracy ensures that diverse voices and interests are represented in the decision-making process.

Government Accountability: The government is accountable to Parliament and, through it, to the people, ensuring transparency and responsiveness.

Informed Decision-Making: Parliament provides a platform for informed deliberation and debate on important issues, leading to well-considered decisions.

General Elections: General elections are held to elect members to the Lok Sabha. The party or coalition with a majority of seats forms the government.

Prime Minister: The leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha is appointed as the Prime Minister by the President.

Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister selects members of the Council of Ministers, who are responsible for different government departments and policies.

Questioning the Government: Question Hour is a time during parliamentary sessions when MPs can ask questions to ministers about the functioning of their departments.

Accountability: It serves as a tool for Parliament to hold the executive accountable and ensures transparency in government functioning.

Transparency: Ministers are required to provide answers, promoting transparency and keeping the public informed about government activities.

Public Opposition: Sometimes, laws passed by Parliament may be unpopular or controversial, leading to public protests and opposition.

Examples: Examples of such laws include the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which faced widespread protests due to concerns about its impact on secularism and minority rights.

Debate and Discussion: Parliament debates and discusses the implications of proposed laws, allowing MPs to voice the concerns of their constituents.

Amendments and Revisions: Through debate and committee review, controversial aspects of a bill can be amended or revised to address public concerns.

Judicial Review: The judiciary can review the constitutionality of laws and strike down those that violate fundamental rights.

Activity: Role-play the process of law-making in class by simulating the different stages a bill goes through in Parliament. Assign roles of MPs, committee members, and the President.

Example: Create a mock bill on a current issue, such as environmental conservation, and follow the legislative process from introduction to presidential assent.

Exercise: Research and present case studies on how Parliament has exercised its legislative, financial, and representative functions in recent years.

Example: Study the passage of a significant recent law, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, and discuss the debates and amendments involved.

The chapter “Parliament and the Making of Laws” provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure and functions of the Indian Parliament, the legislative process, and the significance of parliamentary democracy. It highlights the role of Parliament in representing the people, making laws, holding the government accountable, and ensuring the responsible use of public funds. Additionally, it addresses the importance of people’s participation in democracy, the selection of the national government, the significance of Question Hour, and the handling of unpopular and controversial laws.

• Bicameral Legislature: A legislature with two houses, such as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in India.
• Lok Sabha: The lower house of Parliament, consisting of representatives directly elected by the people.
• Rajya Sabha: The upper house of Parliament, consisting of representatives elected by State Legislative Assemblies and nominated members.
• Bill: A proposed law that must go through various stages in Parliament before becoming law.
• Question Hour: A period during a parliamentary session where MPs can ask questions to the ministers about their departments’ functioning.
• Zero Hour: A time immediately following Question Hour during which MPs can raise urgent matters without prior notice.
• Parliamentary Committees: Committees that examine bills in detail and make recommendations for improvements.
• General Elections: Elections held to elect members to the Lok Sabha.
• Unpopular and Controversial Laws: Laws that face public opposition and protests due to their perceived impact on society.

• Example of Law-Making: The passage of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which involved extensive debate and amendments in Parliament.
• Example of Accountability: The questioning of ministers during Question Hour, which holds the executive accountable for its actions.
• Example of Financial Function: The approval of the annual Union Budget, which outlines the government’s revenue and expenditure for the year.
• Example of Unpopular Law: The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which faced widespread protests and led to debates on its impact on secularism and minority rights.

• Significance of Parliamentary Democracy: Parliamentary democracy is crucial for representing diverse voices, ensuring government accountability, and making informed decisions through deliberation and debate.
• Role of Committees: Parliamentary committees play a vital role in examining bills in detail and ensuring that legislation is well-considered and effective.
• Importance of Representation: Elected representatives in Parliament act as the voice of the people, ensuring that the interests and concerns of citizens are addressed in the decision-making process.
• Handling Controversial Laws: The process of debate, committee review, and judicial review helps address public concerns and ensure that laws serve the best interests of society.