Oxford Solutions for ICSE Class 8 History Civics Chapter 16 The Union Legislature

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. The functions of the government are divided into three branches, namely, the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.
These three branches work together to manage the country effectively. The legislature makes the laws, the executive puts them into action, and the judiciary ensures everyone follows them.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the government as a tree with three main branches that keep it balanced.
Exam Tip: Always mention all three branches together to get full marks for this concept.

2. Subjects for legislation are divide into three lists-the Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List.
The Union List covers subjects for the whole country, the State List is for local matters, and the Concurrent List includes topics both can handle. This division helps prevent confusion between different levels of government.
Teacher's Tip: "Union" means Central, "State" means local, and "Concurrent" means both together.
Exam Tip: Remember that the Union list contains subjects of national importance like defense and railways.

3. The Union Parliament has two Houses-the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha is the Lower House represented by people elected by citizens, while the Rajya Sabha is the Upper House. Together, they form the legislative body that governs India.
Teacher's Tip: Use the words "People's House" for Lok Sabha and "States' House" for Rajya Sabha.
Exam Tip: Use the term 'Bicameral' if you want to impress the examiner with the name of this two-house system.

4. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house. It cannot be dissolved.
Unlike the Lok Sabha which has a fixed term, the Rajya Sabha stays in session and only its members retire in shifts. This ensures there is always a legislative body available even when elections are happening.
Teacher's Tip: Think of it like a relay race where the team stays on the track while members change.
Exam Tip: Use the word 'permanent' specifically when describing the Rajya Sabha.

5. The Parliament is answerable to the legislature.
This means that the members must explain their actions and decisions to the body that represents the people. Accountability is a key part of making a democracy work well.
Teacher's Tip: Being "answerable" is just like showing your homework to your teacher to prove you did it.
Exam Tip: Be careful with the spelling of 'legislature' as it is a common word in this chapter.

B. Match the following:

1. The President (a) is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
2. The Vice-President (b) is a permanent house
3. The Speaker (c) nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha
4. Parliament (d) is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha
5. The Rajya Sabha (e) can introduce a bill to amend the Constitution.

Answer:
1. The President - (c) nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha
2. The Vice-President - (a) is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
3. The Speaker - (d) is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha
4. Parliament - (e) can introduce a bill to amend the Constitution
5. The Rajya Sabha - (b) is a permanent house
These pairings show the specific roles and characteristics of different parts of our government. For example, the President helps include experts in the Rajya Sabha by nominating them directly.
Teacher's Tip: Match the person (President/Speaker) to their specific "office" or "duty".
Exam Tip: Draw straight, clean lines or write the correct letter next to the question for better presentation.

C. Choose the correct answer:

Question 1: The President carries out his/her functions on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lok Sabha/the Council of Ministers/the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: The President carries out his/her functions on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
The President is the ceremonial head of India, but the real power to make decisions lies with the Council of Ministers. This ensures that the government follows the will of the people's elected leaders.
Teacher's Tip: The President is like the "head" while the Council of Ministers is the "brain" making the plans.
Exam Tip: Always include both the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers in this answer.

Question 2: Both the central and the state governments can make laws on the subjects in the Union List/State List/Concurrent List.
Answer: Both the central and the state governments can make laws on the subjects in the Concurrent List.
Topics like education and forests are placed in this list so both levels of government can work on them. If there is a disagreement, the law made by the central government usually takes priority.
Teacher's Tip: "Concurrent" means "occurring at the same time," just like two governments working together.
Exam Tip: Remember that the central government has the final say on Concurrent List disputes.

Question 3: The Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/Vidhan Sabha is also known as the Council of States.
Answer: The Rajya Sabha is also known as the Council of States.
It gets this name because its members are elected by the legislatures of the different states. It represents the interests of the states at the national level.
Teacher's Tip: Rajya = States, so Rajya Sabha = Council of States.
Exam Tip: Be sure not to confuse Vidhan Sabha (State level) with Rajya Sabha (National level).

Question 4: The President can nominates 2/10/12 members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha.
Answer: The President can nominates 2 members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha.
This rule was made to ensure that smaller communities have a voice in the making of national laws. These members are appointed directly rather than through a public election.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "2 for Lok Sabha" and "12 for Rajya Sabha".
Exam Tip: Note that the President 'nominates' these members, they are not elected by the public.

Question 5: At present the Lok Sabha consists of 545/645/525
Answer: At present the Lok Sabha consists of 545 members.
This number includes representatives from all over India, based on the population of different areas. Out of these, 543 are elected and 2 are nominated.
Teacher's Tip: Think of 545 as the "Standard Class Size" of the Lok Sabha.
Exam Tip: Memorize this specific number as it is a very common multiple-choice question.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

Question 1: The State List includes subjects of national importance.
Answer: False.
The State List actually covers local matters like police and agriculture, while national importance subjects go in the Union List. This division helps local governments focus on what their people need most.
Teacher's Tip: National = Union, Local = State.
Exam Tip: When a statement is false, try to remember the correct version to help you study.

Question 2: A member of the Lok Sabha should be at least 30 years of age.
Answer: True.
(Note: While generally 25 for Lok Sabha and 30 for Rajya Sabha, we are following the textbook answer provided). This age requirement ensures that representatives have some life experience before making laws for the country.
Teacher's Tip: Age limits are set to ensure maturity in the people's representatives.
Exam Tip: Follow your specific textbook's numbers even if they vary from other sources.

Question 3: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved by the President
Answer: True.
This is a defining feature of the Rajya Sabha that provides stability to our parliamentary system. It remains active even if the Lok Sabha is dissolved for new elections.
Teacher's Tip: "Permanent" means it stays forever and never fully "shuts down".
Exam Tip: This is the most important difference between the two houses of Parliament.

Question 4: The money bill has to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: False.
Money bills must always be introduced in the Lok Sabha because it represents the people who pay the taxes. The Rajya Sabha has limited power over these types of financial bills.
Teacher's Tip: Remember: "Money follows the People," and the Lok Sabha is the House of the People.
Exam Tip: If you see 'Money Bill,' immediately think 'Lok Sabha'.

Question 5: The Vice-President is the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: True.
The Vice-President's official duty is to conduct the meetings and maintain order in the Upper House. This role is similar to the Speaker's role in the Lok Sabha.
Teacher's Tip: The VP has two jobs: waiting to help the President and running the Rajya Sabha.
Exam Tip: Use the term 'Ex-officio Chairman' to describe the Vice-President's role in the Rajya Sabha.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1: Who is the nominal executive head of the government of India?
Answer: The President of India, is only a nominal executive head of the government of India
"Nominal" means the head in name only, while the actual power is used by others. The President represents the dignity and unity of the nation.
Teacher's Tip: Think of a nominal head like a school principal who lets the teachers make most of the classroom rules.
Exam Tip: Don't forget to include the word 'nominal' in your answer.

Question 2: How do we know that the Parliament has supreme authority in the government?
Answer: The Lok Sabha exercise control over the Council of Ministers which is responsible and answerable to the Lok Sabha for all its policies, decisions and actions. This makes the Parliament the supreme authority in the government because it has the final authority to accept or reject the decisions of the executive.
Parliament can question ministers and even remove the government if it loses confidence. This power ensures that the government always acts in the best interest of the citizens.
Teacher's Tip: Parliament is the "Boss" because it represents all the people of India.
Exam Tip: Mention 'final authority' to explain why the Parliament is supreme.

Question 3: Which branch of government interprets and defines laws?
Answer: Judiciary defines and interprets the laws of the land and tries to prevent any person from violating the laws of the Constitution.
The Judiciary, which includes the courts, makes sure laws are used correctly in specific cases. It acts as a guard to protect the rights of every citizen.
Teacher's Tip: The Judiciary is like the "Referees" in a sports game who interpret the rules.
Exam Tip: Use the words 'interpret' and 'define' as they are the key functions of courts.

Question 4: What is the minimum age qualification of an Indian voter?
Answer: All Indian citizens, 18 yeas of age or above, have the right to vote.
This is known as Universal Adult Franchise, allowing every adult to help choose the government. It is a fundamental right that gives power to the common man.
Teacher's Tip: Remember your 18th birthday is when you gain the power of the vote!
Exam Tip: Always specify '18 years' and 'Indian citizen' for a complete answer.

Question 5: Who conducts the meetings of the Lok Sabha?
Answer: The Speaker conducts the meetings of the Lok Sabha
The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha to keep order and decide who speaks. They must remain neutral and fair to all political parties.
Teacher's Tip: The Speaker is the "Moderator" of the big discussion in Parliament.
Exam Tip: Capitalize 'Speaker' as it is a formal title of a high office.

Question 6: How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
Answer: These members are elected indirectly by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. Twelve members are nominated by the President from among persons who have distinguished themselves in the fields of art literature, science or social service.
Because citizens don't vote for them directly, it is called an "indirect" election. The nominated members are chosen to bring special talent and knowledge to the house.
Teacher's Tip: Indirect election means you elect someone else (MLAs), and then they elect the members of Rajya Sabha.
Exam Tip: Mention both the 'elected' and 'nominated' members to provide a full answer.

Question 7: What is meant by the term ‘budget’?
Answer: The budget is an estimate of the annual income and expenditure of the government of India.
It is a financial plan that shows where the government will get money from and how it will spend it on things like schools and roads. This must be approved by the Parliament every year.
Teacher's Tip: A budget is just like a "Pocket Money Plan" for the whole country.
Exam Tip: Use the keywords 'annual income' and 'expenditure' to define a budget correctly.

Question 8: What happens when a vote of no-confidence is passed against the Council of Ministers?
Answer: Vote of no-confidence is a move in the Lok Sabha to express a lack of confidence in the Council of Minister. If such a motion is passed, then the Council of Ministers has to resign.
This means the government loses its right to rule because it no longer has the support of the majority of representatives. It is the ultimate way for Parliament to hold the government accountable.
Teacher's Tip: "No-confidence" is like saying "We don't trust you to be our leaders anymore".
Exam Tip: Be clear that the whole Council of Ministers must 'resign' if this happens.

Question 9: Explain the meaning of the term ‘quorum’.
Answer: Quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to be present to conduct a meeting.
If enough members don't show up, the meeting cannot start or make any official decisions. This rule ensures that a small group cannot pass laws without the rest of the house.
Teacher's Tip: Quorum is like needing at least five players to start a basketball game.
Exam Tip: Define it as the 'minimum number of members' to get full points.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

In the context of the Parliamentary form of government, answer the following questions:

Question (a): What arc the main features of a parliamentary form of government?
Answer: Features of the parliamentary form of government:
1. Under this system there is very close relationship between the executive and legislature.
2. All the members of the executive are the elected members of the majority party in the legislature.
3. After the general elections the elected representatives of the people of India form the Lok Sabha.
4. Subsequently, the council of Ministers is formed out of the elected members of the Lok Sabha.
This system makes sure that the people who run the country are part of the team that makes the laws. It prevents the government from acting independently of the people's representatives.
Teacher's Tip: Parliamentary form = "Teamwork" between those who make laws and those who follow them through.
Exam Tip: Number your points clearly when explaining "features" to help the teacher read your answer easily.

Question (b): Name the three branches of government and state their respective functions.
Answer: According to the Constitution, the powers and functions of the government are divided into three branches-the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
The powers and functions are distributed among these branches in a manner that makes them equally balanced.
India is a parliamentary democracy. The Parliament, which is composed of the elected representatives of the Indian people, is vested with supreme power. The Parliament is the highest law making body and it makes laws for the entire country. Thus the Indian people enjoy supreme power through their representatives in the Parliament.
In a parliamentary form of government, there is a very close relationship between the legislature and the executive.
After the general elections, the elected representatives of the people form the Lok Sabha. The President appoints the leader of the majority party or the single largest party or group of parites within the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. Generally, the Prime Minister chooses his/her Council of Ministers from among the elected members of the Lok Sabha. He/she may also choose a Rajya Sabha members as a minister.
The Lok Sabha exercise control over the Council of Ministers which is responsible and answerable to the Lok Sabha for all its policies, decisions and actions. This makes the Parliament the supreme authority in the government because it has the final authority to accept or reject the decisions of the executive.
Each branch acts as a check on the others to ensure no one becomes a dictator. This "separation of powers" is what keeps our democracy healthy and fair.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the jobs: Legislature = Makes, Executive = Does, Judiciary = Checks.
Exam Tip: Mention that the Parliament is the 'highest law-making body' to show its importance.

Question (c): Why are powers distributed between the central and the state governments?
Answer: As India is a vast country, it is not possible for one central government to take care of the specific needs of people living in different parts of the country. Therefore, the country has been divided into different units, which are called states. Each state has a state government and the processes of the government are shared by the central government and the state governments.
The parliamentary form of government is also present in the states. The pattern is the same-the state executive is formed out of the state legislature, whose members are directly elected by the people.
This distribution allows the central government to focus on big issues like national security while state governments handle local issues like schools and hospitals. It makes governing a huge nation much more efficient.
Teacher's Tip: It's like having a Principal for the whole school and a Teacher for each specific classroom.
Exam Tip: Use the reason 'vast country' to explain why we need multiple levels of government.

Question 2: Give an account of the Lok Sabha with reference to: (a) Its composition (b) Basic qualifications of its members (c) Its term
Answer: (a) Composition:
1. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha can be 552 members.
2. A maximum of 530 members can be elected directly by the people of India from different territorial constituencies.
3. A maximum of 20 members can be elected from the union territories.
4. The President can nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian community.
At present, the Lok Sabha consists of 545 members.
(b) Basic qualifications of its members:
1. Should be a citizen of India.
2. Should be at least twenty-five years of age.
3. Should not be holding an office of profit under the government.
(c) Its term: The Lok Sabha is elected for a 5-year term. However, the President may dissolve it before the expiry of its term if the party in power loses the support of file majority. Its life can be extended for 1 year at a time in case of a national emergency.
The Lok Sabha is the direct voice of the Indian people because we choose these members ourselves. Its structure ensures that every part of the country has a say in how we are ruled.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "25 years" for Lok Sabha and "30 years" for Rajya Sabha.
Exam Tip: Use sub-headings (a), (b), and (c) to organize your answer just like the question does.

Question 3: Give an account of the Rajya Sabha with reference to: (a) Its composition (b) Basic qualifications of its members (c) Its term
Answer: (a) Its composition:
1. The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha can be 250 members.
2. 238 members’ represent the states and the union territories. Seats are allotted to each state according to its population. These members are elected indirectly by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
3. Twelve members are nominated by the President from among persons who have distinguished themselves in the fields of art, literature, science or social service.
(b) Basic qualification of the Members of the Rajya Sabha:
1. Should be citizens of India
2. Should be at least 30 years of age
3. Should be registered voters
(c) Its term: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House. It cannot be dissolved by the President/Each member is elected for a period of 6 years. One third of its members retire every 2 years. Members can be re-elected.
The Rajya Sabha provides a place for wise experts and state representatives to review the laws made by the Lok Sabha. Because it is permanent, it helps keep the country running smoothly even during changes in leadership.
Teacher's Tip: 1/3rd retire every 2 years - that's the "secret recipe" that makes it permanent!
Exam Tip: Mention the 'nominated' members' fields (art, science, etc.) to show you know why they are there.

Question 4: With reference to the functions of the Parliament, explain the following: (a) Law-making functions (b) Control over the executive (c) Judicial functions
Answer: (a) Law making functions of the Parliament:
1. The Parliament can frame new laws or modify existing ones on any subject in the Union or Concurrent List.
2. In some cases the Parliament can also pass laws on subjects under the State List.
3. Only the Parliament can initiate a Bill to amend the Constitution.
(b) Control over the Council of Ministers:
1. The Parliament keeps a watch over the government. The Council of Ministers is directly responsible and answerable to the Lok Sabha for its policies and actions.
2. The Council of Ministers has to resign immediately if a vote of no-confidence is passed against it by the Lok Sabha.
3. The Members of Parliament can discuss government policies and question the ministers. Hence, they can exercise a check on the working of the government.
4. The Parliament can move an adjournment motion to discuss and focus on any matter of public importance which requires immediate and urgent attention from the government, for instance, natural disasters such as earthquakes and unforeseen situations such as police firing or terrorist attacks, etc.
(c) Judicial Functions of the Parliament:
The Parliament can impeach or remove the President, the Vice-President and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts if any of them violate the Constitution or misuse their authority.
These functions give the Parliament total oversight of how the country is run and how the Constitution is protected. It ensures that no one, even the President or a judge, is above the law.
Teacher's Tip: "Impeach" is the special word for when Parliament puts a high official on trial to remove them.
Exam Tip: Make sure to explain 'adjournment motion' as a way to talk about urgent public issues.

G Picture study:

This is the picture of an important government building in India.

Question 1: Identify the building.
Answer: House of the People (Parliament House).
This famous circular building in New Delhi is the center of Indian democracy. It is where our leaders meet to discuss and decide the future of the nation.
Teacher's Tip: Think of this building as the "Office of India".
Exam Tip: Use the term 'Parliament House' for clarity in identification.

Question 2: Which branch of the government functions in this building?
Answer: Lok Sabha.
(Note: Both houses meet here, but the text focuses on Lok Sabha). This is the place where the elected representatives of the citizens debate and vote on new laws.
Teacher's Tip: The Lok Sabha is the heart of the legislative branch.
Exam Tip: If you mention 'Legislature,' you are also correct about the branch of government.

Question 3: Who are the members of this branch of the government?
Answer: Elected representatives of the people of India are the members of this branch. The lower house of the Parliament is the Lok Sabha. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha can be 552 members.
- A maximum of 530 members can be elected directly by the people of India from different territorial constituencies.
- Not more than 20 members can be elected from the union territories.
- The President can nominate two members from the Anglo- Indian Community.
At present, Lok Sabha consists of 545 members.
These members are chosen by adult citizens during general elections held every five years. They come from every corner of India to voice the needs of their specific regions.
Teacher's Tip: These members are often called "MPs" or Members of Parliament.
Exam Tip: List the specific categories of members (states, territories, nominated) for a complete answer.

Question 4: What are the basic qualifications of the members?
Answer: A member of the Lok Sabha:
- Should be a citizen of India
- Should be at least 25 years of age.
- Should be a registered voter
To represent the people, one must first be one of them and have reached an age of maturity. Being a registered voter proves they are actively participating in the democratic process.
Teacher's Tip: Remember: Citizen + Age + Voter = Qualified!
Exam Tip: Be careful! In some parts of this text it says 30, but 25 is the generally accepted age for Lok Sabha.

Question 5: What is their primary function? Mention any two other important functions.
Answer: The Primary Functions of Parliament house are:
1. The Parliament can frame new laws or modify existing ones on any subjects in the Union or Concurrent List.
2. No money can be raised or spent without the approval of the Lok Sabha.
3. In some cases, the parliament can also pass laws on subjects under the State List.
4. Only the Parliament can initiate a Bill to amend the Constituion.
The other two important functions are:
(a) Judicial Function
(b) Elective Functions
Making laws is the main job, but managing the country's money is just as important to keep things running. Elective functions include things like choosing the President and Vice-President.
Teacher's Tip: "Primary" means the most important job, which is always making laws.
Exam Tip: When asked for "any two other," make sure to pick the easiest ones to remember, like Judicial and Elective.