Maharashtra Board Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 The Indian Parliament Solutions

Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 The Indian Parliament Questions And Answers Maharashtra Board

The Indian Parliament Class 8 Questions And Answers Chapter 2 Maharashtra Board

Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 The Indian Parliament System Textbook Questions and Answers

1. Complete the Following Sentences By Choosing The Correct Option.

 

Question 1. Candidates to the Lok Sabha are elected through ............ .
(a) Territorial constituencies

 

Question 2. The of India is the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
(a) President
(b) Vice-President
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Chief Justice
Answer: (b) Vice-President
In simple words: The Vice-President holds the position of chairman for the Rajya Sabha automatically because of their office, ensuring smooth functioning of the upper house.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the Vice-President's role as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is a key constitutional fact often tested.

2. Find And Write

 

Question 1. Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are known as
Answer: Members of Parliament (MPs). These elected representatives play a crucial role in the legislative process of the country.
In simple words: People elected to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are called Members of Parliament, or MPs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always use the full term "Members of Parliament" before using the abbreviation "MPs" for clarity.

 

Question 2. The responsibility of making laws is with the
Answer: Parliament. This body is central to India's democratic framework, ensuring laws are made for the welfare of its citizens.
In simple words: The Parliament is responsible for creating all the laws in the country.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about law-making, "Parliament" is the key term, encompassing both houses and the President.

3. Explain The Following Statements With Reasons

 

Question 1. Rajya Sabha is a permanent House.
Answer: 1. The tenure of the members of Rajya Sabha does not get over at the same time. This staggered retirement ensures continuity in the legislative process.
In simple words: Rajya Sabha is permanent because its members don't all retire at once; they retire in turns, so the house never fully dissolves.

🎯 Exam Tip: To explain why Rajya Sabha is permanent, focus on the staggered retirement of its members, ensuring continuous functioning.

 

Question 2. Lok Sabha is known as the first House.
Answer: 1. Lok Sabha is the lower and the first House of the Parliament of India.
2. Lok Sabha is the House of Representatives directly elected by the people. This direct election makes it a true representation of the public's will.
Hence, Lok Sabha is known as the first House.
In simple words: Lok Sabha is called the first House because it's the lower house of India's Parliament, and its members are directly chosen by the people through elections.

🎯 Exam Tip: To score well, clearly state both reasons: its position as the lower house and its direct election by the people.

Answer The Following In 25 To 30 Words:

 

Question 1. How are members of the Lok Sabha elected?
Answer: 1. As per the Constitution, there can be a maximum of 552 members in Lok Sabha.
2. General elections to Lok Sabha are held after every five years and members are directly elected by the people.
3. To ensure equal representation to all sections of the community, some seats are reserved for members belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
4. In case there are no representation from the Anglo-Indian community, the President can appoint two members from this community to the Lok Sabha. This comprehensive process ensures diverse representation from across the nation.
5. Thus, Lok Sabha is the representative body of the citizens of India.
In simple words: Members of Lok Sabha are mainly chosen by direct public vote every five years. Some seats are reserved for specific communities, and the President can appoint two Anglo-Indian members if needed, ensuring broad representation.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining elections, remember to mention direct elections, the five-year term, reservations for SC/ST, and the President's power to appoint Anglo-Indian members for a complete answer.

 

Question 2. Explain the functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
Answer: The functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha are:
1. To conduct the business of the House in an unbiased manner.
2. To take care of the rights and privileges of the members of Lok Sabha.
3. To interpret the rules of daily functioning of the House and work accordingly.
4. To maintain the decorum and dignity of the House. These roles are crucial for the smooth and fair operation of parliamentary proceedings.
In simple words: The Speaker makes sure the Lok Sabha runs fairly, protects members' rights, explains the rules, and keeps order.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing functions, use clear, concise points and remember keywords like 'unbiased', 'rights and privileges', 'interpret rules', and 'maintain decorum'.

Explain The Step Involved In The Lawmaking Process

 

Question 1. Parliament:
Answer:
1. The Legislature at the national level is called the Parliament.
2. It consists of the President and two houses, i.e., the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
3. Though the President is an inseparable part of the Parliament, he/she cannot participate in the discussions in either of the Houses of the Parliament.
4. The Constitution of India has created the Parliament, establishing its foundational role in governance.
In simple words: Parliament is India's national law-making body, made up of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha, as defined by the Constitution.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining key terms like 'Parliament', always include its composition (President, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha) and its primary function (legislature). Mentioning its constitutional basis adds depth.

 

Question 2. Amendment to the Constitution:
Answer:
1. According to the changing times, certain necessary changes have to be made in some laws. The process of making such changes is called Amendment.
2. Only the Parliament has the right to make such amendments to the Constitution.
3. The Constitution amendment bill is considered to be an important bill.
4. The Parliament discusses why the amendment is required and decides whether to accept it or not, ensuring careful consideration of all proposed changes.
In simple words: An amendment is a change made to the Constitution to update laws, a power held only by Parliament after careful discussion.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining 'Amendment to the Constitution', highlight the need for change over time, Parliament's exclusive right to amend, and the deliberative process involved in passing an amendment bill.

 

Question 3. Members of Parliament:
Answer:
1. The members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are known as Members of Parliament (MPs).
2. The members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people.
3. The members of Rajya Sabha are elected from the constituent States and Union Territories.
4. MPs try to resolve the queries and complaints of their constituencies by raising questions in the Parliament. They act as a voice for their constituents.
5. MPs also participate in the process of formulation of laws.
6. The Government allocates funds to MPs to carry out development activities in their constituencies.
In simple words: Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected representatives who work in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. They represent their areas, make laws, and help develop their constituencies.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the role of MPs, remember to mention both their legislative duties (lawmaking, raising questions) and their representative duties (resolving complaints, development activities). This shows a comprehensive understanding.

 

Question 4. Bill of Law:
Answer:
1. At the initial stage of lawmaking process, a rough draft of the law is prepared.
2. This rough draft or outline is known as 'draft proposal of the law' or 'bill of law'. This initial step is crucial for shaping future legislation.
3. The Bill clearly mentions the objectives and the details of the proposed law.
4. Every bill has to undergo three readings in both the Houses, and then it is put to vote.
In simple words: A 'Bill of Law' is the first draft of a new law. It explains what the law aims to do and must be read and voted on in Parliament before it can become a final law.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the key stages of a bill: initial draft (bill), clear objectives, and the three readings process in both Houses. This sequence is fundamental to understanding lawmaking.

Can You Find Out?

For the purpose of elections, the State is divided into territorial constituencies. The constituent States in India get seats on the basis of their population. For e.g.

• Maharashtra - 48 seats
• Gujarat - 26 seats
• Madhya Pradesh – 29 seats
• Goa - 02 seats
• Uttar Pradesh - 80 seats

Understand It:

(The gist of the conversation held between Mazy, Radhika, Ran veer and others.)

1. Any Indian citizen who has completed 18 years of age is only eligible to vote.
2. An Indian citizens who has completed 25 years of age can contest for Lok Sabha election.
3. A citizen of India can contest for election from any constituency of any State.
4. Citizens of other countries cannot contest for elections of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
5. Just as there are set criteria for qualifying for election, there are set criteria for disqualification as well.

Rights Regarding Passing Of Bills:

1. Though Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have same set of rights, Lok Sabha has certain rights which are not available for Rajya Sabha.
2. Bills related to finance (Money Bills) and such other bills are first introduced and passed in Lok Sabha.
3. Rajya Sabha has limited powers with respect to money bills.
4. Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution on the subject in the State List.

Can You Tell?

 

Question. Certain laws which become out-of-date (obsolete) are abolished. Can you give examples of such obsolete laws? For example, Privy purses.
Answer: Obsolete laws are those that are no longer relevant or effective due to changes in society or technology. Besides Privy purses, other examples of obsolete laws could include laws related to ancient customs, outdated technologies like telegraphs, or specific historical taxes that no longer apply. These laws are often repealed to keep the legal system current and efficient.
In simple words: Obsolete laws are old rules that don't make sense anymore, like laws about things that don't exist or practices that have changed.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for examples of obsolete laws, think about historical changes or technological advancements that would make a law irrelevant today. Always provide a clear definition first.

Know This Too:

1. Every year, on 1 February the Union Finance Minister presents the national budget to the Lok Sabha. Previously, it was presented on 28 February.
2. The State Legislatures also follow the same procedure of law making as in the Parliament.
3. The bill passed can become a law only after it is signed by the President at the Union level and by the Governor at the State level.

Project:

The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. Collect information on what are the criteria for their selection.

Class 8 Civics Chapter 2 The Indian Parliament Additional Important Questions And Answers

Complete The Following Sentences By Choosing The Correct Option:

 

Question 1.is the upper House of the Parliament.
(a) Legislative Assembly
(b) Lok Sabha
(c) Rajya Sabha
(d) Legislative Council
Answer: (c) Rajya Sabha
In simple words: The Rajya Sabha is like the 'upper' part of India's Parliament, where important decisions are discussed and laws are reviewed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the Rajya Sabha is the upper house, while the Lok Sabha is the lower house; knowing their roles is crucial for understanding the Indian Parliament.

 

Question 2.The ....... of India has created the Parliament of India.
(a) Legislature
(b) Executive
(c) Constitution
(d) British Law
Answer: (c) Constitution
In simple words: The Constitution is the main rulebook of India, and it's what established the Parliament to make laws for the country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that the Constitution is the supreme law and the source of power for all government bodies, including the Parliament, defining their structure and functions.

 

Question 3.1/3rd members of total membership of Rajya Sabha, who have completed their tenure of six years, retire after every years.
(a) two

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the tenure and retirement cycle of Rajya Sabha members, as this is a common factual question about its continuous nature and how its members are replaced.

 

Question 4. If feels that the Parliament should make a law of the subject in the state list, it can pass a resolution to that effect.
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Executive
(d) President
Answer: (b) Rajya Sabha
In simple words: If the Rajya Sabha believes a state matter needs a national law, it can propose a resolution to the Parliament. This shows its power in legislative matters.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the Rajya Sabha has special powers regarding state list subjects, allowing it to initiate legislation on such matters if deemed necessary for national interest.

 

Question 5. Every year in the month of February, the ......... presents the national budget to the Lok Sabha.
(a) Prime Minister
(b) President
(c) Finance Minister
(d) Speaker
Answer: (c) Finance Minister
In simple words: The Finance Minister is responsible for presenting the country's annual budget, which outlines government spending and revenue, to the Lok Sabha.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always associate the presentation of the national budget with the Finance Minister and the Lok Sabha, as this is a key constitutional role.

 

Question 6. The President appoints distinguished personalities to the Rajya Sabha.
(a) two
(b) eight
(c) fifteen
(d) twelve
Answer: (d) twelve
In simple words: The President nominates twelve individuals to the Rajya Sabha who have special knowledge or practical experience in fields like art, literature, science, and social service.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the exact number of members the President can nominate to the Rajya Sabha and the criteria for their nomination, as this is a common factual question.

Find And Write:

 

Question 1. ............ represent the Lok Sabha.
Answer: The Speaker.
In simple words: The Speaker is the person who leads and represents the Lok Sabha, which is one of the two houses of the Indian Parliament.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the key roles of parliamentary officials. The Speaker is crucial for the Lok Sabha's functioning and maintaining order.

 

Question 2. The bill passed by the State legislature becomes a law after it is signed by the ............
Answer: Governor.
In simple words: For a bill passed by a state's lawmakers to become a real law, the Governor of that state must approve and sign it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the legislative process at the state level, especially the role of the Governor in approving bills and making them law.

 

Question 3. The House that gives representation to 29 States and 7 Union Territories is ............
Answer: Rajya Sabha.
In simple words: The Rajya Sabha is the part of India's Parliament that represents all the different states and union territories, ensuring their voices are heard.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha based on their representation and composition to score full marks.

Complete The Following Concept Maps:

 

Question 1.
Answer:

• Components of Parliament
  • Lok Sabha
  • President
  • Rajya Sabha

In simple words: The Indian Parliament is composed of three main parts: the Lok Sabha, the President, and the Rajya Sabha, which collectively form the legislative body.

🎯 Exam Tip: For concept map questions, ensure all interconnected components are clearly listed, showing the hierarchy or relationships as presented in the original diagram.

 

Question 2. Complete the following diagram showing the Types of Bills.
Answer:

• Types of Bills
  • Money Bill
  • Ordinary Bill
  • Constitutional Amendment Bill

These three categories cover the main types of legislative proposals introduced in the Indian Parliament.
In simple words: Bills are proposals for new laws, and they are mainly divided into Money Bills (for finances), Ordinary Bills (for general laws), and Constitutional Amendment Bills (for changing the constitution).

🎯 Exam Tip: When classifying bills, remember that Money Bills deal with financial matters, Ordinary Bills cover general legislation, and Constitutional Amendment Bills are specifically for changing the constitution.

 

Question 3. Complete the following diagram showing the Seats of Constituent States in Lok Sabha.
Answer:

• Seats of Constituent States in Lok Sabha
  • Goa
  • Gujarat
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Maharashtra
  • West Bengal
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Karnataka

The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, has representatives elected directly from various states and union territories, with the number of seats varying based on population.
In simple words: The Lok Sabha is where elected representatives from different states sit, and the number of seats each state gets depends on how many people live there.

🎯 Exam Tip: To understand the Lok Sabha's composition, it's helpful to know which states have a significant number of seats, as this reflects their population and political representation.

Seats of Constituent States in Lok Sabha

• Goa: 02
• Gujarat: 26
• Uttar Pradesh: 80
• Madhya Pradesh: 29

Write Short Notes On:

 

Question 1. The Chairman of Rajya Sabha :
Answer: 1. The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
2. He exercises a control over the functioning of Rajya Sabha.
3. Maintaining discipline in the House is the function of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
4. He also has the responsibility of facilitating discussions in the House by giving members a chance to speak, etc. This ensures a balanced and orderly legislative process.
In simple words: The Vice-President leads the Rajya Sabha, making sure it runs smoothly, maintains order, and allows members to discuss important matters.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the Vice-President automatically serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and their key roles involve maintaining order and facilitating discussions.

 

Question 2. Speaker of Lok Sabha :
Answer: 1. The speaker is elected in the very first meeting after the election of Lok Sabha.
2. The members of Lok Sabha elect one member among them as the Speaker.
3. Lok Sabha functions under the guidance and control of the Speaker.
4. It is the responsibility of the speaker to conduct the business of the House in an unbiased manner. Their impartial leadership is vital for the smooth functioning of parliamentary democracy.
In simple words: The Speaker is chosen by Lok Sabha members right after elections to guide the house, ensure fair discussions, and keep things organized.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that the Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha members themselves and is crucial for maintaining impartiality and order in the House.

 

Question 3. Control over Council of Ministers :
Answer:1. Council of Ministers are drawn from the Parliament and hence Parliament exercises control over them. 2. The members of Parliament exercise this control through multiple ways. 3. It is the responsibility of the Parliament to see that the Council of Ministers does not disregard the Parliament. This ensures accountability. 4. In case the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers, it has to resign.
In simple words: The Parliament keeps the Council of Ministers in check because ministers are chosen from Parliament members. If the Lok Sabha loses trust in the Council, the ministers must step down.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining control mechanisms, always mention the source of power (Parliament) and the ultimate consequence of losing confidence (resignation) for a complete answer.

Answer The Following In 25 To 30 Words

 

Question 1. Write about Lok Sabha elections.
Answer:1. Since Lok Sabha is a House of people's representatives, elections are held after every five years. 2. Elections to Lok Sabha which are held every five years are known as General elections. These are the most common type of elections. 3. When Lok Sabha is dissolved before the completion of five years and elections are held, such elections are called mid- term elections. 4. When a member resigns or dies suddenly, election held for such a seat is called by-election.
In simple words: Lok Sabha elections happen every five years (General elections). If the Lok Sabha dissolves early, they are mid-term elections. If a seat becomes empty, a by-election is held.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define each type of election (General, Mid-term, By-election) with its specific trigger and timing to score well.

 

Question 2. Explain the composition of Rajya Sabha.
Answer: The composition of Rajya Sabha is as follows : 1. The total membership of Rajya Sabha is 250 members. This fixed number ensures a stable representation.
In simple words: The Rajya Sabha is made up of 250 members in total.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always start by stating the total number of members when describing the composition of a legislative body. Remember to include details about how members are chosen if available.

 

Question 3. Explain the functions of the Parliament.
Answer: In order to achieve welfare of the people and the objectives of the Constitution, the Parliament has to perform the following functions, ensuring good governance for all citizens:
1. To formulate new laws and to repeal the outdated laws.
2. To make necessary changes in the existing laws.
3. To amend the Constitution wherever necessary.
4. To keep control over Council of Ministers.
In simple words: The Parliament makes and changes laws, updates the Constitution, and keeps the government in check to ensure the well-being of the people.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining functions, list each point clearly and concisely. Remember to mention both law-making and oversight roles.

 

Question 4. Mention the ways of amending the Constitution.
Answer: The Constitution can be amended in the following ways, reflecting its adaptability to changing times:
1. Few provisions in the Indian Constitution can be amended by simple majority.
2. Some provisions require special (2/3rd) majority of the Parliament.
3. Few other provisions can be amended by special majority plus consent from more than half of the constituent states.
In simple words: The Constitution can be changed in three main ways: by a simple vote, by a special two-thirds vote in Parliament, or by a special vote plus approval from most states.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between the three types of majorities required for constitutional amendments. This shows a thorough understanding of the process.

Explain The Following Statements With Reasons:

 

Question 1. Though Lok Sabha is the Lower House, it is more powerful than Rajya Sabha.
Answer: The answer text is not provided in the source. However, the Lok Sabha is considered more powerful primarily because its members are directly elected by the people, giving it greater democratic legitimacy and control over financial matters.
In simple words: Even though Lok Sabha is called the 'Lower House', it's stronger because people directly vote for its members, and it has the final say on money bills.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing the power of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, always highlight direct election, control over money bills, and the Council of Ministers' accountability to Lok Sabha as key reasons for its greater influence.

Answer The Following Questions In Details

 

Question 1. Explain the steps involved in the law-making process.
Answer: The Bill undergoes the following process in order to be converted into a Law (Act). Understanding these stages is crucial for comprehending how legislation is formed.
1. First reading :

• The minister of the concerned department/ministry or member of the Parliament presents the bill in the House.
• The objectives and the structure of the Bill are mentioned.

2. Second reading :

• The positive and negative points of the bill are discussed.
• The defects and faults in the bill are stressed.
• After removing the defects and the faults, the bill is put to vote.

3. Committee Stage :

• Sometimes, if required, the Bill is sent to the committee of the House.
• The Bill is discussed in the Committee in details.

In simple words: A bill becomes a law through several steps: first, it's introduced; then, its pros and cons are debated and voted on; and sometimes, a special committee reviews it in detail before final approval.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining processes, list the steps clearly using numbering or bullet points. Use precise terms like "First reading," "Second reading," and "Committee Stage" to show a thorough understanding of the legislative procedure.

• The Committee report consisting of instructions and recommendations is sent to the House.
• The Bill is discussed clause by clause and then voting is taken.

4. Third Reading:

• The Bill is once again discussed in the House.
• Voting is taken for approving the Bill.

5. Approval Of The Other House:

• The Bill has to undergo the same procedure even in the other House.
• The Bill is approved by majority.

6. Assent By The President:

• After getting an approval from both the Houses, the Bill is further sent for assent by the President.
• After the final assent and signature of the President, the Bill is converted into Law.

 

Question 2. Distinguish between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the basis of following points:
1. Number of members
2. Age limit
3. Election
4. Tenure
Answer:

Points	Lok Sabha	Rajya Sabha
1. Number of members	Maximum 552 members	Total 250 members.

In simple words: Lok Sabha can have up to 552 members, while Rajya Sabha has a fixed total of 250 members. This difference in numbers is a key distinction between the two houses of Parliament.

🎯 Exam Tip: When distinguishing between two concepts, always use a table format with clear points of comparison. Ensure each point is addressed for both entities to score full marks.

2. Age limit	25 years	30 years
3. Election	Directly elected by the people	238 members elected from the constituent states and Union Territories. 12 members appointed by the President.
4. Tenure	5 years	Permanent House. Tenure of every member is 6 years.

 

Question 3. Why, according to you, the Constitution must have granted the President, the right to appoint twelve members to the Rajya Sabha?
Answer:
1. The President appoints twelve members to the Rajya Sabha. These members are usually experienced and distinguished personalities from the fields of literature, arts, science, sports and social service. Their diverse expertise enriches parliamentary debates and decision-making.
2. Such personalities are very active and totally devoted to their respective fields. Hence, they have no time for contesting the elections.
3. They keep themselves away from election procedures like campaigning, conducting meetings, etc. So their election to the Parliament is not possible.
4. But, to derive benefit from their profound knowledge and experience for making of laws, their presence in the Parliament is essential. Therefore, I feel that the Constitution has granted the President, the right to appoint twelve members to the Rajya Sabha.
In simple words: The President appoints experts from various fields to the Rajya Sabha because they bring valuable knowledge, but their busy schedules prevent them from participating in elections. This ensures their wisdom benefits lawmaking.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering "Why" questions about constitutional provisions, focus on the purpose and benefits of the provision, especially regarding expertise and representation.