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6.The-Parliamentary-System-Legislature-and-Executive.pdfppt/pdf/8th class social science Exploring Society: India and Beyond/By:K Sandeep Swamy(M.Sc,B.Ed)

6.The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive 8th class social science Exploring Society: India and Beyond By:K Sandeep Swamy(M.Sc,B.Ed) For Online Classes (IITJEE & NEET foundation and academics) contact : 9491878325 Subscribe Samyans Eduhub youtube channel "The Constitution is not a mere lawyer's document; it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age." – Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar The Big Questions What is India's parliamentary system, and how is it structured? What are the key functions of the Parliament? What are the roles of the legislature and the executive in India's Parliamentary democracy? How are the legislature and the executive organised at the union and state levels? The New Parliament Building Unique Design The three-sided design reflects balance, inclusivity, and purpose. It uses green construction techniques and sustainable materials. Cultural Heritage Inside, walls are decorated with carvings — peacocks, lotuses, tribal art, temple patterns, and freedom fighters, connecting India's democratic present with its cultural past. "The new building houses so many ancient symbols! Democracy must look ahead — but never forget its roots." Introduction to India's Parliamentary Democracy India's independence was achieved through great sacrifices after years of struggle against colonial rule. The Constitution of independent India laid foundational principles for the nation, including Universal Adult Franchise which guarantees all adult citizens the right to vote irrespective of background. The people of India directly elect their representatives to the Lok Sabha. A majority group from among these elected representatives forms the government. The Parliament is the supreme legislative body that makes laws for the country. Our old Parliament (now called Samvidhan Sadan) building was constructed in the 1920s and served for over seven decades. The New Parliament Building The new Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan) in New Delhi was constructed to accommodate growing needs including capacity, technology, sustainability and safety. There have been 17 Lok Sabhas since the first one in 1952. The 18th Lok Sabha was constituted in June 2024. Composition of the Parliament of India Bicameral Structure The Indian Parliament is composed of the President and two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People/Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States/Upper House). Lok Sabha The people of India choose their representatives through direct election based on universal adult suffrage. The maximum number of members envisaged is 550. Rajya Sabha Members are elected indirectly by the electoral college. Both the number of Rajya Sabha seats and Lok Sabha MPs are based on each state's population. Influences on India's Parliamentary System Several aspects of the Indian Constitution were drawn from the constitutions of other countries. Britain's system inspired our system of Parliamentary democracy. H

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6.The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive 8th class social science Exploring Society: India and Beyond By:K Sandeep Swamy(M.Sc,B.Ed) For Online Classes (IITJEE & NEET foundation and academics) contact : 9491878325 Subscribe Samyans Eduhub youtube channel "The Constitution is not a mere lawyer's document; it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age." 3 Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
The Big Questions 1 What is India's parliamentary system, and how is it structured? 2 What are the key functions of the Parliament? 3 What are the roles of the legislature and the executive in India's Parliamentary democracy? 4 How are the legislature and the executive organised at the union and state levels?
The New Parliament Building Unique Design The three-sided design reflects balance, inclusivity, and purpose. It uses green construction techniques and sustainable materials. Cultural Heritage Inside, walls are decorated with carvings 4 peacocks, lotuses, tribal art, temple patterns, and freedom fighters, connecting India's democratic present with its cultural past. "The new building houses so many ancient symbols! Democracy must look ahead 4 but never forget its roots."
Introduction to India's Parliamentary Democracy India's independence was achieved through great sacrifices after years of struggle against colonial rule. The Constitution of independent India laid foundational principles for the nation, including Universal Adult Franchise which guarantees all adult citizens the right to vote irrespective of background. The people of India directly elect their representatives to the Lok Sabha. A majority group from among these elected representatives forms the government. The Parliament is the supreme legislative body that makes laws for the country. Our old Parliament (now called Samvidhan Sadan) building was constructed in the 1920s and served for over seven decades.
The New Parliament Building The new Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan) in New Delhi was constructed to accommodate growing needs including capacity, technology, sustainability and safety. There have been 17 Lok Sabhas since the first one in 1952. The 18th Lok Sabha was constituted in June 2024.
Composition of the Parliament of India Bicameral Structure The Indian Parliament is composed of the President and two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People/Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States/Upper House). Lok Sabha The people of India choose their representatives through direct election based on universal adult suffrage. The maximum number of members envisaged is 550. Rajya Sabha Members are elected indirectly by the electoral college. Both the number of Rajya Sabha seats and Lok Sabha MPs are based on each state's population.
Influences on India's Parliamentary System Several aspects of the Indian Constitution were drawn from the constitutions of other countries. Britain's system inspired our system of Parliamentary democracy. However, our Constitution makers also drew from: Practical experience gained through participation in British colonial governance structures Memory of the ancient republics (mahjanapadas) Village panchayats where elders made collective decisions The Constitution of India established a bicameral system to meet the challenges of independent India and uphold the spirit of federalism.
Presiding Officers and Symbols Presiding Officers Each House has a presiding officer to ensure orderly debates and discussions: In the Lok Sabha, members elect a Speaker who conducts sessions, allows members to speak, and maintains discipline The Rajya Sabha is presided over by the Vice President of India, who acts as its chairperson The Sengol The Sengol, a gold-plated silver sceptre, was handed to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14, 1947, symbolizing the transfer of power. Now placed near the Speaker's chair, it represents righteous and just rule.
Accessibility and Inclusivity To help make Parliamentary discussions accessible to all, translation services are provided in multiple Indian languages. Original Languages Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Punjabi and Telugu Recently Added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Urdu, and Sanskrit More languages are expected to be added in the future, enhancing representation and participation.
The Union Executive The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and gives life to the legislative functions of Parliament. The President Head of State and nominal head of the Executive The Vice President Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and second highest constitutional office The Council of Ministers Headed by the Prime Minister, chosen from among MPs of both houses
Legislative Functions of the Parliament 1 Constitutional Functions 2 Lawmaking 3 Executive Accountability 4 Financial Accountability The Constitution lays down these key functions that the Parliament needs to fulfill to maintain democratic governance.
Constitutional Functions The Parliament is directly entrusted with upholding the core values of the Indian Constitution, including: Parliamentary Democracy Enabling democracy through universal adult suffrage Separation of Powers Following the separation between legislature, executive, and judiciary Federalism Ensuring balance between central and state powers Rights and Principles Upholding Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles through laws and policies
Lawmaking Process A bill, which is a draft of a proposed law, is introduced in Parliament and goes through a long journey before it becomes an act. The process includes: Introduction Bill is introduced in either house of Parliament Readings and Debate Multiple readings and detailed clause-by-clause discussion Committee Review Specialized committees examine and suggest modifications Passage Bill must be passed by both houses Presidential Assent President's approval makes it an Act
Case Study: Right to Education Act The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) journey: 1 Constitutional Roots Based in Directive Principles of State Policy, intended to be implemented within a decade after Independence 2 1990s Recognition Courts recognized education as part of the Fundamental Right to Life 3 2002 Amendment 86th Constitutional Amendment Act added Article 21A mandating free education for children 6-14 years 4 2009 Passage Bill passed in Parliament and received Presidential assent, becoming an Act
Executive Accountability Responsibility of the Executive The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are: Responsible for implementing and enforcing laws Overseeing effective government operation Making day-to-day decisions based on constitutional principles Answerable to the Lok Sabha through various mechanisms Question Hour A select period (typically the first hour of a Parliamentary session) where MPs can ask ministers questions about government policies and activities.
Parliamentary Committees Special committees hold meetings where ministries must explain and answer questions about their policies. These committees may include MPs from different political parties. Parliamentary committees provide detailed scrutiny of government actions, policies, and expenditures. They help ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
Financial Accountability The Parliament approves and monitors government expenditure through: Annual Budget Parliament reviews and approves the government's proposed budget Fund Distribution Examines allocation of funds to different ministries Expenditure Oversight Monitors how public money is spent by the government The government is expected to provide necessary information to Parliament in a timely and accurate manner.
The President's Role The President is the Head of State and the nominal head of the Executive. Key functions include: 1 Appointments Appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers 2 Parliamentary Functions Summons the Parliament and gives assent to bills 3 Discretionary Powers Can exercise discretionary powers during political crises, such as when no party holds a clear majority
The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers The Prime Minister is the de facto executive authority in India's Parliamentary system. The President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. Key Functions: Leading the Council of Ministers Coordinating work of different ministries Advising the President Shaping national policies In 1956, Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned after a train accident, demonstrating ministerial responsibility. Although not blamed for the accident, he believed a minister must take moral responsibility for anything that happens in their ministry.
Legislature vs. Executive: Key Differences Aspect Legislature Executive Composition President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers headed by PM Main Role Making laws and overseeing Executive Enforcing laws made by Legislature Functions Can introduce bills; keeps check on Executive; sanctions expenses Introduces most bills; provides explanations; prepares budget; functions independently in day-to- day matters
The Judiciary: Checks and Balances The Judiciary functions through a system of courts and plays a pivotal role in maintaining democracy. It acts as the custodian of the Constitution, ensuring all branches operate within constitutional parameters. The Judiciary has the unique responsibility of checking that: Laws passed by Parliament don't violate the Constitution Implementation by the Executive follows constitutional principles This system of checks and balances among the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary ensures that no single organ becomes too powerful.
State-Level Governance Just as the Union Government has a Parliament with legislative and executive functions, each state has its own legislature and executive, called its 'State Assembly'. State Legislature Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) formulate laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List Structure Can be unicameral (Vidhan Sabha only) or bicameral (Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad) Bicameral States Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh
Union and State Division of Powers Union List Subjects on which only the Union government can legislate (e.g., defense, foreign affairs) State List Subjects on which only state governments can legislate (e.g., police, public health) Concurrent List Subjects on which both can legislate, but Union laws prevail in case of conflict (e.g., education, forests)
Challenges to Effective Functioning Productivity Concerns Parliamentary productivity is measured by actual functioning hours against scheduled time. Challenges include: Regular absenteeism of members Disruptions during sessions Reduced quality of important debates Disruptions of Question Hour The media plays an important role in communicating concerns through political cartoons, a practice common to healthy democracies.
Strengthening Our Democracy Governments will come and go, parties will rise and fall. But the nation must endure, and its democracy must live on. - Atal Bihari Vajpayee Our democracy grows stronger when citizens stay informed and engaged. By asking questions, sharing views, and participating in public discussions, people help shape better policies. As future voters, your choices and participation will play a key role in strengthening our Parliament and state assemblies, ensuring they truly serve all people.