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Class 8 -> Social Science -> Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System – Legislature and Executive (New Course)
I. Chapter Summary:
This chapter explains the Parliamentary system of governance in India, focusing on the roles of the Legislature and the Executive. It describes how laws are made and implemented in a democratic country like India. The chapter highlights the structure and functions of the Parliament of India, consisting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and explains the role of the President of India, the Prime Minister of India, and the Council of Ministers. It also emphasizes the relationship between the Legislature and the Executive in ensuring smooth governance.
II. Key Concepts Covered:
What is a Parliamentary System?
- A system of government where the executive is responsible to the legislature.
- The government is formed by the party or coalition with the majority in the Lok Sabha.
The Legislature (Law-Making Body):
- Parliament of India:
- The highest law-making body.
- Consists of:
- Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
- President of India
Lok Sabha:
- Members are directly elected by the people.
- Tenure: 5 years.
- Has more power than Rajya Sabha in financial matters.
- Responsible for making laws and controlling the executive.
Rajya Sabha:
- Members are elected by state legislatures.
- Permanent body (not dissolved).
- One-third members retire every 2 years.
Functions of Legislature:
- Making laws
- Passing the budget
- Discussing national issues
- Checking the work of the executive
The Executive (Law-Implementing Body):
- Nominal Executive:
- President of India
- Acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
- Real Executive:
- Prime Minister of India
- Leads the government and takes actual decisions
Council of Ministers:
- Group of ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
- Responsible for running the government.
- Accountable to the Lok Sabha.
Relationship Between Legislature and Executive:
- The executive is formed from the legislature.
- It is responsible to the legislature.
- The legislature can remove the executive through a no-confidence motion.
Law-Making Process:
- Bill is introduced in Parliament
- Discussion and debate
- Voting in both Houses
- Approval by the President
- Becomes a law
III. Important Questions:
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) (1 Mark):
- The Parliament of India consists of:
- a) Lok Sabha only
- b) Rajya Sabha only
- c) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and President
- d) Prime Minister only
- Answer: c) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and President
- The real executive in India is:
- a) President
- b) Prime Minister
- c) Governor
- d) Chief Justice
- Answer: b) Prime Minister
- Lok Sabha members are elected by:
- a) President
- b) State Legislatures
- c) People of India
- d) Judges
- Answer: c) People of India
- Rajya Sabha is a:
- a) Temporary body
- b) Permanent body
- c) Local body
- d) Judicial body
- Answer: b) Permanent body
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):
- What is a Parliamentary system?
- Differentiate between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Who is the real executive in India?
- What is the role of the President in law-making?
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):
- Explain the structure and functions of the Indian Parliament.
- Describe the role of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
- Explain the relationship between the Legislature and Executive.
- Describe the law-making process in India.
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Questions:
- Why is the executive responsible to the legislature in a democracy?
- How does the parliamentary system ensure accountability of the government?
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:
- Parliamentary System: Executive responsible to legislature
- Legislature: Makes laws
- Executive: Implements laws
- Lok Sabha: Directly elected house
- Rajya Sabha: Permanent house
- Council of Ministers: Helps run government
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025-2026 as per rationalization of NCERT books):
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025-2026):
| Unit/Chapter | Estimated Marks | Type of Questions Typically Asked |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 6: Parliamentary System – Legislature and Executive | 6-8 Marks | MCQs, Short Answer, Long Answer |
VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):
- 2019 (1 Mark): Who is the real executive in India?
- 2020 (3 Marks): Explain the role of Lok Sabha.
- 2021 (5 Marks): Describe the law-making process.
VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics:
- Passing Laws in Parliament: Shows how policies like education or taxation are decided.
- Government Accountability: Parliament questions ministers to ensure transparency.
IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success (Class-Specific):
- Time Management: Focus on structure (Legislature vs Executive).
- Exam Preparation: Learn differences and roles clearly.
- Tip: Use diagrams for law-making process.
X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific):
For Class 8, awareness level:
- Related fields:
- Political Science
- Law
- Public Administration
- Future careers:
- Civil Services
- Politician
- Lawyer
XI. Important Notes:
- Understand the difference between real and nominal executive.
- Focus on functions of Parliament.
- Learn the law-making steps properly.
- Refer to NCERT/CBSE for updates.