Which statement about Rajya Sabha is TRUE?

One-third retires every two years

Detailed examination of a Bill is usually undertaken by:

Standing/Departmental Committees

RTE Act, 2009 primarily guarantees:

Free and compulsory education (6–14)

Parliamentary debates are made accessible via:

Interpretation in multiple Indian languages

Committee reports (e.g., Standing Committee on Health) are used to:

Strengthen legislative oversight

The spirit of federalism in Parliament is mainly reflected through:

Rajya Sabha as Council of States

‘Universal Adult Franchise’ means:

All adults have equal right to vote

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science - Exploring Society India and Beyond Chapter 6 – The Parliamentary System: Legi

Name: The Parliamentary System: Legi – Class 8 Social Science - Exploring Society India and Beyond
Uploaded: 2026-04-15
Description: India’s Parliament ensures laws are made, implemented, and debated with accountability. The Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary work together with checks and balances, reflecting the people’s voice and federal spirit. Strong citizen participation strengthens democracy.

Class 8 Social Science - Exploring Society India and Beyond

Last Updated: 15 April 2026

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Chapter Introduction

India’s Parliament ensures laws are made, implemented, and debated with accountability. The Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary work together with checks and balances, reflecting the people’s voice and federal spirit. Strong citizen participation strengthens democracy.

हिंदी में (Hindi)

भारत का संसद कानून बनाने, लागू करने और उन पर चर्चा करने की प्रक्रिया सुनिश्चित करता है। विधायिका, कार्यपालिका और न्यायपालिका संतुलन और जवाबदेही के साथ काम करती हैं, जो जनता की आवाज और संघीय भावना को दर्शाती हैं। जागरूक नागरिक लोकतंत्र को मजबूत बनाते हैं।

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Practice MCQ Questions (58 questions)

Q1. India’s Parliament consists of the President and which two Houses?

Q2. What term describes a Parliament with two Houses?

Q3. Members of which House are directly elected by the people?

Q4. Who presides over the Rajya Sabha?

Q5. The maximum number of Lok Sabha members envisaged by the Constitution is:

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Tough Words (Glossary)

Constitution

Meaning: The highest law of a country that sets rules for the government and citizens

अर्थ: देश का सर्वोच्च कानून जो सरकार और नागरिकों के नियम तय करता है

"The Constitution protects our fundamental rights."

Parliament

Meaning: The national law‑making body of elected representatives

अर्थ: निर्वाचित प्रतिनिधियों की राष्ट्रीय कानून बनाने वाली संस्था

"Parliament debates and passes new laws."

Legislature

Meaning: The branch of government that makes laws

अर्थ: सरकार की वह शाखा जो कानून बनाती है

"The legislature discussed the education bill."

Executive

Meaning: The branch that implements and enforces laws

अर्थ: कानूनों को लागू और प्रवर्तित करने वाली शाखा

"The executive is responsible for running the ministries."

Judiciary

Meaning: The system of courts that interprets laws and delivers justice

अर्थ: कानूनों की व्याख्या और न्याय देने वाली न्यायालय प्रणाली

"The judiciary can review a law."

Bicameral

Meaning: Having two houses or chambers in the legislature

अर्थ: दो सदनों वाली विधायिका

"India has a bicameral Parliament."

Unicameral

Meaning: Having only one house in the legislature

अर्थ: एक ही सदन वाली विधायिका

"Some states have a unicameral legislature."

Federalism

Meaning: A system where power is shared between the centre and states

अर्थ: एक व्यवस्था जिसमें शक्ति केंद्र और राज्यों के बीच बाँटी जाती है

"Federalism balances local and national interests."

Universal Adult Franchise

Meaning: The right of all adult citizens to vote

अर्थ: सभी वयस्क नागरिकों को मतदान का अधिकार

"India follows universal adult franchise."

Suffrage

Meaning: The right to vote in elections

अर्थ: मतदान करने का अधिकार

"Women’s suffrage was ensured in India from the beginning."

Constituency

Meaning: A geographical area that elects one representative

अर्थ: वह भौगोलिक क्षेत्र जो एक प्रतिनिधि का चुनाव करता है

"She won the election from the city constituency."

Presiding Officer

Meaning: Person who conducts the proceedings of a house

अर्थ: सदन की कार्यवाही चलाने वाला अधिकारी

"The presiding officer maintained order during the debate."

Speaker

Meaning: The elected head of the Lok Sabha

अर्थ: लोकसभा के निर्वाचित अध्यक्ष

"The Speaker allowed questions during Question Hour."

Chairperson

Meaning: The person who leads a meeting or body

अर्थ: बैठक या संस्था का प्रमुख

"The Vice President is the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha."

Council of Ministers

Meaning: Group of ministers headed by the Prime Minister

अर्थ: प्रधानमंत्री के नेतृत्व में मंत्रियों का समूह

"The Council of Ministers approved the policy."

Assent

Meaning: Formal approval, especially by the President

अर्थ: औपचारिक स्वीकृति, विशेषकर राष्ट्रपति द्वारा

"The bill became a law after Presidential assent."

Bill

Meaning: A draft proposal for a new law

अर्थ: नए कानून का मसौदा प्रस्ताव

"The health bill was introduced in Parliament."

Act

Meaning: A law passed by Parliament

अर्थ: संसद द्वारा पारित कानून

"The Act protects children’s right to education."

Gazette

Meaning: Official government publication for notices and laws

अर्थ: सरकारी अधिसूचनाओं और कानूनों का आधिकारिक प्रकाशन

"The rule was published in the Gazette."

Clause

Meaning: A specific section or part of a bill or law

अर्थ: विधेयक या कानून का विशिष्ट भाग

"This clause defines the age limit."

Accountability

Meaning: Being answerable for actions and decisions

अर्थ: कार्य और निर्णयों के लिए जवाबदेह होना

"Ministers have accountability to the Lok Sabha."

Question Hour

Meaning: Time in Parliament when ministers answer questions

अर्थ: संसद में वह समय जब मंत्री प्रश्नों के उत्तर देते हैं

"MPs raised issues during Question Hour."

Committee

Meaning: A small group of members that examines specific issues

अर्थ: विशेष विषयों की जांच करने वाला सदस्यों का छोटा समूह

"The committee reviewed the bill in detail."

Budget

Meaning: The government’s yearly plan for income and spending

अर्थ: सरकार की वार्षिक आय‑व्यय की योजना

"Parliament passed the Union Budget."

Separation of Powers

Meaning: Division of government powers among branches

अर्थ: सरकारी शक्तियों का विभिन्न अंगों में विभाजन

"Separation of powers prevents misuse of authority."

Checks and Balances

Meaning: Ways each branch limits the others’ powers

अर्थ: ऐसे तरीके जिनसे प्रत्येक अंग दूसरे की शक्ति को संतुलित करता है

"Checks and balances protect citizens’ rights."

Fundamental Rights

Meaning: Basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution

अर्थ: संविधान द्वारा गारंटीकृत मूल अधिकार

"Fundamental rights include freedom of speech."

Directive Principles

Meaning: Guidelines for making laws and policies

अर्थ: कानून व नीतियाँ बनाने के मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत

"Directive Principles guide welfare policies."

Federal

Meaning: Relating to a union of states under a central government

अर्थ: केंद्र सरकार के अधीन राज्यों के संघ से संबंधित

"Education is on the Concurrent List in a federal system."

Concurrent List

Meaning: Subjects on which both Union and States can make laws

अर्थ: वे विषय जिन पर केंद्र और राज्य दोनों कानून बना सकते हैं

"Health is partly on the Concurrent List."

Union List

Meaning: Subjects only the Union Parliament can legislate on

अर्थ: वे विषय जिन पर केवल केंद्र संसद कानून बना सकती है

"Defence is on the Union List."

State List

Meaning: Subjects only state legislatures can legislate on

अर्थ: वे विषय जिन पर केवल राज्य विधानसभाएँ कानून बना सकती हैं

"Police is on the State List."

Nominal

Meaning: In name only; not exercising real power

अर्थ: केवल नाम मात्र; वास्तविक शक्ति न होना

"The President is the nominal head of state."

De facto

Meaning: In reality or in practice, even if not officially

अर्थ: व्यवहार में, भले ही औपचारिक रूप से न हो

"The Prime Minister is the de facto executive leader."

Coalition

Meaning: A group of parties joining to form a government

अर्थ: सरकार बनाने के लिए दलों का गठबंधन

"A coalition formed the government after the election."

Civil Servants

Meaning: Permanent government officials who run departments

अर्थ: सरकारी विभागों को चलाने वाले स्थायी अधिकारी

"Civil servants help implement policies."

Bureaucracy

Meaning: A system of officials and departments that run the state

अर्थ: राज्य चलाने वाला अधिकारियों और विभागों का तंत्र

"A strong bureaucracy supports governance."

Discretionary Powers

Meaning: Powers used by judgment in special situations

अर्थ: विशेष परिस्थितियों में विवेक से प्रयोग की जाने वाली शक्तियाँ

"The President may use discretionary powers in a crisis."

Enact

Meaning: To make a proposal into a law

अर्थ: किसी प्रस्ताव को कानून बनाना

"Parliament can enact a new education law."

Implement

Meaning: To put a law or plan into action

अर्थ: कानून या योजना को लागू करना

"The ministry will implement the scheme next year."

Enforce

Meaning: To make sure a law is obeyed

अर्थ: कानून का पालन सुनिश्चित कराना

"Police enforce traffic rules."

Amendment

Meaning: A change made to a law or the Constitution

अर्थ: किसी कानून या संविधान में संशोधन

"An amendment improved the Act."

Majority

Meaning: More than half of the total number

अर्थ: कुल संख्या का आधे से अधिक भाग

"The party has a simple majority in the Lok Sabha."

Mandate

Meaning: Authority given by voters to a party to govern

अर्थ: मतदाताओं द्वारा शासन का दिया गया अधिकार

"The election gave a clear mandate."

Session

Meaning: A period when a house of Parliament meets

अर्थ: संसद के बैठने की अवधि

"The Monsoon Session will begin in July."

Deliberation

Meaning: Careful discussion before making a decision

अर्थ: निर्णय से पहले सावधानीपूर्वक चर्चा

"The bill passed after long deliberation."

Grievance

Meaning: A complaint about something unfair

अर्थ: अन्याय के बारे में शिकायत

"MPs raised public grievances in the House."

Electorate

Meaning: All the people who are eligible to vote

अर्थ: सभी पात्र मतदाता

"The electorate expects clean governance."

Governance

Meaning: The way a country or organisation is managed

अर्थ: किसी देश या संस्था को चलाने का तरीका

"Good governance needs transparency."

Righteousness

Meaning: Moral correctness; following what is right

अर्थ: धर्मनिष्ठा; सही और नैतिक का पालन

"The Sengol symbolises righteous rule."

Sceptre

Meaning: A ceremonial staff symbolising authority

अर्थ: राजदंड, अधिकार का प्रतीक दंड

"The sceptre was placed near the Speaker’s chair."

Treatise

Meaning: A formal written work on a subject

अर्थ: किसी विषय पर औपचारिक ग्रंथ

"Tirukkural is a classic treatise on ethics."

Perseverance

Meaning: Continuing to try despite difficulties

अर्थ: दिक्कतों के बावजूद लगातार प्रयास करना

"Her perseverance inspired the class."

Zeal

Meaning: Great energy or enthusiasm for a cause

अर्थ: उत्साह और जोश

"He spoke with zeal about public service."

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science - Exploring Society India and Beyond Chapter 6 – The Parliamentary System: Legi

Chapter Introduction

Watch Video Lecture

Important Points

Practice MCQ Questions (58 questions)

Q1. India’s Parliament consists of the President and which two Houses?

Q2. What term describes a Parliament with two Houses?

Q3. Members of which House are directly elected by the people?

Q4. Who presides over the Rajya Sabha?

Q5. The maximum number of Lok Sabha members envisaged by the Constitution is:

Q6. The term used for India’s distribution of power between Union and States is:

Q7. Which document lays the foundational principles like Universal Adult Franchise?

Q8. Who appoints the Prime Minister?

Q9. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the:

Q10. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of Parliament?

Q11. A draft of a proposed law placed before Parliament is called a:

Q12. Money Bills can be introduced only in the:

Q13. ‘Question Hour’ is meant primarily to ensure:

Q14. Who gives assent to a Bill to become an Act?

Q15. Which body oversees free and fair elections in India (Union/States role)?

Q16. In Parliament, who maintains order in Lok Sabha?

Q17. What instrument officially publishes Acts and notices?

Q18. Which principle ensures balance among Legislature, Executive and Judiciary?

Q19. Which list allows both Union and States to legislate?

Q20. The Union Executive consists of the President, Vice President and:

Q21. Who is the de facto executive head in India’s Parliamentary system?

Q22. Civil servants primarily:

Q23. If no party has a clear majority, who may exercise discretion in appointing the PM?

Q24. Which statement about Rajya Sabha is TRUE?

Q25. Ministers are generally chosen from:

Q26. Collective responsibility means Council of Ministers is responsible to:

Q27. Who is the ex-officio Chairperson of Rajya Sabha?

Q28. The President’s role is best described as:

Q29. Resignation by a Minister for moral responsibility exemplifies:

Q30. A Bill becomes a law after it is passed by Parliament and:

Q31. Detailed examination of a Bill is usually undertaken by:

Q32. RTE Act, 2009 primarily guarantees:

Q33. Which session typically presents the Union Budget?

Q34. Parliamentary debates are made accessible via:

Q35. Which bill deals with taxation and borrowing?

Q36. During ‘Question Hour’, who answers queries?

Q37. A Private Member’s Bill is introduced by:

Q38. Committee reports (e.g., Standing Committee on Health) are used to:

Q39. Which device allows MPs to raise urgent matters requiring immediate response?

Q40. Education appears on which list?

Q41. States may be unicameral or bicameral. The upper house in a state is the:

Q42. Which of these states currently has a bicameral legislature?

Q43. If both Union and State make a law on a Concurrent subject and conflict arises, which prevails?

Q44. Who heads a State’s Council of Ministers?

Q45. The spirit of federalism in Parliament is mainly reflected through:

Q46. Which of the following votes to elect Rajya Sabha members?

Q47. A Governor at State level is analogous (constitutionally) to:

Q48. ‘Union List’ includes subjects primarily of:

Q49. The Sengol placed near the Speaker’s chair symbolises:

Q50. Simultaneous interpretation in the Houses currently includes which newly added language?

Q51. ‘Universal Adult Franchise’ means:

Q52. Who ensures discipline and conduct during Lok Sabha debates?

Q53. A key challenge to effective legislative functioning is:

Q54. Parliament typically meets in how many sessions each year?

Q55. Which quote best reflects democratic continuity over changing governments?

Q56. ‘Checks and balances’ help to:

Q57. RTE became a Fundamental Right via which Article?

Q58. Who ultimately represents the ‘voice of the people’ in Parliament?