NCERT 8th Class (CBSE) Social Science: The Parliamentary System

Question: What are the basic ideals of a democracy?

Answer:

1. The basic ideals of democracy are…
2. The participation of the citizens in the government’s decision-making.
3. The need for the government to have the consent of its citizens in all major issues taken by it.

Question: What is the purpose of a Parliament?

Answer: The Parliament enables citizens of India to participate in decision making and control the government.

Question: Who designed the Parliament house in India?

Answer: The Parliament house in India was designed by the British architect Herbert Baker.

Question: What is an EVM?

Answer: EVM is an Electronic Voting Machine used for elections in India. Indian voting machines use a two-piece system with a balloting unit presenting the voter with a button for each choice connected by a cable to an electronic ballot box.

Question: Mention the 2 houses of the Indian Parliament.

Answer: The 2 Houses of the Indian Parliament are:

1. The Rajya Sabha
2. The Lok Sabha

Question: Write a brief note on the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

Answer:

1. Rajya Sabha: The Rajya Sabha functions primarily as the representative of the states of India, in the Parliament. There are 233 elected members plus 12 members nominated by the President. The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of various states. The Rajya Sabha plays an important role of reviewing and altering the laws initiated by the Lok Sabha.
2. Lok Sabha: The Lok Sabha, known as the House of the People, with a total membership of 543, is presided over by the Speaker. The country is divided into 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. During a Lok Sabha election, people from different political parties stand for elections. Once elected, these candidates become Members of Parliament or MPs. These MPs together make up the Parliament.