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

Question: Why did India opt for parliamentary system of government?

Answer: India chose the Parliamentary system of the government because of the following reasons.

1. Being a British colony, India was influenced by the British parliament system of governance.
2. To give equal representation to the multiple religious and linguistic groups so that they could elect their representatives.
3. The Executive being responsible to the Parliament, reduces the chances of dictatorship.

Question: Describe the composition of the Rajya Sabha.

Answer: The Council of States or the Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Parliament.

Composition:

1. There can be a maximum of 250 members in the Rajya Sabha, out of which 238 members represent the states and the Union Territories.
2. Members of the State Legislative Assemblies elect members of the Rajya Sabha.

Question: Distinguish between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Answer: Parliament:

1. Lok Sabha (House of the People):

1. Maximum strength – 552 members
2. 530 members – states, 20 members – Union Territories, 2 members – Anglo-Indian community.
3. Presided by – the speaker
4. Members are elected for five years

2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States):

1. Maximum strength – 250 members
2. 238 members – states and Union Territories, 12 members – Nominated by the President
3. Presided by – the Chairman (Vice President)
4. Members are elected for six years

Question: What do you understand by collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers?

Answer: Collective responsibility means that it is the duty of every minister to stand by the decision taken by the cabinet and support them. In case of any disagreement, he must resign from his post.Collective responsibility also ensures that, if a no confidence motion is passed in the Lok Sabha then the ministers who are part of Rajya Sabha should also resign.