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Parliaments and The making of Laws | Class 8 Chapter 3 Political Science | One Shot

BYJU'S - Class 6, 7 & 8・46 minutes read

The class led by Ankita examines Chapter 3 of Class 8 Political Science, focusing on the role of the Parliament and the law-making process in India, emphasizing the significance of civic engagement in a democratic society. Key topics include the election of Members of Parliament, the process of creating laws, and the importance of public participation in ensuring that governance reflects the needs of the citizens.

Insights

  • Ankita's class on Chapter 3 of Class 8 Political Science emphasizes the critical role of the Parliament in India's democracy, detailing how elected representatives in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha create laws that reflect the needs of citizens. The chapter also stresses the importance of civic engagement, encouraging students to understand their voting rights and participate actively in the democratic process to influence governance and policy-making.
  • The concept of universal adult franchise is highlighted as a cornerstone of Indian democracy, ensuring that all citizens aged 18 and above can vote without discrimination. This historical context underscores the evolution of voting rights in India, illustrating the significance of active participation in elections and the legislative process as a means for citizens to hold their government accountable and advocate for their interests.

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Recent questions

  • What is the definition of democracy?

    Democracy is a system of government where citizens have the power to elect their leaders and influence laws. It is characterized by principles such as equality, freedom, and participation, ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people. In a democracy, the government is accountable to its citizens, who have the right to express their opinions, vote, and engage in civic activities. This system promotes the idea that governance should be "of the people, by the people, and for the people," emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in the political process.

  • How can I prepare for a class?

    To prepare effectively for a class, it is essential to gather all necessary materials, such as textbooks, notebooks, and writing tools. Reviewing the relevant chapter or topic beforehand can enhance understanding and retention of information. Taking notes during the class discussion is crucial, as it helps capture important points and insights shared by the teacher and classmates. Engaging with the material by asking questions and participating in discussions can further deepen comprehension. Additionally, discussing the topics with peers or family members can provide different perspectives and reinforce learning.

  • What is the role of Parliament?

    The Parliament serves as the highest law-making body in a democratic nation, responsible for creating, amending, and repealing laws. It consists of elected representatives who represent the interests of their constituents, ensuring that diverse voices are heard in the legislative process. The Parliament plays a crucial role in overseeing the government, holding it accountable through discussions, debates, and question sessions. It also facilitates civic engagement by allowing citizens to express their opinions on proposed laws, thereby ensuring that legislation reflects the needs and rights of the community. The Parliament's functions are vital for maintaining a healthy democracy and promoting good governance.

  • What is universal adult franchise?

    Universal adult franchise is a fundamental principle in democratic systems that grants all citizens aged 18 and above the right to vote, regardless of their caste, color, religion, or gender. This concept ensures that every adult has an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process, thereby promoting inclusivity and representation in governance. The introduction of universal adult franchise marked a significant step towards achieving equality in political participation, allowing citizens to elect their leaders and influence laws that affect their lives. It is a cornerstone of democracy, empowering individuals to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process.

  • Why is civic engagement important?

    Civic engagement is crucial for the health of a democracy as it encourages citizens to actively participate in the political process and influence governance. Engaging in civic activities, such as voting, attending town hall meetings, and discussing political issues, helps individuals understand their rights and responsibilities within a democratic society. It fosters a sense of community and accountability, ensuring that elected representatives are responsive to the needs of their constituents. Civic engagement also empowers citizens to advocate for changes in laws and policies, promoting social justice and equality. Ultimately, active participation in civic life strengthens democracy and contributes to the overall development of society.

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Summary

00:00

Understanding India's Parliamentary Democracy and Voting Rights

  • The class, led by teacher Ankita, focuses on Chapter 3 of Class 8 Political Science, which discusses the Parliament and the law-making process in India, emphasizing the importance of this topic in understanding democracy.
  • Students are encouraged to prepare for the class by having their textbooks, notebooks, and writing tools ready to note important points during the discussion.
  • The chapter breakdown includes topics such as the role of the Parliament, the relationship between people and their representatives, and the significance of laws, particularly those that are unpopular or controversial.
  • India is described as the largest democracy in the world, where democracy is defined as a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people," highlighting the role of citizens in electing their leaders.
  • The concept of universal adult franchise is introduced, stating that all citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote, regardless of caste, color, religion, or gender, which is a crucial aspect of democratic participation.
  • Historical context is provided, noting that prior to independence, Indians were denied voting rights, with the Indian National Congress advocating for elected representation as early as 1885, leading to gradual reforms culminating in the current voting system.
  • The Election Commission of India is identified as the body responsible for conducting free and fair elections, ensuring that the electoral process is unbiased and follows established protocols.
  • The Parliament is defined as the highest law-making body in India, composed of elected representatives from various constituencies, each representing the interests of their local population.
  • Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected individuals who participate in the legislative process, making laws and policies that affect the entire nation, thus playing a crucial role in governance.
  • The importance of civic engagement is emphasized, encouraging students to understand their role in the democratic process and the impact of their voting decisions on the country's development and governance.

18:11

Structure and Function of Indian Parliament

  • The Parliament consists of three key bodies: the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha, which play crucial roles in law and policy making in India.
  • Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected every five years, with a total of 545 seats in the Lok Sabha, including 543 for the general population and 2 reserved for the Anglo-Indian community.
  • Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) represent individual states, while MPs represent the nation in the Lok Sabha, with MLAs being elected by the people of their respective states.
  • To form a government, a political party must secure at least 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, which constitutes a majority; otherwise, they may form a coalition government with other parties.
  • The Rajya Sabha has 245 members, with 233 elected by state Legislative Assemblies and 12 nominated by the President for their contributions to fields like art and literature.
  • The ruling party in the Lok Sabha is led by the Prime Minister, while the opposition consists of parties that do not hold a majority of seats.
  • Parliamentary sessions include question sessions where MPs can inquire about government actions, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
  • The law-making process begins with the introduction of a bill in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, followed by three readings in each house before being submitted to the President for approval.
  • The government’s functions include controlling, guiding, and informing the public, with discussions in Parliament aimed at creating beneficial laws and policies for citizens.
  • The importance of opposition parties is highlighted as they provide checks on the ruling party, ensuring that proposed laws and policies are critically evaluated before being enacted.

37:25

Structure and Power of Indian Parliament

  • The Lok Sabha consists of 545 members, with 543 elected representatives and 2 Anglo-Indian representatives, while the Rajya Sabha has 245 seats, with 233 regular members and 12 appointed by the President of India.
  • Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha are elected every five years, while Rajya Sabha members serve a six-year term, highlighting the different election cycles and structures of the two houses.
  • The Parliament includes reserved seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, ensuring diverse representation and addressing historical inequalities in political participation.
  • The President of India is elected indirectly by the members of Parliament, meaning citizens do not vote directly for the President; instead, MPs cast their votes in this election.
  • Laws are created through a process where proposed bills are discussed in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, requiring approval from both houses and the President's signature to become law.
  • The rule of law in India ensures that all individuals are treated equally under the law, prohibiting discrimination based on religion, caste, or gender, and emphasizing the importance of fair legal practices.
  • Historical laws such as the arbitrary law and the Sedition Act of 1870, which allowed for vague and oppressive legal actions against citizens, have been abolished to protect individual rights and freedoms.
  • Citizens play a crucial role in law-making by being informed and expressing their opinions on proposed laws, which can lead to changes or rejections of laws that do not serve the public interest.
  • The process of law-making is transparent, with opportunities for public awareness through media, allowing citizens to engage in discussions and protests regarding laws that may affect them negatively.
  • The chapter emphasizes the power of citizens in a democracy, highlighting that active participation in the political process is essential for ensuring that laws and policies reflect the needs and rights of the community.

55:17

Empowering Citizens Through Voting and Education

  • Individuals aged 18 and above should exercise their voting rights to elect capable leaders who can create beneficial laws and policies. If there are disagreements with existing laws or policies, citizens can organize protests and debates to voice their concerns, ensuring that the government listens to their demands.
  • The class covered the importance of following the new rationalized textbook, which combines chapters 3 and 4 into one. Students are encouraged to read the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) materials for better understanding and to engage with their parents and teachers about these topics. Additionally, the concept of "zero hour," which allows individuals to raise urgent issues before the parliamentary session starts at approximately 12 noon, was discussed, highlighting the historical context of the Act of 1840 regarding government criticism.
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