Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 - Parliament and the Making of Laws | Class 8 civics | class 8 parliament

Mannu Ka Gyan Sst・2 minutes read

The narrator discusses returning to school amid new clothing regulations while exploring the role of elected representatives and the Constitution of India in shaping societal rules and laws. They emphasize the importance of parliamentary structure, public representation, and the impact of citizen feedback, including protests, on government policies.

Insights

  • The narrator highlights the complexity of societal rules by questioning their origins, suggesting that they are created by elected representatives, much like colonial rulers imposed regulations, thus prompting readers to reflect on the nature of governance and the importance of citizen participation in shaping laws.
  • The text emphasizes the role of Parliament in representing diverse voices, including marginalized groups like Dalits and minorities, and illustrates how public feedback, such as protests, can lead to significant changes in government policies, showcasing the dynamic relationship between citizens and their representatives in a democratic system.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Constitution of India?

    The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country, serving as a foundational document that outlines the framework for governance and the rights of citizens. It establishes the principles of democracy, justice, liberty, and equality, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender or religion, have the right to vote through the Universal Adult Franchise. This means that every citizen aged 18 and above can participate in the electoral process, thereby influencing the selection of representatives who will make laws and govern the nation. The Constitution also delineates the structure of government, including the roles of the Parliament and the judiciary, and provides mechanisms for amendments to adapt to changing societal needs.

  • How are representatives elected in India?

    In India, representatives are elected through a democratic process where citizens cast their votes to choose their leaders. This election process occurs at various levels, including local, state, and national elections. Voters select candidates from their respective constituencies, and the candidates who receive the majority of votes are elected to represent the people in Parliament. The elected representatives, known as Members of Parliament (MPs), play a crucial role in law-making, addressing public issues, and ensuring that the interests of their constituents are represented in legislative discussions. The election cycle typically occurs every five years, allowing citizens to reassess their choices and influence the direction of governance.

  • What is the role of the Lok Sabha?

    The Lok Sabha, or the House of the People, is a vital component of India's Parliament, consisting of 543 elected members who represent various constituencies across the country. Its primary role is to legislate, meaning it is responsible for proposing, debating, and passing laws that govern the nation. The Lok Sabha also plays a crucial role in selecting the national government, as the party or coalition with a majority of seats forms the government. Additionally, it holds the government accountable by scrutinizing its actions and policies, ensuring that they align with the interests of the public. The Lok Sabha's decisions significantly impact the lives of citizens, as it addresses issues ranging from economic policies to social welfare programs.

  • What is the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?

    The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are the two houses of India's Parliament, each serving distinct functions and having different structures. The Lok Sabha, or the House of the People, is composed of 543 members who are directly elected by the public every five years, making it the more representative body. In contrast, the Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, consists of 233 members, with 12 appointed by the President and the rest elected by the state legislatures, serving as a revising chamber. While the Lok Sabha primarily focuses on legislation and government accountability, the Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in representing the interests of states and providing checks on the Lok Sabha's decisions. This bicameral structure ensures a balance of power and diverse representation in the legislative process.

  • Why is public feedback important in governance?

    Public feedback is essential in governance as it serves as a mechanism for citizens to express their concerns, opinions, and suggestions regarding government policies and actions. This feedback can come through various channels, including media reports, social media platforms, and public demonstrations. When the government receives constructive criticism or support from the public, it can make informed decisions that reflect the needs and desires of the populace. For instance, recent farmer protests against an unpopular regulation led to the government retracting the law after widespread criticism, demonstrating how public sentiment can influence policy changes. By actively engaging with citizens and considering their feedback, the government can enhance its accountability, improve public trust, and ensure that its actions align with the welfare of the community.

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Summary

00:00

Understanding India's Parliamentary System and Rules

  • The narrator discusses returning to school after a 10-day leave and mentions a new rule requiring students to wear white clothing, which they forgot to follow, highlighting the confusion around school regulations.
  • The narrator reflects on the nature of rules in society, questioning who creates them and suggesting that elected representatives are responsible for making laws, similar to how British rulers imposed rules during colonial times.
  • The Constitution of India is introduced as a foundational document that outlines the rules governing the country, emphasizing the concept of Universal Adult Franchise, which grants voting rights to all citizens aged 18 and above, regardless of gender or religion.
  • The process of electing representatives is explained, noting that citizens vote to choose leaders who will represent them in Parliament, where laws are created and amended.
  • The structure of Parliament is outlined, consisting of elected representatives from various constituencies, with Delhi having approximately seven parliamentary constituencies, and the role of Members of Parliament (MPs) in law-making is emphasized.
  • The functions of Parliament include selecting the national government, controlling and guiding it, and making amendments to existing laws, with an example given of increasing fines for breaking traffic rules to ensure compliance.
  • The narrator discusses the importance of education and offers a subscription service for educational materials, including chapter-wise test papers and notes, priced at ₹299 for a limited time.
  • The composition of the Lok Sabha is detailed, with 543 total members, including 543 elected and 2 nominated members, and the process of forming a national government based on majority support is explained.
  • The Rajya Sabha is described as having 233 elected members and 12 appointed by the President, with its role being to address issues affecting states and to provide a check on the Lok Sabha's decisions.
  • The differences between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are clarified, noting that Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the public every five years, while Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly and have no fixed term, with one-third retiring every two years.

15:44

Opposition's Role in Democratic Governance

  • The opposition party plays a crucial role in democracy by highlighting flaws in government policies, such as the "Dr or Roller regulation," which has caused public issues, thereby prompting the government to address these problems effectively.
  • Parliamentary approval is essential for government actions; any changes or reductions in policies require consent from Parliament, ensuring that elected representatives maintain control over governance.
  • Members of Parliament (MPs) represent diverse backgrounds, including village and city leaders, who bring forth specific local issues, such as electricity shortages in villages and overpopulation in cities, facilitating targeted discussions and solutions.
  • Political representation has expanded to include marginalized groups, such as Dalits and minorities, with reserved seats in Parliament to ensure their voices are heard and their problems addressed, promoting inclusivity in governance.
  • The government learns about public issues through various channels, including media reports, social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, and public demonstrations, which inform them of the need for stricter regulations, such as traffic laws.
  • Recent farmer protests against an unpopular regulation led to the government retracting the law after widespread criticism, demonstrating the effectiveness of public feedback in influencing government decisions and policy changes.
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