NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 – Legislature

NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 explains the structure and functioning of the legislature in the Indian political system. Students should refer to the official NCERT website for authentic textbooks and syllabus updates. In NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5, students learn how Parliament represents the people and performs important legislative functions.

NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 begins by explaining why a legislature is necessary in a democratic system. The legislature represents the will of the people and plays an important role in making laws and ensuring accountability in governance.

Another important topic discussed in NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 is the structure of the Indian Parliament, which consists of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The chapter explains the role and composition of both houses of Parliament.

The chapter also explains the law-making process in Parliament and how bills are introduced, debated and passed before becoming laws. NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 further discusses how Parliament exercises control over the executive through various parliamentary procedures.

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1. Introduction

• In a democratic system of government, the Legislature is one of the most important organs responsible for making laws and representing the will of the people.
• In India, the national legislature is known as the Parliament of India, which plays a central role in the functioning of the democratic political system.
• The Parliament consists of three components: the President of India, the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the citizens of India, while the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
• The Parliament is responsible for making laws, debating public issues, approving government policies and ensuring accountability of the executive.
• It also acts as a forum where representatives from different regions, communities and political parties express the concerns and interests of citizens.
• Through discussions, debates and legislative processes, Parliament helps in shaping national policies and guiding the direction of governance in India.
• This chapter explains the structure, powers and functioning of the Indian Parliament, including its legislative role and its relationship with the executive.

2. Why do we need a parliament?

• In a democratic country like India, decisions affecting the people must be taken by representatives chosen by the citizens, and Parliament provides the institutional forum for this representation.
• One of the primary reasons for having a Parliament is to discuss national issues and make laws that regulate the functioning of society and the state.
• Parliament serves as a deliberative body, where members debate important policies, raise public concerns and examine the actions of the government.
• Since the government is formed by the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha, the Parliament also acts as a mechanism to hold the executive accountable.
• Members of Parliament represent different regions, communities and interests, ensuring that diverse voices are heard in national decision-making.
• Parliament also performs the function of approving government expenditure and taxation, which is essential for the functioning of public administration.
• It provides an opportunity for the opposition parties to question government policies and decisions, strengthening democratic accountability.
• Thus, Parliament is necessary for law-making, representation, debate and oversight of the government, making it a central institution in a democratic system.

3. Why do we need two houses of parliament?

• Many democratic countries adopt a bicameral legislature, meaning the legislature has two houses, in order to ensure better representation and careful law-making.
• In India, the Parliament has two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• One reason for having two houses is to prevent concentration of legislative power in a single body, which could lead to hasty or poorly considered decisions.
• The second house acts as a reviewing chamber, where laws passed by the first house can be examined, debated and improved before final approval.
• Another reason for a second chamber is to ensure representation of different interests, especially the interests of states in a federal system like India.
• The Rajya Sabha represents the states of the Indian Union, ensuring that the interests of states are considered in national legislation.
• A bicameral system also allows experienced leaders and experts who may not participate in direct elections to contribute to the legislative process.
• Thus, having two houses helps improve the quality of legislation, representation and democratic deliberation.

3.1 Rajya Sabha

• The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament of India and represents the states and union territories of the country.
• The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 members, out of which 238 members represent the states and union territories, while 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their contributions to literature, science, art and social service.
• Members representing the states are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies through the system of Proportional Representation with Single Transferable Vote (STV).
• Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent house, meaning it cannot be dissolved, ensuring continuity in the legislative process.
• However, one-third of its members retire every two years, and new members are elected to replace them, giving each member a term of six years.
• The Vice President of India acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, presiding over its meetings and maintaining order during debates.
• The Rajya Sabha plays an important role in reviewing legislation, discussing national issues and representing the interests of states in the federal structure of India.
• It also participates in law-making, constitutional amendments and debates on government policies, making it an important component of the parliamentary system.

3.2 Lok Sabha

• The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, is the lower house of the Parliament of India and represents the citizens of the country directly.
• Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of India through general elections, based on the principle of universal adult franchise.
• The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552 members, which includes 530 members representing the states, up to 20 members representing union territories and two members who could be nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community (a provision that existed earlier).
• Members of the Lok Sabha are elected from territorial constituencies, and elections are conducted using the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system.
• The normal term of the Lok Sabha is five years, but it can be dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
• The Lok Sabha plays a major role in the formation of the government, because the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers must enjoy the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
• It has greater authority in financial matters, such as the introduction and passage of Money Bills, which can only originate in the Lok Sabha.
• Thus, the Lok Sabha functions as the primary legislative body representing the people and exercising democratic control over the executive.

4. What does the parliament do?

• The Parliament of India performs several important functions that are essential for the functioning of democratic governance and constitutional government.
• The most important function of Parliament is law-making. It debates, discusses and passes laws that regulate different aspects of social, economic and political life in the country.
• Parliament acts as the highest deliberative body, where representatives of the people discuss national and international issues, government policies and matters of public importance.
• It also plays a crucial role in controlling the executive, because the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and must answer questions raised by Members of Parliament.
• Parliament exercises financial control over the government, since the government cannot collect taxes or spend public money without the approval of Parliament through the Union Budget and other financial bills.
• Through debates and discussions, Parliament ensures that public grievances and regional interests are voiced, making it a platform where diverse opinions and viewpoints are expressed.
• Parliament also performs an electoral function, as it participates in the election of important constitutional authorities such as the President and Vice-President of India.
• In addition, Parliament performs the function of amending the Constitution, allowing changes to be made in the constitutional framework when necessary.
• Parliament also provides an opportunity for the opposition to criticise government policies, question ministers and suggest alternative policies, which strengthens democratic accountability.
• Thus, Parliament functions as the central institution of democratic governance, responsible for law-making, debate, financial control, constitutional amendments and executive accountability.

4.1 Powers of Rajya Sabha

• The Rajya Sabha participates in most of the legislative functions of Parliament and has powers similar to the Lok Sabha in many matters.
• In the process of law-making, a bill must generally be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha before it becomes law.
• The Rajya Sabha has the power to discuss, amend or reject ordinary bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
• If the two Houses disagree on a bill, the Constitution provides for a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, where members vote together to resolve the deadlock.
• The Rajya Sabha also participates in constitutional amendment procedures, because constitutional amendment bills must be passed by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority.
• Members of the Rajya Sabha participate in debates, discussions and questioning of ministers, helping to examine government policies and decisions.
• The Rajya Sabha also participates in important electoral functions, such as the election of the Vice-President of India, where members of both Houses of Parliament vote together.
• Through these functions, the Rajya Sabha contributes to the legislative process, democratic deliberation and constitutional governance.

4.2 Special Powers of Rajya Sabha

• Although the Lok Sabha is generally considered the more powerful house, the Rajya Sabha possesses certain special powers that the Lok Sabha does not have.
• Under Article 249 of the Constitution, the Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting allowing Parliament to make laws on subjects listed in the State List if it is considered necessary in the national interest.
• Under Article 312 of the Constitution, the Rajya Sabha can authorise Parliament to create new All-India Services, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), if it passes a resolution with a two-thirds majority.
• These powers are given to the Rajya Sabha because it represents the states of the Indian Union, and therefore its approval is necessary when matters affecting the states are involved.
• The Rajya Sabha also has an important role during situations where the Lok Sabha is dissolved, because it continues to function as a permanent house of Parliament.
• In such situations, the Rajya Sabha can continue to discuss national issues, examine government actions and participate in legislative processes.
• These special powers ensure that the federal structure of the Indian Constitution is protected and that the interests of states are represented in national decision-making.

5. How does the parliament make laws?

• The process of making laws in Parliament begins with the introduction of a Bill, which is a draft proposal for a new law or an amendment to an existing law.
• A Bill may be introduced in either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha), except Money Bills, which can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
• The introduction of a Bill in Parliament is called the First Reading, during which the Bill is formally presented and its main objectives are explained.
• After the introduction, the Bill may be referred to a Parliamentary Committee or taken up for detailed discussion in the House, where members examine its provisions carefully.
• During the Second Reading, the Bill is discussed in detail and Members of Parliament may suggest amendments, raise objections or propose modifications to improve the legislation.
• The Bill is then put to voting in the House where it was introduced, and if it is approved by a majority of members present and voting, it is considered passed by that House.
• After passing the first House, the Bill is sent to the other House of Parliament, where it goes through a similar process of discussion, amendment and voting.
• If the second House passes the Bill without changes, the Bill is considered to have been passed by Parliament.
• If the second House suggests amendments, the Bill returns to the first House for approval of those changes.
• In case of a disagreement between the two Houses over an ordinary bill, the Constitution provides for a joint sitting of both Houses, where members vote together to resolve the deadlock.
• After the Bill is passed by both Houses, it is sent to the President of India for assent, and only after the President signs it does the Bill become a law or Act of Parliament.
• This process ensures that laws are made only after careful debate, scrutiny and approval by elected representatives, strengthening democratic governance.

6. How does the parliament control the executive?

• In the parliamentary system of India, the Executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, which means the government must retain the confidence of the majority of members of the Lok Sabha to remain in power.
• Parliament exercises control over the executive mainly through debates, discussions and questioning of ministers, ensuring that the government remains accountable to elected representatives.
• Members of Parliament have the right to ask questions to ministers regarding government policies, administrative decisions and public issues, compelling the executive to explain its actions.
• Important government policies and actions are also discussed in Parliament through debates on bills, motions and national issues, allowing members to scrutinise the functioning of the executive.
• Parliament also controls the executive through financial powers, because the government cannot collect taxes or spend public money without approval of Parliament through the budget and financial bills.
• If the government fails to maintain majority support in the Lok Sabha, a vote of no-confidence can be passed, forcing the Council of Ministers to resign.
• Through these mechanisms, Parliament ensures that the executive remains accountable, transparent and responsive to public concerns.

6.1 Instruments of Parliamentary Control

• One of the most important instruments of parliamentary control is the Question Hour, during which Members of Parliament ask questions to ministers about government activities and policies.
• Another important device is the Zero Hour, where members raise urgent matters of public importance without prior notice, demanding immediate attention from the government.
• Parliament also uses Adjournment Motions, which allow members to discuss urgent matters requiring immediate government response, temporarily suspending normal business.
• The No-Confidence Motion is another powerful instrument through which members can test whether the government still enjoys the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha.
• Parliament may also use Censure Motions, which criticise specific policies or actions of the government.
• Financial control is exercised through procedures such as discussion and approval of the Union Budget, cut motions and examination of government expenditure.
• These instruments allow Parliament to scrutinise government functioning and ensure accountability of the executive in a democratic system.

7. What do the committees of parliament do?

• The Parliamentary Committees play a very important role in assisting Parliament to examine legislative proposals, scrutinise government policies and oversee administrative functioning.
• Since Parliament deals with a large number of complex issues, it is not always possible to discuss every matter in detail on the floor of the House.
• Parliamentary committees therefore provide a smaller and more specialised forum where Members of Parliament can examine matters carefully and thoroughly.
• These committees study bills, government expenditure, public policies and administrative decisions, and submit their findings to Parliament.
• The committees allow members to consult experts, gather information and analyse issues in detail, which improves the quality of parliamentary decision-making.
• Parliamentary committees also help in monitoring the functioning of government departments and public institutions, ensuring administrative accountability.
• Some important parliamentary committees include the Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee and Committee on Public Undertakings.
• Through these committees, Parliament is able to exercise continuous supervision over the executive and the use of public funds.

8. How does the parliament regulate itself?

• The Parliament of India has the authority to regulate its own proceedings and maintain discipline among its members.
• Each House of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, follows a set of rules and procedures that guide debates, discussions and legislative business.
• The Presiding Officers, namely the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring that parliamentary procedures are followed.
• These presiding officers decide who will speak during debates, interpret parliamentary rules and ensure that discussions remain orderly and constructive.
• Members of Parliament are expected to follow codes of conduct and parliamentary norms, and they may face disciplinary action if they disrupt the functioning of the House.
• In certain situations, the presiding officer may suspend members who violate rules or create disorder during parliamentary proceedings.
• These rules and procedures ensure that Parliament functions in a disciplined, efficient and democratic manner.

9. Conclusion

• The Parliament of India is the central institution of representative democracy, responsible for making laws and representing the will of the people.
• It consists of two houses, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, which together perform legislative functions and ensure balanced decision-making.
• Parliament performs multiple functions such as law-making, debating public issues, approving government expenditure and controlling the executive.
• Through mechanisms such as questions, debates, motions and committees, Parliament ensures that the government remains accountable to the people.
• The existence of parliamentary committees and procedural rules helps improve the quality of legislation and maintain orderly functioning of the institution.
• By representing diverse social and regional interests, Parliament acts as a forum for democratic deliberation and national policy-making.
• Thus, the Parliament plays a crucial role in strengthening democratic governance and upholding constitutional values in India.

NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 provides a clear understanding of the role of Parliament in India’s democratic system. Studying NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 helps students understand how laws are made and how elected representatives participate in governance.

A detailed study of NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 also highlights the importance of parliamentary debates, committees and instruments of parliamentary control. These topics are frequently asked in CBSE board examinations and competitive exams such as UPSC and BPSC, making the chapter essential for understanding legislative processes in India.

Continue reading NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 6 – Judiciary to understand the structure of the judiciary, judicial review and the role of courts in protecting constitutional rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 about?
NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 explains the structure, powers and functions of the Indian Parliament.

Q2. Why is NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 important for exams?
NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5 is important because topics such as the structure of Parliament, law-making process and parliamentary control are frequently asked in CBSE board exams and competitive exams like UPSC and BPSC.

Q3. What are the two houses of Parliament discussed in NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5?
According to NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5, the two houses of Parliament are the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

Q4. How does Parliament make laws according to NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5?
In NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5, laws are made through a process where bills are introduced, debated, passed by both houses of Parliament and then approved by the President of India.

Q5. How does Parliament control the executive in NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5?
According to NCERT Class 11 Indian Polity Chapter 5, Parliament controls the executive through questions, debates, motions and parliamentary committees that ensure government accountability.

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