Legislature — Class 11 Political Science

This chapter explains why a democracy needs a legislature and how the Indian Parliament works. The legislature is not merely a law-making body; it is the centre of the democratic process, holds representatives accountable, and is the most representative organ of government, vested with the power to choose and dismiss the government. India has a bicameral Parliament — the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). Bicameralism gives representation to diverse sections and regions and allows every decision to be reconsidered. The Rajya Sabha is indirectly elected by State Legislative Assemblies, represents the States with seats roughly by population, is a permanent house (one-third retiring every two years), and has twelve nominated members. The Lok Sabha is directly elected for five years. The chapter lists Parliament's functions (legislative, control of the executive, financial, representation, debate, constituent, electoral and judicial), explains the special powers of each house, and traces how a bill becomes a law. It details how Parliament controls the executive through deliberation, the Question Hour and Zero Hour, financial control and the no-confidence motion, the work of parliamentary committees, and how Parliament regulates itself, including the anti-defection law (52nd and 91st amendments).