What went wrong when the king rode under the arch?

It was too low and knocked off his crown

How does the chain of blame unfold in the poem?

Each accused person blames another, ending with the king's own changes

Why is a legislature important in a democracy?

It is the centre of the democratic process, the most representative organ, holds representatives accountable, and can choose and dismiss the government.

How is the Rajya Sabha constituted?

It is indirectly elected by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies, with seats roughly by population, plus twelve members nominated by the President.

Why is the Rajya Sabha called a permanent house?

Because it is never fully dissolved; one-third of its members retire every two years and elections are held for those seats.

For how long is the Lok Sabha elected and how is it chosen?

For a maximum of five years, directly by the people from territorial constituencies through universal adult suffrage.

Which powers are exercised only by the Lok Sabha?

Introducing and deciding money bills and removing the government, since the Council of Ministers is responsible only to the Lok Sabha.

How does a money bill differ in the two houses?

It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha; the Rajya Sabha can suggest changes but cannot reject it, and must return it within 14 days.

Name the instruments by which Parliament controls the executive.

Deliberation and discussion, approval or refusal of laws, financial control, and the no-confidence motion.

Why are parliamentary committees called "miniature legislatures"?

Because much detailed discussion of bills and scrutiny of departments takes place in committees whose recommendations the House usually approves.

What is the anti-defection law?

The 52nd Amendment (modified by the 91st) under which a legislator who defects loses membership of the House; the presiding officer decides such cases.

Legislature

Q: What is a bicameral legislature and why is it useful?

A legislature with two houses; it gives representation to diverse sections and regions and allows every decision to be reconsidered.

Class 11 Political Science · Indian Constitution at Work · Chapter 5

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Summary

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).

Legislature

Key terms

Bicameral legislature

a legislature with two houses; in India, the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha

the Council of States, indirectly elected, representing the States, and a permanent house.

Lok Sabha

the House of the People, directly elected for five years, which controls finances and can remove the government.

No-confidence motion

the most powerful device by which the Lok Sabha can dismiss a government that loses its support.

Question Hour

the daily session in which ministers respond to members' questions, the most effective check on the executive.

Anti-defection law

the 52nd Amendment provision (modified by the 91st) disqualifying a legislator who defects from the party on whose ticket they were elected.

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The legislature is described as the most ____ organ of government.

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Legislature

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Practice quiz · Legislature

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