DAV Class 8 SST Chapter 19 Solutions – The Union Government Question Answers

Also readChapter 17 Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles of the State Policy –

“DAV Book Chapter 18: The Union Government Legislature

Table of Contents

A. Tick (✓) the correct option.

1. Which one of the following subjects comes under the Union List?

(a) foreign affairs ✓
(b) forests
(c) drugs and medicines
(d) information technology

2. Which one of the following statements about Lok Sabha is correct?

(a) It can never be dissolved.
(b) Its members are elected indirectly.
(c) It cannot pass a no-confidence motion.
(d) Money bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha. ✓

3. Which one of the following statements about the Indian Parliament is true?

(a) It is the highest law making body of India. ✓
(b) It controls the Union Executive as well as the Judiciary.
(c) All the members of Parliament are elected for a term of five years.
(d) Indian Parliament is unicameral.

4. Each member of Rajya Sabha has a term of—

(a) four years
(b) five years
(c) six years ✓
(d) seven years

5. During Lok Sabha elections, reserved constituencies are meant for—

(a) minority community
(b) the disabled and handicapped
(c) women only
(d) scheduled castes and scheduled tribes ✓

B. Fill in the blanks.

The topmost level of government in India is Union Government.
In case of a disagreement over a law made on the same subject from the Concurrent List, the law made by the Union Government prevails over the law made by the State Government.
The Principle of Universal, Adult, Franchise gives all adult citizens the right to vote.
The President of India is an integral part of the Parliament.
Lok Sabha represents the people of India and Rajya Sabha represents the states of India.

C. Write True or False for the following statements.

A Governor is Head of the State, whereas a Chief Minister is the Head of the State Government. — True
The women are adequately represented in the Indian Parliament. — False
No bill can become a law without the approval of the President of India. — True
The Chairman of Rajya Sabha cannot vote on any issue in Rajya Sabha. — False
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha enjoy equal power regarding the amendment of the Constitution. — True

D. Answer the following questions in brief.

1. Why did India opt for a federal form of government? Explain.

India adopted a federal form of government because it is a vast country with great diversity in language, culture, religion, traditions and geographical conditions. A single central authority would find it difficult to manage such diversity effectively. Therefore, powers were divided between the Union Government and the State Governments.

Federalism helps in:

maintaining unity in diversity,
giving autonomy to states for local administration,
ensuring better governance according to regional needs, and
strengthening democracy by sharing powers.

The Constitution of India clearly divides powers between the Centre and the States so that both can work independently in their respective areas.

2. How have the legislative powers been divided between the Union Government and the State Government?

The Constitution divides legislative powers between the Union and the States through three lists:

Union List – It contains subjects of national importance such as defence, foreign affairs, railways, currency and communication. Only the Union Parliament can make laws on these subjects.
State List – It includes subjects related to local and state importance such as police, agriculture, public health and local government. State Legislatures make laws on these matters.
Concurrent List – It contains subjects like education, forests, marriage and trade unions on which both the Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws. In case of conflict, the law made by the Union Government prevails.

This division avoids conflicts and ensures smooth administration.

3. Describe the composition of the Union Government in India.

The Union Government of India consists of three organs:

Legislature – It is called the Parliament and consists of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. It makes laws for the country.
Executive – It includes the President, Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The executive implements and administers laws.
Judiciary – It consists of the Supreme Court and other courts. It interprets laws and protects the Constitution.

These three organs work together to run the administration of the country effectively.

4. Highlight any three dissimilarities between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with respect to their composition.

Lok Sabha	Rajya Sabha
It is the Lower House of Parliament.	It is the Upper House of Parliament.
Members are directly elected by the people.	Members are indirectly elected by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
It has a maximum strength of 552 members.	It has a maximum strength of 250 members.
Its normal term is five years and it can be dissolved.	It is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved.
The Speaker presides over its meetings.	The Vice-President of India acts as its Chairman.

5. Mention any three advantages of Universal Adult Franchise.

Equal Political Rights – Every adult citizen gets an equal right to vote without discrimination based on caste, religion, gender or wealth.
Strengthens Democracy – It allows people to participate in the government and choose their representatives freely.
Creates Political Awareness – Citizens become aware of national issues and government policies through elections and political participation

E. Answer the following questions.

1. Describe any five major functions of the Indian Parliament.

The Indian Parliament performs many important functions for the smooth running of the country. Five major functions are as follows:

(i) Law-making Function

The primary function of Parliament is to make laws for the country. Bills are introduced, discussed and passed in both Houses before becoming laws after the approval of the President.

(ii) Financial Function

Parliament controls the finances of the country. It passes the Union Budget and approves taxes and government expenditure. No money can be spent by the government without the approval of Parliament.

(iii) Control over the Executive

The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha. Parliament controls the executive by asking questions, holding discussions and passing a no-confidence motion.

(iv) Constitutional Amendment

Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution according to changing needs and circumstances of the country.

(v) Electoral Function

Parliament participates in the election of the President and Vice-President of India. It also elects the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

2. Compare the legislative and financial powers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. On the basis of your comparison, which one of the two Houses is more powerful and how?

Legislative Powers

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha participate in the law-making process.
An ordinary bill can be introduced in either House.
Both Houses must pass an ordinary bill before it becomes law.
In case of disagreement on an ordinary bill, a joint sitting of both Houses may be called.

Financial Powers

Money Bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend a Money Bill; it can only make recommendations.
The Rajya Sabha must return the Money Bill within 14 days.
The Lok Sabha may accept or reject the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha.

Which House is More Powerful?

The Lok Sabha is considered more powerful than the Rajya Sabha because:

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible only to the Lok Sabha.
Only the Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion.
Money Bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
In a joint sitting, the larger strength of the Lok Sabha gives it an advantage.

Thus, the Lok Sabha enjoys greater powers, especially in financial and executive matters.

3. How is the Speaker of Lok Sabha elected? Mention his/her powers and functions.

Election of the Speaker

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves soon after the formation of a new Lok Sabha.Powers and Functions of the Speaker

(i) Presides over Meetings

The Speaker conducts the proceedings of the Lok Sabha and maintains order and discipline in the House.

(ii) Maintains Discipline

The Speaker can suspend members for disorderly behaviour and ensure smooth functioning of the House.

(iii) Decides Money Bills

The Speaker decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not. His/her decision is final.

(iv) Allows Discussions

The Speaker permits members to ask questions, participate in debates and move motions.

(v) Casting Vote

In case of a tie, the Speaker gives the casting vote to decide the matter.

The Speaker acts impartially and protects the dignity and authority of the House.

4. Explain the composition of Rajya Sabha. Who can be elected as a member and for how long? Why is Rajya Sabha called a Permanent House?

Composition of Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament. It represents the states and union territories of India. The maximum strength of Rajya Sabha is 250 members, out of which:

238 members represent states and union territories.
12 members are nominated by the President from fields like literature, science, art and social service.

Eligibility for Membership

A person can be elected as a member of Rajya Sabha if:

he/she is a citizen of India,
has completed 30 years of age, and
possesses other qualifications prescribed by law.

Term of Members

Each member of Rajya Sabha is elected for a term of six years.

Why is Rajya Sabha called a Permanent House?

Rajya Sabha is called a Permanent House because it cannot be dissolved. One-third of its members retire after every two years and new members are elected in their place. Therefore, the House continues permanently.

5. Describe the procedure followed by the Union Parliament in passing an ordinary bill.

The following procedure is followed for passing an ordinary bill in Parliament:

(i) Introduction of the Bill

An ordinary bill may be introduced in either House of Parliament by a minister or a private member. This is called the First Reading.

(ii) Second Reading

The bill is discussed in detail. Members debate its provisions and suggest amendments.

(iii) Committee Stage

Sometimes the bill is sent to a committee for detailed examination and recommendations.

(iv) Third Reading

After discussion and amendments, the bill is put to vote. If passed by one House, it is sent to the other House.

(v) Approval by the Other House

The second House also discusses and passes the bill. If disagreements arise, a joint sitting may be called.

(vi) Assent of the President

After being passed by both Houses, the bill is sent to the President for approval. After the President’s assent, the bill becomes an Act or law.