“DAV Book Chapter 18: The Union Government Legislature – Exercise Solutions”

Also read:Chapter 16 Our Constitution – Complete Guide with Answers | DAV Class 8 SST Solutions

Chapter 17 Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles of the State Policy – DAV Class 8 SST Complete Solutions (All Questions Solved)

A: Tick the correct option:

Which one of the following subjects comes under the Union List?
The correct option is (a) foreign affairs. Foreign affairs comes under the Union List.
Which one of the following statements about Lok Sabha is correct?
The correct option is (d) Money bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha. Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Which one of the following statements about the Indian Parliament is true?
The correct option is (a) It is the highest law making body of India. The Indian Parliament is the highest law-making body of India.
Each member of Rajya Sabha has a term of—
The correct option is (c) six years. Each member of the Rajya Sabha has a term of six years.
During Lok Sabha elections, reserved constituencies are meant for—
The correct option is (d) scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Reserved constituencies are meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Table of Contents

B. Fill in the blanks

The topmost level of government in India is the 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 opted for a federal form of government because it is a vast country with great diversity in language, culture, religion, and geography. A federal system helps in dividing powers between the Union and State governments, ensuring better administration and accommodating regional needs while maintaining national unity.

2. How have the Legislative powers been divided between the Union Government and the State Government?
The legislative powers have been divided into three lists:

Union List – Subjects of national importance (like defence, foreign affairs) on which only the Union Government can make laws.
State List – Subjects of local importance (like police, agriculture) on which only State Governments can make laws.
Concurrent List – Subjects (like education, forests) on which both can make laws, but in case of conflict, the Union law prevails.

3. Describe the composition of the Union Government in India.
The Union Government consists of three organs:

Legislature (Parliament) – Makes laws and includes the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
Executive – Implements laws and includes the President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers.
Judiciary – Interprets laws and includes the Supreme Court and other courts.

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

Membership: Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the people, whereas Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by State Legislative Assemblies.
Tenure: Lok Sabha has a term of 5 years, while Rajya Sabha is a permanent house with members serving 6-year terms.
Representation: Lok Sabha represents the people of India, while Rajya Sabha represents the states.

5. Mention any three advantages of Universal Adult Franchise.

It ensures equality by giving every adult citizen the right to vote.
It allows people to participate in the democratic process and choose their representatives.
It helps in making the government accountable to the people.

E. Answer the Following Questions

1. Five Major Functions of the Indian Parliament

The Indian Parliament performs the following major functions:

i. Legislative Function The primary function of Parliament is to make laws for the country. It can make laws on subjects in the Union List and Concurrent List. All bills must be passed by both Houses and then receive the President’s assent to become law.

ii. Financial Function Parliament controls the finances of the country. No tax can be imposed or money spent from the Consolidated Fund of India without Parliament’s approval. The Union Budget is presented and passed in Parliament every year.

iii. Executive Control (Control over the Council of Ministers) Parliament exercises control over the executive (Council of Ministers). The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Parliament can remove the government through a Vote of No Confidence.

iv. Constituent Function Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution. It can add, remove, or change provisions of the Constitution through a special amendment procedure under Article 368.

v. Electoral Function Parliament participates in the election of the President and Vice-President of India. Members of both Houses also elect the Vice-President, and along with State Legislative Assemblies, elect the President.

2. Legislative and Financial Powers of Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha

Basis	Lok Sabha	Rajya Sabha
Ordinary Bills	Can introduce and pass	Can introduce and pass
Money Bills	Can only be introduced here	Cannot introduce; can only suggest changes within 14 days
Deadlock on Bills	Has more members, so dominates in Joint Session	Minority in Joint Session
Budget	Has final say on budget approval	Only delays, cannot reject
No-Confidence Motion	Can pass a No-Confidence Motion	Cannot pass such a motion

🏆 Lok Sabha is More Powerful — Because:

Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha can neither reject nor amend them — it can only make recommendations within 14 days.
The Council of Ministers is responsible only to Lok Sabha, not Rajya Sabha. The government falls if it loses majority in Lok Sabha.
In case of a Joint Session (called to resolve deadlock), Lok Sabha wins due to its higher membership (543 vs 245).
Lok Sabha controls the national purse — the Budget must be approved by it.

3. Election, Powers and Functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha

🗳️ How is the Speaker Elected?

The Speaker is elected by the members of Lok Sabha from among themselves after the general elections.
The election takes place by a simple majority of members present and voting.
The Speaker holds office for the duration of the Lok Sabha (5 years).

Powers and Functions of the Speaker:

i. Presiding Officer The Speaker presides over the sessions of Lok Sabha and maintains order and discipline in the House.

ii. Interpretation of Rules The Speaker interprets the rules of procedure. Their decision on matters of procedure is final and cannot be challenged in any court.

iii. Casting Vote The Speaker does not vote in normal circumstances, but in case of a tie, the Speaker exercises a casting vote.

iv. Certification of Money Bill The Speaker has the sole authority to certify whether a bill is a Money Bill or not. This decision is final.

v. Control over Debates The Speaker decides who can speak, for how long, and can also expel or suspend members for disorderly conduct.

vi. Joint Session In case of a Joint Session of both Houses, the Speaker of Lok Sabha presides over it.

4. Composition of Rajya Sabha — Members, Term & Permanent House

🏛️ Composition of Rajya Sabha:

Rajya Sabha has a maximum strength of 250 members:
- 238 members are elected representatives from States and Union Territories.
- 12 members are nominated by the President for their expertise in fields like art, literature, science, and social service.

Who Can Be Elected as a Member?

A person can be elected to Rajya Sabha if they:

Are a citizen of India
Are at least 30 years of age
Are registered as a voter in the concerned state
Are not holding any office of profit under the government

For How Long? (Term of Members)

Each member of Rajya Sabha serves for a term of 6 years.
One-third (1/3) of the members retire every 2 years and are replaced by newly elected members.

🔄 Why is Rajya Sabha Called a Permanent House?

Rajya Sabha is called a Permanent House because:

It is a continuous body — it is never dissolved as a whole.
Unlike Lok Sabha, the President cannot dissolve Rajya Sabha.
Only 1/3rd of its members retire every two years, so the House always remains functional.
This ensures continuity in law-making even when Lok Sabha is dissolved.

5. Procedure for Passing an Ordinary Bill in Parliament

An ordinary (non-money) bill goes through the following stages:

📜 Stage 1: Introduction of the Bill (First Reading)

The bill is introduced in either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
The title and objectives of the bill are read out.
The bill is then published in the Official Gazette.

📖 Stage 2: Second Reading

This is the most important stage and has two sub-stages:

General Discussion: The principles and general clauses of the bill are debated. The House can refer it to a Select Committee or a Joint Committee.
Committee Stage: The committee examines the bill clause by clause and submits its report to the House.
Consideration Stage: The House discusses the bill clause by clause and amendments can be moved.

🗣️ Stage 3: Third Reading

The bill is put to vote as a whole.
Only minor verbal amendments are allowed at this stage.
If passed by a simple majority, the bill moves to the other House.

🔁 Stage 4: In the Other House

The bill goes through the same three readings in the other House.
If passed without changes → sent to the President.
If rejected or disagreement arises → the President may call a Joint Session of both Houses.

👤 Stage 5: Assent of the President

After being passed by both Houses, the bill is sent to the President of India.
The President can:
- Give assent → Bill becomes a Law
- Withhold assent or send it back for reconsideration (but if passed again, must give assent)