Parliament and the Making of Laws – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class 8
Social and Political Life — Chapter 3: Parliament and the Making of Laws
50 Very Short Answer Questions & Answers • NCERT-aligned • Ideal for CBSE revision
CBSE Board Examinations
Systematic Coverage:
- Structure and roles of Parliament
- Steps in law-making
- Types of bills and committees
Content Bank — Topics Covered
- Structure of Parliament: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, President
- Functions of Parliament
- Stages of a bill becoming law
- Types of bills: ordinary, money, financial, constitutional amendment
- Role of committees, Speaker, Chairman, and President
Very Short Answer Questions (Topic-wise)
Structure of Parliament
1. What is Parliament?
Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India consisting of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the President.
2. Name the two Houses of Parliament.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
3. Who is the head of the state and a part of Parliament?
The President of India.
4. How are members of the Lok Sabha chosen?
They are directly elected by the people of India from parliamentary constituencies.
5. How are most members of Rajya Sabha elected?
They are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
6. Can the Vice-President of India be a member of Rajya Sabha?
The Vice-President is the ex‑officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha but not a member of it.
7. For how long does a Lok Sabha member serve?
Typically for five years unless the house is dissolved earlier.
8. Is Rajya Sabha a permanent house?
Yes. Rajya Sabha is a permanent house; one‑third of its members retire every two years.
9. Who presides over the Lok Sabha?
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
10. Who presides over the Rajya Sabha?
The Vice‑President of India, who is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Functions of Parliament
11. Name one primary function of Parliament.
Lawmaking: debating and passing bills into laws.
12. How does Parliament control the executive?
Through parliamentary questions, debates, motions and committees that hold the government accountable.
13. Which house controls money matters?
Lok Sabha has greater control over money matters.
14. What role does Parliament play in representation?
Members represent the views and interests of their constituents at the national level.
15. Give one example of Parliament’s deliberative function.
Discussing national issues such as budgets, laws and public policies.
16. What is scrutiny in Parliament?
Examining government actions and policies to ensure transparency and accountability.
17. Can Parliament amend the Constitution?
Yes, through the constitutional amendment procedure requiring special majority and sometimes state ratification.
18. What is a parliamentary session?
A period during which Parliament meets to conduct its business; there are usually three sessions a year.
19. What is the quorum of each House?
One-tenth of the total number of members of the House is the quorum to do business.
20. What is the significance of parliamentary debates?
Debates allow members to express views, ask questions and influence policy decisions.
Law-making Process
21. What is a bill?
A bill is a proposal for a new law or change to an existing law presented to Parliament.
22. Where can a bill be introduced?
In either House of Parliament, except money bills which must originate in Lok Sabha.
23. What is the First Reading of a bill?
The bill’s title and objectives are read and the bill is printed and circulated for members to study.
24. What happens at the Committee Stage?
The bill is examined in detail by a parliamentary committee which may suggest changes.
25. What is the purpose of clause-by-clause discussion?
To debate each provision and propose amendments for clarity and improvement.
26. How is a bill passed in a House?
After debate, the bill is put to vote and passed by a majority of members present and voting.
27. What does the second house do after receiving a bill?
It examines, debates and may pass, reject or suggest amendments to the bill.
28. What occurs if the two Houses disagree?
The President may call a joint sitting where members of both Houses vote together to resolve differences.
29. What is the President’s role after both Houses pass a bill?
The bill is sent to the President for assent; only after assent does it become law.
30. Can the President refuse to give assent?
Yes. The President may give assent, withhold it, or return the bill for reconsideration (except money bills).
31. What is a joint sitting?
A meeting of both Houses convened by the President to resolve disagreements on a bill.
32. When is a joint sitting NOT possible?
For money bills, joint sittings are not applicable because Rajya Sabha has limited powers on them.
33. What happens to a private member’s bill?
A private member’s bill is introduced by a member who is not a minister and follows the same stages as other bills though rarely passed.
34. What is the importance of the committee report?
It provides expert suggestions and detailed examination to improve the bill and guide parliamentary debate.
35. Define a law.
A law is a bill that has been passed by both Houses and received the President’s assent.
Types of Bills
36. What is an Ordinary Bill?
A bill dealing with any matter other than financial matters; it can be introduced in either House.
37. What is a Money Bill?
A bill that deals only with taxes, borrowing, government receipts and expenditure; it must originate in Lok Sabha.
38. How much time does Rajya Sabha have to return a Money Bill?
Rajya Sabha must return a Money Bill within 14 days, with or without suggestions.
39. What is a Financial Bill?
A bill related to government finances but not strictly a money bill; it follows different procedures depending on presidential certification.
40. What is a Constitutional Amendment Bill?
A bill to amend the Constitution; it often requires a special majority and sometimes state ratification.
Committees, Offices and Important Terms
41. What are parliamentary committees?
Small groups of members from Parliament that examine bills and issues in detail.
42. Name two types of parliamentary committees.
Standing Committees and Ad hoc Committees.
43. What is the role of the Speaker?
The Speaker presides over Lok Sabha, maintains order, and ensures rules are followed during debates.
44. What is the role of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha?
The Vice‑President of India is the Chairman and presides over Rajya Sabha sessions.
45. What is meant by 'quorum'?
The minimum number of members required to be present (one‑tenth of total members) to conduct business.
46. What is a 'money bill' certification?
The Speaker of Lok Sabha certifies whether a bill is a money bill.
47. Give one advantage of parliamentary committees.
They provide detailed examination and expert inputs, saving time of the whole House.
48. What is the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
Lok Sabha members are directly elected and control finance; Rajya Sabha represents states and reviews legislation.
49. Why are money bills important?
They deal with the government's finances; efficient passage ensures public services and budgetary needs are met.
50. How can Parliament ensure better law-making?
Through thorough debates, committee scrutiny, expert consultation and careful voting procedures.