Class 11 : Poltical Science (In English) – Lesson 5. Legislature
EXPLANATION & SUMMARY
🌟 Introduction
The Legislature is one of the three main organs of government — the other two being the Executive and Judiciary. It is the institution that makes laws, controls the executive, represents the people, and decides on public expenditure. In a democracy, the legislature expresses the will of the people and acts as the foundation of representative government.
In India, the Parliament is the supreme law-making body at the Union level, and State Legislatures function at the state level.
This chapter explores the structure, powers, functions, and significance of the legislature in a parliamentary democracy like India.
🧭 1. Meaning and Importance of Legislature
🔹 The Legislature is a deliberative body with authority to make, amend, and repeal laws.
🔹 It provides a forum for debate, ensures accountability of the executive, and approves financial expenditure.
🔹 It represents the sovereign will of the people and ensures that the government works within constitutional limits.
💡 Concept: Legislature = Law-making + Representation + Accountability
🏛️ 2. Types of Legislature
1️⃣ Unicameral Legislature – Only one house (e.g., Odisha, Haryana).
2️⃣ Bicameral Legislature – Two houses:
Lower House (Lok Sabha / Vidhan Sabha)
Upper House (Rajya Sabha / Vidhan Parishad)
India’s Union Parliament is bicameral:
Lok Sabha – House of the People
Rajya Sabha – Council of States
🧱 3. Composition of the Indian Parliament
The Parliament of India consists of: 1️⃣ President
2️⃣ Lok Sabha (House of the People)
3️⃣ Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
The President is an integral part of Parliament, as no bill becomes law without his/her assent.
👥 4. Lok Sabha (House of the People)
🔹 Composition: Maximum strength 552
530 members – from States
20 members – from Union Territories
2 members – nominated from Anglo-Indian community (now discontinued)
🔹 Tenure: 5 years (can be dissolved earlier)
🔹 Presiding Officer: Speaker
🔹 Functions:
Initiates Money Bills
Controls executive through debates, questions, and motions
Represents people directly
🏛️ 5. Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
🔹 Composition: Maximum 250
238 elected by States and UTs
12 nominated by President (literature, science, art, social service)
🔹 Tenure: Permanent body; 1/3 members retire every 2 years
🔹 Presiding Officer: Vice President of India (Chairman)
🔹 Functions:
Reviews and revises bills
Represents States
Cannot be dissolved
✏️ Note: Lok Sabha has greater powers in financial matters and control over the executive.
⚖️ 6. Functions of the Parliament
1️⃣ Legislative Function: Making laws for Union and Concurrent subjects
2️⃣ Executive Control: Through questions, motions, and confidence votes
3️⃣ Financial Control: Approving budget and grants
4️⃣ Constituent Function: Amending Constitution
5️⃣ Electoral Function: Participates in electing President and Vice President
6️⃣ Judicial Function: Impeachment of President, removal of judges
💰 7. Financial Powers
Annual Budget presented in Lok Sabha
Money Bills can originate only in Lok Sabha
Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations
✔️ Lok Sabha has final authority in financial control
🧑⚖️ 8. Control over the Executive
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha.
Parliament controls executive through:
Question Hour
Zero Hour
Adjournment Motions
No-Confidence Motion
💡 Concept: Executive accountability = Core of parliamentary democracy
📜 9. Legislative Procedure
1️⃣ Ordinary Bill:
Introduced in either House
Must be passed by both Houses and get President’s assent
2️⃣ Money Bill:
Only in Lok Sabha
Rajya Sabha has 14 days to recommend changes
Lok Sabha’s decision is final
3️⃣ Constitution Amendment Bill:
Special majority required in both Houses
⚙️ 10. Role of the Speaker
Presides over Lok Sabha
Maintains order and discipline
Decides on Money Bills
Ensures neutrality in proceedings
🧾 11. Relationship between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Equal powers in ordinary bills and amendments
Lok Sabha supremacy in money bills and executive control
Joint sitting possible in case of disagreement (Article 108)
🏛️ 12. State Legislature
Bicameral in some states (UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh)
Unicameral in most states
Governor is integral part
Functions similar to Parliament at state level
🧠 13. Importance of the Legislature
✔️ Represents public will
✔️ Ensures checks and balances
✔️ Keeps executive accountable
✔️ Upholds constitutional democracy
📈 14. Challenges to the Legislature
Low attendance and participation
Frequent disruptions
Ordinance overuse by executive
Influence of money and party politics
🧭 15. Reforms Needed
Strengthen committees
Increase debate and transparency
Curtail excessive ordinance powers
Promote non-partisan functioning
🧩 Summary (≈300 words)
The Legislature is a vital organ of democratic government. It performs law-making, executive oversight, budget approval, and representation of people’s interests.
India’s Parliament is bicameral, comprising the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha represents the people directly, while the Rajya Sabha represents the states.
The Parliament’s powers include making laws on Union and Concurrent subjects, amending the Constitution, approving expenditures, and supervising the executive. It also plays a judicial role through impeachment and removal procedures.
The Lok Sabha has supremacy in financial matters and controlling the executive. The Rajya Sabha, though weaker in money bills, plays an essential role in reviewing legislation.
At the state level, legislatures perform similar functions with Governor, Vidhan Sabha, and Vidhan Parishad (in bicameral states).
Despite challenges like disruptions, declining debates, and party dominance, the legislature remains the core institution of democracy. Strengthening it is vital for transparency, accountability, and participation.
📝 Quick Recap
🔹 Legislature = Law-making body
🔹 India’s Parliament = President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha
🔹 Lok Sabha → Directly elected, 5-year term
🔹 Rajya Sabha → Permanent body, 1/3 retire every 2 years
🔹 Powers → Legislative, Executive, Financial, Constitutional, Judicial
🔹 Lok Sabha > Rajya Sabha in financial and control matters
🔹 Challenges → Disruptions, weak debates, executive dominance
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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK
🔵 Question 1:
Alok thinks that a country needs an efficient government that looks after the welfare of the people. So, if we simply elected our Prime Minister and Ministers and left to them the task of government, we will not need a legislature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
🟢 Answer:
No, I do not agree.
✔️ The legislature is an essential organ of democracy. It represents the will of the people and ensures accountability of the executive.
✔️ Without the legislature, the executive may become autocratic and misuse power.
✔️ Legislature makes laws, controls public expenditure, and provides a forum for discussion and debate.
✔️ It acts as a check and balance on the executive, ensuring transparency and responsiveness.
➡️ Hence, a legislature is indispensable for a democratic and accountable government.
🔵 Question 2:
A class was debating the merits of a bicameral system. The following points were made during the discussion. Read the arguments and say if you agree or disagree with each of them, giving reasons.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Neha: Bicameral legislature does not serve any purpose.
➡️ ❌ Disagree. A bicameral system provides checks and balances, prevents hasty laws, and ensures wider representation.
✔️ Shama: Experts should be nominated in the second chamber.
➡️ ✅ Agree. It allows experienced and knowledgeable persons to contribute to law-making.
✔️ Tridib: If a country is not a federation, there is no need for a second chamber.
➡️ ❌ Disagree. Even non-federal states may have a bicameral system to ensure deliberation and revision of legislation.
🔵 Question 3:
Why can the Lok Sabha control the executive more effectively than the Rajya Sabha can?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people; hence, it represents the popular will.
✔️ The executive is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, not to the Rajya Sabha.
✔️ The Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion to remove the government.
➡️ Therefore, Lok Sabha exercises greater control over the executive.
🔵 Question 4:
Rather than effective control of the executive, the Lok Sabha is a platform for expression of popular sentiments and people’s expectations. Do you agree? Give reasons.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ ✅ Yes, Lok Sabha is a forum for public opinion and expression of people’s needs.
✔️ Members raise issues, debates, and grievances reflecting public sentiment.
✔️ Through discussions, motions, and questions, the Lok Sabha influences policy.
➡️ Thus, it serves as a bridge between people and government.
🔵 Question 5:
The following are some proposals for making the Parliament more effective. State if you agree or disagree with each of them and give your reasons.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ (a) Parliament should work for longer period — ✅ Agree. It allows better debate and scrutiny of laws.
✔️ (b) Attendance should be made compulsory — ✅ Agree. Ensures participation and accountability.
✔️ (c) Speakers should be empowered to penalise members for interrupting — ✅ Agree. It improves discipline and productivity.
🟡 Effect: These reforms will enhance efficiency, debate quality, and public trust.
🔵 Question 6:
Arif wanted to know that if ministers propose most of the important bills and if the majority party often gets the government bills passed, what is the role of the Parliament in the law-making process? What answer would you give him?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Parliament debates and scrutinises all bills.
✔️ Opposition and committees can suggest amendments.
✔️ Even government bills require Parliament’s approval to become law.
✔️ The process ensures transparency, discussion, and public accountability.
➡️ Thus, Parliament remains the final authority in law-making.
🔵 Question 7:
Which of the following statements do you agree with the most? Give your reasons.
(a) Legislators must be free to join any party they want.
(b) Anti-defection law has contributed to domination of party leaders.
(c) Defection is always for selfish purposes; a legislator joining another party should be disqualified from being a minister for next two years.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ ✅ Agree with (c). Defection weakens democracy and betrays voter trust.
✔️ Disqualification discourages opportunistic politics and ensures stability.
➡️ Loyalty to people’s mandate must be prioritised over personal gains.
🔵 Question 8:
Dolly and Sudha are debating the efficiency of Parliament.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Dolly’s view – Decline due to disruptions and less debate — has truth; interruptions reduce effectiveness.
✔️ Sudha’s view – Fall of governments shows accountability and vitality of democracy.
➡️ Both have valid points; improvement needs discipline, more working days, and constructive debates.
🔵 Question 9:
Arrange the different stages of passing of a bill into a law in their correct sequence.
🟢 Answer (Correct Order):
1️⃣ Concerned minister proposes need for a bill
2️⃣ Legislative department drafts the bill
3️⃣ Bill introduced in House → 1st Reading
4️⃣ Referred to subcommittee for changes
5️⃣ Discussed clause by clause, voted (2nd Reading)
6️⃣ Passed in House (3rd Reading)
7️⃣ Sent to other House and passed
8️⃣ Sent to President for assent → becomes law
🔵 Question 10:
How has the system of parliamentary committee affected the oversight and appraisal of legislation by the Parliament?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Committees allow detailed examination of bills and policies.
✔️ They include experts and representatives from all parties.
✔️ Improve efficiency, transparency, and quality of laws.
✔️ Reduce burden on main House and encourage non-partisan discussions.
➡️ Strengthened legislative scrutiny and executive accountability.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS
🔹 Section A – Very Short Answer (1 Mark each)
🔵 Question 1: What is the main function of the legislature?
🟢 Answer: The primary function of the legislature is law-making — enacting, amending, and repealing laws for the country.
🔵 Question 2: Name the two Houses of the Indian Parliament.
🟢 Answer: The two Houses are Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
🔵 Question 3: Which House of Parliament represents the States of India?
🟢 Answer: The Rajya Sabha represents the States of India.
🔵 Question 4: Who is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?
🟢 Answer: The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha.
🔵 Question 5: Who summons and prorogues the sessions of Parliament?
🟢 Answer: The President of India summons and prorogues the sessions of Parliament.
🔵 Question 6: What is meant by a “bicameral legislature”?
🟢 Answer: A bicameral legislature is a system with two Houses — an Upper House and a Lower House.
🔹 Section B – Short Answer (2 Marks each)
🔵 Question 7: State one reason for adopting a bicameral legislature in India.
🟢 Answer: A bicameral legislature ensures representation of both people and states and provides checks and balances in law-making.
🔵 Question 8: Mention two exclusive powers of the Lok Sabha.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Can pass a no-confidence motion against the government.
✔️ Controls the money bills and financial matters.
🔵 Question 9: Mention any two powers of the Rajya Sabha.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Can discuss and revise bills passed by Lok Sabha.
✔️ Can authorize Parliament to make laws on State List matters (Article 249).
🔵 Question 10: What is meant by the term “adjournment”?
🟢 Answer: Adjournment means suspending the sitting of a House for a specified time, such as hours or days.
🔵 Question 11: What is a “question hour”?
🟢 Answer: Question Hour is the first hour of a parliamentary sitting where members ask questions to ministers to ensure accountability.
🔵 Question 12: Define “Zero Hour.”
🟢 Answer: Zero Hour is the period after Question Hour where members raise matters of urgent public importance without prior notice.
🔵 Question 13: Who has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha?
🟢 Answer: The President of India dissolves the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
🔵 Question 14: What is the minimum age for becoming a member of the Lok Sabha?
🟢 Answer: The minimum age is 25 years.
🔵 Question 15: What is a “Money Bill”?
🟢 Answer: A Money Bill deals with taxation, borrowing, or expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India (Article 110).
🔵 Question 16: Who decides whether a bill is a Money Bill?
🟢 Answer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha decides whether a bill is a Money Bill.
🔵 Question 17: Mention two functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Presides over sittings and maintains order and discipline.
✔️ Decides admissibility of questions and motions.
🔵 Question 18: What is a “Joint Session” of Parliament and when is it called?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ A Joint Session is a combined meeting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
✔️ It is called by the President to resolve deadlocks on ordinary bills (Article 108).
🔹 Section C – Short Answer Type II (3 Marks each)
🔵 Question 19: Why do we need a legislature in a democracy?
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ The legislature represents the will of the people and ensures democratic governance.
2️⃣ It makes laws, controls the executive, and grants funds.
3️⃣ It provides a platform for debate and public accountability.
🔵 Question 20: Differentiate between unicameral and bicameral legislature.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Unicameral Legislature – Has only one house (e.g., Odisha, Kerala).
✔️ Bicameral Legislature – Has two houses (Upper & Lower), like Parliament of India.
✔️ Bicameralism ensures checks and balances and wider representation.
🔵 Question 21: Mention any three functions of the Indian Parliament.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Legislative Function – Framing laws for the country.
2️⃣ Financial Function – Controls budget and grants funds.
3️⃣ Executive Control – Holds government accountable through questions, motions, etc.
🔵 Question 22: What is the significance of the Question Hour in Parliament?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ It ensures executive accountability.
✔️ Members ask questions about public policies.
✔️ It brings transparency and informs the public.
🔵 Question 23: Explain three privileges enjoyed by Members of Parliament.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Freedom of Speech in Parliament.
2️⃣ Immunity from Arrest in civil cases during sessions.
3️⃣ Right to Information from the Executive.
🔵 Question 24: What is a Bill? State types of Bills.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ A Bill is a proposal for making a law.
✔️ Types:
1️⃣ Ordinary Bill
2️⃣ Money Bill
3️⃣ Constitutional Amendment Bill
🔵 Question 25: Why is the Rajya Sabha called a Permanent House?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ It never dissolves.
✔️ One-third of members retire every two years.
✔️ Ensures continuity in parliamentary work.
🔵 Question 26: What is delegated legislation?
🟢 Answer:
✔️ When executive authorities frame rules under laws made by Parliament.
✔️ It saves time and ensures technical details are handled effectively.
🔵 Question 27: Mention any three financial powers of the Parliament.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Passes the Union Budget.
2️⃣ Approves taxation.
3️⃣ Votes grants and financial bills.
🔵 Question 28: Explain the role of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
🟢 Answer:
✔️ Examines audit reports of the CAG.
✔️ Checks public expenditure and financial irregularities.
✔️ Ensures financial accountability of the executive.
🔹 Section D – Long Answer Type (4 Marks each)
🔵 Question 29: Describe the law-making process in the Indian Parliament.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Introduction – Bill introduced in either House.
2️⃣ First Reading – General discussion.
3️⃣ Committee Stage – Bill examined in detail.
4️⃣ Second Reading – Clause-by-clause voting.
5️⃣ Third Reading – Final approval and passing.
6️⃣ Other House – Similar procedure followed.
7️⃣ President’s Assent – Becomes Law after signature.
🔵 Question 30: Discuss the role of Parliamentary Committees in strengthening democracy.
🟢 Answer:
✔️ They ensure detailed examination of bills.
✔️ Bring expert opinion and save time.
✔️ Ensure executive accountability and financial scrutiny.
✔️ Strengthen deliberative democracy and informed decision-making.
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