Chapter 9: Parliamentary Government

🏛️ Complete Chapter for PSTET Paper II (Social and Political Life)

🎯 Learning Objectives for PSTET Aspirants

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

Define parliamentary government and explain its key features
Differentiate between parliamentary and presidential systems of government
Describe the composition of the Indian Parliament (President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha)
Explain the election process, qualifications, and functions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Analyze the multifarious functions of Parliament—legislative, executive, financial, constituent, judicial, and electoral
Understand the detailed law-making process from bill introduction to presidential assent
Explain the role and types of parliamentary committees
Appreciate the critical role of opposition in a democracy
Apply pedagogical strategies through mock parliament sessions and news analysis

9.1 Introduction to Parliamentary System

9.1.1 What is Parliamentary Government?

📚 Understanding Parliamentary Government

A parliamentary government is a system of democratic governance where the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is directly accountable to, the legislature (parliament). The executive and legislative branches are intertwined.

💡 Definition: "Parliamentary government is a system where the real executive (the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is part of the legislature and is collectively responsible to it."

🌍 India's Parliamentary Model

India adopted the parliamentary system of government, predominantly based on the British (Westminster) model, though with adaptations suited to Indian conditions .

Feature	Indian Adaptation
Head of State	President (elected, not hereditary like British monarch)
Head of Government	Prime Minister (leader of majority party in Lok Sabha)
Bicameral Legislature	Lok Sabha (directly elected) and Rajya Sabha (indirectly elected)

9.1.2 Features of Parliamentary System

🔑 Key Features of Parliamentary Government

Feature	Description
Nominal and Real Executive	President is nominal head (constitutional); Prime Minister is real executive
Majority Party Rule	Party with majority in Lok Sabha forms government
Collective Responsibility	Council of Ministers collectively responsible to Lok Sabha (Article 75)
Individual Responsibility	Ministers hold office during pleasure of President, but effectively responsible to Prime Minister
Political Homogeneity	Ministers usually from same party (coalition brings heterogeneity)
Double Membership	Ministers are members of both legislature and executive
Leadership of Prime Minister	PM is leader of the House and chief of government
Dissolution of Lower House	Lok Sabha can be dissolved before its term

📝 PSTET Focus Point: Collective responsibility means that if the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the government, the entire Council of Ministers must resign .

9.1.3 Comparison: Parliamentary vs. Presidential System

📊 Parliamentary vs. Presidential Systems

Basis of Comparison	Parliamentary System	Presidential System
Executive	Dual executive (Nominal + Real)	Single executive (President)
Relationship	Executive part of legislature	Executive separate from legislature
Tenure	Not fixed (depends on majority support)	Fixed term
Accountability	Executive accountable to legislature	Executive not accountable to legislature
Dissolution	Lower House can be dissolved	Legislature cannot be dissolved by executive
Example	India, UK, Canada	USA, Brazil, Nigeria

⚖️ Merits and Demerits

System	Merits	Demerits
Parliamentary	• Harmony between legislature and executive • Flexible and responsive • Prevents dictatorship	• Instability (if no clear majority) • Lack of separation of powers • Party discipline may suppress debate
Presidential	• Stable government (fixed term) • Clear separation of powers • President directly elected	• Rigidity • Deadlocks possible • Concentration of power

💡 Constitutional Position: The Supreme Court has held that the parliamentary form of government is a basic feature of the Indian Constitution, so it cannot be abolished even by constitutional amendment .

9.2 The Parliament of India

9.2.1 Composition: President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha

🏛️ Three Components of Parliament

Under Article 79 of the Constitution, the Parliament of India consists of three parts :

                    ┌─────────────────────────┐
                    │       PRESIDENT         │
                    │  (Constituent of Parliament)│
                    └───────────┬─────────────┘
                                │
                    ┌───────────┴─────────────┐
                    │                          │
        ┌───────────▼───────────┐    ┌────────▼───────────┐
        │       LOK SABHA       │    │     RAJYA SABHA    │
        │   (House of People)   │    │  (Council of States)│
        │   Directly elected    │    │  Indirectly elected │
        │   Max: 552 members    │    │   Max: 250 members  │
        └───────────────────────┘    └─────────────────────┘

Component	Nature	Role
President	Part of Parliament	Summons, prorogues, dissolves Lok Sabha; assents to bills
Lok Sabha	Lower House	Represents people; forms government; controls finances
Rajya Sabha	Upper House	Represents states; reviews legislation; special powers

9.2.2 Functions of Parliament

📋 Broad Functions of Parliament

Function	Description
Legislative	Making laws on subjects in Union and Concurrent Lists
Executive	Controlling the executive through questions, debates, motions
Financial	Approving budget, taxes, and government expenditure
Constituent	Amending the Constitution
Judicial	Impeaching President, removing judges, contempt power
Electoral	Electing President and Vice-President

9.3 Lok Sabha (House of the People)

9.3.1 Composition: Maximum 552 Members

📊 Strength of Lok Sabha

Category	Maximum Strength	Current (approx.)
Representatives from States	530	543 (total elective seats)
Representatives from UTs	20	Included in above
Nominated Anglo-Indians	2	(Abolished by 104th Amendment, 2020)
Total	552	545 (effective)

📝 Note: The 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2020, extended the reservation for SCs and STs but abolished the nominated Anglo-Indian seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

9.3.2 Election: Universal Adult Franchise, First-Past-The-Post System

🗳️ Electoral System

Feature	Detail
Constituencies	543 single-member territorial constituencies
Voting System	Direct election; simple majority (First-Past-The-Post)
Voter Age	18 years (Universal Adult Franchise)
Voter Requirement	Indian citizenship; ordinary residence in constituency

📏 First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) Explained

In the FPTP system, the candidate who gets the highest number of votes (not necessarily a majority) wins the election. This is also called the "simple majority" system.

Merits	Demerits
Simple and easy to understand	Winner may get less than 50% votes
Stable government usually	Votes for losing candidates wasted
Strong link between voter and representative	Disproportionality between votes and seats

9.3.3 Qualifications and Disqualifications

✅ Qualifications for Lok Sabha Membership

Requirement	Detail
Citizenship	Must be a citizen of India
Age	Minimum 25 years
Oath	Must make oath before the President or specified person
Elector	Must be registered as a voter in any parliamentary constituency
Other	Must possess other qualifications prescribed by Parliament

❌ Disqualifications

Ground	Description
Office of Profit	Holding any paid office under government (except ministerial positions)
Unsound Mind	Declared of unsound mind by competent court
Undischarged Insolvent	Declared insolvent and not discharged
Foreign Citizenship	Not a citizen or has voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship
Conviction	Convicted and sentenced to imprisonment of at least 2 years (within last 6 years)
Electoral Offence	Found guilty of corrupt practices in elections

⚖️ Constitutional Provisions: Articles 84 (qualifications) and 102 (disqualifications) for Parliament.

9.3.4 Term: 5 Years (Unless Dissolved Earlier)

⏱️ Duration of Lok Sabha

Aspect	Detail
Normal Term	5 years from first meeting
Dissolution	Can be dissolved earlier by President (on Prime Minister's advice)
Extension	During national emergency, term can be extended by Parliament for up to one year at a time

9.3.5 Presiding Officer: Speaker and Deputy Speaker

👨‍⚖️ Speaker of Lok Sabha

Role	Speaker
Election	Elected by members of Lok Sabha from among themselves
Term	Holds office until dissolution of Lok Sabha
Powers	• Presides over House • Maintains order and discipline • Decides on points of order • Casting vote in case of tie • Decides on money bills • Chairman of Business Advisory Committee

💡 Key Position: The Speaker continues in office even after dissolution until the newly elected Lok Sabha meets.

👨‍⚖️ Deputy Speaker

Elected by Lok Sabha members
Presides in absence of Speaker
Performs all duties of Speaker when office vacant

9.4 Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

9.4.1 Composition: Maximum 250 Members

📊 Strength of Rajya Sabha

Category	Maximum Strength	Current (approx.)
Representatives of States	238	233
Representatives of UTs	-	Included in above (Delhi, Puducherry)
Nominated by President	12	12
Total	250	245

9.4.2 Election: Indirect, by Elected Members of State Assemblies

🗳️ Electoral System for Rajya Sabha

Feature	Detail
Voters	Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies
Voting System	Proportional Representation by means of Single Transferable Vote (STV)
Formula	Quota = (Total votes polled) ÷ (Number of vacancies + 1) + 1

🔢 How STV Works

MLAs get a ballot paper with names of all candidates
They rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3...)
First preference votes counted; candidates reaching quota elected
Surplus votes of elected candidates transferred to next preference
Lowest candidate eliminated, votes transferred
Process continues until all seats filled

📋 Open Ballot Rule

Feature	Detail
Open Ballot	MLAs must show their marked ballot to their party's authorized agent
Violation	Vote cancelled if not shown or shown to wrong person
Independents	Exception: Independent MLAs keep votes secret

9.4.3 Nominated Members: 12 Experts from Various Fields

👤 Nominated Members

Under Article 80(3), the President nominates 12 members having special knowledge or practical experience in:

Field	Examples
Literature	Writers, poets, scholars
Science	Scientists, researchers
Art	Artists, musicians, performers
Social Service	Social workers, activists

💡 Note: Nominated members have the same rights and privileges as elected members, including voting. They may join a political party within six months of taking their seat .

9.4.4 Term: 6 Years, One-Third Retire Every 2 Years

⏱️ Duration of Rajya Sabha

Feature	Detail
Nature	Permanent House; not subject to dissolution
Member Term	6 years
Retirement	One-third of members retire every two years
Vacancies	Filled through by-elections for remainder of term

9.4.5 Chairman: Vice-President of India

👨‍⚖️ Chairman of Rajya Sabha

Role	Vice-President of India
Constitutional Status	Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Article 89)
Presiding Role	Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions
Voting	No vote in first instance; casting vote only in case of tie
Absence	Deputy Chairman presides in his absence

👨‍⚖️ Deputy Chairman

Elected by Rajya Sabha members from among themselves
Presides when Chairman absent
Holds office during pleasure of House

9.5 Functions of Parliament

9.5.1 Legislative Functions: Law-Making Process

📜 Primary Function

The primary function of Parliament is to make laws on subjects enumerated in the Union List and Concurrent List.

Type of Legislation	Description
Union List	Exclusive jurisdiction of Parliament (defense, foreign affairs, etc.)
Concurrent List	Both Parliament and State Legislatures can legislate; Parliament law prevails in case of conflict
State List	Parliament can legislate under special circumstances (Rajya Sabha resolution, emergency, etc.)

9.5.2 Executive Functions: Control over Government

👁️ Parliamentary Control Mechanisms

Device	Description
Question Hour	First hour of every sitting; MPs ask questions to ministers; ensures accountability
Zero Hour	Not in Rules of Procedure; MPs raise matters without prior notice
Adjournment Motion	Extraordinary device to discuss urgent matter; interrupts normal business
No-Confidence Motion	Can remove Council of Ministers; requires 50 members to admit
Calling Attention Motion	Call minister's attention to urgent public importance
Short Duration Discussion	Two-hour discussion on urgent matter
Resolutions	Formal expression of opinion by House

💡 Quote: "Legitimacy of the government in a democracy is derived from constant scrutiny by elected representatives" .

9.5.3 Financial Functions: Budget, Money Bills

💰 Financial Powers

Power	Description
Taxation	No tax can be levied without Parliamentary approval
Expenditure	No money can be spent without authorization
Budget Approval	Annual Financial Statement (Budget) presented and approved
Demand for Grants	Expenditure required to be voted by Lok Sabha
Appropriation Bill	Authorizes withdrawal of money from Consolidated Fund
Finance Bill	Details imposition of taxes and rates

📊 Scrutiny of Budget

Stage	Description
General Discussion	Broad examination of Budget policies
Demand for Grants	Detailed discussion on ministry-wise demands
Guillotine	Undiscussed demands passed without discussion at end of allotted time
Committee Scrutiny	Standing Committees examine demands

📝 Fact: In recent years, nearly 90% of Demands for Grants have been guillotined without discussion .

9.5.4 Constituent Functions: Amending Constitution

📜 Amendment Power

Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution under Article 368. This is called "constituent power."

Type of Amendment	Procedure
Simple Majority	Outside Article 368 (creation of states, etc.)
Special Majority	Majority of total membership + 2/3 of members present and voting
Special Majority + State Ratification	Special majority + ratification by 50% states

9.5.5 Judicial Functions: Impeachment of President, Removal of Judges

⚖️ Quasi-Judicial Powers

Function	Procedure
Impeachment of President	Charge framed in either House; investigated by other House; passed by 2/3 majority
Removal of Judges	Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts removed by Parliament on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity
Contempt of House	Can punish for breach of privilege or contempt

9.5.6 Electoral Functions: Election of President and Vice-President

🗳️ Electoral Role

Election	Role of Parliament
President of India	Elected by Electoral College consisting of elected MPs and MLAs
Vice-President of India	Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament

9.6 Law-Making Process in Detail

9.6.1 Introduction of Bill (Ordinary/Money)

📄 Types of Bills

Bill Type	Definition	Special Features
Ordinary Bill	Any bill not falling in other categories	Can be introduced in either House
Money Bill	Deals with taxes, government spending (Article 110)	Only in Lok Sabha; Speaker certifies
Financial Bill	Related to financial matters but not exclusively Money Bill	Governor's recommendation needed
Constitutional Amendment Bill	Amends Constitution	Special majority required

9.6.2 Three Readings in Each House

📖 Detailed Legislative Procedure

    ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │                         FIRST READING                       │
    │  • Bill introduced after seeking leave of House             │
    │  • Publication in Gazette (may be done before introduction) │
    └───────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┘
                                ▼
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │                         COMMITTEE STAGE                     │
    │  • Bill may be referred to Standing Committee [citation:1]  │
    │  • Committee examines clause-by-clause                      │
    │  • Invites public comments, hears experts [citation:1]      │
    │  • Submits report to House                                   │
    └───────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┘
                                ▼
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │                         SECOND READING                      │
    │  • Clause-by-clause discussion                               │
    │  • Amendments considered                                     │
    │  • Each clause voted upon                                    │
    └───────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┘
                                ▼
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │                         THIRD READING                       │
    │  • Final voting on bill                                     │
    │  • Passed or rejected                                       │
    └───────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┘
                                ▼
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │                  BILL GOES TO OTHER HOUSE                   │
    │  • Same procedure repeated                                   │
    └───────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┘
                                ▼
    ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
    │                    PRESIDENT'S ASSENT                       │
    │  • Bill becomes Act after assent                             │
    │  • President may return (except Money Bill)                 │
    │  • If reconsidered and passed, assent compulsory            │
    └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

9.6.3 Joint Sitting of Parliament (if deadlock)

🤝 Resolving Deadlock

Aspect	Detail
When Called	When one House rejects bill passed by other, or disagrees, or more than 6 months lapse
Presiding Officer	Speaker of Lok Sabha
Voting	Simple majority of members present and voting
Outcome	Bill deemed passed by both Houses

📊 Usage: Joint sitting has been called only thrice in Indian parliamentary history .

9.6.4 President's Assent

✍️ Final Stage

Action by President	Consequence
Give Assent	Bill becomes Act
Withhold Assent	Bill fails (rare)
Return for Reconsideration	For ordinary bills; if passed again, assent compulsory
Reserve for Consideration	President can reserve for Supreme Court opinion

9.7 Parliamentary Committees

🏛️ Why Committees?

Parliament meets for only about 67 days per year on average. Committees help:

Provide in-depth scrutiny beyond what floor time allows
Enable technical expertise through expert consultation
Build consensus across parties (closed-door meetings)
Function throughout the year, not just during sessions

9.7.1 Standing Committees

📋 Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs)

Feature	Detail
Established	1993
Number	24 committees
Composition	31 members (21 from Lok Sabha, 10 from Rajya Sabha)
Term	Reconstituted every year
Functions	Examine bills, budgets, policy issues of respective ministries

📊 Financial Committees

Committee	Function
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)	Examines audit reports of CAG; government spending; no minister can be member
Estimates Committee	Examines budget estimates; suggests economies
Committee on Public Undertakings	Examines working of public sector undertakings

📝 Committee on Subordinate Legislation

Examines rules, regulations framed by executive under delegated legislation
In 15th Lok Sabha, committee examined only 3% of documents laid before Parliament

9.7.2 Select Committees

📜 Ad Hoc Committees

Feature	Detail
Nature	Temporary; formed for specific purpose
Select Committee	Examines a particular bill; constituted by one House
Joint Committee	Members from both Houses; formed by motion in one House agreed by other

9.7.3 Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC)

🤝 JPC Features

Feature	Detail
Nature	Ad-hoc body for specific purpose
Constitution	Motion in one House, agreed by other
Membership	Decided by Parliament (varies)
Powers	Can examine documents, summon witnesses

📜 Major JPCs in Indian History

Year	Subject
1987	Bofors Contract
1992	Securities and Banking Transactions
2001	Stock Market Scam
2003	Pesticide Residues in Soft Drinks

💡 Note: JPC recommendations are not binding on government, but have persuasive value .

9.8 Role of Opposition

9.8.1 Importance of Opposition in Democracy

🗣️ Why Opposition Matters

Role	Description
Watchdog	Keeps government accountable
Constructive Criticism	Points out flaws in policies and legislation
Alternative Government	Provides ready alternative for governance
Voice of People	Represents those who did not vote for ruling party

💡 Sangma's Observation: "The Opposition necessarily has to play the role of vigilantly keeping the government on leash. But it has a very constructive role to play" .

9.8.2 Leader of Opposition

👥 Status and Recognition

Feature	Detail
Recognition	Leader of largest opposition party with at least 10% seats
Salary	Equated with Cabinet Minister
Role	Statutory status; member of selection committees

9.8.3 Constructive Criticism and Alternative Policies

🌟 Shadow Cabinet Concept

In the British system (and evolving in India), senior opposition leaders form a "shadow cabinet" to:

"Shadow" each government minister
Scrutinize government-initiated laws and policies
Offer alternative policies
Be ready to form government if opposition wins

💡 Sangma's Observation: "Often, shadow cabinet members themselves become Ministers when the Opposition gets to form the government" .

9.9 Parliamentary Government in Action

9.9.1 Sessions of Parliament: Budget, Monsoon, Winter

📅 Three Sessions

Session	Timing	Duration (approx.)
Budget Session	February-May	Longest session
Monsoon Session	July-September	3-4 weeks
Winter Session	November-December	3-4 weeks

📊 Average: Parliament meets for about 67 days per year .

9.9.2 Question Hour as "Voice of the People"

🗣️ Question Hour

Feature	Detail
Timing	First hour of every sitting
Purpose	MPs ask questions to ministers
Types	Starred (oral answer, supplementary), Unstarred (written answer)
Significance	Ensures executive accountability

9.9.3 Media Coverage and Public Awareness

📺 Transparency

Medium	Role
Lok Sabha TV/Rajya Sabha TV	Live telecast of proceedings
Digital Media	Real-time updates, analysis
Print Media	Detailed reporting of debates

9.10 Pedagogical Focus: Teaching Parliamentary Government

🧒 Understanding the Learner (Classes VI-VIII)

Upper primary students:

Are becoming aware of national politics and news
Can understand concepts of representation and decision-making
Benefit from simulations and role-play
Learn through current events and visual aids

🎭 Mock Parliament in Classroom

Activity: Classroom Mock Parliament

Step	Activity
1. Formation	Divide class into ruling party and opposition
2. Election	Elect Speaker, Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition
3. Bill Introduction	Propose a simple bill (e.g., "Classroom Cleanliness Bill")
4. Question Hour	Opposition asks questions to ministers
5. Debate	Discussion on bill
6. Voting	Pass or reject bill
7. Reflection	Discuss experience and learnings

🎭 Sample Role Distribution

Role	Number of Students	Responsibilities
Speaker	1	Presides over House
Prime Minister	1	Leads government
Ministers	4-5	Answer questions, present bills
Leader of Opposition	1	Leads criticism
Other MPs	Remaining class	Ask questions, debate, vote

📺 Watching Lok Sabha TV/Discussing Parliamentary News

Activity: Parliament Watch

Step	Description
1. Select	Choose a day when Parliament is in session
2. Watch	Watch live telecast (Lok Sabha TV/YouTube)
3. Observe	Note: Question Hour, debates, proceedings
4. Discuss	What did you observe? How do MPs behave? What issues were raised?
5. Connect	Relate to textbook concepts

📊 Chart Showing How a Bill Becomes a Law

Activity: Create Flowchart

Stage	Description	Visual Element
1	Bill introduced	Arrow
2	Committee scrutiny	Arrow
3	Debate in House	Arrow
4	Voting	Arrow
5	Other House	Arrow
6	President's assent	End

📝 Sample Chart

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW                     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                              │
│   ┌─────────┐    ┌─────────┐    ┌─────────┐    ┌─────────┐ │
│   │  BILL   │───►│COMMITTEE│───►│ DEBATE  │───►│ VOTING  │ │
│   │INTRODUCED│   │SCRUTINY │   │         │    │         │ │
│   └─────────┘    └─────────┘    └─────────┘    └────┬────┘ │
│                                                        │     │
│                                                        ▼     │
│   ┌─────────┐    ┌─────────┐    ┌─────────┐    ┌─────────┐ │
│   │PRESIDENT│◄───│ OTHER   │◄───│ PASSED  │◄───│   IF    │ │
│   │  ASSENT │    │  HOUSE  │    │         │    │ PASSED  │ │
│   └─────────┘    └─────────┘    └─────────┘    └─────────┘ │
│        │                                                    │
│        ▼                                                    │
│   ┌─────────┐                                               │
│   │   LAW   │                                               │
│   │(ACT)    │                                               │
│   └─────────┘                                               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

📝 Sample Lesson Plan: "Our Parliament"

Component	Description
Topic	Understanding the Indian Parliament
Class	VII-VIII
Duration	4 class periods
Learning Objectives	Students will: (1) Explain composition of Parliament (2) Describe functions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (3) Understand law-making process (4) Participate in mock parliament
Day 1: Introduction	Discuss: Who makes laws for our country? Explain Parliament's composition
Day 2: Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha	Compare two Houses; explain their distinct features
Day 3: Law-Making	Explain how a bill becomes a law; create flowchart
Day 4: Mock Parliament	Conduct classroom simulation
Assessment	Participation in mock parliament; flowchart; short quiz

📝 Chapter Summary: Key Points for PSTET Revision

🔑 Parliamentary Government Features

Dual Executive: President (nominal) + Prime Minister (real)
Collective Responsibility: Council of Ministers collectively responsible to Lok Sabha
Majority Rule: Party with majority forms government

🔑 Parliament Composition

House	Max Strength	Election	Term
Lok Sabha	552	Direct; FPTP	5 years
Rajya Sabha	250	Indirect; STV	6 years (1/3 retire every 2 years)

🔑 Presiding Officers

House	Presiding Officer	Ex-officio
Lok Sabha	Speaker	Elected by members
Rajya Sabha	Chairman	Vice-President of India

🔑 Key Parliamentary Devices

Device	Purpose
Question Hour	First hour; ask questions to ministers
Zero Hour	Raise matters without notice
Adjournment Motion	Urgent public importance
No-Confidence Motion	Remove government

🔑 Law-Making Stages

Stage	Description
First Reading	Introduction
Committee Stage	Detailed scrutiny
Second Reading	Clause-by-clause discussion
Third Reading	Final voting
Other House	Same process
President's Assent	Bill becomes Act

🔑 Parliamentary Committees

Type	Examples
Standing	DRSCs (24), PAC, Estimates Committee
Ad Hoc	Select Committees, Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC)

🔑 Role of Opposition

Watchdog: Keeps government accountable
Alternative: Shadow cabinet concept
Constructive criticism: Improves legislation

📝 Practice Questions for PSTET Preparation

Multiple Choice Questions

Which Article of the Constitution provides for the composition of Parliament?
a) Article 74
b) Article 79
c) Article 80
d) Article 81
What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?
a) 543
b) 545
c) 550
d) 552
The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is:
a) Speaker of Lok Sabha
b) Prime Minister
c) Vice-President of India
d) President of India
How many members of Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President?
a) 10
b) 12
c) 14
d) 16
What is the minimum age for becoming a member of Lok Sabha?
a) 21 years
b) 25 years
c) 30 years
d) 35 years
The system of election for Rajya Sabha members is:
a) First-Past-The-Post
b) Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote
c) Direct election
d) Nomination only
Which of the following is NOT a parliamentary committee?
a) Public Accounts Committee
b) Estimates Committee
c) Planning Commission
d) Committee on Subordinate Legislation
A Money Bill can be introduced only in:
a) Rajya Sabha
b) Lok Sabha
c) Either House
d) Joint sitting
The term of a Rajya Sabha member is:
a) 5 years
b) 6 years
c) 4 years
d) Co-terminus with Lok Sabha
What is the 'Guillotine' in parliamentary procedure?
a) A type of bill
b) Passing undiscussed Demands for Grants without discussion
c) Adjournment of House
d) Removal of Speaker

Short Answer Questions

Differentiate between parliamentary and presidential forms of government.
Explain the composition of the Indian Parliament.
What are the qualifications for becoming a member of Lok Sabha?
Describe any three functions of Parliament.
What is a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)? Why is it formed?

Long Answer Questions

Discuss the composition and functions of the Rajya Sabha. How is it different from the Lok Sabha?
Explain the law-making process in Parliament with the help of a flowchart.
Describe the various devices through which Parliament exercises control over the executive.
What is the role of parliamentary committees in strengthening democracy? Explain with examples.
As a teacher, how would you conduct a mock parliament session in your classroom? Describe the process and learning outcomes.

✅ Chapter Completion Checklist

Before moving to Chapter 10, ensure you can:

Define parliamentary government and list its features
Compare parliamentary and presidential systems
Explain composition of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Recall qualifications and disqualifications for MPs
Describe functions of Parliament (legislative, executive, financial, constituent, judicial, electoral)
Explain law-making process with stages
Differentiate between types of parliamentary committees
Understand role of opposition
Recall parliamentary sessions and devices (Question Hour, Zero Hour, etc.)
Plan a mock parliament activity
Create a bill-to-law flowchart

🔗 Online Resources for Further Learning

Resource	Description	Link/How to Find
PRS India	Legislative analysis, committee reports	prsindia.org
Lok Sabha Website	Official information, member details	loksabha.nic.in
Rajya Sabha Website	Official information, member details	rajyasabha.nic.in
IPU Parline	Global parliamentary data	ipu.org/parline
NCERT Social and Political Life (Class VIII)	Chapter on Parliament	ncert.nic.in

🎓 Prepared for PSTET Aspirants

This chapter provides comprehensive coverage of "Parliamentary Government" as per PSTET Paper II syllabus. Understanding India's parliamentary system—its composition, functions, procedures, and oversight mechanisms—is essential for both the exam and your future teaching. The pedagogical activities, especially the mock parliament session, will help students experience democracy in action. Remember that as a teacher, you are preparing future citizens who will participate in and strengthen our parliamentary democracy.

Teacher Eligibility Test

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Ch 9: Parliamentary Government