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Who has more power in India: the President or the Prime Minister? India adopted the Parliamentary System of government where the executive is directly...
Who has more power in India: the President or the Prime Minister? India adopted the Parliamentary System of government where the executive is directly accountable to the elected representatives of the people.
Why This Chapter Matters
In Class 8 Social Science, "The Parliamentary System – Legislature and Executive" provides an authoritative, curriculum-verified master resource aligned with the 2026–27 NCERT syllabus.
Before You Begin (Prerequisites)
- Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Prime Minister.
- The Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan) in New Delhi.
- How laws are made.
What You Will Learn (Core Objectives)
- Distinguish between a Presidential and a Parliamentary system of government.
- Describe the bicameral structure of Indian Parliament: Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
- Explain the constitutional powers of the President (Head of State) vs Prime Minister (Head of Government).
- Explain the law-making process: First, Second, Third Readings, Committee scrutiny, and Presidential Assent.
- Analyze parliamentary accountability tools: Question Hour, Zero Hour, and No-Confidence Motions.
Chapter Roadmap & Progression
1
1. The Two Houses of Parliament (Sa...
2
2. President vs. Prime Minister
3
3. How a Bill Becomes an Act
Complete Concept Guide (100% Curriculum Coverage)
1. The Two Houses of Parliament (Sansad)
Lok Sabha (Lower House): Up to 550 members directly elected by citizens for a 5-year term; holds superior power over Money Bills. Rajya Sabha (Upper House): Permanent house of up to 250 members representing States; one-third retire every two years; chaired by the Vice-President of India.
2. President vs. Prime Minister
The President is the nominal constitutional Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister is the real executive Head of Government, leading the Council of Ministers and commanding the majority in Lok Sabha.
3. How a Bill Becomes an Act
A proposed law (Bill) undergoes three readings in both Houses, is examined by parliamentary committees, and voted on. Once passed by both Houses, it is sent to the President of India for assent, becoming an official Act of Parliament.
Check Your Understanding (Diagnostic Practice Questions)
Diagnostic questions testing core conceptual clarity. Answers are hidden initially — solve each problem first, then click to reveal the step-by-step verified solution.
1
What is the term of a member of the Rajya Sabha and why is it a permanent house?
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Answer: Members serve a 6-year term; it is permanent because it is never dissolved completely—one-third of its members retire every two years.
6-year term; never dissolved.
2
What is the difference between a Money Bill and an Ordinary Bill?
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Answer: A Money Bill deals exclusively with taxes, government borrowing, and expenditures; it can originate ONLY in the Lok Sabha and cannot be rejected by the Rajya Sabha.
Money bill originates only in Lok Sabha.
3
What happens during 'Question Hour' in Parliament?
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Answer: Ministers must answer oral and written questions posed by MPs regarding government policies, expenditures, and administrative failures.
Ministers answer MPs' questions.
4
Explain the difference between the Head of State and the Head of Government in India.
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Answer: The President is the ceremonial Head of State; the Prime Minister is the actual political Head of Government exercising real executive power.
President (Head of State) vs PM (Head of Government).
5
What is a 'No-Confidence Motion'?
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Answer: A vote moved by the opposition in the Lok Sabha testing whether the ruling government still commands the support of the majority of elected MPs; if passed, the Prime Minister must resign.
Vote proving majority support.
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