Class 10 Social Science - ICSE-HISTORY-CIVICS
Civics: The Union Legislature
The chapter 'The Union Legislature' in ICSE Class 10 Civics explores the law-making body of India at the national level, known as the Parliament. Students learn about the composition, powers, and functions of its two houses: the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). This chapter is crucial for board exams as it carries significant weightage, frequently featuring direct questions on qualifications of members, tenure, exclusive powers of each house, and the law-making procedure, helping students understand the foundational workings of Indian democracy.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
The directly elected lower house of the Indian Parliament consisting of a maximum of 550 members who represent the citizens of India.
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
The upper house of Parliament representing the states and union territories, consisting of a maximum of 250 members, including 12 nominated by the President.
Speaker of the Lok Sabha
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha who maintains order in the house and certifies Money Bills.
Money Bill
A financial bill that deals exclusively with matters like taxation, borrowing, or expenditure, which can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present in the house to transact business, which is one-tenth (1/10th) of the total membership of each house.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the ICSE History & Civics Class 10 board exam, the Civics section carries 40 marks, and 'The Union Legislature' is a high-scoring chapter typically contributing 6 to 10 marks. Questions usually include distinguishing between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, financial powers, exclusive powers, and qualifications of members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Money Bill and an Ordinary Bill?
An Ordinary Bill can be introduced in either house of Parliament and deals with general legislation. A Money Bill deals exclusively with financial matters like taxes or government spending, can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it or delay it beyond 14 days.
Why is the Rajya Sabha called a permanent house?
The Rajya Sabha can never be dissolved as a whole. One-third of its members retire every two years, and new members are elected to replace them, ensuring continuous functioning of the upper house.
Who breaks a tie during voting in the Lok Sabha?
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha does not vote in the first instance, but exercises a casting vote to resolve a tie when votes for and against a bill are equal.
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