Class 8 Social Science - KERALA

The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive

This chapter from Kerala SCERT Class 8 Social Science explores the functioning of a democratic government, focusing closely on the Parliamentary System. Students learn how laws are made, the structure and powers of the legislature (Parliament), and the role of the executive branch in implementing policies. The chapter highlights the relationship between the people, their elected representatives, and the government. Understanding these organs of democracy is vital for board exams as it forms the foundation of Indian civics, frequently appearing in both objective and descriptive question formats.

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Key Concepts

Parliamentary System

A form of government where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the confidence of the legislature, often being drawn from the legislature itself.

Legislature

The law-making body of the government, which in India includes the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha at the national level.

Executive

The organ of government responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws passed by the legislature, consisting of the President, Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers.

Lok Sabha

The Lower House of the Indian Parliament, whose members are directly elected by the citizens of India.

Rajya Sabha

The Upper House of the Indian Parliament, which represents the states and union territories of India and includes members elected indirectly as well as nominated members.

Universal Adult Suffrage

The right of all adult citizens to vote in elections, regardless of wealth, gender, social status, or race, ensuring popular sovereignty.

Important Formulas

Legislature = Law-making body (Parliament: Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha + President)
Executive = Law-implementing body (Political Executive + Permanent Executive)
Indian Parliament = President + Lok Sabha (House of the People) + Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

Board Exam Info

This chapter typically carries around 6 to 10 marks in the Kerala (SCERT) Class 8 Social Science examinations. Common question types include short notes on the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, differences between the legislature and executive, and direct descriptive questions about the role of the Parliament in a democracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the legislature and the executive?

The legislature is responsible for making laws, while the executive is responsible for executing and enforcing those laws.

Who are the members of the Indian Parliament?

The Indian Parliament consists of the President of India and two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

Why is the parliamentary system called a responsible government?

It is called a responsible government because the executive (ministers) remains accountable to the legislature (elected representatives of the people) for all its policies and actions.

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