Class 8 Social Science - WEST-BENGAL
The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive
This chapter from the WBBSE Class 8 Social Science syllabus introduces students to the functioning of democratic governance through the Parliamentary System. It explains the core organs of government: the Legislature (Parliament), which makes laws, and the Executive, which implements them. Students will explore the roles of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, how laws are enacted, and how the executive is accountable to the legislature. Understanding this chapter is essential for board exams as it forms the foundation of Indian civics, helping young citizens grasp how their country is run and preparing them for important conceptual and descriptive questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Parliamentary System
A form of government where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the confidence of the legislature, usually a parliament, to which it is accountable.
Legislature
The law-making body of the government, known at the national level in India as the Parliament, which consists of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
Executive
The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws made by the legislature, comprising the President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers.
Lok Sabha
The Lower House of the Indian Parliament, also known as the House of the People, whose members are directly elected by the Indian citizens.
Rajya Sabha
The Upper House of the Indian Parliament, also known as the Council of States, whose members are indirectly elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
Accountability
The constitutional principle where the executive remains responsible and answerable to the elected legislature for its policies and actions.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) Class 8 final examinations, this chapter typically carries around 8 to 12 marks. Questions usually include short-answer questions (SAQs), objective MCQs, and long-form descriptive questions (LAQs) comparing the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha or explaining the functions of the legislature and executive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha?
The Lok Sabha is the Lower House whose members are directly elected by the people, while the Rajya Sabha is the Upper House whose members are indirectly elected and represent the states.
Who heads the Executive branch in India?
The President is the nominal head of the executive, but the Prime Minister, along with the Council of Ministers, holds the real executive power.
Why is the legislature called the law-making body?
The legislature is responsible for debating, proposing, and passing bills which eventually become the laws of the country after receiving presidential assent.
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