CBSE Class 11 India Constitution Work Chapter 5: Legislature NCERT Solutions

I disagree with Alok's thought. While an efficient government is crucial for public welfare, completely abolishing the legislature in favor of only an executive would lead to dictatorship and undermine the principles of representative democracy. The executive and legislature have distinct and complementary roles.

A legislature is essential for several key reasons:

1. Framing Laws: The legislature is responsible for creating the laws that govern the country. These laws provide the framework within which the executive operates.
2. Executive Accountability: It serves as a vital mechanism for holding the council of ministers (the executive) accountable to the people. Through debates, questions, and oversight, the legislature ensures the executive acts in the public interest.
3. Representation: Legislatures represent the diverse voices, hopes, and aspirations of the people. Without this representation, the executive could become unresponsive and detached from the populace.
4. Checks and Balances: It acts as a crucial check on the power of the executive, preventing potential abuses and ensuring a balance of power within the government structure.

In essence, a legislature is the most important organ for ensuring a democratic and responsive government.

• Regarding Neha's statement: I disagree with Neha's assertion that a bicameral legislature serves no purpose. In a large and diverse country like India, having two houses is beneficial. It allows for more thorough consideration of legislation, provides representation to various sections of society, and acts as a system of checks and balances, preventing the concentration of power in a single chamber.
• Regarding Shama's argument: I agree with Shama's argument. Nominating experts to the second chamber, such as the Rajya Sabha in India where the President can nominate members from literature, art, social services, and science, enriches the legislative process. These nominated members bring specialized knowledge and experience, contributing to more informed debates and policy-making.
• Regarding Tridib's statement: I disagree with Tridib's view. While a federal structure often necessitates a second chamber to represent states, the need for a second chamber is not limited to federations. Even in unitary states, a second chamber can serve the purpose of providing broader representation to different societal groups or regions and acting as a deliberative body to review legislation, thus ensuring a double check on bills and policies.

The Lok Sabha can control the executive more effectively than the Rajya Sabha due to the following reasons:

• Direct Election and Popular Mandate: Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people, giving it a strong popular mandate. This direct link to the electorate enhances its legitimacy and authority in overseeing the executive.
• Government Formation: The executive government (Council of Ministers) is formed based on the party or coalition that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha. This means the executive is directly responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• Power to Remove the Executive: The Lok Sabha has the power to remove the executive from office through a vote of no-confidence. This significant power ensures that the government remains accountable to the directly elected house. The Rajya Sabha does not possess this power to dismiss the government.

Therefore, the Lok Sabha's direct democratic basis and its power over the confidence of the government make its control over the executive more potent.

I agree that the Lok Sabha serves as a crucial platform for expressing popular sentiments and people's expectations, in addition to its role in controlling the executive. Here are the reasons:

1. Expression of Views: Members of the Lok Sabha actively participate in discussions and debates on bills and national issues, articulating the views and concerns of their constituents.
2. Carrying Sentiments: These elected representatives bring the sentiments, needs, and expectations of the people from their respective constituencies directly to the Parliament.
3. Facilitating Modifications: Debates on bills in the Lok Sabha allow for public opinion to be considered, potentially leading to modifications and improvements in legislation to better reflect popular expectations.
4. Financial Oversight: The exclusive power of the Lok Sabha to introduce Money Bills underscores its role in managing public finances, which directly impacts the people's welfare and expectations.
5. Legislative Power: The Lok Sabha's authority to frame laws on subjects in the Union and Concurrent Lists allows it to address issues of national importance and respond to public demands.

While the Lok Sabha does control the executive, its function as a forum for popular expression is equally significant in a representative democracy.

1. Parliament should work for longer period: Yes, I agree with this proposal. In India, Parliament often faces disruptions, boycotts, and delays in passing important bills. Extending the working period would allow for more thorough debates, discussions, and scrutiny of government actions and policies. This would enhance the legislature's ability to control the executive and reduce the pendency of crucial legislation, ultimately leading to a more responsible government.
2. Attendance should be made compulsory for members of Parliament: Yes, I agree that compulsory attendance for Members of Parliament (MPs) is necessary. Lack of quorum can lead to the suspension of house proceedings, causing delays. Ensuring MPs attend sessions demonstrates their commitment to their duties and the people they represent. It would also prevent situations where important legislative work is stalled due to insufficient attendance, ensuring that the constituencies are properly represented and their interests are addressed.
3. Speakers should be empowered to penalise members for interrupting the proceedings of the house: Yes, I agree that the Speaker should have the power to penalise members who interrupt the proceedings. Disruptions hinder constructive debate and undermine the dignity of the Parliament. Empowering the Speaker to take disciplinary action, such as imposing penalties, would help maintain order, ensure that debates are productive, and uphold the seriousness of legislative work. This would lead to more efficient functioning of the house and prevent wastage of valuable time.