5.1. INTRODUCTION

You have already studied the importance of elections and the method of election adopted in India. Legislatures are elected by the people and work on behalf of the people. In this chapter you would study how elected legislatures function and help in maintaining democratic government.

The legislature is a vital part of a democracy. It is made up of representatives chosen by the people through elections. Their job is to create laws and ensure that the government acts in the interest of the people. In this chapter, you'll learn how these elected bodies, known as legislatures, play their role in a democratic society.

Think of the legislature like a group of student representatives in a school. Just as they gather input from their classmates to make decisions that benefit everyone, legislatures listen to the concerns of citizens and make laws that affect all citizens.

You will also learn about the composition and functioning of the parliament and State legislatures in India and their importance in democratic government. After reading this chapter you would know ± the importance of the legislature; ± the functions and powers of the Parliament of India; ± the law making procedure; ± how the Parliament controls the executive; and ± how the Parliament regulates itself.

This part emphasizes what you will gain from the chapter. You will explore various aspects: the significance of having a legislature, its powers (like making laws and overseeing the executive branch), the process of creating laws, and how the Parliament maintains its own order. Each of these elements is important for ensuring that the democratic process works smoothly.

Imagine a school government where students not only create rules but also check if the rules are followed. It ensures that everyone behaves and follows school guidelines, which is akin to how the Parliament in India ensures the government is accountable.

Legislature is not merely a law making body. Lawmaking is but one of the functions of the legislature. It is the centre of all democratic political process. It is packed with action; walkouts, protests, demonstrations, unanimity, concern and cooperation. All these serve very vital purposes.

Here, it is explained that the legislature does more than just create laws. It is a lively place where different opinions clash and come together through debates, protests, and discussions. These activities are crucial because they reflect the voices of the people and ensure that their representatives are held accountable for their actions.

Think of a sports team where every player has a role to play. The legislature is like that team, where various members express differing opinions and strategies to ensure the game (in this case, governance) is played fairly and effectively.

Indeed, a genuine democracy is inconceivable without a representative, efficient and effective legislature. The legislature also helps people in holding the representatives accountable. This is indeed, the very basis of representative democracy.

This chunk highlights the essential nature of having a functional legislature in a democratic setup. It ensures that those in power are answerable to the people who elected them. Without such a system in place, it would be difficult for citizens to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Consider how if a group of friends elects a leader to organize an event, it’s essential that the leader reports back to the group on decisions made. If the leader does not do this, the friends can hold them accountable, just as citizens hold their elected representatives accountable through the legislature.

Yet, in most democracies, legislatures are losing central place to the executive. In India too, the Cabinet initiates policies, sets the agenda for governance and carries them through. This has led some critics to remark that the Parliament has declined.

This section discusses the ongoing debate about the balance of power in a democracy, noting that in some instances, the executive branch appears to overshadow the legislature's role. Critics express concerns that this trend could undermine the democratic process by reducing the legislature’s influence over governance.

It's like if a group of friends elects a leader who then takes control over all decisions without consulting everyone else. If the leader does not listen to the rest of the group, the purpose of having a group (or legislature) is lost. It’s crucial for every voice to matter in a democracy.

But even very strong cabinets must retain majority in the legislature. A strong leader has to face the Parliament and answer to the satisfaction of the Parliament. Herein lies the democratic potential of the Parliament. It is recognised as one of the most democratic and open forums of debate.

Despite concerns about the diminishing power of legislatures, there is an inherent strength in the parliamentary system: the executive must still maintain the support of the legislature. This ensures that there is room for debate and accountability, allowing parliament to fulfill its democratic role effectively.

Imagine a team captain who must hold regular meetings with the entire team to discuss strategies. If they fail to get the team’s support, they risk losing their position. This is similar to how a government must maintain the support of Parliament to govern effectively.

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