4.2 Parliament

Description

Quick Overview

This section discusses the essential role of Parliament in the decision-making process in a democracy, highlighting its powers and how it influences government actions.

Standard

Parliament acts as a crucial institution in democracies, exercising supreme political authority on behalf of the people. It is responsible for making laws, controlling public expenditure, and providing a forum for public debate. Despite being a key player in governance, Parliament's role is indirect in some decisions, which is illustrated through the example of the Mandal Commission's recommendations and the subsequent government response.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

In this section, we explore the role of Parliament within a democratic framework, utilizing the example of the Office Memorandum related to job reservations for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC). Efforts to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendations illustrate how Parliament influences major government policies, even when it does not directly take every decision.

Key Functions of Parliament:

  1. Legislation: Parliament is the final authority for making laws. Every new law must be approved by it.
  2. Control Over Government: Parliament exercises oversight over the executive branch, ensuring that it remains accountable.
  3. Financial Authority: Parliament controls public funds, meaning no money can be spent without its approval.
  4. Forum for Debate: It serves as the highest platform for discussing public issues, informing policy decisions, and hearing the opinions of representatives from various regions.

Structure of Parliament in India:

India's Parliament consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Lok Sabha holds more power, particularly concerning financial matters, and also controls the executive by ensuring the Prime Minister has the support of its majority.

The President is also part of Parliament but does not have voting powers. The section articulates how these institutions interact and why their roles are significant in a democratic setup, ensuring the collective representation of the citizenry.

Key Concepts

  • Parliament: The legislative authority representing the People.

  • Lok Sabha: Directly elected house tasked with law-making.

  • Rajya Sabha: Indirectly elected house focused on regional representation.

  • Legislation: The process of creating and enacting laws.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In Parliament, laws we create, decisions discussed, never late.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once in a democracy, the Parliament met; they debated and argued but never fret. For in their discussions lay the power they’d draw, shaping the nation and upholding the law.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Loyal Organized Keep Laws: Remember 'LOKL' to recall Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and their legislative roles.

🎯 Super Acronyms

P.L.A.C.E - Parliament Legislation Accountability Control Expenditure.

Examples

  • The Mandal Commission's recommendations led to the 27% job reservations for SEBCs.

  • Parliamentary debate shaped the implementation of the government's policies.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Legislature

    Definition:

    An assembly of representatives in a country with the authority to enact laws.

  • Term: Parliament

    Definition:

    The supreme legislative body in a country, typically consisting of two houses.

  • Term: Lok Sabha

    Definition:

    The lower house of India's Parliament; members are directly elected by the people.

  • Term: Rajya Sabha

    Definition:

    The upper house of India's Parliament; members are indirectly elected and represent the states.

  • Term: Mandal Commission

    Definition:

    A commission established to identify socially and educationally backward classes in India and recommend job reservations.