Indian Legislature Chapter 5 Quiz

Study Notes

Legislative Function: Enacts laws; primarily introduces legislation drafted by bureaucracy under Cabinet supervision.
Control of Executive: Ensures accountability and prevents overreach of authorities elected by the public.
Financial Function: Manages government spending, approves taxation proposals, and examines budgets and financial amendments.
Constitutional Amendments: Can amend the Constitution and initiate proceedings for the removal of key officials like the President and judges.
Emergency Powers: Approves proclamations of emergency and special legislative measures for states.

Functions to represent states and protect state powers by reviewing matters affecting them.
Any removal of subjects from the State List requires Rajya Sabha’s approval.

Acts as the center of democratic political processes, allows public representation and accountability of elected officials.
Legislatures face challenges from increasingly dominant executives; however, they retain the power to hold governments accountable.

Deliberation and Discussion: Ensures engagement in policy-making, scrutinizes government actions through forums like the Question Hour and Zero Hour.
Financial Oversight: Legislative oversight on government finances and budgetary policies reinforces accountability.
No-Confidence Motion: A key tool for accountability—recent history shows governments losing power due to lack of confidence in the Lok Sabha.

There has been a trend of reduced parliamentary sessions and debates, indicating a decline in legislative oversight.
Absences and boycotts by opposition members hinder parliamentary effectiveness in control.

Successful parliamentary control requires member participation, adequate session times, and agreements between the government and opposition.
The ability of the legislature to control and guide executive action is crucial for maintaining a responsive government.