Indian Constitution at Work Chapter Five: Legislature Introduction Quiz

Legislature and Democracy

• The main function of a legislature is to represent the people and make laws.
• A representative, efficient, and effective legislature is essential for democracy, and democracy is inconceivable without it.

Functions of the Legislature

• Apart from lawmaking, the legislature also has other significant functions, including exercising control over the executive, budget, and government expenditure.

Parliament's Power

• Parliament holds the power to shape the government's policies and decisions.
• The power balance between the Cabinet and the Parliament suggests that Parliament can counterbalance the Cabinet's decisions.

Effectiveness of Parliament

• A strong leader must interact with Parliament to ensure the government's policies are implemented.
• Parliament can influence government decisions, as seen when intense opposition pressure resulted in the rollback of the proposed hike in urea prices.

Notable Events

• In 1998, the opposition responded to the proposed hike in urea prices by intense opposition, which resulted in the rollback of the price hike.
• The Lok Sabha made a unanimous decision to suspend official business and prioritize a debate on Assam, highlighting the importance of Parliament's role in addressing national issues.

Key Roles

• The Finance Minister plays a key role in proposing financial decisions, such as the increase in fertilizer prices, which must be approved by Parliament.

Test your knowledge of the functioning and importance of the parliament and State legislatures in India, and their role in maintaining democratic government. This quiz covers the composition and functioning of elected legislatures, their significance, and the electoral methods adopted in India.