Notes Class 8 Chapter 1 Civics Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Civics Class 8

Introduction to the Parliamentary System

1. Introduction

• Every country has a different form of government based on its Constitution.
• The Indian Constitution defines the functions, jurisdiction, limitations, and interrelationship of the three main branches of government:
  • Legislature – Makes laws.
  • Executive – Implements laws.
  • Judiciary – Provides justice.
• The nature of the relationship between these organs determines the type of government:
  • Parliamentary System
  • Presidential System

2. Parliamentary System of Government

Origin and Development

• Developed in England.
• England follows an unwritten Constitution based on traditions, customs, and conventions.
• The British Parliament is considered the foundation of the parliamentary system.
• India adopted the parliamentary system with modifications to suit its needs.

Structure of the Indian Parliamentary System

• The central legislature is known as the Parliament.
• Indian Parliament consists of:
  • President
  • Lok Sabha (House of the People) – Members are directly elected by the people.
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – Members are elected by the legislative assemblies of the states.

Formation of Government

1. Elections to the Lok Sabha are held at regular intervals.
2. The party with more than half the seats forms the government.
3. If no single party gets a majority, some parties form a coalition government.(A coalition government is formed when two or more parties join to achieve a majority.)
4. The leader of the majority party becomes the Prime Minister.
5. The Prime Minister selects ministers from among the elected members to form the Council of Ministers.

Role of the Executive

• The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers form the Executive.
• The Executive has a dual responsibility:
  1. Implementing laws.
  2. Acting as part of the legislature by participating in law-making and discussions.

Collective Responsibility

• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible for all decisions and policies.
• If any ministry makes a decision, the whole council takes responsibility.

Confidence of the Legislature

• The Executive depends on the confidence of the legislature.
• If the legislature loses confidence in the Executive, it can pass a no-confidence motion to remove the government.
• This ensures that the Executive remains answerable to the legislature.

Importance of the Legislature

• The Legislature reflects the will of the people.
• Elected representatives express the demands and aspirations of the people.
• Parliament is responsible for making decisions regarding public welfare.

3. Why Did India Adopt the Parliamentary System?

• India was familiar with the parliamentary system due to British rule.
• The freedom movement exposed Indians to the working of the parliamentary system.
• Discussions in the Constituent Assembly led to the adoption of this system with modifications suitable for Indian society.

4. Role of the Opposition

• Opposition parties play a key role in maintaining the efficiency and accountability of the government.
• Their roles include:
  • Supporting the government when necessary.
  • Pointing out flaws in policies.
  • Asking critical questions and presenting alternatives.
• This helps in making better laws and improving governance.

5. Presidential System of Government

Definition and Origin

• Followed in countries like the United States of America.
• The Executive (President) is independent of the Legislature.
• The President is directly elected by the people and holds executive authority.

Structure of the Presidential System

• The Legislature and the Executive are independent of each other.
• The President is the head of the Executive.
• Both the Legislature and the Executive act as checks on each other to maintain balance and accountability.

Characteristics of the Presidential System

1. The President is the head of state and head of government.
2. The Legislature and the Executive are independent.
3. The President has the authority to implement laws.
4. There is a system of mutual checks and balances.

6. Difference Between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems

7. Importance of Discussion and Deliberation in Parliamentary System

• Discussion and deliberation are essential for a healthy democracy.
• Members from both ruling and opposition parties participate.
• Constructive criticism and debates improve the quality of laws and governance.