Legislature — NCERT Solutions

I would tell him that Parliament has a major role even though ministers propose most important bills and government bills often pass with majority support.

• The actual drafting of a bill is done by the ministry, but the bill becomes law only after Parliament approves it.
• Bills are debated in the House and also examined by committees.
• Members can question, criticise and suggest changes.
• The other House also examines the bill, so there is a second check.
• In case of disagreement, a Joint Session may be needed.
• Even government bills are not mere formality; they may need bargaining and concessions.
• Parliament can approve, amend or reject laws, and it also represents public opinion.

So Parliament is not just a rubber stamp; it is a deliberative, revising and approving body that checks and improves laws.

I agree most with: Anti-defection law has contributed to the domination of the party leaders over the legislators.

The chapter says that the anti-defection law was meant to stop legislators from changing parties, but in practice it has given additional powers to the party leadership and presiding officers. A member may lose membership if they vote against party instructions, remain absent when ordered to attend, or leave the party. This reduces the independence of individual legislators.

The other view, that defection is always selfish and therefore a legislator should be disqualified from being a minister for two years, is too harsh as a general rule. The first statement about free party choice sounds ideal, but in a party-based parliamentary system, it can weaken stability.

To support Dolly, one can say:

• Parliament is spending less time on debate and discussion.
• There are frequent disturbances, walkouts, absence of quorum and boycotts.
• Such behaviour reduces the Parliament’s ability to control the executive.
• Important business is often delayed, so the House becomes less effective.

To oppose Dolly, one can say:

• Even noisy debates and walkouts show that Parliament is still a live democratic forum.
• The House continues to question ministers, discuss issues and force government to respond.
• Committees, question hour and no-confidence motions still show Parliament’s relevance.

To support Sudha, one can say:

• The fact that governments have fallen on the floor of the Lok Sabha shows that the House can still control the executive.
• It proves that Parliament is not powerless and can hold governments accountable.

To oppose Sudha, one can say:

• The fall of governments often happened because of coalition instability, not necessarily because Parliament was healthy in debate.
• A vibrant Parliament should be judged by regular discussion, attendance and law-making, not only by government collapse.

So both views have some truth, but Parliament’s effectiveness should be judged by its overall debate, scrutiny and accountability, not only by dramatic events.

The correct sequence is:

1. The concerned minister proposes the need for a bill
2. Legislative department in ministry of law drafts a bill
3. A resolution is passed to admit the bill for discussion
4. The bill is referred to the subcommittee — the committee makes some changes and sends it back to the House for discussion
5. The bill is passed in the House in which it was proposed
6. The bill is read clause by clause and each clause is voted upon
7. The bill is referred to the other House and is passed
8. The bill is referred to the President of India; if the President does not give assent, then the bill does not become a law.

A bill becomes law only after the President’s assent.

The system of parliamentary committees has made Parliament’s oversight and appraisal of legislation much better.

• Committees give bills detailed and careful examination.
• Parliament has limited time, so committees do the in-depth study that the whole House cannot always do.
• Standing Committees supervise the work of departments, their budget, expenditure and related bills.
• Joint Parliamentary Committees can examine a particular bill or investigate financial irregularities.
• Because of committees, Parliament can rely on a more expert and focused review before approving a bill.
• The chapter says the committee system has reduced the burden on Parliament and many important bills are first examined there.

So, parliamentary committees have made legislation more thorough, informed and effective.