NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature - 2025-26

1. Alok thinks that a country needs an efficient government that looks after the welfare of the people. So, if we simply elected our Prime Minister and Ministers and left to them the task of government, we will not need a legislature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: No, I do not agree. The legislature is essential in a democracy as it enacts laws, checks the executive, grants funds, debates issues, and represents people's diverse interests. Without a legislature, the executive would be unchecked and unaccountable, which goes against the spirit of democratic governance.

2. A class was debating the merits of a bicameral system. The following points were made during the discussion. Read the arguments and say if you agree or disagree with each of them, giving reasons.

• Neha said that bicameral legislature does not serve any purpose.
  Answer: Disagree. Bicameral legislatures provide double checks on laws, more thorough debates, and ensure broad representation, especially in large and diverse countries like India.
  
  

• Shama argued that experts should be nominated in the second chamber.
  Answer: Agree. Nominations bring experts in fields like literature, science, and arts into the legislative process, enriching debates and improving lawmaking quality.
  
  

• Tridib said that if a country is not a federation, then there is no need to have a second chamber.
  Answer: Disagree. Even non-federal countries might have bicameral legislatures to ensure representation for different groups, regions, or expertise and to avoid hasty decisions.

3. Why can the Lok Sabha control the executive more effectively than the Rajya Sabha can?

Answer: Lok Sabha can control the executive more effectively because the Council of Ministers is responsible only to the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion to remove the government, which the Rajya Sabha cannot do. Also, Money Bills can only be introduced and finally passed by the Lok Sabha.

4. Rather than effective control of the executive, the Lok Sabha is a platform for the expression of popular sentiments and people’s expectations. Do you agree? Give reasons.

Answer: Yes, I agree. The Lok Sabha directly reflects the people's will as its members are directly elected. During debates and discussions, members voice the hopes, grievances, and opinions of their constituencies, making it a platform for expressing popular sentiments in addition to controlling the executive.

5. The following are some proposals for making the Parliament more effective. State if you agree or disagree with each of them and give your reasons. Explain what would be the effect if these suggestions were accepted.

• Parliament should work for longer period.
  Answer: Agree. More working days allow for detailed discussions and ensure important bills are debated thoroughly, leading to improved legislation and accountability.
  
  

• Attendance should be made compulsory for members of Parliament.
  Answer: Agree. Compulsory attendance would ensure active participation and that all regions are properly represented, reducing delays due to lack of quorum.
  
  

• Speakers should be empowered to penalise members for interrupting the proceedings of the House.
  Answer: Agree. Granting such powers to the Speaker would help maintain discipline, ensure smooth conduct of business, and increase the dignity and effectiveness of Parliament.

6. Arif wanted to know that if ministers propose most of the important bills and if the majority party often gets the government bills passed, what is the role of the Parliament in the law making process? What answer would you give him?

Answer: Parliament reviews, debates, and approves all bills, ensuring that the proposed laws reflect the public’s interest. It can suggest amendments, question the executive’s intent, and, in exceptional cases, reject or stall bills even if proposed by ministers. Thus, it acts as a check on the executive.

7. Which of the following statements you agree with the most? Give your reasons.

• Legislators must be free to join any party they want.
  Answer: Disagree. Allowing this could cause political instability and betray voters’ trust.
  
  

• Anti-defection law has contributed to the domination of the party leaders over the legislators.
  Answer: Agree. The law restricts members' freedom, often binding them to party directives regardless of their constituency’s needs.
  
  

• Defection is always for selfish purposes and therefore, a legislator who wants to join another party must be disqualified from being a minister for the next two years.
  Answer: Somewhat agree, as defection usually serves personal gain, but exceptions might exist. Disqualifying defectors serves as a deterrent.

8. Dolly and Sudha are debating about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Parliament in recent times. Dolly believed that the decline of Indian Parliament is evident in the less time spent on debate and discussion and increase in the disturbances of the functioning of the House and walkouts etc. Sudha contends that the fall of different governments on the floor of Lok Sabha is a proof of its vibrancy. What other arguments can you provide to support or oppose the positions of Dolly and Sudha?

Answer: Dolly’s view is supported by facts like frequent disruptions, pending bills, and low attendance, which reduce Parliament’s effectiveness. However, Sudha’s argument highlights Parliament’s power to change governments, reflecting democratic vibrancy. Additionally, active committees and diverse debates demonstrate both challenges and strengths.

9. Arrange the different stages of passing of a bill into a law in their correct sequence:

√ A resolution is passed to admit the bill for discussion

√ The bill is referred to the President of India – write what happens next if s/he does not sign it

√ The bill is referred to other House and is passed

√ The bill is passed in the house in which it was proposed

√ The bill is read clause by clause and each is voted upon

√ The bill is referred to the subcommittee – the committee makes some changes and sends it back to the house for discussion

√ The concerned minister proposes the need for a bill

√ Legislative department in ministry of law, drafts a bill

Answer:

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 read clause by clause and each is voted upon

6. The bill is passed in the house in which it was proposed

7. The bill is referred to other House and is passed

8. The bill is referred to the President of India – If the President does not sign, the bill is sent back to Parliament for reconsideration; if again passed by Parliament, the President must assent.

10. How has the system of parliamentary committee affected the overseeing and appraisal of legislation by the Parliament?

Answer: Parliamentary committees allow for in-depth out-of-session review and study of bills, finances, and government functioning. They gather whole information, examine technical aspects, and provide reports, leading to better-informed debates in Parliament and more effective legislative output. This efficient division of labor increases Parliament’s capacity to scrutinise complex matters.

Key Concepts of NCERT Solutions Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature

Mastering the structure and functions of the Legislature is crucial for students preparing for exams. With the latest NCERT Solutions Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature (2025-26), you can easily understand key differences between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

This chapter helps you grasp the law-making process in Parliament, its vital control over the executive, and the unique role of parliamentary committees. Focus on the step-by-step procedure to boost your conceptual clarity and score well in CBSE exams.

Consistent revision of exercise-based questions and answers from this chapter will enhance your preparation. Reviewing important points will strengthen your confidence and help you tackle both objective and descriptive questions in Political Science.