Legislature 11 Political Science Chapter 5 CBSE Notes 2025-26

The legislature plays a central role in Indian democracy, acting as the primary institution where the will of the people is translated into laws, policies, and oversight of the government. Parliament is not just a law-making body; it is the heart of all democratic processes, representing the diverse interests, concerns, and aspirations of people from different regions, backgrounds, and communities. An efficient and accountable Parliament is vital for the health of democracy and the proper functioning of the government.

The Indian Parliament has a bicameral structure, composed of two Houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). This setup ensures fair representation for both the population at large and the individual states, which is crucial in a country marked by vast size and diversity. Some states in India, such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, also follow a bicameral legislature model, having both a legislative assembly and a legislative council.

Parliament serves as a platform for debates, deliberations, protests, and resolutions, allowing various points of view to be expressed and policies to be critically examined. It acts as an important check on the executive, and without it, the government could exercise unchecked powers. Through tools like walkouts, discussions, and protests, Parliament can demand reconsideration of unpopular or hasty government decisions, as seen in historical cases like the rollback of fertilizer price hikes after opposition protests. The central value of Parliament is to ensure the executive remains accountable to representatives of the people.

Bicameralism, or having two Houses in Parliament, ensures that major legislative decisions are reconsidered and debated twice. The Lok Sabha is directly elected by the people, representing the population, while the Rajya Sabha represents the interests of the states and is elected indirectly by the legislative assemblies of the states. This two-tier structure maintains balance and offers a double check, minimizing the risk of hasty or ill-considered laws.

The Lok Sabha consists of 543 members elected from single-member constituencies across the country based on universal adult suffrage. Each member represents an approximately equal number of citizens. Members serve a five-year term unless the House is dissolved sooner. The number of constituencies has remained unchanged since the 1971 census. Lok Sabha is the body most directly connected to the people, and it plays a crucial role in lawmaking, controlling government finances, and exercising greater authority over the executive than the Rajya Sabha.

The Rajya Sabha is an indirectly elected House representing the states. Its current membership is based on the population of each state, with more populous states receiving more seats. Members serve staggered six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years, ensuring continuity. Apart from elected members, the President of India nominates twelve individuals from fields like literature, science, art, and social service to the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha acts as a permanent House and brings expertise and a state perspective to national lawmaking.

• Legislative: Making and passing laws on subjects in the Union and Concurrent Lists.
• Control of Executive: Question Hour, motions, and debates to hold ministers and ministries accountable.
• Financial: Approval of the annual budget and authorizing government expenditure and taxation, a power mainly exercised by the Lok Sabha.
• Amending the Constitution: Both Houses must approve constitutional amendments by a special majority.
• Representation: Expressing and discussing the opinions and needs of a wide array of groups and regions.
• Electoral: Electing the President and Vice President of India, and participating in their removal if required.
• Judicial: Considering impeachment of the President, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, and removal of the Vice President.

The making of a law involves several steps. A Bill may be introduced in either House (except Money Bills, which must start in the Lok Sabha), followed by detailed discussions, possible committee scrutiny, voting, and transmission to the other House. If amendments or disagreements arise, a Joint Session of Parliament may be called. Once both Houses pass the Bill, it is sent to the President for assent, after which it becomes law. The types of Bills include Ordinary Bills, Money Bills, Constitution Amendment Bills, Private Members’ Bills, and Government Bills.

1. People’s input and drafting by the relevant Ministry.
2. Introduction of the Bill in Parliament.
3. Detailed discussion and committee examination.
4. Approval by both Houses and presidential assent.

• Lok Sabha holds stronger powers over money matters and can remove the government through a no-confidence motion. Its members are directly elected, which ties their authority directly to the people.
• Rajya Sabha represents state interests and must approve certain constitutional measures, especially if Parliament wishes to make laws on matters in the State List. However, it cannot amend or reject Money Bills. It participates in the removal of high officials like the Vice President and judges. Its permanent nature ensures continuity in Parliament.

Due to the limited time available to Parliament during its sessions, much detailed work is delegated to parliamentary committees. These may be standing (department-related permanent committees) or ad hoc, and are essential for closely examining bills, budgets, and the work of different ministries. The committee system has strengthened scrutiny, improved the quality of legislation, and provided spaces for bipartisanship and detailed analysis.

Parliament keeps the executive under check through several means: daily Question Hour, debates, motions of no-confidence (in Lok Sabha), financial scrutiny, and the power to approve or reject laws and budgets. Parliamentary privileges allow members to speak and act without fear of government reprisal, helping them exercise independent oversight. Control is most effective when parliamentarians remain active and vigilant, preventing overreach and misuse of power by the Cabinet or ministries.

For orderly and meaningful conduct of business, Parliament is regulated by its presiding officers (Speaker for Lok Sabha, Chairman for Rajya Sabha) who control debates and enforce rules. The anti-defection law, passed in 1985 and further strengthened in 2003, aims to prevent elected members from switching parties for personal gain. If defection is established, members lose their seat and access to political office, curbing instability and party-hopping, though it has also increased the control of party leadership over legislators.

Parliament reflects India's immense diversity: its members come from different states, regions, languages, castes, religions, and walks of life. It is through this body that the collective needs, aspirations, and grievances of the country find expression. Despite frequent disruptions and disagreements, the legislature remains the foundation of representative democracy, ensuring that the executive remains accountable and responsive to the people.

• Why is a bicameral parliament important for a country like India?
• What are the major steps in passing a Bill into a law?
• How can the Lok Sabha hold the government accountable?
• Discuss the advantages and drawbacks of anti-defection law.
• Explain the key differences in powers between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Notes – Indian Constitution at Work: Legislature (HTML5)

These CBSE Class 11 Political Science Legislature revision notes condense the entire chapter into easy-to-grasp sections, focusing on the important points from the original NCERT book content. Detailed yet concise, they help you quickly recall the structure, powers, and functions of Parliament, ensuring efficient last-minute revision before exams.

All essential topics—such as the differences between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the law-making process, and committee roles—are highlighted for clarity. With these easy-to-read class 11 Political Science chapter 5 notes, you’ll grasp the chapter’s most crucial Legislature functions and exam-focused facts in less time.