The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive Class 8 Social Science Chapter 6 CBSE Notes 2025-26

India’s Parliamentary System, as described in Chapter 6 of Class 8 Social Science, is the foundation of our democracy and ensures citizens are directly involved in government through the process of elections. 

The Constitution of India created this system right after independence, guaranteeing every adult the right to vote and choose their representatives for the Lok Sabha. Parliament, which is the chief law-making body, has been functional since 1952 and has seen eighteen Lok Sabhas up to June 2024.

The Indian Parliament is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), with the President as an important part. 

Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the people, while Rajya Sabha members are chosen indirectly by elected representatives of the states. The number of seats in each house is based on the population of states, and the Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 550 members.

Each house has its own presiding officer—the Speaker in Lok Sabha and the Vice-President (as Chairperson) in Rajya Sabha. Their primary role is to maintain order and ensure rules are followed. 

Parliament’s new and old buildings stand as symbols of the country’s growth, diversity, and democratic tradition, decorated with emblems that reflect our heritage.

The Parliament’s functions can be grouped into four areas: constitutional, legislative (lawmaking), executive accountability, and financial oversight. 

Parliament is responsible for passing laws, electing the President and Vice President, amending the Constitution, approving the annual budget, and keeping a check on the actions of the government (executive branch).

• Lawmaking: Draft laws (bills) are introduced in either house. They go through readings, committee scrutiny, discussions, voting, and, if approved by both houses and signed by the President, become Acts.
• Executive Accountability: The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers must answer questions and explain their decisions in Parliament, especially during sessions like Question Hour.
• Financial Control: Parliament debates and passes the annual budget and other money bills, keeping government spending in check.
• Constitutional Role: Parliament elects key constitutional figures and can amend the Constitution as per procedure.

A bill is a proposed law. It is introduced in either house (except Money Bills, which start in Lok Sabha). The process includes readings, sending the bill to a Standing Committee for detailed review, discussions, proposing and voting on amendments, and passage by both houses. After both houses agree, the President gives assent, and the law is formally published.

• Standing Committees, made up of members from across parties, help analyse bills and ensure informed decision-making.
• Money Bills require the President’s recommendation and are unique to Lok Sabha’s powers.

The Executive branch includes the President (nominal head), Vice-President, and the real executive—the Prime Minister along with the Council of Ministers. 

The Prime Minister leads the government, decides policies, and ensures ministers follow collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha. Civil servants, or bureaucrats, help implement government decisions.

The President’s main powers involve appointing the Prime Minister, summoning Parliament, and giving assent to bills. In times of constitutional crisis, the President can exercise special powers. Ministers are morally responsible; for example, Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned as Railway Minister in 1956 taking responsibility for a train accident.

While the two are closely linked, the Legislature makes the rules and the Executive puts them into action. The Judiciary acts as a check, ensuring laws and government actions are constitutional.

The Judiciary interprets laws, resolves disputes, and ensures that neither the Executive nor the Legislature exceeds their constitutional boundaries. 

It protects citizen rights and ensures the spirit of the Constitution is upheld. If there is any overreach by Parliament or the government, the Judiciary can ask for a review or strike down unconstitutional acts.

Each Indian state has a similar system with its legislature (unicameral or bicameral), a Governor (appointed by the President), and a Chief Minister and Council of Ministers. 

The Governor acts as the constitutional head, while the real executive power lies with the Chief Minister and the State Cabinet. States make laws on the State List, and both Central and State legislatures share power over subjects in the Concurrent List.

Indian legislatures face challenges like absenteeism, disruptions, and falling productivity. 

Rajya Sabha’s productivity fell to 35% in some sessions after 2014. Parliament usually sits three times a year—Budget, Monsoon, and Winter Sessions. Keeping debate quality high and ensuring participation are ongoing tasks.

Active civic participation and a free, responsible media play vital roles in strengthening democracy. Citizens, especially the youth, must stay informed and involved. As Atal Bihari Vajpayee once said, "Governments will come and go, parties will rise and fall, but the nation and its democracy must endure."

In summary, India’s Parliament balances power, safeguards rights, and ensures the government remains accountable. The checks and balances between the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary are the backbone of democracy, protecting the interests of all citizens.

Class 8 Social Science Chapter 6 Notes – The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive

These class 8 Social Science notes on “The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive” provide a clear summary of legislative and executive functions, helping students remember differences and key processes for exams. Using these revision notes helps reinforce chapter concepts and supports efficient last-minute preparation.

All important chapter topics, from lawmaking steps to roles of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and state legislatures, are covered in a student-friendly way. Key data, definitions, and tables make this a reliable review tool for class assessments and quick revision sessions.