Chapter 3 Why Do We Need a Parliament? civics ncert solution class 8th

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Civics Chapter 3 – Why Do We Need a Parliament

1. Use the terms ‘constituency’ and ‘represent’ to explain who an MLA is and how the person gets elected?

Answer: 

A state is divided into many electoral units called constituencies. People of each constituency elect their MLA. The Member of Legislative Assembly, MLA represents the people of his constituency in the Legislative Assembly of the State.

MLAs are elected directly by voting, from a set of candidates who stands in their respective constituencies. Candidate who secures the maximum number of votes is declared a winner and becomes the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).

2. Discuss with your teacher the difference between a State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and the Parliament (Lok Sabha).

Answer:

State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)	Parliament (Lok Sabha)
Members of Vidhan Sabha are called MLAs.	Members of Lok Sabha are called MPs.
Here the size of electoral constituency is smaller.	Here the size of electoral constituency is larger. A constituency of MP is composed of many constituencies of MLAs.
MLAs elect their leader who heads the state government.	MPs elect their leader who heads the Union government.
An MLA can become a minister in the state cabinet.	An MP can become a minister in the Union cabinet.

3. From the list below, identify the work of a State government and that of a Central government.

RELATED STORIES

(a) The decision of the Indian government to maintain peaceful relations with China.

(b) The decision of the Madhya Pradesh government to discontinue Board exams in Class VIII for all schools under this Board.  

(c) Introduction of a new train connection between Ajmer and Mysore.

(d)Introduction of a new 1,000 rupee note.

Answer:

(a) Central government

(b) State government

(c) Central government

(d) Central government

4. Fill in the blanks with the following words.

universal adult franchise; MLAs; representatives; directly

Democratic governments in our times are usually referred to as representative democracies. In representative democracies, people do not participate ____________ but, instead, choose their ____________ through an election process. These____________ meet and make decisions for the entire population. These days, a government cannot call itself democratic unless it allows what is known as ____________ This means that all adult citizens in the country are allowed to vote.

Answer:

Democratic governments in our times are usually referred to as representative democracies. In representative democracies, people do not participate directly but, instead, choose their representatives through an election process. These MLAs meet and make decisions for the entire population. These days, a government cannot call itself democratic unless it allows what is known as universal adult franchise. This means that all adult citizens in the country are allowed to vote.

5. You have read that most elected members whether in the Panchayat, or the Vidhan Sabha or the Parliament are elected for a fixed period of five years. Why do we have a system where the representatives are elected for a fixed period and not for life?

Answer:

Members are elected for a fixed period of five years so that people can change their representative after five years if they are not satisfied with his work. Regular elections and availability of options to the voters are the key features of a democratic system.

Exercises

NCERT Book Page No. 41

1. Why do you think our national movement supported the idea that all adults have a right to vote?

Answer: 

In our struggle for independence people belonging to different backgrounds came together to fight against the British. They all wanted a free, equal and independent nation where decision-making would be in the hands of the people. The reason to fight for the freedom of the nation was to live in a country governed by the leaders who were sensitive to people’s needs and demands. That is why nationalist movement supported the idea of universal adult franchise, so that the people can take part in the decision making of the country.