Parliament Class 9 – Concept, MCQ’s & Notes PDF

Topics Covered

Topic covered: Parliament class 9 notes and MCQs Questions: Working Of Institutions (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 9th about the “Parliament“ from the NCERT Political Science (Civics) notes for class 9th chapter 4 Working Of Institutions.

Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 4 Working Of Institutions Notes PDF

Chapter 4: Working of Institutions in Class 9 Political Science helps you understand how the Indian government actually functions. It explains the roles of the President, Prime Minister, and Parliament in simple terms, using real-life examples like how decisions are made in a democracy. Many students find it tricky to remember how these institutions balance power, so these notes break it down step by step. You’ll also get clarity on topics like judicial independence and cabinet responsibility. Download the NCERT Political Science (Civics) for Class 9th Chapter 4 Working of Institutions Notes PDF to make your revision smoother and faster.

Parliament

1. Parliament’s Role in the Office Memorandum Example:

The decision in the Office Memorandum was not directly taken by Parliament.
Because of this, it might seem that Parliament had no role in the decision.

2. Revisiting the Mandal Commission Case:

The Report of the Mandal Commission was discussed in Parliament.
The President of India mentioned the Mandal issue in his address.
The Prime Minister made a statement related to the Mandal Commission.

3. Indirect Role of Parliament:

Although the decision was not taken directly by Parliament, Parliamentary discussions influenced and shaped the government’s decision.
These discussions created pressure on the government to act on the Mandal recommendations.

4. Parliament’s Influence on the Government:

If Parliament had not supported the decision, the government could not have gone ahead with it.
This shows that Parliament plays a decisive and influential role even when it does not make the final decision.

5. Reflection and Recall:

Students are encouraged to recall earlier lessons about Parliament to understand what it could have done if it disagreed with the Cabinet’s decision.
This helps in understanding the real power and importance of Parliament in decision-making.

Why Do we Need a Parliament?

1. Meaning and Existence of Parliament:

In every democracy, an assembly of elected representatives exercises supreme political authority on behalf of the people.
In India, this national assembly of elected representatives is called the Parliament.
At the state level, it is known as the Legislature or Legislative Assembly.
The name may differ across countries, but such assemblies exist in every democracy.

2. Parliament as the Law-Making Authority:

Parliament is the final authority for making laws in any country.
The task of law-making (legislation) is so important that these assemblies are called legislatures.
Parliaments can:
- Make new laws,
- Change existing laws, or
- Abolish existing laws and replace them with new ones.

3. Parliament’s Control Over the Government:

Parliaments around the world exercise control over those who run the government.
In countries like India, this control is direct and full.
The government can take decisions only as long as it enjoys the support of Parliament.

4. Parliament’s Control Over Public Money:

Parliaments control all government funds.
In most countries, public money can be spent only with Parliament’s approval or sanction.

5. Parliament as a Forum for Debate:

Parliament is the highest forum of discussion and debate on public issues and national policies.
It can seek information on any matter, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

Two Houses of Parliament

1. Structure of Parliament in Large Democracies:

In most large countries, Parliament is divided into two parts, known as Chambers or Houses.
One House is directly elected by the people and holds real power on their behalf.
The second House is indirectly elected and performs special functions, mainly to represent the interests of states, regions, or federal units.

2. Indian Parliament and Its Composition:

The Parliament of India consists of two Houses:
- Council of States (Rajya Sabha)
- House of the People (Lok Sabha)
The President of India is also a part of Parliament, though not a member of either House.
All laws passed by Parliament come into force only after receiving the President’s assent.

3. Comparison of Power Between the Two Houses:

The Rajya Sabha is sometimes called the Upper Chamber and the Lok Sabha the Lower Chamber, but this does not mean Rajya Sabha is more powerful.
The Constitution gives some special powers to Rajya Sabha (mainly over state matters).
However, Lok Sabha exercises supreme power on most issues.

4. Powers of Lok Sabha Over Rajya Sabha:

Passing of Ordinary Laws
- Any ordinary law must be passed by both Houses.
- If there is a disagreement, a joint session of both Houses is held.
- Since the Lok Sabha has more members, its view usually prevails in the joint session.
Control Over Money Matters
- The Lok Sabha has more powers in money matters.
- Once Lok Sabha passes the budget or any money-related law, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it.
- The Rajya Sabha can only delay it for 14 days or suggest changes, which the Lok Sabha may or may not accept.
Control Over the Council of Ministers
- The Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers.
- Only a person who has the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha can become Prime Minister.
- If the majority of Lok Sabha members pass a ‘no-confidence motion’, the Council of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, must resign.
- The Rajya Sabha does not have this power.

5. Key Points to Recall About the Two Houses:

You should know these details for both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha:

A. Total number of members

Maximum 552 members
530 represent the States
20 represent the Union Territories
2 members can be nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community (Note: This nomination provision was later removed by the 104th Amendment in 2020, but it’s mentioned in the textbook).

B. Who elects the members

Members are directly elected by the people of India through general elections, using the universal adult franchise.

C. Length of the term (in years)

The Lok Sabha term is 5 years.
It can be dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

D. Whether the House can be dissolved or is permanent

The Lok Sabha can be dissolved before its term ends.
A new Lok Sabha is formed after every general election.

Note:

A Day in the Life of the Lok Sabha

1. Date and Context:

The proceedings described took place on 7 December 2004, during the Fourteenth Lok Sabha.
It shows how Parliament performs multiple functions in a single day.

2. Question Hour (11:00 AM):

Various ministries gave written answers to about 250 questions asked by Members of Parliament (MPs).
Questions covered topics like:
- Government’s ilitant grouppolicy on talks with ms in Kashmir.
- Atrocities against Scheduled Tribes, including those by the police.
- Over-pricing of medicines by big pharmaceutical companies.
This shows Parliament’s role in holding the government accountable through questions.

3. Presentation of Official Documents (12:00 PM):

A large number of official documents were presented for discussion.
Examples include:
- Recruitment rules for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP).
- Annual Report of IIT Kharagpur.
- Report and accounts of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Visakhapatnam.
This highlights Parliament’s role in reviewing reports and documents from ministries and institutions.

4. Ministerial Statements (12:02 PM):

Minister of Development of North Eastern Region made a statement on Revitalisation of the North Eastern Council.
Minister of State for Railways presented a statement showing the additional grant needed by Railways beyond the sanctioned Railway Budget.
Minister of Human Resource Development introduced the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2004, and explained why an ordinance had been issued.
This reflects Parliament’s role in policy announcement and law-making.

5. Members’ Issues and Concerns (12:14 PM):

MPs raised several issues, such as:
- Vindictiveness of CBI in registering cases in the Tehelka case.
- Demand to include Rajasthani as an official language in the Constitution.
- Renewal of insurance policies for farmers and agricultural workers in Andhra Pradesh.
This shows how Parliament acts as a forum for public grievances and regional issues.

6. Passing of Bills (2:26 PM):

Two government bills were discussed and passed:
- The Securities Laws (Amendment) Bill.
- The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws (Amendment) Bill.
Demonstrates Parliament’s law-making power.

7. Discussion on National Policy (4:00 PM):

There was a long discussion on the foreign policy of India, focusing on maintaining an independent foreign policy in relation to the situation in Iraq.
Reflects Parliament’s role as the highest forum for debate and discussion on national and international issues.

8. Conclusion (7:17 PM):

Discussion concluded, and the House was adjourned for the next day.
Marks the end of a typical working day in Lok Sabha.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 4: Working Of Institutions

Topics No.	Topics Name
1	How Is A Major Policy Decision Taken?
2	Parliament
3	Political Executive
4	The Judiciary

MCQs on NCERT Political Science (Civics) Class 9 Chapter 4 Topic – Parliament Class 9 Notes

Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “Parliament Class 9 Notes” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. What is the national assembly of elected representatives in India called?

a) Legislature
b) Lok Sabha
c) Parliament
d) Cabinet

Answer: c) Parliament

Question 2. At the state level, the legislative assembly is known as:

a) Parliament
b) Legislature
c) Council of Ministers
d) Supreme Court

Answer: b) Legislature

Question 3. The Parliament exercises authority on behalf of:

a) The Prime Minister
b) The President
c) The people
d) The judiciary

Answer: c) The people

Question 4. Why do we need a Parliament in a democracy?

a) To make and implement laws
b) To ensure discussion, control, and representation of the people
c) To assist the judiciary
d) To appoint the President

Answer: b) To ensure discussion, control, and representation of the people

Question 5. Which of the following is not a function of the Parliament?

a) Making laws
b) Controlling government spending
c) Appointing judges
d) Exercising control over the government

Answer: c) Appointing judges

Question 6. The Parliament is the final authority for:

a) Conducting elections
b) Making laws
c) Implementing policies
d) Approving ordinances

Answer: b) Making laws

Question 7. The government can continue to function only as long as it enjoys the support of:

a) The Rajya Sabha
b) The Judiciary
c) The Parliament (Lok Sabha)
d) The President

Answer: c) The Parliament (Lok Sabha)

Question 8. Public money can be spent by the government only with the approval of:

a) The Supreme Court
b) The Parliament
c) The Prime Minister
d) The Election Commission

Answer: b) The Parliament

Question 9. Parliament is the highest forum of:

a) Judiciary
b) Discussion and debate on public issues
c) Executive authority
d) State policy enforcement

Answer: b) Discussion and debate on public issues

Question 10. The Indian Parliament consists of:

a) Lok Sabha and President
b) Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha
c) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the President
d) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Prime Minister

Answer: c) Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the President

Question 11. The President of India is a part of Parliament because:

a) She heads the Lok Sabha
b) She gives assent to bills passed by Parliament
c) She appoints all MPs
d) She controls parliamentary debates

Answer: b) She gives assent to bills passed by Parliament

Question 12. What are the two Houses of the Indian Parliament called?

a) Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha
c) Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council
d) None of these

Answer: b) Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha

Question 13. The Rajya Sabha is also known as:

a) Lower House
b) House of the People
c) Council of States
d) National Assembly

Answer: c) Council of States

Question 14. The Lok Sabha is also known as:

a) Upper Chamber
b) House of the People
c) House of the States
d) Permanent House

Answer: b) House of the People

Question 15. What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?

a) 245 members
b) 552 members
c) 250 members
d) 300 members

Answer: b) 552 members

Question 16. Members of Lok Sabha are elected by:

a) State legislatures
b) The people directly
c) The President
d) Members of Rajya Sabha

Answer: b) The people directly

Question 17. Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by:

a) Direct election
b) State legislative assemblies
c) Governors of states
d) President of India

Answer: b) State legislative assemblies

Question 18. What is the term of Lok Sabha?

a) 4 years
b) 5 years
c) 6 years
d) Permanent

Answer: b) 5 years

Question 19. What is the term of Rajya Sabha members?

a) 5 years
b) 6 years
c) 4 years
d) No fixed term

Answer: b) 6 years

Question 20. Which of the following is a permanent house?

a) Lok Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha
c) Legislative Assembly
d) Parliament

Answer: b) Rajya Sabha

Question 21. Which House of Parliament has more powers in money matters?

a) Lok Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha
c) Both equally
d) None

Answer: a) Lok Sabha

Question 22. The Rajya Sabha can delay a Money Bill by:

a) 7 days
b) 10 days
c) 14 days
d) 21 days

Answer: c) 14 days

Question 23. In case of disagreement between both Houses on an ordinary bill, the final decision is taken in:

a) Lok Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha
c) Joint session of Parliament
d) President’s decision

Answer: c) Joint session of Parliament

Question 24. Who controls the Council of Ministers in India?

a) Rajya Sabha
b) Lok Sabha
c) Supreme Court
d) President

Answer: b) Lok Sabha

Question 25. What happens if the Lok Sabha passes a “no-confidence motion”?

a) Only the Prime Minister resigns
b) The Council of Ministers must resign
c) Parliament dissolves immediately
d) President resigns

Answer: b) The Council of Ministers must resign

Question 26. The Parliament can ask questions and seek information from:

a) Judges
b) Ministries
c) Governors
d) Local governments

Answer: b) Ministries

Question 27. When MPs raise issues like inclusion of Rajasthani as an official language, it shows the Parliament’s role as:

a) Judiciary
b) Policy-maker and representative body
c) Executive
d) Election body

Answer: b) Policy-maker and representative body

Question 28. When the Minister introduced the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2004, it showed the Parliament’s role in:

a) Judicial review
b) Law making
c) Implementation
d) Investigation

Answer: b) Law making

Question 29. Discussion on foreign policy in Parliament reflects its power of:

a) Judiciary control
b) Policy debate and discussion
c) Money approval
d) Executive appointment

Answer: b) Policy debate and discussion

Question 30. When the Minister of State for Railways presented an additional grant for the Railway Budget, it showed Parliament’s control over:

a) Judiciary
b) Finance
c) Foreign policy
d) State governments

Answer: b) Finance

Question 31. Why can’t the Government ignore Parliament’s opinion?

a) Because Parliament can dissolve the Cabinet
b) Because Parliament controls laws, money, and confidence
c) Because Parliament is the judiciary
d) Because it is mentioned in the Preamble

Answer: b) Because Parliament controls laws, money, and confidence

Question 32. What happens if Parliament disagrees with a government’s major policy decision?

a) It can issue a no-confidence motion
b) It can call fresh elections
c) It can seek presidential approval
d) None of these

Answer: a) It can issue a no-confidence motion

Question 33. Why is the Rajya Sabha called the “Upper House”?

a) It is more powerful
b) It represents states and regions
c) It controls the budget
d) It elects the Prime Minister

Answer: b) It represents states and regions

Question 34. Which House of Parliament has the power to remove the government through a vote of no-confidence?

a) Rajya Sabha
b) Lok Sabha
c) Both Houses
d) President