This chapter explains the role and structure of the Legislature in a democracy. It focuses on how laws are made, the role of Parliament, and the interaction between the Legislature and other branches of the government. Students will learn about different types of legislatures, how they function, and why they are considered the backbone of a democratic system like India’s.
I am writing this article because students often find civics and political science difficult to relate to. But the Legislature is something that directly affects every citizen. Be it a law about education, jobs, or public safety—it all passes through the Legislature. Many competitive exams also ask detailed questions from this chapter. Understanding it gives us a better idea of how our democracy runs and how decisions are made on behalf of the people. So whether you’re a student of Class 11 or someone preparing for exams like UPSC or SSC, this chapter is extremely relevant and practical.
What is the Legislature?
The Legislature is the branch of the government responsible for making laws. In a democracy, it is seen as the most important organ because it represents the voice of the people. It not only makes laws but also keeps a check on the functioning of the Executive.
India follows a parliamentary system, and its national legislature is called the Parliament. It is divided into two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). While the Lok Sabha is directly elected by the public, the Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories.
At the state level, the legislature may be unicameral (only one house) or bicameral (two houses), depending on the state.
Why Do We Need a Legislature?
The legislature performs many vital functions in a democracy:
- It makes laws on issues affecting the public
- It controls how the government spends money through the budget
- It keeps the Executive accountable through questions and debates
- It represents public opinion and discusses key issues
- It provides a forum for law-making and policy review
Without a legislature, a democracy would not be functional. It acts as a check on the powers of the Executive and ensures that no single authority becomes too powerful.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Members | Maximum 545 | Maximum 250 |
| Election | Directly by the public | Indirectly by state legislatures |
| Term | 5 years | 6 years, with 1/3rd retiring every 2 years |
| Presiding Officer | Speaker | Vice-President (as Chairperson) |
| Role in Money Bills | Introduces and passes | Can only give recommendations |
Types of Bills in Parliament
The chapter also helps students understand the different types of bills:
- Ordinary Bill – Can be introduced in either house
- Money Bill – Only introduced in Lok Sabha
- Constitution Amendment Bill – Needs a special majority
- Private Member’s Bill – Introduced by MPs who are not ministers
The law-making process involves multiple readings, discussions, and votes in both houses before a bill becomes a law.
Relationship Between Legislature and Executive
In India, the Executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is part of the Legislature. This means ministers are also members of Parliament and are accountable to it. The Prime Minister must maintain the confidence of the Lok Sabha. If the majority of MPs withdraw support, the government has to resign.
This close link between the Legislature and Executive ensures that the government works responsibly and is always answerable to the people’s representatives.
Download PDF: NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5
If you want the official NCERT PDF for this chapter, you can download it for free from the NCERT website
