A.P.
International School (ICSE)
Academic Year 2023– 24
Grade X Subject : History & Civics
Chapter 1 – The Union Parliament
Question 1
1. Who presides over the joint sessions of the two Houses of the Parliament?
Ans : The speaker of the Lok Sabha.
2. When can the Speaker of the Lok Sabha cast his vote?
Ans : The speaker of the Lok Sabha puts the issues to vote and announces the results. The speaker does not
vote in the House, except when there are equal votes on both sides, i.e. The Treasury Benches and the
Opposition.
3. What is the required quorum to hold the meetings of the Lok Sabha?
Ans : The required quorum of the Lok Sabha is one – tenth of the total membership of each House. This
means that the house cannot conduct its proceedings and pass bills and resolutions without the presence of
at least one – tenth of its total membership.
4. How many members are nominated by the President to the Lok Sabha? Which community do they
represent?
Ans : The President can nominate two members to the Lok Sabha The members represent the Anglo – Indian
Community.
5. Mention one provision of the constitution which clearly establishes the supremacy of the Lok Sabha with
regard to Money Bills.
Ans : In case of Money Bills, the Rajya Sabha has virtually no powers. It can neither reject a money bill nor
amend it by the virtue of its own powers. It must, within the stipulated period of 14 days, return the bill to
the Lok Sabha, which may thereupon wither accept or reject all or any of the recommendations of the Rajya
Sabha.
6. Who presides over the meeting of Rajya Sabha in the absence of the Vice President of India?
Ans : Deputy Chairman.
7. Why is the Rajya Sabha called the Permanent House?
Ans :
i) Rajya Sabha called the Permanent House because 1/3 of its members retire every two years.
ii) The Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved by the President of India.
8. What is the Difference in term of office between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha?
Ans : The term of Lok Sabha is five years whereas that of Rajya Sabha is six years.
9. Name the body which elects the members of a Rajya Sabha?
Ans : The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of the Legislative Assemblies of States
and of the two Union Territories.
10. Who is the ex – officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha?
Ans : The Vice – President is the ex – officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
Question 2
A) The powers and functions of the Indian Parliament are wide ranging. In this context, answer the
following.
a) Explain three ways by which the Legislature control over the Executive.
i) Interpellation – The Question Hours, Calling Attention notices and Half – an – Hour discussions
are some of the devices to seek information from the government about its policies and
performance. Of these, the most important is the question hour. The first hour of a sitting in
both houses is allotted for asking and answering of questions. The questions are asked to obtain
information on a matter of public importance or to highlight a grievance.
ii) Vote of No – Confidence of a government acts against the constitutional provisions. It can be
voted out of office by passing a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister, or the Ministry
as a whole or any of its members. In such a case, the whole ministry has to resign.
iii) Adjournment Motion – Motion for adjournment is aimed at censuring the acts of omission and
commission of the Ministers. Adjournment Motions are generally allowed on subjects such as
railway accident resulting in the death of several persons, a daring dacoity.
b) Three special powers of the Rajya Sabha that is usually not enjoyed by the other house.
i) The Rajya Sabha has some exclusive powers. Though the Parliament cannot in normal times,
make laws on a state – subject, the constitution stated that the Rajya Sabha may pass a
resolution adopted by two thirds majority, empower the parliament should make laws with
respect to a matter in the State List. The Lok Sabha has no authority to assert itself in such
matters.
ii) The other special power enjoyed by the Rajya Sabha is that it may declare the creation of new All
– India Service be made in the National Interest. Thereupon, the Parliament may create new
Services.
iii) If the Lok Sabha is dissolved before or after the declaration of a National Emergency, the Rajya
Sabha becomes the Sole de Facto and de jure Parliament, i.e. it takes over the functions of the
Parliament, it cannot be dissolved. This is a limitation on the Lok Sabha.
B) With reference to the Union Legislature, answer the following questions.
a) How is the speaker of Lok Sabha elected? State two disciplinary functions of the Speaker.
Ans : The speaker is elected from the members of the house i.e. Lok Sabha. He / She should be one
amongst them.
i. Receives all petitions and documents in the House.
ii. He / She communicates the decisions of the House to the concerned authorities.
iii. He / She regulates the admission of visitors and Press Correspondents to the galleries of the
House.
b) Give reasons to justify why the Lok Sabha is considered to be more powerful than the Rajya Sabha.
i. Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people.
ii. Money Bills originate in the Lok Sabha.
iii. Non Money Bills originate in either House on a disagreement a joint session is held where
numerical strength of the Lok Sabha is more.
iv. The Lok Sabha can pass the No Confidence Motion.
c) Composition of Rajya Sabha.
i. It consists of not more than 250 members.
ii. 12 members are nominated by the Presidents from among persons have excelled in the field
of art, literature, science and social service.
iii. The remaining 238 members are elected are representatives of the States and the Two
Union Territories.
d) Qualification for Rajya Sabha membership.
i. Must be a citizen of India.
ii. Must not be less than 30 years of age.
iii. He should have his name in the electoral rolls in some part of the country.
iv. He should not be insolvent.
