Notes-Class 8-Civics-Chapter-2-The Indian Parliament-Maharashtra Board

(i) Formulation of laws :

• To formulate new laws for achieving welfare of the people and fulfilling the objectives of the Constitution.
• To repeal outdated laws.
• To make necessary changes in some laws.
• These laws are formulated as per the process described in the
• Constitution.

(ii) Control over the Council of Ministers :

• The Parliament keeps control over the Council of Ministers through multiple ways.
• The Council of Ministers cannot function disregarding the Parliament.
• The Parliament can control the Council of Ministers by asking explanations, passing a no-confidence motion, etc.

(iii) Amendments to the Constitution :

According to the changing times, certain necessary changes have to be made in some laws. The process of making such changes is called Amendment.

• Only the Parliament has the right to make such amendments to the Constitution.
• The Constitution amendment bill is considered to be an important bill.
• The Parliament discusses why the amendment is required and decides whether to accept it or not.

• The Constitution mentions three ways of amending the Constitution : (i) by simple majority of the Parliament (ii) by special (2/3rd) majority of the Parliament (iii) by special majority plus consent from more than half of the constituent states.

Functions of the Speaker :

• To conduct the business of the House in an unbiased manner.
• To take care of the rights and privileges of the Members of Parliament.
• To conduct the functioning of Lok Sabha systematically and uninterrupted.
• To maintain the decorum and dignity of the House.
• To interpret the rules and daily functioning of the House and work accordingly.

(i) Bill :

• At the initial stage of law-making process, a rough draft of the law is prepared.
• This rough draft or outline is known as ‘draft proposal of the law’ or ‘bill of law’.
• The Bill clearly mentions the objectives and the details of the proposed law.
• A rough draft or outline is prepared initially and presented in the Parliament.
• Every bill has to undergo three readings in both the Houses, and then it is put to vote.
• When a bill approved by both the Houses is signed by the President, it becomes law.
• Any member of the Parliament can present a Bill in the House.

(ii)Types of Bills :

• Money Bill
• Ordinary Bill
• Constitutional Amendment Bill

(iii) Law making procedure :

A Bill has to undergo following procedure before converting into Low (Act)

First reading :

• The minister oi the concerned department/ministry or member of the Parliament presents the bill in the House.
• The objectives and the structure of the Bill are mentioned.

Second reading :

• The positive and negative points of the bill are discussed.
• The defects and faults in the bill are stressed.
• After removing the defects and the faults, the bill is put to vote.

Committee Stage :

• Sometimes, if required, the Bill is sent to the committee of the House.
• The Bill is discussed in the Committee in details.
• The Committee report consisting of instructions and recommendations is sent to the House.
• The Bill is discussed clause by clause and then voting is taken.

Third reading :

• The Bill is once again discussed in the House.
• Voting is taken for approving the Bill.

Approval of the other House :

• The Bill has to undergo the same procedure even in the other House.
• The Bill is approved by majority.

Assent by the President :

• After getting an approval from both the Houses, the Bill is further sent for assent by the President.
• After the final assent and signature of the President, the Bill is converted into
• Law.