• Table of Contents

  • Why Do We Need a Parliament: Class 8
  • What is a Parliament?
  • Importance of a Parliament
  • 1. Representation of the People
  • 2. Lawmaking
  • 3. Ensuring Accountability
  • 4. Debate and Discussion
  • 5. Representation of Minority Groups
  • Examples of Parliament’s Role
  • 1. Passing of Laws
  • 2. Government Accountability
  • 3. Representation of Minority Groups
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • 1. What is the role of a parliament in a democracy?
  • 2. How does a parliament ensure government accountability?
  • 3. Can a parliament make laws without public input?
  • 4. Why is representation important in a parliament?
  • 5. How does a parliament promote inclusivity?
  • Summary

The concept of a parliament is an integral part of democratic governance. It serves as a representative body that plays a crucial role in decision-making, lawmaking, and ensuring accountability. In this article, we will explore the importance of a parliament and why it is essential for a functioning democracy. Let’s delve into the topic and understand why we need a parliament.

What is a Parliament?

A parliament is a legislative body that represents the citizens of a country. It is responsible for making laws, discussing important issues, and overseeing the government’s functioning. The parliament consists of elected representatives who voice the concerns and aspirations of the people they represent.

Importance of a Parliament

A parliament serves several crucial functions in a democratic society. Here are some key reasons why we need a parliament:

1. Representation of the People

A parliament ensures that the voices of the people are heard and represented in the decision-making process. Elected representatives act as a bridge between the citizens and the government, conveying their concerns, needs, and demands. This representation is vital for a democracy to function effectively.

2. Lawmaking

One of the primary functions of a parliament is to make laws. The parliament discusses, debates, and passes legislation that governs the country. These laws are formulated to protect the rights and interests of the citizens and maintain social order. Without a parliament, there would be no mechanism to create and enforce laws.

3. Ensuring Accountability

A parliament plays a crucial role in holding the government accountable for its actions. Elected representatives have the power to question the government, scrutinize its policies, and demand explanations. This oversight function ensures transparency and prevents misuse of power by the government.

4. Debate and Discussion

Parliament provides a platform for open debate and discussion on various issues. It allows different perspectives to be heard, encourages dialogue, and facilitates the exchange of ideas. This democratic process helps in making informed decisions and shaping policies that benefit the society as a whole.

5. Representation of Minority Groups

A parliament ensures that the interests of minority groups are not overlooked. It provides a platform for marginalized communities to voice their concerns and seek redressal. The presence of diverse representatives in parliament helps in addressing the needs of all sections of society and promoting inclusivity.

Examples of Parliament’s Role

Let’s look at a few examples that highlight the importance of a parliament:

1. Passing of Laws

In India, the Parliament passed the Right to Education Act in 2009, which made education a fundamental right for all children between the ages of 6 and 14. This legislation aimed to ensure free and compulsory education for every child and improve the overall literacy rate in the country.

2. Government Accountability

In the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) is a weekly session in the House of Commons where Members of Parliament (MPs) can question the Prime Minister directly. This practice ensures that the government remains accountable to the parliament and the public.

3. Representation of Minority Groups

In South Africa, the Parliament has a proportional representation system that ensures fair representation of different political parties. This system helps in giving a voice to minority groups and prevents the dominance of a single party.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of a parliament in a democracy?

A parliament plays a crucial role in a democracy by representing the people, making laws, ensuring accountability, facilitating debate and discussion, and representing minority groups.

2. How does a parliament ensure government accountability?

A parliament ensures government accountability by questioning the government, scrutinizing its policies, and demanding explanations for its actions. Elected representatives hold the government accountable for its decisions and actions.

3. Can a parliament make laws without public input?

No, a parliament cannot make laws without public input. The legislative process involves public consultations, committee discussions, and debates in parliament to ensure that laws reflect the needs and aspirations of the citizens.

4. Why is representation important in a parliament?

Representation is important in a parliament as it ensures that the diverse voices and interests of the people are taken into account. It helps in making inclusive and equitable decisions that benefit the entire society.

5. How does a parliament promote inclusivity?

A parliament promotes inclusivity by providing a platform for marginalized communities and minority groups to voice their concerns. The presence of diverse representatives helps in addressing the needs of all sections of society and preventing discrimination.

Summary

A parliament is an essential institution in a democratic society. It represents the people, makes laws, ensures government accountability, facilitates debate and discussion, and promotes inclusivity. The examples and insights discussed in this article highlight the significance of a parliament in shaping a functioning democracy. It is through a parliament that the aspirations and concerns of the citizens are translated into action, making it a vital pillar of democratic governance.