This picture is a symbol of our democratic rule. In this context, answer the following questions:

(a) How does the Parliament work to ensure that the people of India make laws for themselves?

(b) How does the Parliament exercise control over the Executive?

(c) When you grow up, you will have a chance to become an MP. Would you like to be an MP in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha? Why?

(a) The Parliament ensures that the people of India make laws for themselves as both the Houses of the Parliament are made up of the representatives of the people.

1. Lok Sabha — The Lok Sabha is the House of the People. Its members are directly elected by the people of India on the basis of universal adult franchise.
2. Rajya Sabha — The members of Rajya Sabha fall into two categories - nominated and elected. The 12 nominated members are nominated by the President from amongst persons who have specialised in the field of art, literature, science and social services. The remaining representatives of the States and Union Territories are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies.

Since no Bill can become a law unless it is passed by both the Houses, laws are in effect made by the people's own representatives.

(b) The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and remains in office only as long as it has the confidence of the Lok Sabha. Parliament exercises control over the Executive in the following manner:

1. Interpellation: Devices like Question Hour, Zero Hour and Calling Attention Notices help MPs seek information from the government. Question Hour, held in the first hour of a sitting, promotes transparency by allowing MPs to question government policies and actions.
2. Vote of No-confidence: If the government loses the majority's support, it must resign.
3. Adjournment Motion: Used to discuss and censure serious issues like government negligence or misconduct.
4. Other Motions of Censure: They include rejection of government bills or passing of private member bills against the government's stance.
5. Monetary Controls: Parliament exercises monetary controls through budget discussions, cut motions, and examination of government spending by the Public Accounts Committee, based on CAG (Comptroller and Auditor-General of India) reports.

These tools ensure the government stays accountable and acts in the public interest.

(c) I would like to be an MP in the Lok Sabha because the members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of the country and hence, the Lok Sabha has special powers which make it more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and a No-confidence Motion against the government can be moved only in the Lok Sabha.