CBSE Class 11 Political Science – Sample Question Paper

Chapter 5: Legislature (Parliament)
Maximum Marks: 80
Time: 3 hours

General Instructions:

1. Answer all questions.
2. Support answers with examples wherever possible.
3. Marks are indicated against each question.

PART A: VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(1 mark each, 8 × 1 = 8 Marks)

1. What is the literal meaning of the word ‘Parliament’?
2. Name the two houses of the Indian Parliament.
3. How long is the term of Lok Sabha?
4. Who presides over the Rajya Sabha?
5. Name any one type of bill in Parliament.
6. What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?
7. State one function of Parliament besides lawmaking.
8. What is the purpose of Question Hour?

Answers – Part A

1. ‘Parliament’ comes from the French word parler, meaning “to speak.”
2. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
3. 5 years.
4. Vice-President of India.
5. Government bill / Private member bill.
6. 250 members.
7. Controlling the executive / Deliberation / Financial oversight / Representation of citizens.
8. To allow MPs to ask ministers questions about government policies and decisions.

PART B: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(3–4 marks each, 6 × 3 = 18 Marks)

1. Give two reasons why India has a bicameral legislature.
2. List any three powers of the Rajya Sabha.
3. Mention three functions of Lok Sabha other than lawmaking.
4. What is the difference between a money bill and a constitutional amendment bill?
5. Name two ways in which Parliament controls the executive.
6. Define the term ‘Legislature’.

Answers – Part B

1. Reasons for bicameral legislature:
   • Rajya Sabha represents states, ensuring federal balance.
   • Two houses allow review and revision of laws, preventing hasty legislation.
2. Powers of Rajya Sabha:
   • Can review and suggest amendments to bills (except money bills).
   • Can authorize Parliament to make laws on state subjects during emergency.
   • Participates in constitutional amendments with Lok Sabha.
3. Functions of Lok Sabha (other than lawmaking):
   • Controls the executive through vote of no confidence.
   • Approves the budget and taxes.
   • Represents citizens’ interests.
   • Deliberates on national issues.
4. Difference:
   • Money bill: Can only be introduced in Lok Sabha; deals with taxes and government expenditure.
   • Constitutional amendment bill: Requires two-thirds majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha; can amend Constitution.
5. Ways Parliament controls executive:
   • Question Hour.
   • Zero Hour.
   • Debates and discussions.
   • Vote of no confidence.
   • Financial control via budget approval.
6. Legislature is the organ of government responsible for making laws, representing citizens, and controlling the executive.

PART C: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

(5 marks each, 6 × 5 = 30 Marks)

1. Explain the composition and tenure of Rajya Sabha.
2. How does Parliament make laws in India? Explain the process step by step.
3. Describe the powers of Lok Sabha.
4. Explain three ways in which Parliament regulates itself.
5. Why do we need a Parliament? Give four points.
6. Write a short note on the functions of Rajya Sabha.

Answers – Part C

1. Composition and Tenure of Rajya Sabha:
   • Maximum 250 members.
   • 12 nominated by President for contributions in literature, science, art, or social service.
   • Remaining elected by state and union territory legislatures using proportional representation.
   • Tenure is 6 years; one-third of members retire every 2 years.
2. Law-making Process:
   • Introduction of Bill: Can be in either house (except money bill).
   • First Reading: General discussion on objectives.
   • Second Reading: Clause-by-clause discussion; amendments suggested.
   • Third Reading: Final discussion and voting.
   • Other House Approval: Bill sent to second house for similar procedure.
   • President’s Assent: Becomes law after approval.
   • Special bills: Money bills originate in Lok Sabha; constitutional amendments require two-thirds majority.
3. Powers of Lok Sabha:
   • Lawmaking, including money bills.
   • Control of executive via vote of no confidence.
   • Financial powers: budget, taxation, government expenditure.
   • Representation of citizens.
   • Debating national issues.
4. Ways Parliament regulates itself:
   • Rules of Procedure for debates and voting.
   • Presiding officers (Speaker, Vice-President) maintain order.
   • Committees (Departmental, Financial, Ad-hoc) scrutinize bills and policies.
   • Discipline: ethical conduct, dress code, seating arrangements.
   • Voting procedures: voice vote, division vote, electronic voting.
5. Why we need a Parliament:
   • To make laws for the nation.
   • To represent citizens’ interests.
   • To hold the executive accountable.
   • To approve government expenditure and budget.
   • To debate and deliberate on policies and national issues.
6. Functions of Rajya Sabha:
   • Legislative: Review and suggest amendments to bills.
   • Review constitutional amendments with Lok Sabha.
   • Provide federal representation by voicing state interests.
   • Control executive via questioning ministers and debates.
   • Special powers during national emergency.

PART D: MAP / CASE-BASED / Application Based Question

(Answer any 1 question, 1 × 8 = 8 Marks)

1. Case Study:
   The government wants to introduce a new tax reform. The Finance Minister presents a bill in the Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha suggests a few changes but cannot reject it. Finally, the bill is sent to the President for approval.
   • Identify the type of bill.
   • Explain why Rajya Sabha cannot reject it.
   • Write the step-by-step process this bill will follow to become law.

Answer – Part D

• Type of bill: Money Bill.
• Reason Rajya Sabha cannot reject: As per the Constitution, money bills can only be passed or suggested changes; final decision rests with Lok Sabha.
• Steps to become law:
  1. Introduced in Lok Sabha.
  2. First Reading: Objective discussion.
  3. Second Reading: Clause-by-clause discussion and amendments.
  4. Third Reading: Final debate and voting.
  5. Sent to Rajya Sabha: suggestions considered.
  6. Passed in Lok Sabha again if necessary.
  7. Sent to President for assent → becomes law.

Marking Scheme Summary:

• Part A: 8 × 1 = 8 Marks
• Part B: 6 × 3 = 18 Marks
• Part C: 6 × 5 = 30 Marks
• Part D: 1 × 8 = 8 Marks
• Total = 80 Marks