---
type: "Chapter"
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entity_type: "chapter"
id: "66f15befe361cd99fe371582"
title: "LEGISLATURE"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 11"
subject: "Political Science"
book: "Indian Constitution at Work"
chapter: "LEGISLATURE"
chapter_slug: "legislature"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-11-political-science-indian-constitution-at-work-legislature"
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source: "Edzy"
version: 1
last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# LEGISLATURE

This chapter discusses the functioning of elected legislatures in India and their role in maintaining a democratic government. It covers the composition and functioning of the Parliament and State legislatures, emphasizing the importance of legislatures in ensuring accountability and representation in democracy.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | Indian Constitution at Work |
| Chapter | LEGISLATURE |
| Pages | 100-123 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
This chapter elucidates the significance of legislatures in India, exploring their roles in law-making, controlling the executive, and representing public interests.

### Detailed Summary
The chapter elaborates on the importance of legislatures as they are not merely law-making bodies but are central to democratic processes. It discusses the need for two houses in Parliament, namely the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and highlights their distinct powers and functions. The law-making process is described in detail, along with how Parliament exercises control over the executive and manages its internal regulations. Additionally, the chapter underscores the functions of parliamentary committees and the significance of orderly conduct in legislative business.

---

## Topic-Wise Explanation

### WHY DO WE NEED A PARLIAMENT?
The legislature is essential for democracy, serving as a means for people to hold representatives accountable. It embodies democratic principles through action and representation.

### WHY DO WE NEED TWO HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT?
India's Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with a bicameral structure allowing for thorough debate and reconsideration of legislation, promoting representation across diverse demographics.

### WHAT DOES THE PARLIAMENT DO?
Parliament engages in legislative, financial, and executive control functions, debates national issues, represents diverse social groups, and possesses powers to amend the Constitution.

### HOW DOES THE PARLIAMENT MAKE LAWS?
The law-making process follows a structured procedure involving drafting, introduction, passage in both Houses, and presidential assent to enact laws.

### HOW DOES THE PARLIAMENT CONTROL THE EXECUTIVE?
Parliament can hold the executive accountable through debate, approval of laws, financial scrutiny, and no-confidence motions, ensuring government transparency.

### WHAT DO THE COMMITTEES OF PARLIAMENT DO?
Committees facilitate detailed examination of legislative matters, streamline parliamentary processes, and include both standing committees and joint committees for thorough oversight.

### HOW DOES THE PARLIAMENT REGULATE ITSELF?
Parliament regulates its procedures through rules established in the Constitution and mechanisms like the anti-defection law to maintain orderly conduct within its sessions.

---

## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Accountability | The legislature serves as a forum for holding the executive accountable to the public.|
| Bicameralism | The existence of two houses ensures comprehensive debate and reflection on legislation.|

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## Important Points for Revision

* Legislatures are fundamental to democratic governance in India.
* The Parliament comprises two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
* Each house has distinct powers and functions in law-making and governance.
* The law-making process involves several stages before a bill becomes law.
* Parliament controls the executive through various mechanisms, including questioning and financial oversight.
* Committees play a vital role in legislative processes and oversight.
* The anti-defection law regulates member behavior and party loyalty.

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## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. What roles do legislatures play in a democracy?
2. Explain the necessity of having two houses in the Indian Parliament.
3. What are the main functions of the Parliament?
4. Describe the law-making process in Parliament.
5. How does Parliament ensure executive accountability?

### Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the functions of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in detail.
2. Analyze the importance of parliamentary committees in the legislative process.
3. Explain the significance of the anti-defection law in maintaining parliamentary democracy.

---

## Related Concepts

* Parliamentary Sovereignty
* Legislative Procedures
* Political Representation
* Executive Accountability

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 66f15befe361cd99fe371582 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-11-political-science-indian-constitution-at-work-legislature |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-11-political-science-indian-constitution-at-work-legislature.md |