Overview
This lecture discusses the origins of democracy, focuses on the structure and functioning of the Indian Parliamentary system, and explains the roles of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the President.
Origins and Types of Democracy
- Democracy was first introduced by Athenians in Greece during the 5th century BCE.
- Cleisthenes is known as the father of Athenian democracy.
- There are 123 democratic countries worldwide.
- Modern democracies are classified into Parliamentary and Presidential systems.
Indian Parliamentary System
- India is the largest democracy and follows the Parliamentary (Westminster) system.
- Parliamentary system was chosen due to India's social and cultural diversity.
- In this system, the executive (Prime Minister and Cabinet) is responsible to the legislature (Parliament).
- The President of India is the nominal executive and acts on advice from the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
- The Indian Parliament consists of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the President.
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- Members are directly elected by the people through the First Past the Post system.
- Candidates must be over 25 years old and serve a 5-year term.
- Maximum seats: 552 (currently 545 members; 543 elected, 2 appointed by the President).
- Seats are allocated to states based on population.
- Lok Sabha elects a Speaker and two Deputy Speakers to maintain discipline.
- Lok Sabha can be dissolved early by the President on the Prime Minister's advice.
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
- Members are elected by state legislative assemblies, not directly by the public.
- The President nominates 12 members for expertise in various fields.
- Maximum seats: 250 (currently 245; 233 elected, 12 appointed).
- Members must be over 30 years old and serve 6-year terms.
- It is a permanent body; one-third of members retire every two years.
- The Vice President of India is the Chairperson of Rajya Sabha.
President of India
- The President is a part of Parliament as per Articles 60 and 111 of the Constitution.
- Elected by members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for a 5-year term.
- Examines and approves laws passed by Parliament.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Democracy — Governance by the people, either directly or through representatives.
- Parliamentary System — A government system where the executive is responsible to the legislature.
- Executive — The Prime Minister and Cabinet, responsible for implementing laws.
- Legislature — The law-making body, i.e., Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
- First Past the Post — An election system where the candidate with the most votes wins.
- Nominal Executive — A ceremonial head (President) acting on advice of the real executive (PM and Cabinet).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Learn about how bills are passed and types of bills in the Indian Parliament as suggested in the next episode.