KRIGYAN

The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive

Class 8 · Social Science

1 idea in Class 8 Social Science, explained in plain words, with games and quizzes to practise.

Parliament and the Bicameral System

Part of: Governance and Democracy

The Indian Parliament is composed of the President and two houses: Lok Sabha (House of the People / Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States / Upper House). Two houses = 'bicameral' system (bi = two, cameral = chamber/house). Lok Sabha maximum members: 550 (per Constitution). Members elected through direct election (universal adult suffrage). Rajya Sabha MPs are elected indirectly by an electoral college. There have been 17 Lok Sabhas since 1952; the 18th Lok Sabha was constituted in June 2024. The old Parliament building (now Samvidhan Sadan) was built in the 1920s.

Why it matters. Understanding how Parliament works is essential for every citizen who will one day vote and hold their representatives accountable.

Try it in two minutes

  1. Ask: what does 'bicameral' mean?
  2. Ask: what are the two houses of India's Parliament?
  3. Ask: how many Lok Sabhas have there been since 1952?

Try at home. Ask your child to name the two houses of Parliament and explain how members of each are chosen.

What your child will practise

  • Parliament and the Bicameral System: Candy Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
  • Parliament and the Bicameral System: Explorer'S Map Quest (Collect the Answer)
  • Parliament and the Bicameral System: Ocean Puzzle (Clue Puzzle)
  • Parliament and the Bicameral System: Time Travel Quest (Match It Up)
  • Quiz: Parliament and the Bicameral System (8 questions)