What is Legislature Class 11 Questions: Complete Guide for Political Science

Definition and Meaning of Legislature

The legislature is the branch of government responsible for making laws. It represents the will of the people by debating, discussing, and passing laws that govern the country. In Class 11 Political Science, the NCERT textbook defines the legislature as the institution that creates legal frameworks and policies.

Key points:

• Legislature enacts, amends, and repeals laws.
• It is a representative body elected by the people.
• It holds the executive accountable.

In India, the legislature is a vital part of the democratic system, ensuring laws reflect public interests.

Structure of Legislature: Unicameral vs Bicameral

Legislatures can be structured in two main ways:

India’s Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Many states have unicameral legislatures.

Functions of the Legislature

The legislature performs several important functions:

• Law Making: Drafting, debating, and passing laws.
• Representation: Acting as the voice of the people.
• Oversight: Monitoring and controlling the executive branch.
• Budget Approval: Examining and approving government budgets.
• Amendment Power: Changing the constitution when necessary.

For example, the Indian Parliament debates bills before they become laws. This process ensures transparency and public participation.

How to Answer What is Legislature Class 11 Questions

When answering questions like "What is legislature?" in Class 11 Political Science exams, follow these tips:

• Start with a clear definition.
• Mention its role in law-making and representation.
• Include examples such as the Indian Parliament.
• Explain the structure briefly (unicameral or bicameral).
• Use bullet points for clarity.

Example answer:

"The legislature is the law-making body of the government. It represents the people and enacts laws that govern the country. India has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The legislature also oversees the executive and approves the budget."

Important Terms Related to Legislature

Understanding key terms helps in answering questions effectively:

• Bill: A proposal for a new law.
• Act: A law passed by the legislature.
• Session: The period when the legislature meets.
• Quorum: Minimum members required to conduct business.
• Legislator: An elected member of the legislature.

Knowing these terms will help you interpret questions and write precise answers.

Solved Example: Explaining the Legislature in NCERT Style

Question: What is the legislature and what are its main functions?

Answer:

The legislature is the law-making institution of the government. It represents the people and is responsible for making laws, controlling the executive, and approving the budget. The main functions of the legislature include:

• Law making
• Representation
• Oversight of the executive
• Budget approval
• Constitutional amendments

In India, the legislature consists of two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, making it bicameral.