House of the People: Parliament and the Making of Indian Democracy

There is overwhelming support for democracy in India, but low levels of trust in political parties and elected representatives. This book looks beyond Indian elections to the Lok Sabha, which represents a diverse nation of a billion-plus people. It seeks to answer if the Indian Parliament is working well to articulate the diverse demands of the electorate and transform the institution of parliament.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In India, democracy enjoys widespread support, with higher voter turnout than in many Western democracies. However, trust in political parties and elected representatives remains low. This book goes beyond the realm of Indian elections, delving into the Lok Sabha, the House of the People, which comprises 543 members directly elected for five years by a potential 800 million plus voters in 2019. The central question it seeks to answer is whether the Indian Parliament, tasked with representing a diverse nation of over a billion people, is effectively working to articulate the diverse demands of the electorate and translate them into legislation and policy. Additionally, the book explores to what extent the practice of Indian democracy has transformed the institution of parliament, which was inherited from the British.

The Indian Parliament, comprising 543 members directly elected for five years by a potential 800 million plus voters in 2019, plays a crucial role in shaping the nation's legislative and policy decisions. However, despite the overwhelming support for democracy in India, trust in political parties and elected representatives remains low. This book aims to delve beyond the realm of Indian elections and explore the functioning of the Lok Sabha, the House of the People.

The Indian Parliament, with its vast membership and diverse electorate, faces the challenge of representing the diverse demands of a billion-plus people. The book seeks to answer two key questions: Is the Indian Parliament working effectively to articulate the diverse demands of the electorate and translate them into legislation and policy? To what extent has the practice of Indian democracy transformed the institution of parliament, which was adopted from the British?

One aspect of the book examines the role of the Indian Parliament in representing the diverse demands of the electorate. It explores whether the Parliament is able to effectively communicate the concerns and aspirations of different sections of society and translate them into meaningful legislation and policy. The book also examines the mechanisms in place to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities and individuals are heard and represented in the legislative process.

Another aspect of the book explores the transformation of the institution of parliament itself in the context of Indian democracy. It examines how the Parliament has adapted to the changing needs and demands of the nation over the years and how it has evolved to become more representative and accountable. The book also looks at the challenges and opportunities that the Indian Parliament faces in the future, such as the need for political consensus, the role of regional parties, and the impact of technology on the legislative process.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the functioning of the Lok Sabha and its role in shaping Indian democracy. It sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that the Parliament faces in representing the diverse demands of the electorate and transforming the institution of parliament. The book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and interested individuals seeking to understand the dynamics of Indian politics and governance.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 162 x 238 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009180252