India’s democratic framework hinges on its Union Legislature, a bicameral body comprising the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. These two houses work in tandem to legislate, maintain financial oversight, and ensure governmental accountability.
The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, is the lower house and represents the direct will of the Indian populace. Its members, currently up to 552, are chosen directly by citizens from various states and Union Territories. The Lok Sabha holds significant sway, particularly in financial matters, and uniquely possesses the power to initiate a no-confidence motion, thereby challenging the government’s continued tenure.
Its 250 members are not directly elected by the public but rather by the legislative assemblies of the states, ensuring that states have a voice in national lawmaking. Twelve of its members are nominated by the President, acknowledging individuals who have distinguished themselves in fields such as art, science, or social service. The Rajya Sabha acts as a deliberative body, reviewing and refining legislation passed by the Lok Sabha.
The core responsibilities of the Union Legislature are multifaceted. Foremost is its lawmaking function, where both houses engage in detailed discussions, propose amendments, and ultimately pass bills, which then require the President’s assent to become law. In terms of financial control, the Lok Sabha plays a pivotal role in scrutinizing and approving the annual budget and taxation proposals. The legislature also exercises crucial oversight over the executive branch through various mechanisms, including parliamentary questions, debates, and dedicated committees. Furthermore, Members of Parliament (MPs) serve as representatives of their constituents, bringing public concerns to the forefront and actively participating in policy discourse.
It’s important to note that while the President of India is an integral part of the legislature, they do not participate in parliamentary proceedings. Their role involves providing the final approval to bills, and they possess the authority to summon or dissolve parliamentary sessions. This intricate structure of the Union Legislature is fundamental to maintaining a healthy balance of power within India’s governance, reflecting the aspirations of its citizens while simultaneously holding the government accountable.
I. Fill in the blanks:
- The elections to the Lok Sabha are held by__________.
Answer: secret ballot
- A person should have acquired the age of __________of age to become a Member of Lok Sabha.
Answer:25 years
- The maximum strength of the members of Lok Sabha is ___________.
Answer:545 members
- The Rajya Sabha is the ___________.
Answer:upper House of Parliament
- The President can nominate ___________in the Rajya Sabha.
Answer:12 members
II. Match the contents of Column A with those of Column B.
Answer:
III. Tick mark (✓) the correct statements and cross mark (X) the wrong ones.
- The Rajya Sabha is presided over by the Vice President of India.
Answer: ✓ - A money bill has to be moved first in the Lok Sabha.
Answer: ✓ - The Parliament meets at least twice a year.
Answer: ✓ - The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years.
Answer: ✓
IV. Answer the following questions:
1)Name the two Houses of the Union Parliament?
Answer:India’s Parliament (Sansad) is bicameral. The Lok Sabha, directly elected, holds the primary financial power and determines the government. The Rajya Sabha, indirectly elected by states, acts as a revising body, scrutinizing legislation and representing state interests.
2)How are the members of the Lok Sabha elected?
Answer: The members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, are directly elected by the people. The country is divided into 543 parliamentary constituencies, and each constituency elects one member.
The election process involves:
- Universal Adult Franchise: All Indian citizens aged 18 years and above, who are not otherwise disqualified, have the right to vote.
- First-Past-the-Post System: In each constituency, the candidate who secures the highest number of votes, even if it’s not a majority, is declared the winner. This is also known as a simple majority system.
- Secret Ballot: Voting is conducted through electronic voting machines (EVMs), ensuring that each voter’s choice remains confidential.
- General Elections: Elections are held every five years, or whenever the Lok Sabha is dissolved earlier, to elect new members.
3)What is a bicameral legislature?
Answer:India’s parliamentary system is characterized by its bicameral legislature, meaning it has two houses. These two pivotal bodies are the Rajya Sabha, commonly referred to as the Upper House, and the Lok Sabha, also known as the Lower House. This dual-chamber design is absolutely central to how the nation’s laws are crafted and enacted.
4)Mention the essential qualifications for a person to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
Answer:To be eligible for Lok Sabha membership, an individual must be an Indian citizen, at least 25 years old, and of sound mind. They must not be bankrupt, hold an office of profit under the government, or be a proclaimed offender. Additionally, their name must appear on the electoral rolls somewhere in India.
5)What is the composition of the Rajya Sabha ?
Answer:India’s Rajya Sabha, its upper house of Parliament, has a maximum capacity of 250 members. A substantial portion of these, 238 to be exact, are chosen through elections conducted by the legislative assemblies of India’s states and union territories. The remaining 12 positions are designated for presidential appointments, acknowledging individuals who have excelled in areas like science, literature, the arts, and social service. Currently, the Rajya Sabha comprises 245 members. This includes 233 members who have been elected by the states and 12 who are presidential nominees
6)What are the functions of the Lok Sabha?
Answer:The Lok Sabha plays a vital role in Indian governance. Its primary functions include lawmaking, where it passes bills and enacts laws on subjects outlined in the Constitution’s Union and Concurrent Lists. Financially, it holds ultimate authority over the national budget and government spending, with all money bills originating within its chambers. Additionally, the Lok Sabha maintains control over the Council of Ministers, who are answerable to it and dependent on its continued confidence to remain in power.
7)Describe the law-making functions of the Parliament.
Answer:The Union Parliament acts as the central law-making authority for the Union Government, with duties extending beyond just legislation. It has the power to create, modify, or abolish laws on all 97 subjects in the Union List, plus any remaining subjects.
In certain situations, Parliament can also legislate on matters usually reserved for the State List. For the 47 subjects in the Concurrent List, both Parliament and State Legislatures can pass laws. Additionally, the Union Parliament alone can amend the Constitution, with some amendments requiring approval from a majority of states.
8)How does the Parliament exercise control over the Government?
Answer:The Parliament primarily functions to control the government, holding it accountable for its actions. This is achieved through various mechanisms:
- No-confidence votes: Parliament can remove the government by passing a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister or any minister.
- Adjournment motions: MPs can introduce motions to discuss urgent public matters, interrupting regular parliamentary business to demand immediate government attention.
- Question Hour: Members of Parliament can question ministers on state administration, to which ministers are obligated to respond. This allows for scrutiny of departmental functioning.
- Budgetary control: Parliament can influence government policy by voting to cut the annual budget.
V. Write short notes on the following:
1)Adjournment motion
Answer:Parliamentary proceedings can be interrupted for urgent public matters through a motion to adjourn. This allows members to pause regular business and immediately discuss critical new issues.
2)Universal Adult Franchise
Answer:Universal adult suffrage is a core democratic principle that grants all adult citizens the right to vote, irrespective of their social status, wealth, gender, religion, race, or caste. This ensures that the government reflects the collective will of its people and promotes inclusivity.
Historically, voting rights were restricted, often to property-owning men, and expanded progressively through various civil and political rights movements to include working-class men, then women, and eventually all adults.
India adopted universal adult suffrage from its inception as a republic in 1950, a principle enshrined in Article 326 of its Constitution. This marked a significant departure from colonial practices and laid the groundwork for empowering marginalized communities.
The impact on democracy is substantial: it guarantees political equality, enables citizens to choose representatives and influence policies, and encourages governmental accountability. It also integrates diverse societal groups, fostering shared responsibility in the democratic process. Despite obstacles such as illiteracy and financial influence, universal adult suffrage remains vital for strengthening democratic participation and upholding justice and equality.
3)Secret Ballot
Answer:The secret ballot ensures voter anonymity in elections, preventing coercion and bribery. Voters receive printed ballots at polling stations and mark their choices privately. This method is designed to be unbiased and protect individual voting decisions from external influence.
Additional Questions
EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blanks:
- The functions of the government are divided into three branches, namely, the __________.
Answer:Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.
- Subjects for legislation are divided into three lists-the__________.
Answer: Union List, the State List and the Concurrent List.
- The Union Parliament has two Houses-the ___________.
Answer: Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
- The __________ is a permanent house. It cannot be dissolved.
Answer: Rajya Sabha
- The Parliament is _________ the legislature.
Answer:answerable to
B. Match the following:
Answer:
C. Choose the correct answer:
- The President carries out his/her functions on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lok Sabha/the Council of Ministers/the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: The President carries out his/her functions on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. - Both the central and the state governments can make laws on the subjects in the Union List/State List/Concurrent List
Answer: Both the central and the state governments can make laws on the subjects in the Concurrent List. - The Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha/Vidhan Sabha is also known as the Council of States
Answer: The Rajya Sabha is also known as the Council of States. - The President can nominate 2/10/12 members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha.
Answer: The President can nominate 2 members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha. - At present the Lok Sabha consists of 454/645/525
Answer: At present the Lok Sabha consists of 545 members.
D. State whether the following are true or false:
- The State List includes subjects of national importance.
Answer: False. - A member of the Lok Sabha should be at least 30 years of age.
Answer: True. - The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved by the President.
Answer: True. - The money bill has to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: False. - The Vice-President is the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: True.
E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:
1. Who is the nominal executive head of the government of India?
Answer: In India’s parliamentary system, the President serves as the head of state, a largely symbolic figure embodying national unity. Though vested with significant constitutional powers, the President exercises these on the counsel of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, who wield actual executive authority. The Prime Minister and their Cabinet manage daily governance, policy, and administration, and are directly answerable to the Lok Sabha. The President mainly functions as a constitutional guardian, especially during political shifts, while the elected government remains the core of executive power.
2. How do we know that the Parliament has supreme authority in the government?
Answer: The Indian parliamentary system establishes a clear line of accountability: the Lok Sabha holds the Council of Ministers directly responsible for its actions. This fundamental principle ensures that the executive branch, comprising the Prime Minister and their cabinet, is answerable to the elected representatives of the people. Every policy, decision, and action undertaken by the Council of Ministers is subject to scrutiny and approval by the Lok Sabha.
This inherent power dynamic elevates Parliament, particularly the Lok Sabha, to a position of paramount authority within the government. While the executive proposes and implements policies, it is the legislature that possesses the ultimate power to either endorse or reject them. This system prevents unchecked executive power and reinforces the democratic principle that the government derives its legitimacy and authority from the will of the people, as expressed through their elected representatives in Parliament.
3. Which branch of government interprets and defines laws?
Answer: The judiciary, made up of courts and judges, primarily interprets and clarifies laws to ensure their fair and consistent application. It resolves legal disputes by defining the meaning and scope of legal provisions and, crucially, reviews laws passed by the legislature for constitutional compliance
4.What is the minimum age qualification of an Indian voter?
Answer: Universal adult franchise in India guarantees voting rights to all citizens aged 18 and above, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, education, or economic standing. Mandated by Article 326 of the Constitution, this principle underpins elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. The 61st Amendment Act of 1988 reduced the voting age from 21 to 18, aiming to increase youth involvement. This fundamental right empowers citizens to choose their representatives, fostering accountability and active participation in India’s democratic process.
5.Who conducts the meetings of the Lok Sabha?
Answer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the neutral presiding officer of India’s lower house of Parliament. Their primary role is to manage meetings, enforce discipline, and ensure adherence to parliamentary rules and decorum. The Speaker sets the agenda, makes procedural rulings, certifies Money Bills, and exercises a casting vote in case of a tie. They also represent the Lok Sabha, uphold its dignity, and head its Secretariat, with the Deputy Speaker or a nominated chairperson officiating in their absence.
6. How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
Answer:Members of the Rajya Sabha are chosen through an indirect election process. The primary method involves elected Members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) voting for them using a system of proportional representation with the single transferable vote. Furthermore, the President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha, recognizing their significant contributions in fields such as art, literature, science, or social service.
7. What is meant by the term ‘budget’?
Answer: The Indian Budget, as per Article 112 of the Constitution, is the government’s Annual Financial Statement, covering the fiscal year from April 1st to March 31st. It outlines anticipated revenues, mainly from taxes and non-tax sources, and planned expenditures across various sectors like defense, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare programs. Presented by the Finance Minister to Parliament, typically on February 1st, it serves as a crucial financial blueprint reflecting the government’s economic policies and priorities for achieving national goals. Parliamentary approval is essential for its implementation.
8. What happens when a vote of no-confidence is passed against the Council of Ministers ?
Answer: A vote of no-confidence is a key parliamentary procedure used in the Lok Sabha to challenge the government’s authority. Proposed by the opposition, it needs backing from at least 50 MPs. If passed by a majority, the Prime Minister and entire Council of Ministers must resign, as they operate on collective responsibility. This indicates a loss of parliamentary trust and can lead to fresh elections.
9.Explain the meaning of the term ‘quorum’.
Answer: Quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to be present at a legislative body’s meeting for its proceedings to be valid. As per Article 100 of the Indian Constitution, this is one-tenth of the total members for both the Lok Sabha (around 55 members) and the Rajya Sabha (around 25 members).
This principle is vital for ensuring representation, legitimizing proceedings, preventing abuse of power by a small minority, promoting deliberation among members, and maintaining public trust in the legislative process. If a quorum is not met, the presiding officer must adjourn or suspend the meeting, emphasizing its importance for significant decision-making, particularly voting on bills and resolutions.
F. Answer the following questions briefly:
1)In the context of the Parliamentary form of government, answer the following questions:
(a) What are the main features of the parliamentary form of government?
Answer:The parliamentary system operates with a dual executive: a ceremonial head of state and a powerful Prime Minister who leads the government. The executive is directly answerable to the legislature, needing its continued confidence to remain in office. Ministers are typically legislators themselves, and the Prime Minister, usually heading the majority party, wields significant power. The government’s term isn’t fixed; it can end if it loses the legislature’s support.
(b) Name the three branches of government and state their respective functions.
Answer: In a parliamentary system, government power is divided among three branches:
- Legislature (Parliament): Responsible for creating and approving laws.
- Executive (Council of Ministers): Tasked with implementing laws and managing daily governance.
- Judiciary: Interprets laws, administers justice, and upholds the Constitution’s principles.
(c) Why are powers distributed between the central and the state governments?
Answer:India’s governance operates on a federal system, distributing powers between the central and state governments. This division, enshrined in the constitution, allows the central government to manage national issues like defense, while states handle regional matters such as public health. This approach prevents power concentration, encourages local involvement, and respects India’s diverse cultures and languages.
2)Give an account of the Lok Sabha with reference to:
(a) Its composition
(b) Basic qualifications of its members
(c) Its term
Answer:(a) Composition:The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, comprises up to 530 members directly elected from states and up to 20 from Union Territories. While historically two Anglo-Indian members could be nominated by the President, this provision is no longer active. Thus, the Lok Sabha’s maximum strength is 550 directly elected members.
(b) Basic qualifications of its members:To qualify as a Lok Sabha member, an individual must be an Indian citizen, at least 25 years old, and swear allegiance to the Constitution. Key disqualifiers include holding an office of profit, being of unsound mind or an undischarged insolvent, or any other disqualification specified by parliamentary law.
(c) Its term: The Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, generally holds a five-year term. However, the President may dissolve it sooner if the ruling party no longer commands a majority. In rare cases, such as a national emergency, its term can be extended by one year at a time.
3)Give an account of the Rajya Sabha with reference to :
(a) Its composition
(b) Basic qualifications of its members
(c) Its term
Answer:(a) Its composition: The Rajya Sabha, India’s Council of States, can have up to 250 members. Most (238) are indirectly elected by state legislatures using proportional representation and a single transferable vote. The President nominates the remaining 12, choosing individuals distinguished in fields like literature, science, art, or social service, thus enriching the upper house with diverse expertise.
(b) Basic qualification of the Members of the Rajya Sabha :To be eligible for the Rajya Sabha, a candidate must be an Indian citizen, at least 30 years old, a registered voter in their state or union territory, not hold any office of profit under the government, and be mentally sound.
(c) Its term:
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent legislative body, meaning it cannot be dissolved by the President. Its members serve six-year terms, with one-third of them retiring every two years, ensuring continuous functioning. Members are eligible for re-election.
4)With reference to the functions of the Parliament, explain the following:
(a) Law-making functions
(b) Control over the executive
(c) Judicial functions
Answer:(a)The Parliament of India holds substantial legislative authority, enabling it to enact or modify laws concerning subjects on the Union and Concurrent Lists. Its power extends even to the State List under specific circumstances. A key prerogative of Parliament is its exclusive right to introduce Bills for constitutional amendments.
(b) Control over the Council of Ministers:The Parliament holds significant lawmaking authority. It has the power to enact new laws or modify existing ones concerning subjects listed in both the Union and Concurrent Lists. In specific situations, it can also legislate on matters within the State List. Furthermore, only the Parliament is authorized to initiate bills for amending the Constitution.
(c) Judicial Functions of the Parliament:
The Parliament can impeach or remove the President, the Vice-President and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts if any of them violate the Constitution or misuse their authority.Parliament exercises several quasi-judicial functions, distinct from the regular judiciary:
- Impeachment: It can impeach high-ranking officials such as the President, Vice-President, and judges of the Supreme and High Courts for misconduct, leading to their potential removal after an investigation and trial within Parliament.
- Contempt of Parliament: Parliament has the power to punish individuals for contempt of its authority or for breaching the privileges of its members, ensuring its smooth operation and dignity.
- Election Disputes (in some systems): In certain parliamentary systems, the legislature may have a role in resolving disputes concerning the election of its own members, although this is increasingly handled by independent bodies.
In essence, Parliament acts as a quasi-judicial body to uphold constitutional principles, maintain its own integrity, and ensure accountability of specific public officials.
G Picture study:
This is a picture of an important government building in India.
1)Identify the building.
Answer: The image shows the Parliament House of India (Sansad Bhavan) in New Delhi, a key symbol of Indian democracy. Designed by Lutyens and Baker and completed in 1927, this circular building, originally the Council House, has been the seat of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) since 1947. Its grand architecture, with a central hall, serves as the vibrant hub for law-making, policy formulation, and government accountability, reflecting the will of the Indian people.
2)Which branch of the government functions in this building?
Answer: The image depicts the Parliament House in New Delhi, India. This building serves as the seat of the legislative branch of the Indian government, housing both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, which constitute the Indian Parliament.
3)Who are the members of this branch of the government?
Answer:The Lok Sabha, India’s lower parliamentary house, can accommodate a maximum of 552 members, with its present strength at 545. Up to 530 members are directly elected from states, and a further 20 can be elected from Union Territories. The President also holds the power to nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian community if their representation is deemed insufficient. This structure is vital for the Lok Sabha’s role in Indian lawmaking and governance, aiming for broad representation.
4)What are the basic qualifications of the members?
Answer:To qualify for a seat in the Indian Parliament, a candidate must be an Indian citizen and affirm their allegiance to the Constitution. Additionally, they must be a registered voter in any Indian parliamentary constituency. Ineligible candidates include those holding an “office of profit” under the government (unless exempted), individuals of unsound mind, or undischarged insolvents. Renouncing Indian citizenship or acquiring foreign citizenship also leads to disqualification. Parliament can further disqualify individuals under other laws, such as for defection or certain criminal convictions.
5)What is their primary function? Mention any two other important functions.
Answer:Parliament’s primary role is lawmaking, encompassing the creation or amendment of laws on subjects in the Union and Concurrent Lists. It exercises strict financial control, as no public funds can be raised or spent without the Lok Sabha’s approval. In extraordinary situations, Parliament can even legislate on State List subjects. It alone holds the power to initiate constitutional amendments.
Beyond these, Parliament also performs vital judicial and elective functions. Its judicial role includes the impeachment of the President or judges and penalizing for contempt. Its elective function involves participating in the elections of the President and Vice-President, and electing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
