Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the name of the central legislature in India?
What is the name of the central legislature in India?
- Parliament (correct)
- Lok Sabha
- Supreme Court
- Rajya Sabha
Which of the following describes the Indian government, according to the Constitution?
Which of the following describes the Indian government, according to the Constitution?
- Federal (correct)
- Monarchic
- Unitary
- Autocratic
Which house of the Indian Parliament is known as the Lower House?
Which house of the Indian Parliament is known as the Lower House?
- Lok Sabha (correct)
- Rajya Sabha
- High Court
- Supreme Court
Which branch of the central government implements the laws?
Which branch of the central government implements the laws?
How are members of the Lok Sabha primarily elected?
How are members of the Lok Sabha primarily elected?
What is the term length for which the Lok Sabha is elected?
What is the term length for which the Lok Sabha is elected?
Which of the following is a necessary qualification to be a member of the Lok Sabha?
Which of the following is a necessary qualification to be a member of the Lok Sabha?
Who is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?
Who is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?
What is the maximum possible strength of the Rajya Sabha?
What is the maximum possible strength of the Rajya Sabha?
How many members are nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha?
How many members are nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha?
What is the term length for members of the Rajya Sabha?
What is the term length for members of the Rajya Sabha?
Who is the chairman and presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha?
Who is the chairman and presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha?
Who directly elects the members of the Lok Sabha?
Who directly elects the members of the Lok Sabha?
In which house can a money bill ONLY be introduced?
In which house can a money bill ONLY be introduced?
What is the maximum number of members that the Lok Sabha can have?
What is the maximum number of members that the Lok Sabha can have?
Which house can alone grant money for running the administration of the country?
Which house can alone grant money for running the administration of the country?
Who is the nominal head of the executive in India?
Who is the nominal head of the executive in India?
What is the term length for which the President is elected?
What is the term length for which the President is elected?
Who becomes the Prime Minister, according to the content?
Who becomes the Prime Minister, according to the content?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the central government and state governments in India?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the central government and state governments in India?
Suppose a new law is proposed relating to trade regulations. Which body is primarily responsible for creating this law at the national level?
Suppose a new law is proposed relating to trade regulations. Which body is primarily responsible for creating this law at the national level?
If a citizen participates in the election of their local MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly), which in turn participates in the election for a member of the Rajya Sabha, what type of election is involved in selecting the Rajya Sabha member?
If a citizen participates in the election of their local MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly), which in turn participates in the election for a member of the Rajya Sabha, what type of election is involved in selecting the Rajya Sabha member?
What is the significance of the Lok Sabha being composed of members directly elected by the citizens of India?
What is the significance of the Lok Sabha being composed of members directly elected by the citizens of India?
Given the fixed maximum strength of the Lok Sabha, how are the members allocated among the states and union territories?
Given the fixed maximum strength of the Lok Sabha, how are the members allocated among the states and union territories?
Which scenario accurately reflects the Rajya Sabha's unique legislative power?
Which scenario accurately reflects the Rajya Sabha's unique legislative power?
If the President withholds assent on a bill passed by Parliament, what is the most likely next step?
If the President withholds assent on a bill passed by Parliament, what is the most likely next step?
Under what circumstances can the President of India issue ordinances?
Under what circumstances can the President of India issue ordinances?
What is the constitutional significance of the Prime Minister also being a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha?
What is the constitutional significance of the Prime Minister also being a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha?
Which of the following scenarios demonstrates the executive power held by the President of India?
Which of the following scenarios demonstrates the executive power held by the President of India?
Why is the Council of Ministers only answerable to the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha?
Why is the Council of Ministers only answerable to the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha?
If the President dies in office and the Vice President assumes the role, what is the constitutional limitation on the Vice President's term as President?
If the President dies in office and the Vice President assumes the role, what is the constitutional limitation on the Vice President's term as President?
Which of the following scenarios would allow the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha before its full term?
Which of the following scenarios would allow the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha before its full term?
A 24-year-old aspiring politician with a pending minor traffic violation seeks to contest for a Lok Sabha seat. Which qualification(s) does this candidate meet?
A 24-year-old aspiring politician with a pending minor traffic violation seeks to contest for a Lok Sabha seat. Which qualification(s) does this candidate meet?
How does the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha ensure the proper functioning and dignity of the House?
How does the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha ensure the proper functioning and dignity of the House?
If a member of the Lok Sabha is found to be holding an office of profit under a state government, what is the likely consequence?
If a member of the Lok Sabha is found to be holding an office of profit under a state government, what is the likely consequence?
Why is the Rajya Sabha considered a more stable body than the Lok Sabha?
Why is the Rajya Sabha considered a more stable body than the Lok Sabha?
How does the indirect election of Rajya Sabha members contribute to the representation of states in the Indian Parliament?
How does the indirect election of Rajya Sabha members contribute to the representation of states in the Indian Parliament?
What happens to a bill that has been passed by both houses of Parliament but the President withholds approval?
What happens to a bill that has been passed by both houses of Parliament but the President withholds approval?
What is the significance of the 'quorum' in the context of parliamentary sessions?
What is the significance of the 'quorum' in the context of parliamentary sessions?
Considering the structure of the Indian Parliament, which of the following actions necessitates the consent of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to be enacted?
Considering the structure of the Indian Parliament, which of the following actions necessitates the consent of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to be enacted?
In a hypothetical scenario where the Lok Sabha passes a bill that the Rajya Sabha subsequently amends, what is the most likely next step in the legislative process?
In a hypothetical scenario where the Lok Sabha passes a bill that the Rajya Sabha subsequently amends, what is the most likely next step in the legislative process?
How does the principle of universal adult franchise, as it applies to the Lok Sabha elections, impact the representational character of the Indian Parliament?
How does the principle of universal adult franchise, as it applies to the Lok Sabha elections, impact the representational character of the Indian Parliament?
Given that the Rajya Sabha indirectly represents the states, which legislative action would most likely require its special attention and approval?
Given that the Rajya Sabha indirectly represents the states, which legislative action would most likely require its special attention and approval?
Considering the balance of power between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, under which circumstance would a joint session of Parliament be most appropriate?
Considering the balance of power between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, under which circumstance would a joint session of Parliament be most appropriate?
Given the division of powers outlined in the legislative process, what recourse does the Lok Sabha have if the Rajya Sabha proposes amendments to the budget that the Lok Sabha deems unacceptable?
Given the division of powers outlined in the legislative process, what recourse does the Lok Sabha have if the Rajya Sabha proposes amendments to the budget that the Lok Sabha deems unacceptable?
Considering the Parliament's role in controlling the executive, what specific mechanism can the Lok Sabha employ to directly hold the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers accountable, potentially leading to their resignation?
Considering the Parliament's role in controlling the executive, what specific mechanism can the Lok Sabha employ to directly hold the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers accountable, potentially leading to their resignation?
What is the most significant implication of the Rajya Sabha being a permanent body with staggered terms for its members?
What is the most significant implication of the Rajya Sabha being a permanent body with staggered terms for its members?
If a bill, other than a money bill, is passed by the Lok Sabha but rejected by the Rajya Sabha, what is the most likely next step in the legislative process, assuming no compromise can be reached?
If a bill, other than a money bill, is passed by the Lok Sabha but rejected by the Rajya Sabha, what is the most likely next step in the legislative process, assuming no compromise can be reached?
Given that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is responsible for maintaining order and impartiality, what recourse do members of the House have if they believe the Speaker is acting in a biased manner?
Given that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is responsible for maintaining order and impartiality, what recourse do members of the House have if they believe the Speaker is acting in a biased manner?
The Indian government is described as unitary in nature.
The Indian government is described as unitary in nature.
The executive branch makes laws for the country.
The executive branch makes laws for the country.
The central legislature in India is called the Parliament.
The central legislature in India is called the Parliament.
Members of the Lok Sabha are indirectly elected.
Members of the Lok Sabha are indirectly elected.
The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at 552 members.
The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at 552 members.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved.
Money bills can be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha.
Money bills can be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha.
The Vice President of India is the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
The Vice President of India is the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
The President is directly elected by the citizens of India.
The President is directly elected by the citizens of India.
The Prime Minister is the nominal head of the executive.
The Prime Minister is the nominal head of the executive.
The president can declare an emergency if financial stability threatens the country.
The president can declare an emergency if financial stability threatens the country.
The president nominates twelve members to the Lok Sabha.
The president nominates twelve members to the Lok Sabha.
The current Lok Sabha consists of 543 members.
The current Lok Sabha consists of 543 members.
The Prime Minister is part of the Legislature.
The Prime Minister is part of the Legislature.
To be a member of the Lok Sabha, a person must be at least 21 years of age.
To be a member of the Lok Sabha, a person must be at least 21 years of age.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha is called the Prime Minister.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha is called the Prime Minister.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body.
The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body.
Money bills can only be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
Money bills can only be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
In India's federal system, power is solely concentrated within the central government, without any distribution to regional or state governments.
In India's federal system, power is solely concentrated within the central government, without any distribution to regional or state governments.
The Indian Constitution divides the government into four primary branches: the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and the administrative.
The Indian Constitution divides the government into four primary branches: the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and the administrative.
The Rajya Sabha, or Upper House, consists of members directly elected by the citizens of India.
The Rajya Sabha, or Upper House, consists of members directly elected by the citizens of India.
In an indirect election, citizens directly cast their votes for the candidate or party of their preference.
In an indirect election, citizens directly cast their votes for the candidate or party of their preference.
The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at 552 members, with 520 members directly elected from the states and 30 from the Union Territories.
The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at 552 members, with 520 members directly elected from the states and 30 from the Union Territories.
The Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 545 members.
The Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 545 members.
The Rajya Sabha has the exclusive authority to introduce money bills.
The Rajya Sabha has the exclusive authority to introduce money bills.
A person must be at least 30 years old to qualify for the office of President of India.
A person must be at least 30 years old to qualify for the office of President of India.
The President can unilaterally declare a national emergency without the aid of the Prime Minister or Council of Ministers.
The President can unilaterally declare a national emergency without the aid of the Prime Minister or Council of Ministers.
If the Prime Minister is not a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha at the time of selection, they must be elected to either house within one year.
If the Prime Minister is not a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha at the time of selection, they must be elected to either house within one year.
The Vice President can declare a subject on the state list to be of national interest, thereby allowing Parliament to make laws on that subject.
The Vice President can declare a subject on the state list to be of national interest, thereby allowing Parliament to make laws on that subject.
The President of India has the power to veto a state law.
The President of India has the power to veto a state law.
Currently, the Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 550 elected members, accounting for potential future increases in population and state representation.
Currently, the Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 550 elected members, accounting for potential future increases in population and state representation.
A person with pending criminal charges, but not yet convicted, can be a member of the Lok Sabha.
A person with pending criminal charges, but not yet convicted, can be a member of the Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha speaker's decisions on the admissibility of questions during parliamentary sessions can be appealed to the Supreme Court if members disagree.
The Lok Sabha speaker's decisions on the admissibility of questions during parliamentary sessions can be appealed to the Supreme Court if members disagree.
The Rajya Sabha can be entirely dissolved by the President under special circumstances, such as a national emergency.
The Rajya Sabha can be entirely dissolved by the President under special circumstances, such as a national emergency.
A bill, after being passed by one house of Parliament, is sent directly to the President for approval, bypassing the need for approval from the other house.
A bill, after being passed by one house of Parliament, is sent directly to the President for approval, bypassing the need for approval from the other house.
The Parliament's power to legislate on subjects in the state list is absolute and without exception.
The Parliament's power to legislate on subjects in the state list is absolute and without exception.
The Rajya Sabha has the power to amend or reject the budget presented by the Finance Minister.
The Rajya Sabha has the power to amend or reject the budget presented by the Finance Minister.
A joint session of both Houses of Parliament requires the presence of at least 20% of the total members to meet the quorum requirement.
A joint session of both Houses of Parliament requires the presence of at least 20% of the total members to meet the quorum requirement.
The Rajya Sabha can directly amend or reject the budget presented by the Finance Minister.
The Rajya Sabha can directly amend or reject the budget presented by the Finance Minister.
To be eligible for membership in the Lok Sabha, an individual must be at least 30 years of age.
To be eligible for membership in the Lok Sabha, an individual must be at least 30 years of age.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, known as the speaker, is elected by the president from a list of nominated members.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, known as the speaker, is elected by the president from a list of nominated members.
The Parliament has the power to make or alter laws on subjects within the union, state and residual lists without any exceptions.
The Parliament has the power to make or alter laws on subjects within the union, state and residual lists without any exceptions.
The Indian Constitution establishes a unitary government structure, where all powers are centralized within the national government, and states have limited autonomy.
The Indian Constitution establishes a unitary government structure, where all powers are centralized within the national government, and states have limited autonomy.
In the Indian parliamentary system, the judiciary is responsible for formulating and enacting laws, ensuring the executive branch has the authority to implement them effectively.
In the Indian parliamentary system, the judiciary is responsible for formulating and enacting laws, ensuring the executive branch has the authority to implement them effectively.
A bill becomes a law immediately after being passed in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
A bill becomes a law immediately after being passed in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha, as the directly elected house of the Indian Parliament, holds primary responsibility for representing the immediate concerns and opinions of the general populace.
The Rajya Sabha, as the directly elected house of the Indian Parliament, holds primary responsibility for representing the immediate concerns and opinions of the general populace.
In the Indian electoral process, indirect elections involve citizens directly casting votes for candidates, while direct elections involve elected representatives choosing officials on behalf of the populace.
In the Indian electoral process, indirect elections involve citizens directly casting votes for candidates, while direct elections involve elected representatives choosing officials on behalf of the populace.
The central legislature in India is called ______.
The central legislature in India is called ______.
The Lower House is called the ______.
The Lower House is called the ______.
The Lok Sabha consists of members who are directly elected by the ______.
The Lok Sabha consists of members who are directly elected by the ______.
The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at ______ members.
The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at ______ members.
The current Lok Sabha consists of 543 ______.
The current Lok Sabha consists of 543 ______.
The Parliament includes the Lok Sabha and the ______ Sabha.
The Parliament includes the Lok Sabha and the ______ Sabha.
The Lok Sabha is typically elected for a ______-year term.
The Lok Sabha is typically elected for a ______-year term.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha is called the ______.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha is called the ______.
The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is ______.
The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is ______.
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for ______ years.
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for ______ years.
The Vice President of India is the chairman of the ______ Sabha.
The Vice President of India is the chairman of the ______ Sabha.
A bill becomes a law after being passed by both Houses and approved by the ______.
A bill becomes a law after being passed by both Houses and approved by the ______.
Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the eligible ______.
Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the eligible ______.
The Lok Sabha is elected for a period of 5 ______, after which it is dissolved.
The Lok Sabha is elected for a period of 5 ______, after which it is dissolved.
The total membership of the Rajya Sabha is ______.
The total membership of the Rajya Sabha is ______.
The vice president of India is the ______ of the Rajya Sabha.
The vice president of India is the ______ of the Rajya Sabha.
The union ______ carries out the laws made by the Parliament.
The union ______ carries out the laws made by the Parliament.
The president is elected for a term of five ______ .
The president is elected for a term of five ______ .
Constitutionally, the post of prime minister is the most ______ position in the country.
Constitutionally, the post of prime minister is the most ______ position in the country.
In a federal government, power is divided between a central government and several ______ governments.
In a federal government, power is divided between a central government and several ______ governments.
The Indian Constitution divides the government into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the ______.
The Indian Constitution divides the government into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the ______.
Members of the Lok Sabha are elected on the basis of ______ adult franchise.
Members of the Lok Sabha are elected on the basis of ______ adult franchise.
Representatives elected by citizens elect candidates through ______ election.
Representatives elected by citizens elect candidates through ______ election.
Unlike the Lok Sabha, the ______ is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved.
Unlike the Lok Sabha, the ______ is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved.
The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament and the members of the State Legislative Assemblies, who cast their votes by ______ ballot.
The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament and the members of the State Legislative Assemblies, who cast their votes by ______ ballot.
The Lok Sabha alone can grant the ______ for running the administration of the country.
The Lok Sabha alone can grant the ______ for running the administration of the country.
The leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha is called by the president to become the ______ minister and form the Council of Ministers.
The leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha is called by the president to become the ______ minister and form the Council of Ministers.
The ______ of India holds the most distinguished office in the country; however, he or she is only the nominal head of the executive, not the real one.
The ______ of India holds the most distinguished office in the country; however, he or she is only the nominal head of the executive, not the real one.
The Rajya Sabha alone can declare a subject on the state list to be of ______ interest, thereby allowing Parliament to make laws on that subject.
The Rajya Sabha alone can declare a subject on the state list to be of ______ interest, thereby allowing Parliament to make laws on that subject.
The president can issue ______, which have the same power as an act (or law) during the recess of Parliament, but it must be presented in Parliament within six weeks of its reassembling.
The president can issue ______, which have the same power as an act (or law) during the recess of Parliament, but it must be presented in Parliament within six weeks of its reassembling.
The power to impeach the President of India or judges of the Supreme and High Courts rests with the ______.
The power to impeach the President of India or judges of the Supreme and High Courts rests with the ______.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, responsible for maintaining order and protecting members' rights, is called the ______.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, responsible for maintaining order and protecting members' rights, is called the ______.
The Constitution allows the President to nominate members from the Anglo-Indian community to the ______, recognizing the need for representation.
The Constitution allows the President to nominate members from the Anglo-Indian community to the ______, recognizing the need for representation.
Unlike the Lok Sabha, the ______ is a permanent body, with members serving staggered terms to ensure continuity and experience.
Unlike the Lok Sabha, the ______ is a permanent body, with members serving staggered terms to ensure continuity and experience.
The main function of the Parliament revolves around the concept of ______, allowing it to create new laws or modify existing ones.
The main function of the Parliament revolves around the concept of ______, allowing it to create new laws or modify existing ones.
While both houses participate in lawmaking, only the ______ can introduce money bills, highlighting its crucial role in financial matters.
While both houses participate in lawmaking, only the ______ can introduce money bills, highlighting its crucial role in financial matters.
The ______ can suggest changes to the budget, it lacks the power to amend or reject it, demonstrating a specific limitation in its financial role.
The ______ can suggest changes to the budget, it lacks the power to amend or reject it, demonstrating a specific limitation in its financial role.
A vote of no confidence passed in the ______ forces the executive branch, including the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, to resign.
A vote of no confidence passed in the ______ forces the executive branch, including the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, to resign.
The central legislature in India, known as ______, is a bicameral body consisting of two houses.
The central legislature in India, known as ______, is a bicameral body consisting of two houses.
Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the citizens of India through a system of ______ adult franchise.
Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the citizens of India through a system of ______ adult franchise.
The Rajya Sabha is composed mainly of members who are ______ elected by the State Legislative Assemblies.
The Rajya Sabha is composed mainly of members who are ______ elected by the State Legislative Assemblies.
The power to impeach or remove the president and judges of the Supreme and High Courts resides with the members of ______ if their actions go against the Constitution.
The power to impeach or remove the president and judges of the Supreme and High Courts resides with the members of ______ if their actions go against the Constitution.
The ______ list delineates the responsibilities and functions shared between the central and state governments, encompassing areas such as forests and education.
The ______ list delineates the responsibilities and functions shared between the central and state governments, encompassing areas such as forests and education.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, known as the ______, is responsible for maintaining order in the House, protecting members' rights, and ensuring impartiality during proceedings.
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha, known as the ______, is responsible for maintaining order in the House, protecting members' rights, and ensuring impartiality during proceedings.
Although the Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject the budget, it is granted the power to ______ changes to the Lok Sabha, highlighting its advisory role in financial matters.
Although the Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject the budget, it is granted the power to ______ changes to the Lok Sabha, highlighting its advisory role in financial matters.
While members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years, a fraction constituting ______ of the members retires every two years, ensuring a continuous infusion of new talent and perspectives into the council.
While members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years, a fraction constituting ______ of the members retires every two years, ensuring a continuous infusion of new talent and perspectives into the council.
What are the three branches of government in India?
What are the three branches of government in India?
What are the names of the two houses of Parliament?
What are the names of the two houses of Parliament?
Which house of Parliament is more powerful?
Which house of Parliament is more powerful?
What is the maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha?
What is the maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha?
What is the minimum age required to be a member of the Lok Sabha?
What is the minimum age required to be a member of the Lok Sabha?
How many members of the Anglo-Indian community are nominated by the President?
How many members of the Anglo-Indian community are nominated by the President?
What is the term length for members elected to the Rajya Sabha?
What is the term length for members elected to the Rajya Sabha?
What is a bill?
What is a bill?
Which house of Parliament can introduce money bills?
Which house of Parliament can introduce money bills?
Who presents the budget to the Lok Sabha?
Who presents the budget to the Lok Sabha?
How are members of the Lok Sabha elected?
How are members of the Lok Sabha elected?
How long is the term for which the Lok Sabha is elected?
How long is the term for which the Lok Sabha is elected?
What is the maximum number of members the Rajya Sabha can have?
What is the maximum number of members the Rajya Sabha can have?
Name one of the qualifications required to become the President of India?
Name one of the qualifications required to become the President of India?
What are the three branches of the Indian government?
What are the three branches of the Indian government?
Name the two houses (chambers) that make up the Indian Parliament.
Name the two houses (chambers) that make up the Indian Parliament.
Which house of Parliament has members that are directly elected by the people?
Which house of Parliament has members that are directly elected by the people?
What is the maximum number of members that can be in the Lok Sabha?
What is the maximum number of members that can be in the Lok Sabha?
How many members does the current Lok Sabha consist of?
How many members does the current Lok Sabha consist of?
What is the term length of the Lok Sabha?
What is the term length of the Lok Sabha?
How many members are nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President?
How many members are nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President?
How long is the term for members of the Rajya Sabha?
How long is the term for members of the Rajya Sabha?
Who is the chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Who is the chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Is the Rajya Sabha a permanent body? (yes/no)
Is the Rajya Sabha a permanent body? (yes/no)
Who is the head of the Indian State?
Who is the head of the Indian State?
Name one power that only the Lok Sabha has.
Name one power that only the Lok Sabha has.
How long is the term for which the President is elected?
How long is the term for which the President is elected?
Who carries out the laws made by the Parliament?
Who carries out the laws made by the Parliament?
Explain the difference between direct and indirect elections, and give an example of each in the Indian political system.
Explain the difference between direct and indirect elections, and give an example of each in the Indian political system.
Describe the roles of the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary in the central government.
Describe the roles of the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary in the central government.
Why is the Lok Sabha considered the more powerful house of Parliament compared to the Rajya Sabha?
Why is the Lok Sabha considered the more powerful house of Parliament compared to the Rajya Sabha?
What is the maximum possible number of members in Lok Sabha and how are they distributed among Indian states and union territories?
What is the maximum possible number of members in Lok Sabha and how are they distributed among Indian states and union territories?
What does it mean for the Indian Parliament to be bicameral?
What does it mean for the Indian Parliament to be bicameral?
What are the three qualifications one must meet to be a member of the Lok Sabha?
What are the three qualifications one must meet to be a member of the Lok Sabha?
How does the Rajya Sabha maintain stability and fresh talent, given that it is a permanent body?
How does the Rajya Sabha maintain stability and fresh talent, given that it is a permanent body?
Explain the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha regarding the rights and privileges of its members.
Explain the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha regarding the rights and privileges of its members.
What is the role of the Parliament in controlling the executive branch, and what action can the Lok Sabha take in this regard?
What is the role of the Parliament in controlling the executive branch, and what action can the Lok Sabha take in this regard?
What happens if the President does not approve a bill that has been passed by both houses of Parliament?
What happens if the President does not approve a bill that has been passed by both houses of Parliament?
Describe the function of the Parliament regarding existing laws on subjects within the state list under exceptional circumstances.
Describe the function of the Parliament regarding existing laws on subjects within the state list under exceptional circumstances.
How are members of the Rajya Sabha elected, and how does this differ from the election of members to the Lok Sabha?
How are members of the Rajya Sabha elected, and how does this differ from the election of members to the Lok Sabha?
What is the quorum required for the Parliament to conduct its sessions, and why is this requirement important?
What is the quorum required for the Parliament to conduct its sessions, and why is this requirement important?
Explain the difference in how members are chosen for the Lok Sabha versus the Rajya Sabha, and how this impacts their representation?
Explain the difference in how members are chosen for the Lok Sabha versus the Rajya Sabha, and how this impacts their representation?
Contrast the terms of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. What does it mean for the Rajya Sabha to be a 'permanent body'?
Contrast the terms of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. What does it mean for the Rajya Sabha to be a 'permanent body'?
Why is the Lok Sabha considered more powerful when it comes to financial matters, like money bills and the budget?
Why is the Lok Sabha considered more powerful when it comes to financial matters, like money bills and the budget?
Describe a specific power held exclusively by the Rajya Sabha and explain the rationale behind granting this power to the Upper House.
Describe a specific power held exclusively by the Rajya Sabha and explain the rationale behind granting this power to the Upper House.
Outline the qualifications required to become the President of India and explain why these qualifications are important for the role.
Outline the qualifications required to become the President of India and explain why these qualifications are important for the role.
Explain the significance of secret ballots in the election of the president, and how this contributes to the democratic process.
Explain the significance of secret ballots in the election of the president, and how this contributes to the democratic process.
Describe two of the President's legislative powers and explain how these powers act as checks and balances within the Indian political system.
Describe two of the President's legislative powers and explain how these powers act as checks and balances within the Indian political system.
Explain the significance of a bicameral legislature like the Indian Parliament in ensuring balanced governance.
Explain the significance of a bicameral legislature like the Indian Parliament in ensuring balanced governance.
How does the dual structure of direct and indirect elections in India impact the representation and accountability of elected officials at different levels of government?
How does the dual structure of direct and indirect elections in India impact the representation and accountability of elected officials at different levels of government?
Analyze how the separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, as outlined in the Indian Constitution, contributes to preventing tyranny and protecting individual liberties.
Analyze how the separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, as outlined in the Indian Constitution, contributes to preventing tyranny and protecting individual liberties.
Describe the potential challenges and benefits of having a fixed maximum strength for the Lok Sabha, considering India's population growth and evolving demographics.
Describe the potential challenges and benefits of having a fixed maximum strength for the Lok Sabha, considering India's population growth and evolving demographics.
Explain how the roles of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha differ in representing the interests of the Indian population, and assess the effectiveness of this division in ensuring comprehensive governance.
Explain how the roles of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha differ in representing the interests of the Indian population, and assess the effectiveness of this division in ensuring comprehensive governance.
Explain how the division of powers between the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists contributes to the balance of authority in the Indian government.
Explain how the division of powers between the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists contributes to the balance of authority in the Indian government.
Describe the significance of the Speaker's role in the Lok Sabha, particularly focusing on how their impartiality impacts the functioning of the House.
Describe the significance of the Speaker's role in the Lok Sabha, particularly focusing on how their impartiality impacts the functioning of the House.
In what ways does the structure of the Rajya Sabha, with its mix of elected and nominated members and staggered terms, contribute to the stability and expertise of the Indian Parliament?
In what ways does the structure of the Rajya Sabha, with its mix of elected and nominated members and staggered terms, contribute to the stability and expertise of the Indian Parliament?
Analyze the checks and balances that the Parliament exercises over the executive branch in the Indian government. How does the 'vote of no confidence' mechanism ensure accountability?
Analyze the checks and balances that the Parliament exercises over the executive branch in the Indian government. How does the 'vote of no confidence' mechanism ensure accountability?
Explain the process by which a bill becomes a law in India, highlighting the roles and powers of both houses of Parliament and the President. What options does the President have concerning a bill?
Explain the process by which a bill becomes a law in India, highlighting the roles and powers of both houses of Parliament and the President. What options does the President have concerning a bill?
Flashcards
What is the Parliament?
What is the Parliament?
The central law-making body in India, consisting of two houses.
What is the Lok Sabha?
What is the Lok Sabha?
The lower house of the Indian Parliament, whose members are directly elected by citizens.
What is the Rajya Sabha?
What is the Rajya Sabha?
The upper house of the Indian Parliament, whose members are indirectly elected.
What is direct election?
What is direct election?
Citizens directly vote for their representatives.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is indirect election?
What is indirect election?
Representatives elected by citizens choose the final candidate.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha
The lower house of the Indian Parliament, with 543 members.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha
The upper house of the Indian Parliament, with a maximum strength of 250 members.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Term Length
Lok Sabha Term Length
Five years, but can be dissolved earlier if it loses majority support.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Speaker's Role
Lok Sabha Speaker's Role
Enforces discipline, protects members' rights, ensures impartiality, and determines session details.
Signup and view all the flashcards
How a Bill Becomes Law
How a Bill Becomes Law
Introduce, discuss (3 readings), vote, repeat in other house, presidential approval.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the Budget?
What is the Budget?
It outlines the country's income and expenditure for the current and following year.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Union List Subjects
Union List Subjects
Defense, finance, foreign affairs.
Signup and view all the flashcards
State List Subjects
State List Subjects
Agriculture, law and order, public health.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Election
Lok Sabha Election
Members are directly elected by voters from constituencies.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha Election
Rajya Sabha Election
Members are indirectly elected by state legislative assemblies.
Signup and view all the flashcards
President of India
President of India
The nominal head of the executive branch in India.
Signup and view all the flashcards
President's Executive Powers
President's Executive Powers
Appoints PM, judges, and can pardon offenders.
Signup and view all the flashcards
President's Legislative Powers
President's Legislative Powers
Can veto bills, address Parliament, and issue ordinances.
Signup and view all the flashcards
President's Emergency Powers
President's Emergency Powers
The president can declare emergencies under specific conditions.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Prime Minister of India
Prime Minister of India
Leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha; most powerful.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Constitution's Separation of Powers
Constitution's Separation of Powers
Separates the government into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Legislature's Function
Legislature's Function
Makes laws for the country.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Executive Branch Function
Executive Branch Function
Implements and enforces the laws.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Judiciary's Role
Judiciary's Role
Interprets laws, applies them, and administers justice.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Bicameral Legislature
Bicameral Legislature
It consists of two chambers, or houses: the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
Signup and view all the flashcards
Who is the Speaker?
Who is the Speaker?
The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha Nominees
Rajya Sabha Nominees
Persons who have excelled in literature, art, science, sports or social service.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is a Bill?
What is a Bill?
A proposed law presented to the legislature.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Union List Examples
Union List Examples
Defence, finance, and foreign affairs.
Signup and view all the flashcards
State List Examples
State List Examples
Agriculture, law and order, and public health.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Judicial Function of Parliament
Judicial Function of Parliament
The power to impeach the president and judges.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliament Meeting Frequency
Parliament Meeting Frequency
To meet at least twice a year.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliament Quorum
Parliament Quorum
10% of the total members.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What can the Lok Sabha do?
What can the Lok Sabha do?
Directly elected house; can introduce money bills.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What can the Rajya Sabha do?
What can the Rajya Sabha do?
Indirectly elected; can declare state subjects of national interest.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the Union Executive?
What is the Union Executive?
Consists of the President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Presidential Qualifications
Presidential Qualifications
Must be a citizen, over 35, and qualified to be in the Lok Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Emergency Declaration Grounds
Emergency Declaration Grounds
War, constitutional breakdown, or financial instability.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vice President's Role
Vice President's Role
Acts if the President is ill, resigns, or dies.
Signup and view all the flashcards
How to become Prime Minister?
How to become Prime Minister?
Leader of the majority party, appointed by President.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is a federal government?
What is a federal government?
A system where power is divided between a central government and regional governments.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the Legislature?
What is the Legislature?
The branch of government responsible for making laws.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the Executive?
What is the Executive?
The branch of government responsible for implementing laws.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the Judiciary?
What is the Judiciary?
The branch of government that interprets and protects the law.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is universal adult franchise?
What is universal adult franchise?
The principle where all adult citizens have the right to vote, regardless of race, sex, belief or economic status.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliament's Legislative Power
Parliament's Legislative Power
The power of Parliament to create new laws or change existing ones.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the Union List?
What is the Union List?
Subjects under the control of the Central (Union) Government.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Concurrent List
Concurrent List
Subjects which which both the central and state governments share control.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
The presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Branches of Indian Government
Branches of Indian Government
The central government in India is divided into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Two Houses of Parliament
Two Houses of Parliament
The Parliament consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha's Importance
Lok Sabha's Importance
Members are elected by citizens and express popular opinion.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Maximum Lok Sabha Strength
Maximum Lok Sabha Strength
The maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha is fixed at 552.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Representation
Lok Sabha Representation
530 members are directly elected from the states, and 20 from the Union Territories.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Powers
Lok Sabha Powers
Directly elected house of Parliament; can introduce money bills.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha Powers
Rajya Sabha Powers
Indirectly elected house; can declare state subjects of national interest.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Presidential Requirements
Presidential Requirements
Must be a citizen, 35+, and qualified to be a Lok Sabha member.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Grounds for Emergency Declaration
Grounds for Emergency Declaration
War, constitutional breakdown, or financial instability.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vice President's Job
Vice President's Job
Acts if the President is ill, resigns, or dies.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Prime Minister Requirements
Prime Minister Requirements
Qualifications include citizenship, membership in either house, and age requirements.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliament's Law-making Power
Parliament's Law-making Power
The power of Parliament to create laws on subjects in the Union, State (in special cases), and Concurrent Lists.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Term
Lok Sabha Term
The Lok Sabha is elected for a term of five years.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Member Qualifications
Lok Sabha Member Qualifications
Must be a citizen, mentally sound, without criminal record and over 25 years of age.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Speaker's Key Functions
Speaker's Key Functions
Enforce discipline, protect member rights, remain impartial.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha Chairman
Rajya Sabha Chairman
The Vice President serves as the chairman.
Signup and view all the flashcards
State and Union Duties
State and Union Duties
Each state and the Union government have specific duties
Signup and view all the flashcards
Control Over the Executive
Control Over the Executive
Vote of no confidence is passed by the Lok Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Legislature's primary function?
Legislature's primary function?
To make laws for the country.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is legislation?
What is legislation?
The power to make laws.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliament's Elective/Judicial Role
Parliament's Elective/Judicial Role
Elects the President and Vice President; can impeach them.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliamentary Control
Parliamentary Control
The executive is answerable to Parliament which can force resignation.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Characteristics
Lok Sabha Characteristics
Directly elected by voters; not permanent; money bills start here
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha Characteristics
Rajya Sabha Characteristics
Indirectly elected; permanent body; can declare state subjects of national interest.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Role of the President
Role of the President
The nominal head of the executive branch.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Presidential Eligibility
Presidential Eligibility
Must be a citizen, 35+, and qualified to be in the Lok Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Grounds for Emergency
Grounds for Emergency
War, constitutional breakdown, or financial instability.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Federal Government
Federal Government
A government where power is divided between a central authority and regional/state governments.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Indian Parliament
Indian Parliament
The Indian central legislature.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Direct election
Direct election
Members are directly chosen by citizens.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Indirect election
Indirect election
Representatives elected by citizens choose the final candidate.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Universal Adult Franchise
Universal Adult Franchise
The principle that all adult citizens have the right to vote.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Which house can be dissolved?
Which house can be dissolved?
The house that can be dissolved by the President if it loses majority support.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Who approves Bills?
Who approves Bills?
Approves Bills to make them Law
Signup and view all the flashcards
Who is the Rajya Sabha Chairman?
Who is the Rajya Sabha Chairman?
The presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the Concurrent List?
What is the Concurrent List?
Includes subjects shared by both the central and state governments
Signup and view all the flashcards
Who presents the Budget?
Who presents the Budget?
Presented to the Lok Sabha by the finance minister.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Three Branches of Government
Three Branches of Government
The central government in India is divided into three branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Election Method
Lok Sabha Election Method
Directly elected house of Parliament.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha Election Method
Rajya Sabha Election Method
Indirectly elected house of Parliament.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha's Exclusive Power
Lok Sabha's Exclusive Power
Money bills can only be introduced here.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha's Special Power
Rajya Sabha's Special Power
Can declare a state subject to be of national interest.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Accountability to the Lok Sabha
Accountability to the Lok Sabha
The Council of Ministers is answerable only to this house.
Signup and view all the flashcards
President of India's role
President of India's role
The nominal head of the executive branch.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Accountability to Lok Sabha
Accountability to Lok Sabha
Council of Ministers answerable to this house.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Central Government
Central Government
Central governing body with legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha Composition
Rajya Sabha Composition
Maximum is 250, with 12 nominated by the President and 238 elected.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Law-Making Process
Law-Making Process
Introducing, discussing, voting, then repeating the process in the other house, and finally presidential approval.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliament's Judicial Power
Parliament's Judicial Power
Power to impeach the president and judges of the Supreme and High Courts.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Joint Session Address
Joint Session Address
The president calls and speaks at a joint meeting to start the year.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Central Legislature
Central Legislature
The branch of the Indian government that makes laws for the country.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is the Indian Parliament?
What is the Indian Parliament?
The central legislature in India, consisting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is Lok Sabha?
What is Lok Sabha?
Lower house of Indian Parliament, directly elected.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is Rajya Sabha?
What is Rajya Sabha?
Upper house, indirectly elected, permanent body.
Signup and view all the flashcards
How Laws are Made
How Laws are Made
Introducing, debating, voting in both houses, approved by the president.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Examples of Union List
Examples of Union List
Defense, finance, foreign affairs.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Examples of State List
Examples of State List
Agriculture, law and order, public health.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What composes the Executive?
What composes the Executive?
President, Vice President, PM, Council of Ministers, Civil Servants
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha's permanence?
Lok Sabha's permanence?
A temporary body elected for 5 years, subject to dissolution.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha's Term?
Rajya Sabha's Term?
Indirectly elected legislative body; a permanent body.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Who is the Prime Minister?
Who is the Prime Minister?
The leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha, appointed by President.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliament's Lawmaking Scope
Parliament's Lawmaking Scope
The power of Parliament to create new laws or change existing ones on subjects in different lists.
Signup and view all the flashcards
The Budget
The Budget
Shows the country's income and expenditure for the current year and estimated ones for the following year.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Executive Accountability
Executive Accountability
The executive branch is answerable to the Parliament, which exercises control over it.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha Turnover
Rajya Sabha Turnover
One third of the members retire every two years and are eligible for re-election.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What the Budget Reveals
What the Budget Reveals
Balance sheet showing the country’s income and expenditure for the current and following year.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Government Branches
Government Branches
The central government is divided into three functional branches, each checking the power of the others.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliament
Parliament
The central legislature in India.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha features.
Rajya Sabha features.
Elected indirectly, permanent body, can declare state matter of national interest.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Prime Minister
Prime Minister
Leader of majority party in Lok Sabha; most powerful.
Signup and view all the flashcards
PM Qualifications
PM Qualifications
Must be a citizen and a member of either house of Parliament.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Anglo-Indian Nomination
Anglo-Indian Nomination
Two members are nominated by the president.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is Union List?
What is Union List?
Subjects under the control of the Central (Union) Government.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is Concurrent List?
What is Concurrent List?
Subjects which both the central and state governments share control.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Indian Central Legislature
Indian Central Legislature
The central legislature in India is called Parliament
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Size
Lok Sabha Size
The maximum Lok Sabha strength is 552: 530 from states, 20 from Union Territories.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lok Sabha Speaker
Lok Sabha Speaker
Presiding officer who maintains order and impartiality in the Lok Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Legislation
Legislation
The power to make laws.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is a Quorum?
What is a Quorum?
Minimum number of members required to be present for a Parliament session.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Money Bills Initiation
Money Bills Initiation
Can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha's Power
Rajya Sabha's Power
Can declare a state subject to be of national interest.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Role of Union Executive
Role of Union Executive
Enforces laws passed by Parliament
Signup and view all the flashcards
Presidential Pre-requisites
Presidential Pre-requisites
Must be a citizen, 35+, and qualified to be in the Lok Sabha.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Parliament's law-making capacity?
Parliament's law-making capacity?
The power of Parliament to create new laws or change existing ones.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Subjects for Union, States and Concurrent Lists
Subjects for Union, States and Concurrent Lists
New laws or changes on Union, State (exceptional), and Concurrent Lists.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Who chairs the Rajya Sabha?
Who chairs the Rajya Sabha?
The Vice President of India.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Rajya Sabha presidential nominees?
Rajya Sabha presidential nominees?
Those with talent in literature, art, science, sports, or social service.
Signup and view all the flashcards
Legislature's main job?
Legislature's main job?
Making laws for the country.
Signup and view all the flashcards
What's the Executive Branch?
What's the Executive Branch?
Consisting of the President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers.
Signup and view all the flashcardsStudy Notes
- India has a federal structure, with power divided between the central (union) and regional (state) governments.
- The government is separated into the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.
- The legislature creates laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary interprets and protects them.
Central Government Structure
- The legislature makes the laws.
- The executive implements the laws.
- The judiciary interprets and applies the law and administers justice.
- The legislature is comprised of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- The executive includes the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and the civil service.
- The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court.
The Legislature - The Parliament
- Parliament is the central legislature in India and is bicameral.
- It consists of two chambers: the Lok Sabha (Lower House/House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House/Council of States).
- Lok Sabha members are directly elected by citizens.
- Rajya Sabha members are mainly indirectly elected by State Legislative Assemblies.
- Direct elections involve citizens voting; the candidate with the most votes wins.
- India holds state elections for the Legislative Assembly and general elections for the Lok Sabha.
- Indirect elections involve representatives chosen by citizens electing a candidate.
- Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by Members of the Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), who are elected by citizens.
- The President of India is also elected through indirect elections.
The Lok Sabha
- The Lok Sabha is more influential, with members directly elected by Indian citizens on the basis of universal adult franchise.
- It reflects popular opinion.
- The current Lok Sabha has 543 members.
- The Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 552 members.
- Of these, 530 are directly elected from the states and 20 from the Union Territories.
- The president can nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian community.
- The Lok Sabha is elected for a five-year term but can be dissolved earlier by the president if it loses majority support.
- Candidates for the Lok Sabha must be Indian citizens, mentally sound, without criminal records, and at least 25 years old.
- A candidate can contest an election from anywhere in the country.
- Simultaneous membership in both Houses of Parliament, or in Parliament and a State Legislature, is prohibited, as is holding an office of profit under the government.
- The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha is called the Speaker.
- The Lok Sabha elects the Speaker and Deputy Speaker from its members.
- The Speaker enforces discipline, protects member rights, ensures impartiality, sets session schedules, and makes final decisions on question admissibility.
- The Speaker is accountable only to the House.
- Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker can be removed by a majority vote.
- The country is divided into constituencies, with one member elected to the Lok Sabha from each.
The Rajya Sabha
- The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members.
- 12 are nominated by the president based on expertise in literature, art, science, sports, or social service, bringing talented individuals into the Council.
- The remaining 238 members are indirectly elected via members of the state's Legislative Assemblies.
- The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body, with members serving six-year terms.
- One-third of the members retire every two years and are eligible for re-election.
- The Rajya Sabha provides more political stability compared to the Lok Sabha.
- It gains an inflow of fresh talent every two years.
- Membership qualifications mirror those of the Lok Sabha, with a minimum age requirement of 30.
- The Vice President of India serves as the Chairman and presiding officer.
- The Vice President is elected indirectly by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament.
- The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is elected by its members from amongst themselves.
Functions of Parliament
- The primary role of Parliament is legislation (law-making).
- A bill is the proposed form, or the draft form, of a law.
- Bills can originate in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, except for money bills, which are exclusive to the Lok Sabha.
- A bill becomes a law upon passage by both Houses and approval by the President.
- The Parliament creates new laws or modify existing ones within the union or concurrent lists, and under specific conditions, the state list.
- The union list encompasses subjects including defense, finance, and foreign affairs, of national importance.
- The state list includes domains like agriculture, law and order, and public health.
- The concurrent list covers areas of shared responsibility between the central and state governments, such as forests and education.
- The process for a Bill becoming law includes introduction, three readings/discussions, voting, passage through the other house, presidential approval (or veto), and reconsideration if vetoed.
- The budget outlines the country's income and expenditure for the current and upcoming year.
- The Finance Minister presents the budget to the Lok Sabha on the last working day of February.
- The Rajya Sabha can propose changes to the budget but cannot amend or reject it.
- Members of Parliament elect the President and Vice President.
- They can impeach the President and remove judges of the Supreme and High Courts.
- The executive branch is accountable to Parliament, which has strict oversight.
- If the Lok Sabha initiates a vote of no confidence, the executive is obligated to resign.
- Parliament must convene at least biannually, requiring a quorum of at least 10% of the total number of members.
- The President convenes and addresses a joint session of both Houses at the beginning of every year.
Comparison between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- Lok Sabha members are directly elected from constituencies.
- The Lok Sabha is not permanent and has a term of 5 years.
- The Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 552 members.
- The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha.
- The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are members of the House elected by its members.
- Only the Lok Sabha can introduce money bills, grant money for administration, and hold the Council of Ministers accountable.
- Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by State Legislative Assemblies based on proportional representation.
- The Rajya Sabha is permanent and cannot be dissolved.
- The total membership of the Rajya Sabha is 250.
- The Vice President of India presides over the Rajya Sabha.
- Only the Rajya Sabha can declare a state list subject to be of national interest, allowing Parliament to make laws on it, and can create all-India services common to the union and the states.
The Executive
- The union executive carries out the laws made by Parliament.
- It comprises the President, the Vice President, and the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister.
- The civil service is also part of the executive.
The President
- The President of India holds the most distinguished office in the country but is the nominal head of the executive.
- To become President, a person must be an Indian citizen over 35, qualified to be a member of the Lok Sabha, and not hold an office of profit under the government.
- The President is elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament and members of the State Legislative Assemblies through secret ballot.
- The individual citizen's choice of vote is not made public.
- A blue ink mark is placed on the index finger of all those who vote.
- The President is the supreme commander of the armed forces and appoints the Prime Minister, other ministers, the Chief Justice, and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- The president can pardon offenders or reduce court sentences.
- The Prime Minister must inform the President of all decisions of the Council of Ministers.
- The President must give assent (approval) before a bill becomes law.
- The President can withhold or return any bill sent by Parliament.
- The President can address either House or both Houses in a joint session.
- The President may summon and prorogue the two houses and can dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
- The President can issue ordinances during Parliament's recess, which carry the same power as an act (or law), and must be presented in Parliament within six weeks of its reassembling.
- The President can declare an emergency if war or armed rebellion threatens the country's security, if there is a breakdown of constitutional machinery in any state, or if financial instability threatens the country.
- The President is always aided by the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, Parliament, and senior government officials.
- The President has executive, legislative, and emergency powers
The Vice President
- The Vice President is elected by members of both houses of Parliament.
- The Vice President must be an Indian citizen who has completed 35 years of age.
- The Vice President holds office for five years and is the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
- The Vice President takes the place of the President if he/she falls ill, resigns, is away from the country, or dies before a new election.
The Prime Minister
- The President calls the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha to become the Prime Minister.
- The Prime Minister is the most powerful person in the government.
- The Prime Minister must be a citizen of India.
- The Prime Minister must be a member of either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha (if not, they must get elected within six months).
- The Prime Minister must be above 25 (Lok Sabha member) or 30 (Rajya Sabha member).
- The Prime Minister must not hold an office of profit under the government.
- Constitutionally, the post of Prime Minister is the most important position in the country.
- The Prime Minister is the head of the Government of India and takes most of the important decisions with the Council of Ministers.
- The Prime Minister selects the members for the Council of Ministers, which is then approved by the President.
- The Prime Minister serves as the link between the President and the Council of Ministers.
- He or she communicates all decisions taken by the Council of Ministers and the legislature to the President.
- The Prime Minister is the chief spokesperson of the government in the Parliament.
- The Prime Minister announces important policy decisions of the government.
- The Prime Minister allocates portfolios among the ministers and coordinates work among various ministries and departments through the Cabinet Secretariat.
- The Prime Minister represents India in high-level international meetings and addresses the nation on issues of national importance.
The Council of Ministers
- The Council of Ministers is the most powerful part of the union executive.
- It is headed by the Prime Minister, including ministers with cabinet rank (the senior ministers), ministers of state, and deputy ministers.
- Each minister is allotted one or more departments or portfolios, such as finance, railways, defence, health and communication.
- The Council has collective responsibility to Parliament, and the ministers hold office if they enjoy Parliament's confidence.
- The Council formulates concrete proposals for legislation.
- The Council aids and advises the President in his or her functions, through the Prime Minister.
- The Council has powers concerning the impeachment of the President, removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or High Courts, and amendments of the Constitution.
- Senior ministers with cabinet rank form the Cabinet, which is the nucleus of the Council.
- The Prime Minister is generally in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the Ministry of Planning, the Department of Atomic Energy, the Department of Space, and the Appointment Committees of the Cabinet.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
