Union Legislative Process Overview

Union Legislative

• Definition: The Union legislative refers to the process by which laws are made at the national level in a federal system, particularly in countries like India.

• Bicameral Legislature: The Union Parliament consists of two houses:

  1. Lok Sabha (House of the People)

     • Members elected directly by the public.
     • Represents the population and has the power to introduce most types of legislation.
     • Currently, it has a maximum strength of 552 members (530 from states, 20 from Union territories).

  2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

     • Members indirectly elected by state legislatures and appointed members.
     • Represents the states and territories and can review and suggest amendments to legislation.
     • Maximum strength of 250 members (238 elected, 12 appointed).

• Functions of the Union Legislative:

  • Legislation: Crafting and enacting laws on various subjects, including those on the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
  • Representation: Representing the electorate at the national level, ensuring their needs and opinions are considered.
  • Control over Executive: Exercising oversight over the executive branch through discussions, debates, and questioning.
  • Financial Powers: Managing national finances, including the approval of the budget and taxation laws.

• Legislative Process:

  1. Introduction of a Bill: A proposed law can be introduced in either house, except for money bills which must be introduced in Lok Sabha.
  2. Scrutiny: Bills are examined by parliamentary committees which may recommend amendments.
  3. Debate: Members discuss the bill, raising issues and perspectives.
  4. Voting: The bill must be passed by both houses to become law.
  5. Presidential Assent: After passing both houses, the bill is sent to the President, who can approve or return it for reconsideration.

• Types of Bills:

  • Ordinary Bills: Can be introduced in either house and must be approved by both.
  • Money Bills: Related to taxation or government expenditure; must originate in Lok Sabha.
  • Financial Bills: Include money-related provisions, needing approval by both houses.
  • Constitutional Amendment Bills: Requires a two-thirds majority in both houses.

• Sessions of Parliament:

  • Regular Sessions: Typically divided into three sessions – Budget, Monsoon, and Winter.
  • Special Sessions: Can be called at any time to address urgent issues.

• Quorum Requirement: For either house to conduct its proceedings, a minimum number of members must be present (Lok Sabha: 1/10th, Rajya Sabha: 1/10th).

• Role of the Speaker:

  • Elected by Lok Sabha members and responsible for maintaining order, deciding on points of order, and ensuring the rules are followed.

• Checks and Balances: The Union legislative is subject to checks from the judiciary to ensure laws comply with the Constitution.

Understanding the Union legislative structure is crucial for grasping the broader governance framework and citizen engagement within a federal system.

Union Legislative in India

• Definition: The Union legislative refers to the process by which laws are made at the national level in India.
• Bicameral Legislature: The Union Parliament, the national legislature, is comprised of two houses:
  • Lok Sabha (House of the People)
    • Elected directly by the public.
    • Represents the population and introduces most legislation.
    • Maximum strength: 552 members (530 from states, 20 from Union territories).
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
    • Members indirectly elected by state legislatures and some appointed members.
    • Represents the states and territories and can review and suggest amendments to legislation.
    • Maximum strength: 250 members (238 elected, 12 appointed).
• Functions of the Union Legislative:
  • Legislation: Creates and enacts laws on various subjects, including those on the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
  • Representation: Represents the electorate at the national level.
  • Control over Executive: Exercises oversight over the executive branch through discussions, debates, and questioning.
  • Financial Powers: Manages national finances, approving the budget and taxation laws.
• Legislative Process:
  • Introduction of a Bill: A proposed law can be introduced in either house, except for money bills which must be introduced in Lok Sabha.
  • Scrutiny: Parliamentary committees examine bills and may recommend amendments.
  • Debate: Members discuss the bill, raising perspectives and issues.
  • Voting: The bill needs to be passed by both houses to become law.
  • Presidential Assent: After passing both houses, the bill is sent to the President, who can approve or return it for reconsideration.
• Types of Bills:
  • Ordinary Bills: Can be introduced in either house and must be approved by both.
  • Money Bills: Related to taxation or government expenditure; must originate in Lok Sabha.
  • Financial Bills: Include money-related provisions, needing approval by both houses.
  • Constitutional Amendment Bills: Requires a two-thirds majority in both houses.
• Sessions of Parliament:
  • Regular Sessions: Typically divided into three sessions – Budget, Monsoon, and Winter.
  • Special Sessions: Can be called at any time to address urgent issues.
• Quorum Requirement:
  • A minimum number of members must be present for either house to conduct proceedings (Lok Sabha: 1/10th, Rajya Sabha: 1/10th).
• Role of the Speaker:
  • Elected by Lok Sabha members.
  • Responsible for maintaining order, deciding on points of order, and ensuring the rules are followed.
• Checks and Balances: The Union legislative is subject to checks from the judiciary to ensure laws comply with the Constitution.

Explore the essential concepts of the Union legislative process, focusing on the structure and functions of the bicameral legislature in India. Understand the roles of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and how they contribute to law-making at the national level.