Chapter: Legislature

• Introduction to Legislature

  • Meaning of Legislature
  • Role in a Democracy
  • Law-making body of the government
  • Representative character

• Why do we need a Parliament?

  • Deliberation and public debate
  • Law making function
  • Control over the Executive
  • Financial control (Budget approval)
  • Representation of diverse citizens

• Why a Bicameral Legislature?

  • Meaning of Bicameralism (Two Houses)
  • Advantages of two houses
    • Reconsideration of legislation
    • Representation to states (Federal balance)
  • Lok Sabha (Lower House / House of the People)
  • Rajya Sabha (Upper House / Council of States)

• The Rajya Sabha (Upper House)

  • Total strength: 245 members
  • Indirect election (elected by MLAs)
  • Special representation for States
  • Permanent body (Not subject to dissolution)
  • Nomination of 12 members by the President (arts, science, social service)

• The Lok Sabha (Lower House)

  • Total strength: 543 members
  • Direct election by the people (Universal Adult Suffrage)
  • Based on single-member territorial constituencies
  • Tenure: 5 years (can be dissolved earlier)
  • Represents the will of the citizens directly

• Functions and Powers of the Parliament

  • Legislative Powers: Making laws on Union and Concurrent list subjects
  • Executive Control: Question Hour, Zero Hour, No-Confidence Motion
  • Financial Powers: Money Bills, passing the Annual Budget
  • Constitutional Amendment Powers: Amending the Constitution (Article 368)
  • Judicial and Electoral Powers: Impeachment of President/Judges, electing VP

• Law-Making Procedure

  • Introduction of a Bill (Ordinary or Money Bill)
  • Readings in the House
  • Committee stage (Detailed scrutiny)
  • Voting and passage in one House
  • Transmission to the other House
  • President's Assent (Bill becomes an Act)

• How does the Parliament control the Executive?

  • Deliberation and Discussion (Debates in the house)
  • Approval or Refusal of Laws
  • Financial Control (Rejecting grants/budget)
  • No-Confidence Motion (Ultimate weapon to remove government)

• How does the Parliament regulate itself?

  • Power of the House to make its own rules
  • Role of the Speaker (Lok Sabha) and Chairman (Rajya Sabha)
  • Maintenance of decorum and order
  • Anti-Defection Law (Disqualification of defecting members)