Chapter 5: Legislature
- What is a legislature?
The legislature is the law-making body of the government. It formulates laws, controls the executive, and represents the people. - What are the two types of legislature?
- Unicameral – Single house (e.g., Punjab)
- Bicameral – Two houses (e.g., India: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
- What are the two houses of Indian Parliament?
- Lok Sabha – Lower house (House of the People)
- Rajya Sabha – Upper house (Council of States)
- What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?
The Lok Sabha can have up to 552 members. Currently, it has 545 members. - What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?
Rajya Sabha can have 250 members, but currently has 245, including 12 nominated by the President. - What is the term of the Lok Sabha?
The term is 5 years unless dissolved earlier by the President. - What is the term of the Rajya Sabha?
It is a permanent house. One-third of its members retire every two years. - Who can dissolve the Lok Sabha?
The President of India, on the advice of the Prime Minister, can dissolve the Lok Sabha. - Who presides over the Lok Sabha?
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, elected from among its members, conducts proceedings and maintains order. - Who presides over the Rajya Sabha?
The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. - What is the main function of the legislature?
To make laws, amend existing laws, discuss policies, approve budgets, and ensure accountability of the executive. - What is a bill?
A bill is a proposed law presented in Parliament for debate and approval. Once passed, it becomes an Act. - What are the types of bills?
- Ordinary Bill
- Money Bill
- Finance Bill
- Constitutional Amendment Bill
- What is a Money Bill?
A bill dealing only with financial matters like taxes, borrowing, and expenditure. It can only be introduced in Lok Sabha. - Who decides whether a bill is a Money Bill?
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the final authority to decide. - What is the process of passing a bill in Parliament?
A bill goes through First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Third Reading, and then Presidential assent. - What is a joint session of Parliament?
When there is disagreement between both Houses on a bill, the President may summon a joint session, presided over by the Lok Sabha Speaker. - What is a quorum?
It is the minimum number of members required to conduct a sitting. In Parliament, it is 1/10th of total strength. - What is Question Hour?
The first hour of a Parliament sitting where members ask questions to ministers regarding various government activities and policies. - What is Zero Hour?
It is the time immediately after Question Hour, where members raise urgent matters without prior notice. - What is Adjournment Motion?
A motion to discuss a serious issue by suspending regular business. It is a tool of legislative control over the executive. - What is a No-Confidence Motion?
A motion moved in Lok Sabha stating the government no longer enjoys majority support. If passed, the government must resign. - What is the importance of the Speaker?
The Speaker maintains order, allows members to speak, and ensures smooth functioning of the Lok Sabha. - How are members of Rajya Sabha elected?
They are elected by state legislative assemblies using proportional representation by single transferable vote. - What is the role of the Rajya Sabha?
It reviews and suggests changes to bills, represents the states, and can delay money bills, but not reject them. - Can the Rajya Sabha make laws?
Yes, except for Money Bills. It can initiate, debate, and pass Ordinary and Constitutional Amendment Bills. - Why is the legislature called the mirror of the people?
It reflects the will of the people as representatives are elected by citizens to voice their needs and concerns. - What is the importance of parliamentary committees?
They examine bills, budgets, and policies in detail, ensuring informed decisions and accountability. - What is the function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)?
PAC examines government expenditures to ensure they are in line with Parliament’s approval. - Why is the Indian Parliament powerful?
It controls lawmaking, finance, the executive, constitutional amendments, and ensures democratic governance.