15.1 Why Parliament?
In a democracy, the people are the ultimate source of authority. But with over 140 crore people, India cannot have everyone directly participating in every decision. That is why we elect representatives to form the Parliament — the supreme legislative body of the country.
'Parliament is the temple of democracy. It is where the will of the people is translated into laws, where the government is held accountable, and where the nation's most important decisions are debated and made.'
Functions of Parliament
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Legislative (Law-making) | Makes laws on subjects in the Union and Concurrent Lists |
| Financial control | Approves the budget; no tax can be collected without Parliament's approval |
| Executive control | Questions, debates, and holds the government accountable |
| Amendment of Constitution | Can amend the constitution (with special majority for certain provisions) |
| Electoral functions | Elects the President (along with state assemblies) and Vice-President |
| Judicial functions | Can impeach the President, remove Supreme Court and High Court judges |
| Representation | Represents the diversity of India — regions, communities, languages |
15.2 Lok Sabha (House of the People)
The Lok Sabha is the lower house of Parliament. It is directly elected by the people.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum strength | 552 (530 from states, 20 from UTs, 2 nominated Anglo-Indians — this was abolished in 2020) |
| Current strength | 543 elected members |
| Term | 5 years (unless dissolved earlier) |
| Election | Direct election by citizens 18+ years |
| Minimum age to be member | 25 years |
| Presiding officer | Speaker (elected by Lok Sabha members) |
| Money Bills | Can only originate in Lok Sabha |
Power of Lok Sabha
- More powerful than Rajya Sabha in most matters.
- Controls the government — if the government loses majority in Lok Sabha, it must resign.
- Final authority over the budget and Money Bills.
- Can pass a no-confidence motion against the government.
15.3 Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament. It represents the states.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum strength | 250 (238 elected, 12 nominated by President) |
| Current strength | 245 members |
| Term | 6 years (not subject to dissolution; 1/3 of members retire every 2 years) |
| Election | Indirectly elected by state legislative assemblies |
| Minimum age to be member | 30 years |
| Presiding officer | Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha |
| Representation | States are represented based on population |
Powers of Rajya Sabha
- Can suggest amendments to Money Bills (but Lok Sabha can reject them).
- Equal power with Lok Sabha on Constitutional amendments.
- Can pass a resolution to create new All India Services.
- Cannot be dissolved (unlike Lok Sabha).
Comparison: Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha
| Feature | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Election | Direct (people vote) | Indirect (MLAs vote) |
| Term | 5 years | 6 years (permanent) |
| Dissolution | Can be dissolved | Never dissolved |
| Age requirement | 25 years | 30 years |
| Money Bills | Can originate here | Cannot originate |
| No-confidence motion | Can pass | Cannot pass |
| Presiding officer | Speaker | Chairman (Vice-President) |
15.4 How Laws Are Made
The process of law-making follows a defined procedure:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction (First Reading) | A Bill is introduced in either House (except Money Bills, which start in Lok Sabha) |
| 2. Second Reading | The Bill is discussed clause by clause; amendments can be proposed |
| 3. Third Reading | Final vote on the Bill as a whole |
| 4. Other House | The Bill goes to the other House, which repeats the process |
| 5. Joint Session | If the two houses disagree, a joint session is called (Lok Sabha's will prevails due to larger numbers) |
| 6. President's Assent | The Bill is sent to the President for approval |
| 7. Law | Once the President signs, the Bill becomes an Act (law) |
Types of Bills
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Bill | Can be introduced in either House; passed by simple majority |
| Money Bill | Related to taxes, budget, government spending; only in Lok Sabha |
| Constitutional Amendment Bill | Requires special majority (2/3 of members present and voting, plus majority of total membership) |
15.5 Role of the Opposition
The opposition consists of parties that are not in power. Its role is crucial for democracy:
- Constructive criticism: Point out flaws in government policies.
- Holding government accountable: Question ministers, demand explanations.
- Check on power: Prevent the ruling party from becoming authoritarian.
- Alternative government: Present itself as a credible alternative to voters.
'A strong opposition is not a sign of weakness in a democracy — it is a sign of health. The opposition ensures that the government does not take the people for granted.'
Question Hour
Every day Parliament begins with 'Question Hour' — members ask questions to ministers. This is a powerful tool for accountability. Ministers must answer orally or in writing. If the answer is unsatisfactory, opposition members can raise 'supplementary questions'.
15.6 The Speaker
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is a key constitutional position:
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Presiding officer | Maintains order and decorum in the House |
| Casting vote | Votes only in case of a tie (casting vote) |
| Certifies Money Bills | Decides if a Bill is a Money Bill (final decision) |
| Disqualification | Can disqualify members under the anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule) |
| Committees | Chairs the Business Advisory Committee |
| Election | Elected by Lok Sabha members from among themselves |
15.7 AP Context: Parliamentary Representation
Andhra Pradesh sends:
- Lok Sabha: 25 members (plus 0 for the state — after bifurcation, AP has 25 seats)
- Actually, let me correct: After the 2014 bifurcation, AP's Lok Sabha seats are 25. (Telangana got 17.)
- Rajya Sabha: 11 members (reduced from 18 after bifurcation).
- The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has 175 seats.
- AP's MPs have raised state-specific issues: special category status, Polavaram project, Amaravati development, and resource-sharing with Telangana.
15.8 Daily Session Structure
| Component | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Question Hour | First hour | Ministers answer questions |
| Zero Hour | After Question Hour | Members raise urgent issues without prior notice |
| Laying of Papers | Various | Ministers table reports and documents |
| Legislative Business | Main part | Debating and passing Bills |
15.9 Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Thinking the President is part of Parliament | The President IS part of Parliament (along with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) under Article 79 |
| Confusing the Speaker's role with Chairman | Speaker = Lok Sabha; Chairman = Rajya Sabha (Vice-President) |
| Saying Rajya Sabha can be dissolved | Rajya Sabha is a permanent house; only 1/3 members retire every 2 years |
| Calling the opposition 'unnecessary' | The opposition is essential for accountability in a democracy |
15.10 Exam Focus (AP Board)
| Topic | Marks |
|---|---|
| Lok Sabha — composition, powers, term | 4 marks |
| Rajya Sabha — composition, powers, special features | 4 marks |
| Law-making process | 4 marks |
| Role of the opposition and Speaker | 3-4 marks |
| AP representation in Parliament | 2 marks |
15.11 Quick Self-Test
Q1. What is the maximum strength of Lok Sabha? A1. 552 (530 states + 20 UTs + 2 nominated — though nominated seats are now abolished).
Q2. Who is the presiding officer of Lok Sabha? A2. The Speaker (elected by Lok Sabha members).
Q3. What is the term of a Rajya Sabha member? A3. 6 years.
Q4. Can a Money Bill originate in Rajya Sabha? A4. No — Money Bills can only originate in Lok Sabha.
Q5. What is Question Hour? A5. The first hour of Parliament when ministers answer questions from members.
Q6. How many seats does AP have in Lok Sabha? A6. 25 seats (post-bifurcation).
Q7. What is the minimum age to become a member of Lok Sabha? A7. 25 years.
Q8. What is a 'no-confidence motion'? A8. A motion moved in Lok Sabha to express lack of confidence in the government; if passed, the government must resign.
Q9. Who decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill? A9. The Speaker of Lok Sabha (and the decision is final).
Q10. What is the role of the opposition in Parliament? A10. To criticise government policies, hold the government accountable, and present an alternative to voters.
