'The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive' — Practice

Question 1

How many seats are there in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?

Accepted Answer

✦ Answer: Lok Sabha has 543 elected MPs (5-year terms). Rajya Sabha has 245 members maximum (233 elected by states, 12 nominated by President; 6-year terms, 1/3 retire every 2 years).

Question 2

What's special about a Money Bill?

Accepted Answer

✦ Answer: Money Bills can be introduced ONLY in Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha can only DELAY (14 days) but cannot reject. Speaker certifies a bill as Money Bill. Article 110.

Question 3

Trace how a bill becomes an Act in India.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Drafting.
  Relevant ministry drafts the bill (e.g., Health Ministry drafts a health bill).

Step 2 — Cabinet approval.
  Cabinet approves the draft before introduction.

Step 3 — Introduction in Parliament.
  Minister introduces in Lok Sabha (or Rajya Sabha for some bills). This is FIRST READING — no debate, just introduction.

Step 4 — Second Reading.
  Detailed debate. May be referred to STANDING COMMITTEE for examination. Committee reviews and reports back.

Step 5 — Third Reading.
  Final discussion and voting. Simple majority needed for ordinary bills.

Step 6 — Other House.
  If passed in Lok Sabha, sent to Rajya Sabha. Both houses must pass (for most bills).

Step 7 — Joint Session (if needed).
  If houses disagree, President can call Joint Session (Article 108) to resolve.

Step 8 — President's Assent.
  President signs the bill. Now becomes ACT (law).

Step 9 — Implementation.
  Government implements through agencies.

✦ Answer: A bill becomes an Act through: (1) Drafting by ministry, (2) Cabinet approval, (3) Introduction (First Reading), (4) Debate (Second Reading, possibly Standing Committee), (5) Final voting (Third Reading), (6) Both Houses pass, (7) Possibly Joint Session if disagreement, (8) President's Assent, (9) Becomes law and is implemented.

Question 4

Compare the powers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Composition.
  • LOK SABHA: 543 directly elected MPs by people; 5-year terms
  • RAJYA SABHA: 245 max; 233 indirectly elected by state assemblies + 12 nominated by President; 6-year terms (1/3 retire every 2 years); permanent body

Step 2 — Money Bill (Lok Sabha dominant).
  • Money Bills can be introduced ONLY in Lok Sabha
  • Rajya Sabha can DELAY 14 days but cannot reject or amend
  • Speaker decides if a bill is Money Bill

Step 3 — Ordinary Bills (equal powers).
  • Both houses must pass
  • Either can introduce
  • If disagreement, Joint Session (Article 108) — Lok Sabha usually wins due to bigger numbers

Step 4 — Confidence and Censure Motions (Lok Sabha exclusive).
  • No-confidence motion can be moved ONLY in Lok Sabha
  • Government accountability primarily to Lok Sabha
  • If Lok Sabha loses confidence, government must resign

Step 5 — Treaties and War (Lok Sabha leads).
  • Lok Sabha generally approves treaties
  • War declaration in practice via Lok Sabha

Step 6 — Constitutional Amendments (equal).
  • Both houses need special majority (2/3)
  • Cannot be done by joint session

Step 7 — Special powers of Rajya Sabha (Article 249).
  • Can authorise Parliament to legislate on State List (with 2/3 majority)
  • Can authorise creation of new All-India Services
  • Voice for states

Step 8 — Removal of Vice President.
  • Vice President (who is Rajya Sabha Chairman) can be removed by Rajya Sabha resolution + Lok Sabha agreement

Step 9 — Why Lok Sabha is more powerful.
  • Reflects direct will of people
  • Government formed from Lok Sabha
  • Controls money
  • More members

Step 10 — Why Rajya Sabha still important.
  • Represents states (federal balance)
  • Permanent body (continuity)
  • Reviews Lok Sabha decisions
  • Includes experts (nominated members)
  • Calmer, more deliberative

Step 11 — Council of States vs House of People.
  Rajya Sabha = federal voice (states represented)
  Lok Sabha = popular voice (people directly)
  Both needed for democracy

✦ Answer: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha differ in: COMPOSITION (direct vs indirect election; 5 vs 6 year terms; 543 vs 245), MONEY BILLS (Lok Sabha exclusive), GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY (Lok Sabha exclusive — no-confidence motions there), and powers. Lok Sabha is MORE POWERFUL because it represents people directly and controls finance. But Rajya Sabha is important for representing STATES (federal balance), continuity (permanent body), and review. Both are essential for India's bicameral democracy.

Practice — 'The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive'

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