Ch – 5 Working Of Institutions (Part 2)

In this session, we will study about the institution – Parliament, where all the major decisions are presented, debated, approved or rejected.

Parliament is a national assembly of elected representatives.

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Importance Of A Parliament:

• It is the final authority for making laws in any country.
• It exercises a control over the ruling government.
• It controls all the money that the government have.
• It is forum of debate and discussion on any public issue or national policy.
• It can seek information about any matter.

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Two Houses Of Parliament:

• In most countries, Parliament is divided into two parts, known as Chambers or Houses.
• One House is usually directly elected by people.
• The second House is elected indirectly and performs special functions.
• In India, the two houses are known as Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
• The President is also a part of Parliament even though he/she is not a member of either House.
• Rajya Sabha is also known as “Upper Chamber“.
• Rajya Sabha should not consist of more than 250 members.
• Out of 250, 238 members represent States and Union Territories and 12 members are nominated by President for their contribution in art, science, literature and social services.
• Lok Sabha is also known as “Lower Chamber“.
• Maximum strength of Lok Sabha is 552 members.
• Out of 552, 530 members represent the States, 20 members represent the Union Territories and 2 members are elected from the Anglo-Indian Community.
• At present, there are 545 members in Lok Sabha.
• An ordinary law needs to be passed by both Houses.
• If any difference of opinion arises in both Houses, a joint session of both Houses is held. And because of the size of Lok Sabha, usually the view of Lok Sabha prevails in the end.
• In money matters, Lok Sabha has more power than Rajya Sabha.
• The budget or any finance related law passed by Lok Sabha, can not be rejected by Rajya Sabha.
• The Rajya Sabha can delay it for 14 days or suggest changes that can or can not be accepted by Lok Sabha.
• The Lok Sabha also controls the Council of Ministers.
• If a “no confidence” motion is passed by Lok Sabha, then all ministers of ruling party including Prime Minister, have to quit.

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