Learning Objectives
- Understand why Parliament is important in a democracy
- Learn about the two houses of Parliament and their functions
- Study the law-making process in India
- Understand how Parliament controls the executive
Key Concepts
Why Do We Need a Parliament?
In a democracy, the people choose their representatives who make decisions on their behalf. The Parliament is the supreme law-making body and represents the will of the people. It enables citizens to participate in decision-making and ensures the government is accountable to the people.
India adopted universal adult suffrage — every citizen above 18 years has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, education, or economic status.
Two Houses of Parliament
The Indian Parliament consists of two houses:
Rajya Sabha (Council of States): The upper house. Has a maximum of 250 members — 238 elected by state legislatures and 12 nominated by the President for their expertise in literature, science, art, and social service. Members serve for 6 years, with one-third retiring every 2 years. The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Lok Sabha (House of the People): The lower house. Has a maximum of 552 members — 530 from states, 20 from Union Territories, and 2 nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community (until 2020). Members are directly elected by people and serve for 5 years. The Speaker presides over Lok Sabha.
Functions of Parliament
Legislative Function: Making laws on subjects in the Union List and Concurrent List.
Control over Executive: The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers are responsible to the Lok Sabha. If they lose the confidence of Lok Sabha, they must resign.
Financial Function: The government cannot levy any tax or spend any money without Parliament's approval. The Union Budget must be approved by Parliament.
Discussion and Debate: Parliament is the highest forum for discussion and debate on public issues. Members raise questions, move adjournment motions, and debate policies.
How Laws are Made
A proposed law is called a Bill. The process of making a law:
1. A Bill is introduced in either house of Parliament (Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha).
2. The Bill is discussed, debated, and voted upon in the house where it is introduced.
3. After passing one house, it goes to the other house for approval.
4. Once both houses pass the Bill, it is sent to the President for assent.
5. After the President gives assent, the Bill becomes an Act (law).
People can also influence law-making through public protests, petitions, media campaigns, and representations to elected members.
Summary
The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body consisting of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. It makes laws, controls the executive, approves the budget, and serves as the highest forum for debate. Laws are made through a systematic process of introducing, debating, passing, and obtaining presidential assent for Bills. Universal adult suffrage ensures every citizen's participation in democracy.
Important Terms
- Parliament
- Supreme law-making body of a democratic country
- Rajya Sabha
- The upper house or Council of States in Indian Parliament
- Lok Sabha
- The lower house or House of the People in Indian Parliament
- Bill
- A proposed law introduced in Parliament for discussion and approval
- Act
- A Bill that has been passed by both houses and received presidential assent
- Universal Adult Suffrage
- Right of every adult citizen (18+) to vote without discrimination
- Opposition
- Political parties that are not in power but hold seats in Parliament
Quick Revision
- Parliament = Rajya Sabha + Lok Sabha + President
- Rajya Sabha: max 250 members, 6-year term, Vice President is Chairman
- Lok Sabha: max 552 members, 5-year term, Speaker presides
- Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha
- A Bill becomes an Act after passing both houses and getting presidential assent
- Universal adult suffrage: every citizen 18+ can vote
Practice Tips
- Draw a flowchart showing the process of making a law
- Compare Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in terms of composition, tenure, and powers
- Understand the role of the Opposition in Parliament