CHAPTER: THE INDIAN PARLIAMENT
1. Introduction
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country. It represents the
people, makes laws, controls the government, and protects the Constitution.
It functions at the national level and is part of the Union Government.
2. Structure of the Parliament
The Indian Parliament consists of three components:
1. The President of India
2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – Upper House
3. Lok Sabha (House of the People) – Lower House
3. The President
Although not a member of either House, the President is an integral part of Parliament.
Main Powers
Summons and prorogues sessions of Parliament.
Can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Must give assent to bills for them to become acts.
Issues ordinances when Parliament is not in session (temporary laws).
4. Lok Sabha
Also called the House of the People.
Composition
Maximum strength: 552
o 530 from States
o 20 from Union Territories
o (No nominated members today)
Current tenure: 5 years (can be dissolved earlier).
Eligibility
, Minimum age: 25 years.
Features
Members are directly elected by people via general elections.
The Government is responsible to the Lok Sabha—this makes it the more powerful
house.
5. Rajya Sabha
Also called the Council of States.
Composition
Maximum strength: 250
o 238 elected members
o 12 nominated by the President (artists, scientists, etc.)
Tenure
Permanent body; not dissolved.
One-third members retire every 2 years.
Term: 6 years.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 30 years.
6. How Members Are Elected
Lok Sabha
Elected through first-past-the-post system (the candidate with the highest votes wins).
Each MP represents a single constituency.
Rajya Sabha
Elected by MLAs of State Legislative Assemblies using proportional representation.
7. Sessions of Parliament
Parliament normally meets 3 times a year:
1. Introduction
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the country. It represents the
people, makes laws, controls the government, and protects the Constitution.
It functions at the national level and is part of the Union Government.
2. Structure of the Parliament
The Indian Parliament consists of three components:
1. The President of India
2. Rajya Sabha (Council of States) – Upper House
3. Lok Sabha (House of the People) – Lower House
3. The President
Although not a member of either House, the President is an integral part of Parliament.
Main Powers
Summons and prorogues sessions of Parliament.
Can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Must give assent to bills for them to become acts.
Issues ordinances when Parliament is not in session (temporary laws).
4. Lok Sabha
Also called the House of the People.
Composition
Maximum strength: 552
o 530 from States
o 20 from Union Territories
o (No nominated members today)
Current tenure: 5 years (can be dissolved earlier).
Eligibility
, Minimum age: 25 years.
Features
Members are directly elected by people via general elections.
The Government is responsible to the Lok Sabha—this makes it the more powerful
house.
5. Rajya Sabha
Also called the Council of States.
Composition
Maximum strength: 250
o 238 elected members
o 12 nominated by the President (artists, scientists, etc.)
Tenure
Permanent body; not dissolved.
One-third members retire every 2 years.
Term: 6 years.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 30 years.
6. How Members Are Elected
Lok Sabha
Elected through first-past-the-post system (the candidate with the highest votes wins).
Each MP represents a single constituency.
Rajya Sabha
Elected by MLAs of State Legislative Assemblies using proportional representation.
7. Sessions of Parliament
Parliament normally meets 3 times a year:
