Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

The Parliament of India

“The Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, responsible for making laws and overseeing the government.”

Composition

The Parliament of India consists of two Houses:

  • Lok Sabha (House of the People): Directly elected representatives of the people.
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States): Members elected by State Legislatures and nominated by the President.

The President of India is also an integral part of the Parliament.

Lok Sabha

  • Maximum strength: 552 members.
  • Members are elected directly by the people of India through general elections.
  • Term: 5 years, unless dissolved earlier.
  • Speaker is the presiding officer.
  • Responsible for financial legislation, control over the executive, and representing the public.

Rajya Sabha

  • Maximum strength: 250 members.
  • Members are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies and by the President for nominated members.
  • Permanent body, not subject to dissolution; one-third of members retire every two years.
  • Chairman (Vice President of India) is the presiding officer.
  • Represents the States and Union Territories at the national level.

Powers and Functions

  • Legislative Powers: Makes laws on subjects in the Union and Concurrent Lists.
  • Financial Powers: Lok Sabha controls money bills; Rajya Sabha can only suggest amendments.
  • Control over Executive: Parliament holds the executive accountable through questions, motions, and no-confidence votes.
  • Constitutional Powers: Can amend the Constitution (Article 368).
  • Electoral Powers: Elects the President and Vice-President indirectly.

Sessions of Parliament

  • Three sessions in a year: Budget, Monsoon, and Winter sessions.
  • The President summons and prorogues the sessions.
  • A minimum gap of six months between two sessions is mandated.

Previous Year Questions

  • HSSC 2019: Who is the presiding officer of Rajya Sabha?
  • Vice President of India
  • SSC JE 2017: What is the maximum strength of Lok Sabha?
  • 552 members
  • RRB ALP 2018: Which house of Parliament controls money bills?
  • Lok Sabha
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