Scribd
Upload
137 views

Composition, Powers and Functions of Parliament

The Indian Parliament is a bi-cameral legislature consisting of the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and Lok Sabha (lower house), along with the President of India. It holds the exclusive power to make laws, review actions of the President and Governors, and communicate with state governments. The Parliament also plays a significant role in debating policies, assessing financial proposals, and requires presidential assent for all passed bills.

Uploaded by

J.Senthil kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
137 views

Composition, Powers and Functions of Parliament

The Indian Parliament is a bi-cameral legislature consisting of the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and Lok Sabha (lower house), along with the President of India. It holds the exclusive power to make laws, review actions of the President and Governors, and communicate with state governments. The Parliament also plays a significant role in debating policies, assessing financial proposals, and requires presidential assent for all passed bills.

Uploaded by

J.Senthil kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Composition, Powers and Functions of Parliament

All the legislative powers of the federal Government are vested in the
Parliament. The laws framed by the Indian Parliament are enforced in the whole of
the country. The Parliament of India is a bi-cameral legislature. It consists of two
houses- Rajyasabha & Lok Sabha and President of India. Rajyasabha is the upper
chamber of the Parliament while Lok Sabha is the lower chamber of the Parliament.

The Parliament of India is a bi-cameral legislature. It consists of two houses-


Rajyasabha & Lok Sabha and President of India. Parliament makes law with the help
of its both the chambers. Laws passed by the parliament and approved by the
president are enforced in the whole country.

What is Parliament?

The parliament of India is called the Indian Parliament. In other countries, the
parliament is called the Standing (or “Standing”) Council, or house of
representatives. In India, it is known as the Lower House of the National Legislative
Assembly or National Parliament. The members of this house are referred to as
Members of Parliament or Members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).

What is Composition of Parliament?

Composition of Parliament refers to the number of members in the two houses of


India’s National Legislature Assembly (and state legislative assemblies). The Indian
Parliament includes two houses – the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok
Sabha (House of the People).

What are the Two houses in Parliament?

The two houses of Parliament are called Rajya Sabha or Council of States and Lok
Sabha or House of People. The Rajya Sabha is the upper house and the Lok Sabha
is the lower house.

1) Rajya Sabha: It is the upper house or Council of States. The Rajya Sabha
consists of not more than 250 members.

2)Lok Sabha:
This is the lower house or House of People. The Lok Sabha consists of not more
than 543 members.

Significance of Parliament:

The two houses of Parliament are the sole lawmaking bodies in India. They
also hold the responsibility of reviewing and approving the president’s or governor’s
action as well as communicating with the State Governments. The two houses
receive recommendations from the state governments and often pass a resolution to
approve the President’s or Governor’s proposed appointment of people to different
posts. In addition to these, the Rajya Sabha is briefed upon any proposal that
requires immediate attention of Centre by its members. The Rajya Sabha is also
briefed on important bills that have been passed by the Lok Sabha.

Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions (PMBs) are introduced in Parliament


by the individual members (the members of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha). A Private
Member’s Bill can only be introduced in a sitting of Lok Sabha and the same shall be
allowed to be debated upon by members of Lok Sabha only. On the other hand, any
member of Rajya Sabha can introduce a Private Resolution, which identifies an
issue or matter of importance. These resolutions are not debatable. These two
houses may express their disapproval upon Governors’ actions or President’s
actions through ‘No Confidence Motion’.

Powers and Functions of Parliament:

1) Making of Laws:

The Parliament is the only body that has power to make the laws of India. It can
make a law on any issue, which is not in conflict with the constitution. Any bill passed
by both the houses is sent to the president for his/her approval.

2) Debating:

A time for debate in each house is reserved for presentation and discussion of
government policies and programmes, through the introduction of bills and other
business. This can help in proposing solutions to problems faced by Indian society
today.
3) Exercising of Legislative Powers:

The Parliament is empowered to make laws for the whole of India. The parliament
can also amend a bill passed by Lok Sabha and send the same back to Rajya Sabha
for approval. The Rajya Sabha can reject a bill passed by Lok Sabha, but it has no
power to alter or amend any law once passed by Lok Sabha.

4) Assessment Reports:

Bills / Proposals for appropriation of money must be introduced in parliament


by the Finance Minister. These bills are referred to as the Appropriation Bill. The
budget of the previous year and the appropriation bill are presented in the Lok Sabha
by the Finance Minister.

5) Assent to Bills:

The President has to give his assent to all bills passed by both houses of
Parliament. If he withholds his assent, the bill is returned to Parliament. In this case,
both houses must reconsider their decision, and if they pass it again, with or without
amendments, it is then sent back to the President for his assent.

You might also like