Introduction and Composition of Parliament for CLAT - Practice Questions & MCQ

Introduction to Parliament:

• Parliament is the supreme legislative body in India, serving as the cornerstone of the country's democratic system. Its primary function is to create, amend, and pass laws that govern the nation.
• The Indian Parliament is a bicameral legislature, consisting of two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).

Composition of Parliament: ( bpresident + rajya sabha + lok sabha )

Rajya Sabha (Council of States):

• The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament and plays a unique role in India's federal system.
• Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not dissolved.
• One-third of its members retire every two years, ensuring continuity in its functioning.
• Members of the Rajya Sabha are not directly elected by the people but are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
• It serves as a revising chamber, reviewing and suggesting amendments to bills passed by the Lok Sabha.
• The President of India has the authority to nominate 12 members who have expertise in various fields such as arts, science, literature, and social service.
• Example: Consider a scenario where a law is proposed concerning healthcare policies. Members of the Rajya Sabha, representing different states and nominated experts, can provide valuable insights into the healthcare needs of various regions and ensure that the law is comprehensive.

Lok Sabha (House of the People):

• The Lok Sabha is the lower house of Parliament and represents the people of India.
• There are in total 542 members in lok sabha.
• Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the citizens of India through general elections.
• It is subject to dissolution by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister, leading to fresh elections.
• The Lok Sabha is the primary legislative body responsible for making and passing laws.
• The party or coalition with the majority in the Lok Sabha forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.
• Example: Suppose there's a proposed law related to taxation. Members of the Lok Sabha, directly elected by the people, engage in thorough debates and make decisions on taxation policies that have a direct impact on citizens' incomes and expenses.

Bicameral Legislature

• A bicameral legislature is a type of legislative body that is divided into two separate chambers or houses, each with its own distinct powers and functions. 
• In a bicameral system, the two chambers work together to make and pass laws, and they often have different methods of representation and specific roles within the legislative process.

Some key characteristics of a bicameral legislature:

• Two Chambers: A bicameral legislature consists of two houses or chambers, which may have different names and functions. In many countries, these chambers are typically referred to as the lower house and the upper house.
• Different Modes of Representation:
  • Lower House: The lower house is usually the larger of the two chambers and is often directly elected by the citizens of the country. It typically represents the people's interests and is responsible for initiating and passing legislation.
  • Upper House: The upper house may have members who are not directly elected by the people. Instead, they may be appointed, selected by regional legislatures, or hold positions based on other criteria. The upper house often represents the interests of regions, states, or other subnational entities within the country.
  • Separation of Powers: The two chambers often have distinct powers and responsibilities. While both chambers are involved in the legislative process, they may have different roles, such as reviewing, amending, or vetoing legislation proposed by the other chamber.
  • Checks and Balances: The existence of two chambers in a bicameral legislature provides a system of checks and balances. This means that one chamber can act as a check on the other, helping to ensure that laws are carefully considered and reflect the diverse interests of the nation.
  • Stability and Deliberation: Bicameral legislatures can provide stability and encourage careful deliberation in the legislative process. The upper house, often with longer terms or different methods of selection, can serve as a moderating force and prevent hasty or impulsive decision-making.
  • Examples: Several countries around the world have bicameral legislatures. For example, India has the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People), the United States has the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the United Kingdom has the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Importance of Bicameral Legislature:

• The bicameral system of Parliament in India is essential for several reasons:
  • Balanced Representation: It ensures a balanced representation of both the states and the people. The Rajya Sabha represents the interests of the states, while the Lok Sabha represents the interests of the people.
  • Inclusive Decision-Making: It promotes inclusive decision-making by considering diverse viewpoints and regional disparities.
  • Continuity: The Rajya Sabha's permanent nature provides stability and expertise to the legislative process.