Working Of Institutions

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1. In India, the Parliament consists of two Houses. The two Houses are known as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
2. The total number of elected members of Lok Sabha is 543+2 Anglo Indian nominated, members. The total number of members of Rajya Sabha is 238+12 nominated members.
3. Members of Lok Sabha are elected by the people. Members of Rajya Sabha are elected by the MLAs and MPs.
4. The length of the term of Lok Sabha members is 5 years. The length of the term of Rajya Sabha members is 6 years.
5. LokSabha can be dissolved but Raya Sabha is permanent and only the members retire.
6. Rajya Sabha some special powers over the states. But on most matters, the Lok Sabha exercises supreme power.
7. Any ordinary law needs to be passed by both the Houses. But if there is a difference between the two Houses, the final decision is taken in a joint session in which members of both the Houses sit together. Because of the larger number of members, the view of the Lok Sabha is likely to prevail in such a meeting.
8. Lok Sabha exercises more powers in money matters. Once the Lok Sabha passes the budget of the government or any other money-related law, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it. The Rajya Sabha can only delay it by 14 days or suggest changes in it. The Lok Sabha may or may not accept these changes.
9. Most importantly, the Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers. Only a person who enjoys the support of the majority of the members in the Lok Sabha is appointed the Prime Minister. If the majority of the Lok Sabha members say they have ‘no confidence’ in the Council of Ministers, all ministers including the Prime Minister, have to quit. The Rajya Sabha does not have this power.

1. In India, the Parliament consists of two Houses. The two Houses are known as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).
2. The total number of elected members of Lok Sabha is 543+2 Anglo Indian nominated, members. The total number of members of Rajya Sabha is 238+12 nominated members.
3. Members of Lok Sabha are elected by the people. Members of Rajya Sabha are elected by the MLAs and MPs.
4. The length of the term of Lok Sabha members is 5 years. The length of the term of Rajya Sabha members is 6 years.
5. LokSabha can be dissolved but Raya Sabha is permanent and only the members retire.
6. Rajya Sabha some special powers over the states. But on most matters, the Lok Sabha exercises supreme power.
7. Any ordinary law needs to be passed by both the Houses. But if there is a difference between the two Houses, the final decision is taken in a joint session in which members of both the Houses sit together. Because of the larger number of members, the view of the Lok Sabha is likely to prevail in such a meeting.
8. Lok Sabha exercises more powers in money matters. Once the Lok Sabha passes the budget of the government or any other money-related law, the Rajya Sabha cannot reject it. The Rajya Sabha can only delay it by 14 days or suggest changes in it. The Lok Sabha may or may not accept these changes.
9. Most importantly, the Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers. Only a person who enjoys the support of the majority of the members in the Lok Sabha is appointed the Prime Minister. If the majority of the Lok Sabha members say they have ‘no confidence’ in the Council of Ministers, all ministers including the Prime Minister, have to quit. The Rajya Sabha does not have this power.

In democracies, an assembly of elected representatives exercises supreme political authority on behalf of the people.

In India, such a national assembly of elected representatives is called Parliament.

At the state level, this is called Legislature or Legislative Assembly.

It exercises political authority on behalf of the people in many ways:

1. Parliament is the final authority for making laws in any country. This task of law-making or legislation is so crucial that these assemblies are called legislatures.
2. Parliaments all over the world can make new laws, change existing laws, or abolish existing laws and make new ones in their place.
3. Parliaments all over the world exercise some control over those who run the government. In some countries like India, this control is direct and full. Those who run the government can take decisions only so long as they enjoy the support of the Parliament.
4. Parliaments control all the money that governments have. In most countries, any of the public money can be spent only when the Parliament sanctions it.
5. Parliament is the highest forum of discussion and debate on public issues and national policy in any country. Parliament can seek information about any matter.