Government: Legislature Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the legislature [2]
A
- Federal government meaning there is a central government and regional governments
- Bicameral meaning there is an upper and lower house - Lok and Rajya Sabha
- Makes laws for the country
2
Q
Composition of Lok Sabha [2]
A
- Maximum strength is 552 members
- Of these, 530 are elected from the states, 20 are elected from union territories and 2 from the Anglo-Indian community by the president
3
Q
Duration of Term for Lok Sabha [2]
A
- One term is of 5 years
- It can be dissolved earlier by the President if the ruling party loses majority
4
Q
Qualifications of membership for Lok Sabha [5]
A
- Indian Citizen
- Mentally sound
- 25+ years of age
- No criminal records
- Can’t hold an office of profit
5
Q
Function of speaker [5]
A
- Enforce discipline in the House
- Protecting the rights and privileges of the members and the dignity of the House
- To be utterly impartial
- Determining the commencement and length of sessions
- Taking the final decisions with regard to admissibility and validity of questions and amendments
- Both speaker and deputy speaker are elected by the members of the House but can also be removed by the same
6
Q
Legislative Powers of Lok Sabha [2]
A
- Can pass all bills concerning all those subjects with have ben included in the Union List and the Concurrent list
- Can pass bills regarding the state subjects in emergencies or if the Rajya Sabha voting has declared a particular subject of national importance (when 2/3 of their members where present). This bill would only be valid for a year
7
Q
Financial Powers of Lok Sabha [3]
A
- A money bill must be initiated in the Lok Sabha
- The Rajya Sabha has a 14 day limit to send back recommendations that need not be implemented by the Lok Sabha
- Equipped with the power of authorizing expenditure (controls union budget)
8
Q
Executive Powers of Lok Sabha [1]
A
- The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha and they must resign if a vote of no confidence is passed in the Lok Sabha
9
Q
What is Electoral Function? [1]
A
- The members of the parliament constitute a part of the Electoral College for the election of president
10
Q
Miscellaneous Powers of Lok Sabha [3]
A
- Discussions on matters of public importance
- Proclamation of emergency by the president needs the approval of the Lok and Rajya Sabha
- Punitive action against MP’s by the house (members who commit a breach of privilege)
11
Q
Composition of Rajya Sabha [2]
A
- Maximum strength is 250
- Out of this 12 members are elected by the president who have excelled in the fields of literature, art, sports, science or social service (this is a way of bringing people of talent and distinction into the Council)
12
Q
Duration of Term of Rajya Sabha and it’s advantages [3]
A
- Members are elected for a period of 6 years
- Every 2 years 1/3 of the House retire (they are eligible for reelection)
- This means the house remains politically stable
- Everyone 2 years there is an inflow of fresh talent
13
Q
Qualifications for Membership [1]
A
- Same as Lok Sabha, except age must be 30+
14
Q
Who is the head and second in command of the Rajya Sabha? [2]
A
- The Chairman of the Raja Sabha is the vice president of India
- The deputy chairman is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha
15
Q
Functions of the Parliament [4]
A
- Making laws: a bill must be introduced in any house and proposed. Once passed in that house, the other house and the president have to accept it for it to become a law (money bills only in the Lok Sabha)
- Preparing the budget: The budget is presented by the finance minister to the Lok Sabha. The budget is then sent to the Rajya Sabha who can only suggest changes
- Elective and Judicial Functions: Members of the parliament elect the president and vice president of India. They also have the power to impeach or remove the president and the judges of the Supreme and High Courts
- Control over Executive: The executive is answerable to the parliament and if the Lok Sabha passes a vote of no confidence it will be forced to resign
