Lok Sabha Flashcards
Who elects the representatives of Lok Sabha?
Representatives of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people on the basis of universal adult franchise.
Describe the composition of the Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha can consist of a maximum of 550 members. There are currently 545 members in the Lok Sabha.
Not more than 530 members can be directly elected by state constituencies.
Not more than 20 members can be elected from union territories.
Not more than 2 members of the Anglo-French community can be selected by the president and that too only in the option that their community is not adequately represented.
Special seats are reserved for Scheduled casts and tribes.
List the Eligibility Criteria to be a Member of Lok Sabha.
- Must be at least 25 years of age
- Must be a citizen of India
- Must not be bankrupt or of unsound mental health
- Must not hold any government job
Describe the election process of Lok Sabha.
For the sake of election, the territory is divided into areas known as constituencies. The constituencies are divided among states and union territories on the basis of population.
The candidate may represent a political party or be an independent candidate.
Voting is done through secret ballot and the member with the highest number of votes becomes the representative of that constituency in the Lok Sabha.
Elections are carried out by an independent body known as Election Commission of India, set up under provisions of the constitution.
What are the two different types of parties in the parliament?
The party with the majority seats in the parliament is known as ruling party. Other opposition parties keep a check on the ruling party by questioning and debating laws and policies made by the government.
What is the term of Lok Sabha?
The usual term of the Lok Sabha is 5 years. The president may dissolve the Lok Sabha if the ruling party loses its majority before the end of the term or even extend the term by 1 year at a time in case of emergency.
Who is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?
The Lok Sabha elects a presiding officer among themselves known as the speaker. The speaker maintains order within the house. After the debates, he/she may take a vote on the issue or exercise his/her own casting vote only in case of a tie. The deputy speaker conducts the proceedings of the house in absence of the speaker.
