The Union Parliament: ICSE Class 10 Civics solutions

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Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 1 “The Union Parliament” which is part of ICSE Class 10 Civics (Morning Star). However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.

Summary

The Union Legislature chapter covers the structure and functions of the Parliament of India, which consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, is the lower house of Parliament. Its members are directly elected by the citizens of India for a five-year term. However, the President can dissolve the Lok Sabha before this term ends. During a national emergency, the term can be extended yearly, but elections must be held within six months after the emergency ends.

The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper house. It is a permanent body that cannot be dissolved, with one-third of its members retiring every two years. The Rajya Sabha’s members are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies using proportional representation, and some members are nominated by the President for their expertise in specific fields.

The Parliament holds significant powers, including legislative, financial, judicial, and electoral functions. It can make laws on subjects listed in the Union List, Concurrent List, and under certain conditions, even the State List. The Parliament also plays a crucial role in financial matters, such as passing the Union Budget and approving Supplementary Grants when additional funds are needed. The Lok Sabha holds more power in financial matters, especially with Money Bills, which can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and must be passed within 14 days by the Rajya Sabha, though it can only make recommendations on these bills.

In terms of control over the executive, the Lok Sabha has the power to pass a vote of no confidence against the government, leading to its resignation. The Parliament also has the authority to impeach the President and remove judges and other high officials for misconduct. These powers and functions make the Parliament the supreme governing body in the Indian democratic system.

Textbook (Total History) solutions

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. India has a federal system of government with a strong _____.

A. Federation of States
B. Supreme Court
C. Parliament
D. Unitary bias

Answer: D. Unitary bias

2. A single Constitution is a feature of _____ form of government.

A. Monarchial
B. Federal
C. Unitary
D. None of the above

Answer: C. Unitary

3. State governments are neither the agents of the Central government nor do they draw their authority from it. The _____ has an overriding position.

A. Central government
B. State government
C. President
D. Prime Minister

Answer: A. Central government

4. The Central and the State Governments draw their authority from _____.

A. The Constitution of India
B. The people of India
C. The Supreme Court
D. The Judiciary

Answer: A. The Constitution of India

5. The Constitution of India provides for a _____ tier government.

A. single
B. two
C. three
D. four

Answer: C. three

6. Which of the following constitute unitary features as provided in the Constitution of India?

A. P and Q
B. R and S
C. P and R
D. Q and S

Answer: C. P and R

7. The Union Legislature comprises which of the following?

A. P and Q
B. R and S
C. P and R
D. Q and S

Answer: C. P and R

8. How are the members of the Lok Sabha elected?

A. Directly elected by the people on the basis of universal adult franchise
B. Indirectly by the representatives of the people on the basis of a single transferable vote
C. Directly by all citizens of the country
D. Indirectly by members of State Legislatures

Answer: A. Directly elected by the people on the basis of universal adult franchise

9. The States are represented in the Rajya Sabha on the basis of their _____.

A. GDP
B. taxes
C. population
D. area

Answer: C. population

10. Identify the members who constitute the Lok Sabha.

A. P and Q
B. P and R
C. Q and R
D. Q and S

Answer: A. P and Q

11. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect regarding the Lok Sabha?

A. The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people
B. The Lok Sabha acts as the voice of the nation
C. The Lok Sabha represents the States of the Indian Union
D. The Lok Sabha keeps a check on the finances of the nation

Answer: C. The Lok Sabha represents the States of the Indian Union

12. Which of the following statements about the sessions of Parliament are correct?

A. P and R
B. P and S
C. Q and R
D. R and S

Answer: A. P and R

13. The strength of a House is 510. What would be the Quorum of the House?

A. 200
B. 112
C. 110
D. 51

Answer: B. 112

14. Complete the following analogy.

Lok Sabha: _____ :: Rajya Sabha: Council of States.

A. Union of States
B. House of the People
C. Representation of the People
D. Council of the People

Answer: B. House of the People

15. The term of the Lok Sabha can be extended during emergency by _____.

A. one year at a time
B. six months at a time
C. three months at a time
D. one month at a time

Answer: A. one year at a time

16. Which of the following statements about the No-confidence Motion are correct?

P: No-confidence Motion expresses lack of confidence in a the Parliament.
Q: No-confidence in the government is moved by the Opposition.
R: If the Motion is passed the government has to resign.
S: If the Motion is not passed, the Opposition party/parties take back the Motion.

A. P and Q
B. Q and R
C. P and R
D. R and S

Answer: B. Q and R

17. When does the President of India address a joint session of Parliament?

(i) When there is a deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament over an Ordinary Bill.
(ii) At the beginning of the first session after each general election when the lower House meets.
(iii) At the beginning of first session of each year.

A. (i) and (ii)
B. (i) and (iii)
C. (ii) and (iii)
D. (i), (ii), and (iii)

Answer: C. (ii) and (iii)

18. If the strength of a House is 230, what is the Quorum of the House?

A. 46
B. 32
C. 23
D. 20

Answer: A. 46

19. The Lok Sabha may be adjourned in which of the following cases?

(i) After the day’s business is over.
(ii) For want of Quorum
(iii) In case of a natural calamity.

A. (i) and (ii)
B. (ii) and (iii)
C. (i) and (iii)
D. (i), (ii), and (iii)

Answer: D. (i), (ii), and (iii)

20. Who is empowered to summon and to dissolve the Lok Sabha?

A. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
B. The President of India
C. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers
D. The Chief Justice of India

Answer: B. The President of India

21. How are the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected?

A. By the people during general elections
B. By the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves
C. By the members of the Rajya Sabha
D. By the members of the State Legislature

Answer: B. By the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves

22. Identify the functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha.

P: The Speaker votes on all issues put to vote in the House.
Q: The speaker presides over the joint sessions of both the houses of Parliament.
R: The Speaker’s decision is final with regard to Anti-Defection Law.
S: The spealer is the ex-officio Chairman of all the committees of the House.

A. P and Q
B. P and S
C. Q and R
D. Q and S

Answer: D. Q and S

23. What happens if the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha fail to agree on an ordinary bill?

A. The Bill is sent back to the Houses of Parliament for reconsideration
B. The matter is decided by the joint-sitting of the two Houses of Parliament
C. The Bill is sent back to the Lok Sabha for reconsideration
D. The Bill is sent back to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration

Answer: B. The matter is decided by the joint-sitting of the two Houses of Parliament

24. Who presides over the joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament?

A. The President of India
B. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
C. The Vice-President
D. The Prime Minister of India

Answer: B. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

25. Who decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not?

A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Speaker of the Lok Sabha
D. Finance Minister

Answer: C. Speaker of the Lok Sabha

26. Complete the following analogy.

Speaker of Lok Sabha: Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha :: _____ : Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

A. President of India
B. Vice-President of India
C. Prime Minister of India
D. Chief Justice of India

Answer: B. Vice-President of India

27. What happens in the case of conflict between laws on subjects in the Concurrent List?

A. The State Law prevails
B. The Union Law prevails
C. A Bill is introduced in Parliament
D. The President decides which Law will prevail

Answer: B. The Union Law prevails

28. What is the tenure of the elected members of Rajya Sabha?

A. 2 years
B. 4 Years
C. 6 Years
D. 8 Years

Answer: C. 6 Years

29. Which of the following statements about the Rajya Sabha are correct?

P: Each member of the Rajya Sabha is elected for a period of five years.
Q: The minimum age for contesting election for the Rajya Sabha is 30 years.
R: One-half of the total members of the Rajya Sabha retire after every two years.
S: The Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved.

A. P and Q
B. R and S
C. P and R
D. Q and S

Answer: D. Q and S

30. How are the Rajya Sabha members elected?

A. By the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly by means of proportional representation
B. By the adult citizens of India by a single transferable vote
C. By the elected members of the Lok Sabha by means of proportional representation
D. By members of an electoral college by means of proportional representation

Answer: A. By the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly by means of proportional representation

31. Complete the following analogy with respect to members of the Rajya Sabha.

Elected: 238 :: Nominated: _____.

A. 20
B. 15
C. 12
D. 10

Answer: C. 12

32. Which of the following statements about the powers and functions of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha are correct?

P: No-confidence motion against the government can only be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
Q: The Lok Sabha can set up a New All-India Service.
R: The Rajya Sabha has virtually no powers in case of Money Bills.
S: In case of a deadlock between the two Houses, the will of the Lok Sabha prevails.

A. R and S
B. P and S
C. S and Q
D. P and Q

Answer: A. R and S

33. Lok Sabha: Adult citizens of India :: Rajya Sabha _____.

A. Elected Members of Legislative Assemblies
B. Elected Members of State Legislatures
C. Elected Members of Lok Sabha
D. Elected Members of Panchayats

Answer: A. Elected Members of Legislative Assemblies

34. Your father is a renowned scientist. He has neither contested nor won any election to the Rajya Sabha. But he has recently become a member of the Rajya Sabha. How is this possible?

A. He is appointed by the Chief Justice of India
B. He is nominated by the President
C. He is appointed by the Prime Minister
D. He is nominated by the State Governor

Answer: B. He is nominated by the President

35. Suppose you are a member of the Opposition Party in the Lok Sabha. You want to express lack of confidence in the ruling government. Which motion will you move in the Parliament to do so?

A. Adjournment Motion
B. No-confidence Motion
C. Quorum
D. Impeachment

Answer: B. No-confidence Motion

Short Answer Questions

1. Name the three levels of government in a federal set up in India. Why is a federal set-up important in India?

Answer: The three levels of government in a federal set up in India are:

1. The Union Government
2. The State Governments
3. The Panchayats and Municipalities

A federal set-up is important in India because it allows for a division of powers between different levels of government, ensuring that no single entity has complete control. This system accommodates the diverse nature of India’s population and geography, allowing for better governance and addressing regional needs effectively.

2. The existence of Union Territories is a departure from the federal form of Government. Give reasons.

Answer: The existence of Union Territories is a departure from the federal form of government because these territories are directly governed by the Central Government and do not enjoy the same level of autonomy as states do. This centralised control over Union Territories reflects a unitary aspect of governance, which contrasts with the principles of federalism where constituent units (states) have significant power and autonomy.

3. A bicameral legislature strengthens which form of government? Give a reason to support your answer.

Answer: A bicameral legislature strengthens the federal form of government. It provides a system of checks and balances within the legislature by allowing representation of the states in the Rajya Sabha, thus ensuring that regional interests are considered in the law-making process.

4. Name the law-making body of the Union Government. Name its main constituents.

Answer: The law-making body of the Union Government is the Parliament. Its main constituents are the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.

5. How are the members of the Lok Sabha elected? Who determines the salaries and allowances of the Members of Parliament?

Answer: The members of the Lok Sabha are elected directly by the people on the basis of universal adult franchise. The salaries and allowances of the Members of Parliament are determined by the Parliament itself.

6. What is the quorum to hold the meetings of the Lok Sabha? What happens when the quorum of a House is not met?

Answer: The quorum to hold the meetings of the Lok Sabha is one-tenth of the total membership of the House. If the quorum is not met, the Speaker may adjourn the House or suspend the meeting until there is a requisite quorum.

7. How are the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? Who presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected from among its members by the Lok Sabha. The Deputy Speaker is also elected by the members of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha.

8. Name the sessions of the Lok Sabha. What is the maximum gap allowed between two parliamentary sessions?

Answer: The sessions of the Lok Sabha are the Budget session, the Monsoon session, and the Winter session. The maximum gap allowed between two parliamentary sessions is six months.

9. State two occasions on which the President of India addresses a joint session of Parliament.

Answer: The President of India addresses a joint session of Parliament at the beginning of the first session after each general election and at the beginning of the first session of each year.

10. Who presides over the Rajya Sabha? Who elects the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer: The Vice-President of India presides over the Rajya Sabha. The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is elected by the members of the Rajya Sabha.

11. Name the body which elects the Rajya Sabha Members. Mention any two matters where the Rajya Sabha enjoys equal powers with the Lok Sabha.

Answer: The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of each State. The Rajya Sabha enjoys equal powers with the Lok Sabha in the impeachment of the President and the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

12. What do we mean when we say that the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body? What is the term of office of a Rajya Sabha member?

Answer: The Rajya Sabha is called a permanent body because it cannot be dissolved, unlike the Lok Sabha. The term of office of a Rajya Sabha member is six years, with one-third of its members retiring every two years.

13. Who is the ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha? Mention one of his/her duties other than being the chairperson of the Upper House.

Answer: The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. He/She presides over its meetings. He/She cannot vote on any issue discussed in the House as he/she is not its member. However, in case of a tie, he/she exercises his/her casting vote.

14. Name the lists which distribute the Subjects of legislation between the Union and the States. Mention any one circumstance when the Parliament can make laws on a state subject.

Answer: The three lists which distribute the subjects of legislation between the Union and the States are the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. One circumstance when the Parliament can make laws on a state subject is during the Proclamation of an Emergency.

15. Mention any two circumstances under which the seat of a member of the Parliament becomes vacant.

Answer: (i) If a member resigns his/her seat by writing to the Speaker or to the Chairman, as the case may be.
(ii) If a member is, without permission of the House, absent from all meetings for a period of 60 days.

16. Mention any one provision of the Constitution which clearly establishes the supremacy of the Lok Sabha with regard to money bills. What happens when a Money Bill is not returned by the Rajya Sabha in 14 days?

Answer: One provision of the Constitution that establishes the supremacy of the Lok Sabha with regard to Money Bills is that Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. If a Money Bill is not returned by the Rajya Sabha in 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by the Lok Sabha.

17. Which bodies have the right to legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List? What happens in the case of conflict between such laws?

Answer: Both the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies have the right to legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List. In the case of a conflict between the Union Parliament and the State Legislature on any law in this list, the Union Law will prevail.

18. If the President does not give his assent to a Bill, what happens?

Answer: If the President does not give his assent to a Bill, it does not become a law.

Structured Questions

1. India has opted for a federal system of government with a strong unitary bias. In this context answer the following questions:

(a) List any three federal features of government in India.

Answer:

• There is a division of legislative and administrative powers between the Union and the State Governments, and none of them could violate the limitations imposed by the Constitution.
• The States have been given the right to participate in the functioning of the government. India has a bicameral legislature, i.e., the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha mainly comprises representatives of the States.
• The disputes between different levels of government which arise due to the exercise of their respective powers are settled by the courts.

(b) List any two conditions when the Parliament can make laws on Subjects in the State List.

Answer:

1. When the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority that a subject in the State List has assumed national importance.
2. During the Proclamation of an Emergency.

(c) Write short notes on any two unitary features of the government in India.

Answer:

• A Strong Centre: The Constitution of India provides for a strong Centre, a feature of a unitary government. The Union Government has exclusive powers to legislate on matters relating to the Union List, whereas the State Governments have exclusive power to legislate on matters in the State List. In the Concurrent List, both the Centre and the States have power to legislate, but the Central Government enjoys an overriding position.
• A Single Constitution for Union and States: The States in India have not been given any right to make their own Constitution. The framers of the Constitution have provided for a single common and unified Constitution, both for the Centre and the States.

2. With reference to the powers of the Union Parliament, state the following:

(a) Three of its Legislative Powers.

Answer:

• The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws on all the subjects mentioned in the Union List, including important subjects like Defence, Banking, Communications, Foreign Affairs, etc.
• Along with the State Legislative Assemblies, the Parliament can make laws on the subjects listed in the Concurrent List, for example education, forests, adoption, succession, trade union. If there is a conflict between the Union Parliament and the State Legislature on any law in this list, the Union Law will prevail.
• The Parliament possesses residuary powers. It means that it can make laws with respect to all those matters which are not mentioned in any of the three Lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.

(b) Three of its Financial Powers.

Answer:

• The Parliament passes the Union Budget containing the estimates of receipts and expenditure of the Government for a financial year. The Railway Budget was integrated with the Union Budget from 2017-18.
• If the amount authorised for the current financial year is not sufficient, the Government may make a fresh demand known as the ‘Supplementary Grant.’
• No tax can be imposed or money spent by the government without the approval of the Parliament.

(c) Four of its Administrative or Executive Powers.

Answer:

• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. The Ministers remain in office as long as they enjoy the confidence of a majority of members in the Lok Sabha.
• If a Government acts against the Constitutional provisions, it can be voted out of office by passing a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister, or the Ministry as a whole, or any of its members.
• Motion for adjournment is aimed at censuring the acts of omission and commission of the Ministers.
• During the budget session a cut motion may be moved. Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts ensures that public money is spent in accordance with Parliament’s decision. It examines reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

3. With reference to the composition of the Lok Sabha answer the following questions:

(a) What is the maximum strength fixed by the Constitution? What is the term of the House? By whom and on whose advice can the Lok Sabha be dissolved?

Answer: The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha, as provided by the Constitution is 550. The term of the Lok Sabha is five years. However, it can be dissolved before the expiry of its normal term by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

(b) State any three qualifications needed to contest for the Lok Sabha seat.

Answer:

• He/She should be an Indian citizen.
• He/She should be at least 25 years of age.
• He/She should have his name in the electoral rolls in some part of the country.

(c) Give two reasons to justify how is the Lok Sabha more powerful than the Rajya Sabha.

Answer:

• Motions of No-confidence against the government can only be introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha. If passed by a majority vote, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers resign collectively.
• Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and upon being passed, are sent to the Rajya Sabha, where it can be deliberated on for up to 14 days.

4. With reference to the powers and functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha state the following:

(a) Any three functions to regulate proceedings of the House.

Answer:

• The Speaker presides over the meetings of the House. All speeches and remarks are addressed to the Speaker. He/She allots time for discussion.
• The Speaker interprets the rules of procedure of the House. His/Her decision in all parliamentary matters is final.
• The Speaker decides the admissibility of all questions and resolutions. He/She decides the admissibility of a motion of adjournment.

(b) Any three administrative functions.

Answer:

• The Speaker receives all petitions and documents in the House.
• He/She communicates the decisions of the House to the concerned authorities.
• He/She regulates the admission of visitors and Press correspondents to the galleries of the House.

(c) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha occupies a position of great authority and responsibility. Give reasons to support this statement.

Answer: The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha who conducts the business of the House. He/She occupies a position of great authority and responsibility. He/She has wide powers to maintain discipline in the House. With respect to the discharge of his/her powers and functions, the speaker is not answerable to anyone except the House. No court of law can go into the merits of a ruling given by him/her.

5. With reference to the powers of the Rajya Sabha, state the following:

(a) Any two of its legislative and one financial power.

Answer: Legislative Powers:

• The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws on all the subjects mentioned in the Union List, including important subjects like Defence, Banking, Communications, Foreign Affairs, etc.
• Along with the State Legislative Assemblies, the Parliament can make laws on the subjects listed in the Concurrent List, for example education, forests, adoption, succession, trade union.

Financial Power:

• A Money Bill can originate in the Lok Sabha only. After a Money Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations, which it must make within 14 days. In financial matters the Rajya Sabha has only an advisory role.

(b) Any three of its administrative powers.

Answer:

• The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He/She presides over its meetings. He/She cannot vote on any issue discussed in the House as he/she is not its member. However, in case of a tie, he/she exercises his/her casting vote.
• The Rajya Sabha elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members. In the absence of the Chairman, he/she performs all functions and duties of the Chairman.
• The Parliament can remove the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts, the Chief Election Commissioner and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, if they are found guilty of violating provisions of the Constitution.

(c) (i) Any two of its exclusive (special) powers; (ii) Any two electoral functions.

Answer: (i) Exclusive (Special) Powers:

• The Rajya Sabha has the power to declare that the creation of new All-India Services be made in the national interest.
• If the Lok Sabha is dissolved before or after the declaration of a National Emergency, the Rajya Sabha becomes the sole de facto and de jure Parliament, i.e., it takes over the functions of the Parliament.

(ii) Electoral Functions:

• The Parliament of India along with the State Legislatures elects the President of India.
• The Vice-President of India is elected by both the Houses of the Parliament.

6. With reference to the differences in the powers of two Houses answer the following questions:

(a) Compare and contrast the elections to both the Houses.

Answer: The representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of each State in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. The representatives of the Union Territories are chosen in such a manner as Parliament may prescribe. The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of India on the basis of universal adult franchise.

(b) What is the procedure that should be followed if there is a deadlock between the two Houses of the Parliament on a non-money bill?

Answer: If there is a disagreement, the President may summon both the Houses of Parliament in a joint meeting. At the joint-sitting, issues are decided by a majority of the members of both the Houses present and voting.

(c) What is the difference between a money bill and a non-money bill?

Answer: A Money Bill can originate in the Lok Sabha only. After a Money Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations, which it must make within 14 days. In financial matters, the Rajya Sabha has only an advisory role. Non-Money Bills can originate in either House of the Parliament. No bill can become a law unless agreed to by both the Houses. If there is a disagreement, the President may summon both the Houses of Parliament in a joint meeting. At the joint-sitting, issues are decided by a majority of the members of both the Houses present and voting.

Picture Study

(a) How does the Parliament symbolise that the people of India make laws for themselves?

Answer: The Parliament of India, as the supreme legislative body, is a symbol of democracy, representing the will of the people. Through their elected representatives in the Lok Sabha and indirectly through the Rajya Sabha, the people of India participate in the law-making process. This ensures that the laws passed reflect the collective will and interests of the citizens, thereby symbolising that the people of India make laws for themselves.

(b) Suppose you want to be a Member of the Lok Sabha and your name is enrolled in the electoral roll in another State and you wish to contest the election from the State where you are residing now. Can you still contest the elections for the Lok Sabha? What other qualifications you need to have to contest the elections? Can you become a member of the Upper House?

Answer: Yes, you can still contest the elections for the Lok Sabha from the State where you are residing now, even if your name is enrolled in the electoral roll in another State. Other qualifications required to contest the elections include being an Indian citizen, being at least 25 years of age, and not holding any office of profit under the government. Additionally, you should not be an undischarged insolvent, not be of unsound mind, and should not be a proclaimed criminal. To become a member of the Upper House (Rajya Sabha), you must be at least 30 years of age, an Indian citizen, and possess the same qualifications as required for the Lok Sabha, with the additional condition of being ordinarily a resident of the State you wish to represent.

(c) When you grow up, you will have a chance to be an MP. Would you like to be an MP in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha? Why?

Answer: This is a subjective question and the answer would depend on individual preferences and aspirations. If someone prefers direct involvement with the electorate and wishes to be part of the body that has greater control over financial matters and direct oversight of the government, they might prefer to be an MP in the Lok Sabha. If someone values representing the interests of the States at the national level and prefers a role that is less subject to the pressures of regular elections, they might prefer to be an MP in the Rajya Sabha.

Extra/additional MCQs

1. How many levels of government does the Indian federal system originally provide for?

A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

Answer: B. Two

Q. When was the merger of the Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli completed?

A. January 1, 2020
B. January 26, 2020
C. March 15, 2020
D. April 14, 2020

Answer: B. January 26, 2020

Q. What is the maximum number of members that the Lok Sabha can have?

A. 500
B. 525
C. 550
D. 560

Answer: C. 550

Q. Which constitutional amendment act abolished the nomination of Anglo-Indians to the Lok Sabha?

A. 102nd Amendment
B. 103rd Amendment
C. 104th Amendment
D. 105th Amendment

Answer: C. 104th Amendment

Q. How long is the term of the Lok Sabha under normal circumstances?

A. 4 years
B. 5 years
C. 6 years
D. 7 years

Answer: B. 5 years

Q. Which of the following Indian states sends the most representatives to the Lok Sabha?

A. Maharashtra
B. West Bengal
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Uttar Pradesh

Answer: D. Uttar Pradesh

Q. Which court continues to extend jurisdiction to the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu after their merger?

A. Delhi High Court
B. Bombay High Court
C. Gujarat High Court
D. Calcutta High Court

Answer: B. Bombay High Court

Q. Which Indian legislative body mainly comprises representatives of the States?

A. Lok Sabha
B. Rajya Sabha
C. Vidhan Sabha
D. Vidhan Parishad

Answer: B. Rajya Sabha

Q. In which list does the Indian Constitution allow both the Centre and the States to legislate?

A. Union List
B. State List
C. Concurrent List
D. Residual List

Answer: C. Concurrent List

Q. What is the minimum age required for a person to be a member of the Lok Sabha?

A. 21 years
B. 25 years
C. 30 years
D. 35 years

Answer: B. 25 years

Q. What must a person not be in order to qualify for membership in the Lok Sabha?

A. A citizen of India
B. In debt
C. Of sound mind
D. An undischarged insolvent

Answer: D. An undischarged insolvent

Q. What is the minimum quorum required for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to conduct business?

A. One-tenth of the total membership
B. One-fourth of the total membership
C. One-third of the total membership
D. One-half of the total membership

Answer: A. One-tenth of the total membership

Q. Who has the authority to summon each House of Parliament?

A. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
B. The President of India
C. The Prime Minister
D. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

Answer: B. The President of India

Q. What is the maximum interval allowed between two sessions of Parliament?

A. Three months
B. Four months
C. Six months
D. Eight months

Answer: C. Six months

Q. Who is responsible for maintaining discipline in the Lok Sabha?

A. The Prime Minister
B. The President of India
C. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
D. The Leader of the Opposition

Answer: C. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

Q. Under what circumstance can a No-Confidence Motion be moved in the Lok Sabha?

A. When the government loses support in the Rajya Sabha
B. When the Speaker permits it
C. When it has the support of at least 50 members
D. When the President directs it

Answer: C. When it has the support of at least 50 members

Q. What is the purpose of the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha?

A. To discuss bills
B. To review the budget
C. To allow members to question the government on public matters
D. To adjourn the House

Answer: C. To allow members to question the government on public matters

Q. Which session of Parliament is typically held from February to May?

A. Winter session
B. Budget session
C. Monsoon session
D. Special session

Answer: B. Budget session

Q. What does the term ‘Prorogation’ mean in the context of Parliament?

A. Suspension of a sitting by the Speaker
B. Termination of a session by the President
C. Adjournment due to lack of quorum
D. Extension of the parliamentary session

Answer: B. Termination of a session by the President

Q. What happens if a member of the Parliament is absent from all meetings for 60 days without permission?

A. Nothing
B. The member’s seat becomes vacant
C. The member is fined
D. The member is suspended for a session

Answer: B. The member’s seat becomes vacant

Q. What is required for a member of Parliament to raise a question during Zero Hour?

A. Prior notice of 10 days
B. No prior notice is required
C. Approval from the Speaker
D. Consent from the majority of members

Answer: B. No prior notice is required

Q. Who has the final decision if a question arises about the disqualification of a member of Parliament?

A. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
B. The Prime Minister
C. The President, based on the opinion of the Election Commission
D. The Chief Justice of India

Answer: C. The President, based on the opinion of the Election Commission

Q. What happens if a No-Confidence Motion is passed in the Lok Sabha?

A. The President dissolves Parliament
B. The government must resign
C. New elections are automatically called
D. The Speaker is removed

Answer: B. The government must resign

Q. What is the required procedure for a member to resign from the Parliament?

A. Inform the President
B. Write to the Speaker or Chairman
C. Announce it during a session
D. Submit a formal petition in court

Answer: B. Write to the Speaker or Chairman

Q. For how many years is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected?

A. Two years
B. Four years
C. Five years
D. Six years

Answer: C. Five years

Q. Who can remove the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from office?

A. The President
B. The Deputy Speaker
C. The Prime Minister
D. The Lok Sabha

Answer: D. The Lok Sabha

Q. To whom does the Speaker of the Lok Sabha submit their resignation?

A. The Prime Minister
B. The President
C. The Deputy Speaker
D. The Vice-President

Answer: C. The Deputy Speaker

Q. Who performs the duties of the Speaker when the office is vacant?

A. The President
B. The Deputy Speaker
C. The Vice-President
D. The Prime Minister

Answer: B. The Deputy Speaker

Q. Who interprets the rules of procedure in the Lok Sabha?

A. The Prime Minister
B. The President
C. The Speaker
D. The Deputy Speaker

Answer: C. The Speaker

Q. How many nominated members can the Rajya Sabha have?

A. 10
B. 12
C. 14
D. 15

Answer: B. 12

Q. What is the minimum age requirement to contest an election for the Rajya Sabha?

A. 21 years
B. 25 years
C. 30 years
D. 35 years

Answer: C. 30 years

Q. How long is the term for each member of the Rajya Sabha?

A. Two years
B. Four years
C. Five years
D. Six years

Answer: D. Six years

Q. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

A. The President
B. The Vice-President
C. The Prime Minister
D. The Speaker

Answer: B. The Vice-President

Q. How are the representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha elected?

A. By the Lok Sabha members
B. By the President
C. By the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly
D. By the Prime Minister

Answer: C. By the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly

Q. What happens to one-third of the Rajya Sabha members every two years?

A. They are re-elected
B. They are replaced by new members
C. They retire
D. They become life members

Answer: C. They retire

Q. Who is responsible for nominating members to the Rajya Sabha?

A. The Lok Sabha
B. The Prime Minister
C. The President
D. The Speaker

Answer: C. The President

Q. For how many years is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected?

A. Two years
B. Four years
C. Five years
D. Six years

Answer: C. Five years

Q. Who can remove the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from office?

A. The President
B. The Deputy Speaker
C. The Prime Minister
D. The Lok Sabha

Answer: D. The Lok Sabha

Q. To whom does the Speaker of the Lok Sabha submit their resignation?

A. The Prime Minister
B. The President
C. The Deputy Speaker
D. The Vice-President

Answer: C. The Deputy Speaker

Q. Who performs the duties of the Speaker when the office is vacant?

A. The President
B. The Deputy Speaker
C. The Vice-President
D. The Prime Minister

Answer: B. The Deputy Speaker

Q. Who interprets the rules of procedure in the Lok Sabha?

A. The Prime Minister
B. The President
C. The Speaker
D. The Deputy Speaker

Answer: C. The Speaker

Q. What is the minimum age requirement to contest an election for the Rajya Sabha?

A. 21 years
B. 25 years
C. 30 years
D. 35 years

Answer: C. 30 years

Q. How long is the term for each member of the Rajya Sabha?

A. Two years
B. Four years
C. Five years
D. Six years

Answer: D. Six years

Q. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

A. The President
B. The Vice-President
C. The Prime Minister
D. The Speaker

Answer: B. The Vice-President

Q. How are the representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha elected?

A. By the Lok Sabha members
B. By the President
C. By the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly
D. By the Prime Minister

Answer: C. By the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly

Q. What happens to one-third of the Rajya Sabha members every two years?

A. They are re-elected
B. They are replaced by new members
C. They retire
D. They become life members

Answer: C. They retire

Q. Which body is responsible for nominating members to the Rajya Sabha?

A. The Lok Sabha
B. The Prime Minister
C. The President
D. The Speaker

Answer: C. The President

Q. In which House of the Indian Parliament can Money Bills be introduced?

A. Rajya Sabha
B. Lok Sabha
C. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
D. State Legislative Assembly

Answer: B. Lok Sabha

Q. For how many days can the Rajya Sabha deliberate on a Money Bill after it is passed by the Lok Sabha?

A. 7 days
B. 14 days
C. 21 days
D. 30 days

Answer: B. 14 days

Q. What is the term of office for members of the Lok Sabha?

A. 4 years
B. 5 years
C. 6 years
D. Permanent

Answer: B. 5 years

Q. What special power does the Rajya Sabha have in regard to subjects in the State List?

A. It can amend the State List
B. It can declare a subject of national interest, empowering Parliament to legislate on it
C. It can introduce Money Bills
D. It can dissolve the Lok Sabha

Answer: B. It can declare a subject of national interest, empowering Parliament to legislate on it

Q. Who presides over a joint session of the Parliament in India?

A. President of India
B. Vice-President of India
C. Speaker of the Lok Sabha
D. Prime Minister of India

Answer: C. Speaker of the Lok Sabha

Q. Which article of the Indian Constitution was abrogated on August 5, 2019?

A. Article 360
B. Article 356
C. Article 370
D. Article 368

Answer: C. Article 370

Q. What happens to the Rajya Sabha when a National Emergency is declared, and the Lok Sabha is dissolved?

A. It is also dissolved
B. It continues to function and assumes the responsibilities of the Union Legislature
C. It forms a new government
D. It holds new elections immediately

Answer: B. It continues to function and assumes the responsibilities of the Union Legislature

Q. What is the maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha?

A. 250
B. 552
C. 500
D. 545

Answer: B. 552

Q. How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected?

A. By the people directly
B. By the State Legislative Assemblies
C. By the President of India
D. Through a lottery system

Answer: B. By the State Legislative Assemblies

Q. Which body has the power to declare a subject in the State List as of national interest?

A. Lok Sabha
B. President of India
C. Rajya Sabha
D. Supreme Court

Answer: C. Rajya Sabha

Q. What special status did Jammu and Kashmir lose after the abrogation of Article 370?

A. Dual citizenship
B. Permanent resident status
C. Special financial grants
D. Separate Constitution and Flag

Answer: D. Separate Constitution and Flag

Q. Which legal code was applicable to Jammu and Kashmir before the abrogation of Article 370?

A. Indian Penal Code
B. Ranbir Penal Code
C. Criminal Procedure Code
D. State Penal Code

Answer: B. Ranbir Penal Code

61. What is the composition of the Rajya Sabha in terms of members?

A. Not more than 200 members
B. Not more than 238 members
C. Not more than 250 members
D. Not more than 552 members

Answer: C. Not more than 250 members

Extra/additional questions and answers

1. What type of system of government does India have?

Answer: Federal system with a unitary bias.

Q. From where do both the Central and State Governments draw their authority?

Answer: From the Constitution.

Q. What is a unitary government?

Answer: A government with only one level, where sub-units are subordinate to the Central Government.

Q. What is the third level of federalism added in India?

Answer: Panchayats and Municipalities.

Q. How many States and Union Territories does India have?

Answer: 28 States and eight Union Territories.

Q. Who safeguards the distribution of powers in India?

Answer: The Supreme Court.

Q. What type of legislature does India have?

Answer: Bicameral legislature.

Q. Which house of Parliament mainly comprises representatives of the States?

Answer: Rajya Sabha.

Q. Which schedule of the Indian Constitution defines the allocation of powers between Union and States?

Answer: The Seventh Schedule.

Q. What type of citizenship does the Indian Constitution provide?

Answer: Single citizenship.

Q. What does the Indian Constitution provide for instead of equal representation in the Rajya Sabha?

Answer: Representation based on population.

Q. How many members of the Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President?

Answer: 12 members.

Q. What is the Rajya Sabha also known as?

Answer: The Council of States.

Q. What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer: 250 members.

Q. How many members of the Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President?

Answer: 12 members.

Q. Who elects the representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha?

Answer: The elected members of the Legislative Assembly of each State.

Q. What is the term of each Rajya Sabha member?

Answer: Six years.

Q. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer: The Vice-President of India.

Q. How often do one-third of the Rajya Sabha members retire?

Answer: Every two years.

Q. What is the minimum age required for contesting in Rajya Sabha elections?

Answer: 30 years.

Q. What system is used to elect Rajya Sabha members from the States?

Answer: Proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

Q. Who presides over Rajya Sabha meetings in the absence of the Chairman?

Answer: The Deputy Chairman.

Q. Can the Rajya Sabha be dissolved like the Lok Sabha?

Answer: No, it is a permanent House.

Q. How are representatives from Union Territories to the Rajya Sabha chosen?

Answer: In a manner prescribed by Parliament.

Q. Who directly governs the Union Territories in India?

Answer: The Central Government.

Q. What is the term of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: Five years.

Q. Who can dissolve the Lok Sabha before its term ends?

Answer: The President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Q. When were the Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli merged?

Answer: January 26, 2020.

Q. What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: 550 members.

Q. How many members represent the Union Territories in the Lok Sabha?

Answer: Not more than 20 members.

Q. Which Constitutional Amendment removed the nomination of Anglo-Indians to the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The 104th Constitutional Amendment Act.

Q. How many members does Uttar Pradesh send to the Lok Sabha?

Answer: 80 members.

Q. What is the minimum age required to be a member of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: 25 years.

Q. What is a quorum in the context of the Indian Parliament?

Answer: One-tenth of the total membership of each House.

Q. What is the duration of the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The first hour on every working day, starting at 11 am.

Q. What is a starred question in the Lok Sabha?

Answer: A question that requires an oral answer on the floor of the House.

Q. Who is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The Speaker.

Q. What happens if a member of the Lok Sabha disregards the authority of the Chair?

Answer: The Speaker may suspend the member.

Q. What is an Adjournment Motion?

Answer: A proposal to interrupt normal business to take up a definite matter of urgent importance.

Q. What is required for a Constitutional amendment to pass in both Houses of Parliament?

Answer: A majority of the total membership and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

Q. To whom is the Council of Ministers collectively responsible?

Answer: The Lok Sabha.

Q. What happens if a government loses a Vote of No-Confidence?

Answer: The entire Ministry must resign.

Q. What is the function of the Public Accounts Committee?

Answer: It ensures that public money is spent according to Parliament’s decisions.

Q. Under which Article can the Rajya Sabha empower Parliament to legislate on a State List subject?

Answer: Article 249.

Q. What can the Parliament do if the Lok Sabha is dissolved during a National Emergency?

Answer: The Rajya Sabha takes over the functions of Parliament.

Q. What special power does the Lok Sabha have regarding Money Bills?

Answer: Money Bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Q. Who presides over a joint session of both Houses of Parliament?

Answer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Q. What is the term of office for a member of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer: Six years.

Q. How is the President of India elected?

Answer: By elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.

Q. What is the significance of the federal setup in India?

Answer: The federal setup in India is significant because it allows power to be divided between the Central and State governments, ensuring that both have their respective jurisdictions. This system is essential for maintaining the unity and integrity of India, especially given its vast and diverse population. It also provides a mechanism for States to participate in the governance process, particularly through representation in the Rajya Sabha. The federal system helps in preventing the fragmentation of the country and allows for a balanced distribution of resources and responsibilities between the Union and the States.

Q. What are the main non-federal or unitary features of the Indian Constitution?

Answer: The main non-federal or unitary features of the Indian Constitution include a strong Centre with overriding powers, a single Constitution for both the Union and the States, flexibility in amending the Constitution, single citizenship, and inequality of representation in the Rajya Sabha. Additionally, the existence of Union Territories, which are directly governed by the Central Government, further highlights the unitary characteristics. These features have led to the description of the Indian Constitution as federal in form but unitary in spirit.

Q. Why is the Indian Constitution described as having a unitary spirit despite its federal structure?

Answer: The Indian Constitution is described as having a unitary spirit despite its federal structure because it concentrates significant powers in the hands of the Central Government. This is evident in the strong Centre provided by the Constitution, the existence of a single unified Constitution for the entire country, and the flexibility of the Constitution, which allows the Central Government to amend it with relative ease. Furthermore, the unequal representation of States in the Rajya Sabha and the existence of Union Territories under direct Central control also contribute to its unitary characteristics.

Q. What are the primary differences between the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in terms of powers and functions?

Answer: The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have equal powers in most areas except financial matters and the responsibility of the Council of Ministers, which are exclusive to the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has only an advisory role in financial matters, and Money Bills can only originate in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha also enjoys more authority in the legislative process, particularly in the approval and rejection of Money Bills.

Q. What are the qualifications required for a person to become a member of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer: To be a member of the Rajya Sabha, a person must be an Indian citizen, at least 30 years old, have their name in the electoral rolls in some part of the country, not be an insolvent or a proclaimed criminal, not hold any office of profit under the government, and not be of unsound mind.

Q. Explain the role of the Rajya Sabha during a National Emergency.

Answer: During a National Emergency, if the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Rajya Sabha assumes the role of the functioning Parliament. It becomes the sole de facto and de jure legislative body, taking over the powers and duties of the Parliament until the Lok Sabha is reconstituted.

Q. How does the Rajya Sabha contribute to the legislative process concerning State List subjects?

Answer: The Rajya Sabha can contribute to the legislative process concerning State List subjects by passing a resolution with a two-thirds majority, declaring that a matter in the State List has assumed national importance. This resolution empowers the Parliament to make laws on that subject.

Q. What are the conditions for a person to be a member of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The conditions for a person to be a member of the Lok Sabha are: they must be an Indian citizen, at least 25 years old, have their name on the electoral rolls, not be an insolvent, not hold any office of profit under the government, not be a proclaimed criminal, and not be of unsound mind.

Q. What happens when a person holding any office of profit under the government is chosen as a member of the Parliament?

Answer: A person holding any office of profit under the government is disqualified from being chosen as a member of Parliament unless the office is exempted by law. If such a disqualification arises, the President’s decision, in accordance with the opinion of the Election Commission, is final.

Q. What leads to the vacation of a seat in either House of Parliament?

Answer: A seat in either House of Parliament becomes vacant if the member resigns, is absent from meetings for 60 days without permission, becomes subject to disqualification, is elected to both Parliament and a State Legislature, or is disqualified under the Anti-Defection Law.

Q. What are the three types of questions in the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The three types of questions in the Lok Sabha are: Starred Questions, which require oral answers and allow supplementary questions; Unstarred Questions, which require written answers and do not allow supplementary questions; and Short Notice Questions, which relate to urgent matters and are asked with shorter notice than usual.

Q. What are the functions of the Speaker in maintaining discipline in the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The Speaker maintains discipline in the Lok Sabha by ordering members to withdraw if they become unruly, suspending members who disregard the authority of the Chair, adjourning the House in case of grave disorder, and expunging indecent or unparliamentary words from the proceedings.

Q. How does the Parliament exercise control over the Executive through Interpellation?

Answer: The Parliament exercises control over the Executive through Interpellation, which includes Question Hour, Calling Attention Notices, and Half-an-Hour Discussions. These devices allow members of both Houses to seek information from the government about its policies and performance. The most important of these is Question Hour, where questions are asked to obtain information on matters of public importance or to highlight grievances, ensuring that the government’s actions are subject to scrutiny.

Q. What are the exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha under Article 249 and during a National Emergency?

Answer: The exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha under Article 249 allow it to empower Parliament to legislate on matters in the State List by passing a resolution with a two-thirds majority. Additionally, during a National Emergency, if the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Rajya Sabha assumes the full functions of Parliament, becoming the sole de facto and de jure legislative body, and cannot be dissolved.

Q. What is the role of the Lok Sabha in the legislative process, particularly in the case of a deadlock with the Rajya Sabha?

Answer: In the legislative process, the Lok Sabha plays a dominant role, especially in the case of a deadlock with the Rajya Sabha. If there is a disagreement between the two Houses on an Ordinary Bill, the issue is resolved in a joint sitting where the Lok Sabha, with more than double the strength of the Rajya Sabha, usually prevails. In the case of Money Bills, the Rajya Sabha can only deliberate and recommend amendments within 14 days, but the Lok Sabha has the final say, as it can accept or reject the recommendations.

Q. What are the key features of federalism as provided by the Indian Constitution?

Answer: The key features of federalism as provided by the Indian Constitution include the following:

• Two or More Levels of Government: The Constitution specifies the existence of the Union Government and the State Governments, with a later addition of a third level in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.
• Division of Powers: Powers are divided between the Central and State governments, with each level having its own jurisdiction over specific matters of legislation, administration, and taxation.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law, and both levels of government derive their authority from it.
• Unilateral Changes Prohibited: Fundamental provisions of the Constitution cannot be unilaterally changed by any one level of government; changes require the consent of both levels.
• Dispute Resolution: Disputes between different levels of government are resolved by the courts.
• Financial Autonomy: Sources of revenue for each level of government are clearly demarcated to ensure their financial autonomy.

Q. Discuss the unitary features of the Indian Constitution that distinguish it from other federal systems.

Answer: The Indian Constitution, while federal in structure, incorporates several unitary features that distinguish it from other federal systems. These include:

• Strong Centre: The Union Government holds significant powers, particularly in areas listed in the Union List, which include critical subjects like defense, foreign affairs, and communication.
• Single Constitution: Unlike other federations where states may have their own constitutions, India has a single constitution that governs both the Union and the States.
• Flexibility of the Constitution: The Indian Constitution can be amended relatively easily by the Parliament, in some cases by a simple majority, which contrasts with the rigidity seen in other federations.
• Single Citizenship: India has a single citizenship, meaning that all citizens are considered Indian regardless of the state they belong to, unlike in some federations where citizens hold dual citizenship.
• Inequality in Representation: States do not have equal representation in the Rajya Sabha; instead, representation is based on population, giving more populous states greater influence.
• Existence of Union Territories: Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government, further emphasizing the unitary aspect of the Indian system.

Q. Describe the process and significance of electing members to the Rajya Sabha from the States and Union Territories.

Answer: Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of each State using the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. This method ensures that the allocation of seats reflects the population of each State. The representatives from Union Territories are chosen in a manner prescribed by Parliament, with Delhi’s representatives being elected by its Legislative Assembly. This process is significant because it ensures a balanced representation of the States and Union Territories in the federal structure, enabling the Rajya Sabha to function as a Council of States, representing their interests in the national legislative process.

Q. What are the powers and functions of the Rajya Sabha in the Indian parliamentary system?

Answer: The Rajya Sabha, as the Upper House of Parliament, shares equal powers with the Lok Sabha in several key areas, including the impeachment of the President, removal of the Vice-President, Constitutional amendments, and the removal of Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. All Presidential Ordinances, proclamations of Emergency, and declarations of the failure of constitutional machinery in a State must be approved by both Houses. In legislative matters, the Rajya Sabha can introduce and pass Bills, except Money Bills. The Rajya Sabha also has exclusive powers to allow Parliament to legislate on State List subjects if it passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority.

Q. Explain the procedure for the election and removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Answer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is elected from among its members soon after the newly elected House meets for the first time. The Speaker’s term lasts for five years, and they can seek re-election any number of times if they are re-elected as a member of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker may resign by submitting a letter of resignation to the Deputy Speaker. The Lok Sabha can remove the Speaker if the majority of its members pass a resolution to that effect. The Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker when the latter is absent or when the office of the Speaker is vacant.

Q. What are the main functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The main functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha include presiding over meetings of the House, interpreting the rules of procedure, signing Bills passed by the House, deciding the admissibility of questions and motions, putting issues to vote and announcing results, deciding whether a Bill is a Money Bill, maintaining order in the House, regulating admission of visitors and Press correspondents, and presiding over joint sessions of both Houses of Parliament. The Speaker is also responsible for the discipline in the House and may suspend members or adjourn proceedings if necessary.

Q. What is the role of the Speaker in the parliamentary committees of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha plays an essential role in the parliamentary committees of the House. As the ex-officio Chairman of some key committees, such as the Business Advisory Committee and the Rules Committee, the Speaker appoints the Chairmen of all the committees of the House. The Speaker also issues directions to the Chairmen in matters related to the working and procedures of their committees. Additionally, the Speaker presides over joint sessions of both Houses of Parliament and nominates personnel for Parliamentary Delegations to various countries in consultation with the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Q. Discuss the procedure and conditions under which the Indian Constitution can be amended.

Answer: The Indian Constitution can be amended by following a specific procedure outlined in the document. An amendment must first be introduced as a bill in either House of Parliament. It must then be passed by each House by a majority of the total membership and by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. However, in certain cases, such as amendments affecting federal provisions, the bill must also be ratified by at least half of the State Legislative Assemblies. This rigorous process ensures that any changes to the Constitution are carefully considered and require broad consensus across both the Union and State levels.

Q. How does the Indian Parliament exercise control over the Executive through various motions?

Answer: The Indian Parliament exercises control over the Executive through various motions, such as the Vote of No-Confidence, Adjournment Motion, and other Motions of Censure. The Vote of No-Confidence, if passed by the Lok Sabha, requires the entire Council of Ministers to resign, thereby showing that the government has lost the confidence of the House. The Adjournment Motion allows the House to interrupt its normal business to discuss a definite matter of urgent importance, often leading to censure of the government. Other Motions of Censure include those against individual ministers or the government as a whole, the rejection of a Government Bill, or the passing of a private member’s bill against the government’s wishes. These mechanisms ensure that the Executive remains accountable to the Legislature.

Q. What are the special powers of the Rajya Sabha, and how do they differ from the powers of the Lok Sabha?

Answer: The Rajya Sabha, as the upper house of the Indian Parliament, has several special powers that distinguish it from the Lok Sabha. One of its unique powers is under Article 249, which allows it to pass a resolution by a two-thirds majority to enable Parliament to legislate on a matter in the State List, a power usually reserved for state legislatures. Additionally, the Rajya Sabha has the authority to declare the creation of new All-India Services in the national interest. Another significant power is its role during a National Emergency; if the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the Rajya Sabha becomes the sole functioning legislative body, ensuring continuity of Parliament. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved. However, it has limitations, such as not being able to initiate or amend Money Bills, which are the exclusive domain of the Lok Sabha.

75. Discuss the distribution of powers between the Union and the States in India. How the Constitution ensures a balance between federal and unitary features.

Answer: The distribution of powers between the Union and the States in India is a defining feature of the country’s federal structure. The Constitution of India meticulously outlines this distribution through the Seventh Schedule, which categorizes subjects into three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List.

• Union List: This list includes subjects of national importance, such as defense, foreign affairs, and atomic energy. The Union Government has exclusive powers to legislate on these matters, ensuring that key areas of governance are centrally controlled for national coherence.
• State List: This list covers subjects of regional and local importance, such as police, public health, and agriculture. State Governments have the exclusive authority to legislate on these matters, allowing them to address the specific needs of their populations.
• Concurrent List: This list includes subjects that are of common interest to both the Union and the States, such as education, marriage, and adoption. Both levels of government can legislate on these subjects. However, in case of any conflict between Union and State laws on a Concurrent List subject, the Union law prevails, highlighting the unitary bias in the federal structure.

The Constitution also provides for a system of financial distribution to ensure that both the Union and the States have adequate resources to fulfill their responsibilities. Revenue from certain taxes is allocated exclusively to the Union, others exclusively to the States, and some are shared. This financial autonomy is crucial for the effective functioning of both levels of government.

Moreover, the Constitution is flexible in its amendment process, allowing the Union Government to amend most provisions with either a simple or a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This flexibility allows the Central Government to adapt to changing needs without requiring the States’ consent, which is a unitary feature.

However, the balance between federal and unitary features is maintained through several mechanisms. The Supreme Court acts as the guardian of the Constitution, ensuring that both the Union and the States adhere to their respective powers and do not encroach upon each other’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the Rajya Sabha, representing the States, plays a crucial role in the legislative process, particularly in protecting State interests.

In summary, the distribution of powers in India’s federal system is designed to maintain a balance between autonomy for the States and a strong Central Government. While the unitary features provide the necessary cohesion for national unity, the federal structure allows for regional diversity and local governance, making it a unique and robust system of government.