The Parliament of India is the highest law-making body in the country. It is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two Houses. The Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Provisions are given from Article 79 onwards.
Lok Sabha (House of the People)
- It is the lower house and directly elected by the people.
- Maximum strength is 552 members.
- Normal term is five years.
- The presiding officer is the Speaker.
- Money bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
- It is the upper house and represents the states.
- Maximum strength is 250 members.
- It is a permanent house and is never dissolved.
- One-third of members retire every two years; each member's term is six years.
- The Vice-President is its ex-officio Chairman.
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Functions of Parliament
Parliament makes laws, controls the executive, passes the budget and represents the people. A bill must be passed by both Houses to become a law. In case of disagreement, a joint sitting can be called under Article 108, presided over by the Speaker.
Sessions of Parliament
Parliament has three sessions in a year: Budget session, Monsoon session and Winter session. The maximum gap between two sessions cannot be more than six months.
Quick Revision Points
- Parliament = President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha.
- Lok Sabha max strength 552; Rajya Sabha max 250.
- Lok Sabha term 5 years; Rajya Sabha is permanent.
- Money bills start only in the Lok Sabha.
- Joint sitting is held under Article 108.
- Gap between sessions cannot exceed 6 months.
- Speaker heads the Lok Sabha; Vice-President heads the Rajya Sabha.