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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:
- The Union Government
- The State Governments
- 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:
- When the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority that a subject in the State List has assumed national importance.
- 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
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.
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.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger. He manages Online Free Notes and reads Victorian literature. His favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and he hopes to travel the world. Get in touch with him by sending him a friend request.
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