Legislature | Polity Class11 NCERT | Animation

Summary

This video explains the structure and functions of the Indian Parliament, including the two houses: Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). It covers the process of lawmaking, the role of parliamentary committees, and how the Parliament checks the executive's power. The video also delves into the specifics of each house, the process of making bills, and the procedures for controlling government actions, such as financial oversight and no-confidence motions. Additionally, it highlights the special powers of each house and how they contribute to the functioning of Indian democracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Indian Parliament is bicameral, consisting of two houses: Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• 😀 Rajya Sabha represents states in India, with its members elected indirectly through the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
• 😀 The allocation of Rajya Sabha seats is based on the population of states, ensuring proportional representation, unlike the US Senate where every state gets equal seats.
• 😀 Rajya Sabha is a permanent body with a six-year term for members, and its members are re-elected every two years in thirds, preventing complete dissolution.
• 😀 Lok Sabha represents the direct will of the people, with members elected through direct elections from 543 constituencies across the country.
• 😀 The Lok Sabha has a normal term of five years, but it can be dissolved by the President earlier if a no-confidence motion passes.
• 😀 Parliament’s primary function is legislative, involving the creation of laws, but it also serves to control the executive and oversee government spending.
• 😀 Parliament plays a crucial role in checking government expenses, as it must approve any government expenditure, including taxes and new taxes.
• 😀 Rajya Sabha is tasked with protecting state interests and has special powers regarding laws on state subjects, while Lok Sabha handles matters like money bills and the Council of Ministers' accountability.
• 😀 The process of lawmaking involves introducing a bill, committee scrutiny, debates, voting in both houses, and the President’s approval, turning it into an Act.
• 😀 Parliamentary committees, including standing and ad hoc committees, assist in detailed discussions of bills and the legislative process, making Parliament more efficient.

Q & A

What are the two houses in the Indian Parliament?

The two houses in the Indian Parliament are the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

What is a bicameral legislature?

A bicameral legislature is a system where the legislature consists of two separate houses or chambers, like the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in India.

How are members of the Rajya Sabha elected?

Members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected. Citizens elect the members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in their states, and the MLAs then elect the Rajya Sabha members.

What is the significance of giving states proportional representation in Rajya Sabha?

Proportional representation ensures that the number of seats each state holds in the Rajya Sabha is based on its population, ensuring fair representation of people from larger states and smaller states.

Why is Rajya Sabha considered a permanent house of Parliament?

Rajya Sabha is considered a permanent house because it is not dissolved entirely like the Lok Sabha. The term of one-third of its members expires every two years, ensuring continuous functioning.

What is the term length for a member of Rajya Sabha?

The term length for a member of Rajya Sabha is six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.

What are the main functions of the Indian Parliament?

The main functions of the Indian Parliament include making laws, controlling the executive, overseeing government spending, representing citizens, and debating national issues.

How does Parliament control the executive in India?

Parliament controls the executive by ensuring it has majority support in the Lok Sabha, scrutinizing the government's actions, approving laws, and using instruments like deliberation, discussions, and motions of no confidence.

What is the process of making a law in Parliament?

The process of making a law begins with the introduction of a bill in either house. The bill is discussed, referred to a parliamentary committee, and voted on in both houses. Once approved, the President signs it, turning the bill into an act.

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

A money bill deals with government expenditure, borrowing, or taxation and can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. A non-money bill covers all other legislative matters, including constitutional amendments and ordinary laws.