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The Attorney General doesn’t have the right to vote in the Parliament.

The Rajya Sabha is known as : The Upper House of the Parliament, Permanent House, or the Council of the States.

545 members.

The election Commission of India is responsible to conduct election of the members of the Rajya Sabha.

At least 25 members should be present compulsorily in the Rajya Sabha to conduct its proceedings.

The legislative Assemblies of the states have this right.

(d)  5 years

All the bills related to income expenditure, or taxation are called money bills.

The bill which is introduced in the Parliament by any minister on behalf of the government, is called a government bill.

Regarding constitution amendment bill.

The Rajya Sabha can think over a money bill for maximum 14 days.

Qualifications for a member of Parliament : 

A person should have the following qualifications to be a member of the Parliament: 

1. He should be a citizen of India 

2. His minimum age must be 25 years . 

3. He should not be holding any office of profit under government of India. 

4. He should not be insolvent or mentally retarded or declared an offender by any court. 

5. He should fulfill all the eligibility criterion under law enacted by the Parliament.

The procedure of Law-making in the Parliament: It is essential to know how a bill, after getting passed in the Parliament, becomes a law. 

In general, there are two types of bills : 

1. Ordinary bill 

2. Money bill.

I. Process of passing the ordinary bill : 

Ordinary bills can be presented in any house of the Parliament. When a bill is introduced in the Parliament, it has to go through many legal procedures to become a law. Three debates are held for the bill in each house, and it has to go through five stages, only then it can be considered passed by any house. 

These five stages are as follows : 

(a) Introduction of the bill and the first debate : 

The member presents the bill in the House at the given time after seeking due permission for the same. In most of the cases, permission is granted. This introduction of the bill in the house is called the first debate of the bill. In the first debate (reading), there is no discussion involved, but if the bill is very important, the presenter of the bill can deliver a short speech about the bill; and the members against the bill, can also criticise the bill replying in brief.

(b) Second debate : 

Second debate is the most important and decisive phase of a bill. Generally, during this phase, a selection committee is formed. This committee is made up of a small number of Parliamentary members who investigate the nature of the bill, collecting data or evidence for a law. Every section of the bill is discussed here, and then the Committee presents its report in the House in the set period. Discussions are held on this report in the house. Voting is done on its every section. The entire procedure is called the second debate of the bill.

(c) Third debate : 

After the second debate, important literal and formal amendments are done in the bill, and then the bill is presented in the house in its final form, to be passed. Because discussions have been made at large in the second debate, so in the third debate, voting is done after a general discussion. If the majority of members, who are present in the house and are voting for the bill, are in favour of the bill, then the bill is considered to be passed.

(d) The Bill in the second house : 

When the bill is passed in the house where it was presented, then it is sent to the other House to be passed. There, three debates are held again on the bill. If the second house passes the bill, then the bill is considered to be passed by both the houses, and then it is presented before the President to be signed. If the second house rejects the bill or makes some amendments which are not agreeable to the first house or the second House doesn’t discuss the bill for six months, in those conditions, it means that differences exist on the bill between both the Houses.

The differences generated between both the Houses on an ordinary bill are resolved in a joint session of these two Houses. The decision in the joint session is taken by the majority of votes cast and the number of members present.

(e) Permission of the President on a Bill : 

The bill passed by both the Houses, is presented before the President for his assent (Signature). The President can return the bill to the Parliament for farther discussion, but if the Parliament again sends the bill to the President with or without any amendment, then the President is bound to give his assent on the bill. According to article 111, the assent of the President results in the enactment of the bill into a law.

II. The process of passing the Money Bill : 

The money bill cannot be presented in the Rajya Sabha. It can only be presented in the Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President. After being passed in the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations. The Rajya Sabha has to send back the money bill within a period of 14 days, compulsorily. If the bill is not sent back within 14 days, it will be considered as passed by both the Houses. It is important to mention here that money bill is a government bill, not a non-government bill in nature.

The President is the constitutional head of the executive of the Indian Union.

Formation and structure of the Parliament of India : 

In any democratic system of government, there are three organs of the govemment-Legislature Executive, and Judiciary. Legislature in different countries, is known by different names. Legislature in India is called Parliament (Sansad). The Parliament of India is formed by the article 79 of the constitution of India: “There would be a Parliament for the Indian union, which would be consisted of the President and two Houses named: Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha”. In section V, articles 79-122 of the constitution, formation, structure, tenure, rights, and powers of the Parliament have been mentioned.

I. The Lok Sabha : 

Formation and structure of the Lok Sabha can be explained as follows:

(a) Number of members : 

The Lok Sabha is the Lower House of India’s bicameral Parliament. By the 31st constitutional amendment 1974, the maximum number of the members of the Lok Sabha can be 552, out of which 530 members will be elected from different states, 20 members from the union territories and 2 members from the Anglo- Indian community will be nominated by the President.

At present the total number of the members is 545, out of which 530 members are elected from different states and 13 members are elected from the Union Territories, and two members are nominated by the President of India.

(b) Election : 

The members of the Parliament are directly elected by the people on the basis of universal suffrage. Some seats are reserved for scheduled caste and scheduled tribes candidates. 

(c) Tenure : 

The Lok Sabha is not a permanent house. Basically its tenure is 5 years. On the advice of the Prime Minister and the council of Ministers, the President can dissolve it any time. 

(d) Qualifications of the members : 

The following qualifications are essential to be a member of the Lok Sabha: 

1. He must be a citizen of India 

2. His minimum age must be 25 years or above. 

3. He should not be holding any office of profit under the government of India or any state government 

4. He should not be insolvent or mentally retarded or declared an offender by any court. 

5. He should possess the qualifications prescribed by the Parliament as per the law. 

(e) officials : 

The Lok Sabha members elect a speaker and a deputy speaker from among themselves. The speaker presides over the sittings of the Lok Sabha. In absence of the speaker, the Deputy speaker executes all his functions. The members are called MPs.

II. The Rajya Sabha : 

The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of the Parliament. Its formation and structure is as follows : 

(a) Number of Members : 

The Rajya Sabha was formed under article 80 of the constitution. According to it, its total number of members will be 250, of whom 12 members will be nominated by the President. These members should be having special knowledge or practical experience in the field of literature, science, art, or social service. Remaining 238 members are elected from the states and the Union Territories. Although, the total number of members of the upper house at present is fixed 245, out of which 229 members are elected from different states and four members are elected from the Union Territories, While 12 members are nominated by the President. 

(b) Election : 

According to article 80(4) of the constitution, the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of the state in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. It means member of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the people indirectly. 

(c) Tenure : 

The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house. The tenure of its members is 6 years. Its 1/3 members are retired after every two years, and 1/3 new members are elected. 

(d) Qualification of the Members : 

To be the member of the Rajya Sabha, the minimum age of the candidate must be 30 years. And rest of the qualifications are same as required to be the member of the Lok Sabha. 

(e) officials : 

The Vice-President of India is the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha who presides over its sessions and conducts its other activities. Besides the chairman, a deputy- chairman is also appointed in the Rajya Sabha, who is elected from amongst the house members. He presides over the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha in absence of the Chairman.

Speaker in the Lok Sabha, and chairman in the Rajya Sabha is called ‘presiding officer’.

Every year, three sessions of Indian Parliament are held.

Functions of the Parliament: 

Following are the two functions of the Parliament 

•  Legislation : 

Parliament is the executive branch of India, so its main function is legislation. The Parliament can make a law on any subject contained in the union list and the concurrent list. It can also frame laws using its residuary powers on the subjects given in the state list, in some special circumstances. When any two or more state legislatures, by passing a proposal, request the Parliament to enact a law on any subject, then also the Parliament can enact a law. 

• Control over the executive : 

The Indian Parliament controls the executive by different methods such as : Question Hour, Zero Hour, call attention resolution, Adjournment motion etc. in the Parliament. But the Supreme power of control over the Executive is given to Lok Sabha. This power is called die motion of confidence and no confidence.

The bill related to amendments in various constitutional sections, is called the constitutional amendment bill. Both the houses of the Parliament have same powers in regard of the constitutional amendment bill, because if one House passes this bill and the other refuses to pass it, then the constitutional amendment bill is considered as void. constitutional amendment bill can be presented in any of the houses of the Parliament, but it is essential that it should be passed by both the houses separately. These is no provision of holding a joint session for it. After being passed separately by both the houses, the constitutional amendment bill is considered passed by the President. The President cannot refuse to give his assent on this bill.

Indian Parliament is one of the strongest legislatures of the world. In India, Parliament means Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, and the President. Though the President is not associated with the Parliament directly, but a bill passed by the Parliament, becomes a law only after the President’s consent. Therefore the President is considered an integral organ of the Parliament.

The Functions and Powers of Indian Parliament: 

(i). Law-making :

The most important work of the Legislative branch of the government is law-making. Parliament is the Legislature of India. Its main function is law-making. The Parliament can make a law on any subject contained in the union List and the concurrent list. Parliament can also frame laws using its residuary powers on the subjects given in the state list, in some special circumstances. Although laws on the subjects contained in the concurrent list, can be enacted by both, the Indian Parliament and the legislature of the states. If there is any dispute between the law enacted by the Indian Parliament and by the legislature of the state, then finally the law enacted by the Indian Parliament will be implemented and the law enacted by the state legislature will be cancelled. The Parliament can also enact laws on residuary subjects.

(ii). To pass the Money Bill : 

Second important function of the Parliament is to pass money bill. Article 109 describes the procedure of the money bill and it is defined in article 110. Money bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. It can be presented only in the Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President. After it is passed in the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha, which has to send it back to the Lok Sabha within 14 days of its receiving, it is mandatory for the Rajya Sabha. In case it is not sent back to the Lok Sabha within 14 days, it will automatically be considered passed by both the houses.

(iii). Power of Amendment in the constitution : 

The Parliament has an important power regarding amendment in constitution. Amendment in the constitution is done in both the houses of the Parliament. And in some sections of the constitution, amendment can be done by the Parliament alone, by simple majority. According to article 3 of the constitution, the Parliament alone can make amendment in the constitution in the issues like to form a new state by merging two or more states, to form a new state, to change the area, boundaries, and names of the existing states, etc, by simple majority. In some sections of the constitution, the Parliament can make amendments by 2/3 majority. 

There are only some such issues in the constitution in which the consent of half of the legislative assemblies of the states of Indian Union is required for amendment. Constitution amendment bill can be presented in any house. It is necessary that it must be passed by both the houses separately. It means there is no provision of joint session. The bill passed by both the houses, is considered passed only after the President’s assent. (Signature). The President can not refuse his assent on it.

(iv). Control over the Executive : 

According to the constitution, Indian executive or cabinet is accountable to the Parliament. The Parliament can control the executive in many ways, such as: 

1. The Parliament through Adjournment Motion, can highlight the faulty policies and work of the government. 

2. The members of Parliament can ask the members of the executive, questions and complementary questions about the policies and work of the government. 

3. The Parliament can express its protest by not accepting a government bill, by accepting the proposal of curtailment in salary of the ministers or by making such an amendment in any government bill, which is not agreeable to the government, etc. 

4. The Parliament can make curtailment in the budget in which case, the cabinet has to resign. 

5. The Lok Sabha has the power to dismiss the council of Ministers by passing no confidence motion against it. 

6. Electoral powers : 

The members of Parliament take part in the election process of the President and Vice-President of India. The President is indirectly elected by our electoral college comprising the elected members of both the houses of the Parliament, and the Legislative Assemblies of each of India’s states and Union Territories. In the election process of Vice- President of India, Members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha (both elected and nominated members) take part. The Lok Sabha elects its speaker and Deputy Speaker. The Rajya Sabha also elects its Deputy chairman. 

7. Power related to Impeachment : 

The President, judges of the Supreme court and High courts can be impeached by both the houses of the Parliament. Both the houses of the Parliament can dismiss the President by passing an impeachment proposal against him as per the special process mentioned in the constitution. The same way, both of these houses can also dismiss any judge of the Supreme court and High courts by passing a dismissal proposal on the ground of incapability or misconduct. This type of proposal should necessarily be passed in each house with 2/3 majority. 

On the basis of the above mentioned functions of the Indian Parliament, it can be said that amongst the powerful legislatures of the world, Indian Parliament has a prominent place.

(c) Lok Sabha

Meaning of Quorum : 

1. A quorum is the minimum number of members of an assembly, necessary to conduct the proceeding of the houses. Their presence provides legality to the proceedings. 

2. Quorum in each house (Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha) is at least the one-tenth part of the total number of members of the house including the presiding officer. 

3. If the Lower House has total membership of 545, at least 55 members are necessary to be present for the proceeding, and for proceeding of the upper House, at least 25 members (total members are 245) should be present. 

4. If there is no quorum at any time in any session of the Parliament, then a bell rings for the information of the members. Even then, if there is no quorum, then the Speaker / Chairman suspends the session.

The Bill related to the government’s income : 

Expenditure, imposition of any tax, decrease or increase in any tax, and to withdraw or deposit any amount from the government fund, is called the Money Bill. 

The important points related to the Money Bill can be made clear on the following basis : 

1. Article 109 describes the process of a money bill. 

2. Article 110 defines it. 

3. The money bill cannot be presented in the Rajya Sabha. 

4. The money bill can only be presented in the Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President. 

5. After being passed in the Lok Sabha, the President has to send back the money bill within a period of 14 days with his assent. 

6. If the money bill is not sent back, then, in this condition, it will be considered as passed by both the houses. 

7. The money bill is a government bill, not a non-government bill, in nature.

In 1919 the Government of India Act come into being.

(a) The Rigveda

 Panini is the author of ‘Ashtadhyayi.

(c) The Parliament

(a) Vice-President

(b) National Diet

Parliament is the central legislature of India.

There are 3 organs of the government in a democratic system.

(b)  Speaker

The three organs of the government are : 

The Legislature, The Executive, The Judiciary

Powers and function of Lok Sabha Speaker : 

The powers and functions of Lok Sabha Speaker can be made clear on the basis of the following points : 

1. When the numbers of votes cast are equal in favour of and against any bill, then the Lok Sabha speaker can cast his decisive vote. 

2. The speaker has the power to give recognition to parties and groups in the Lok Sabha. 

3. He conducts the proceedings of Lok Sabha. 

4. According to constitution he also has the power to adjourn the meeting of Lok Sabha or to suspend the meeting in case of absence of Quorum.

5. To maintain the established system in Lok Sabha, is the responsibility of the speaker, and he makes the members follow rules and regulations. 

6. For presentation of appeals in the Lok Sabha, the speaker’s consent is mandatory. 

7. He appoints the chairman of selection committees.

8. With the counsel of the prime minister, he decides the day and time for consideration of Budget, Appropriation bill, and Finance bill, by the committee.

9. No question related to any members, committee, or violation of privilege can be raised in the meeting without his consent. 

10. He can prohibit the entry of audience and representatives of press, in the House. 

11. On all the formal occasions, only the speaker represents the Lok Sabha. 

12. The speaker also graces many reputed posts. 

13. To protect the privileges of the members of Lok Sabha, is also the responsibility of the speaker. The interests of the opposition parties are also protected by him only. 

14. His consent is mandatory for adjournment Motion too. 

15. All Lok Sabha speeches are addressed to him only. 16. The limit of budget speeches, is also decided by him only. 

17. To maintain discipline in the house is also the speaker’s responsibility. 

18. It is also decided by the speaker, whether a bill is a money bill or not 

19. He conveys the decisions of the house to the appropriate officers. 

20. In case of joint session, the session is presided over by the speaker of the Lok Sabha.

People can participate in many other ways to express their views on government. This can be done by writing letters to editors, posting comments on social media, participating in debates on television, etc. You can prepare your skit on these lines.

The President has the right to prorogate.

(b) Enactment of law

(c) In article 79

The basis of quorum in the Indian Parliament or in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is 1/10th part of its membership.

(a) Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha

10 members can be elected for Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan.

There are two houses of Indian Parliament: 

1. Rajya Sabha 

2. Lok Sabha

The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people on the basis of adult suffrage by Secret ballot.

The election process of members of the Rajya Sabha is ‘Single transferable vote’ and ‘proportional representation’ system.

10 members are elected from Rajasthan to the Rajya Sabha .

The President can nominate two members from the Anglo-Indian Community, in the Lok Sabha.

Minimum age to become a member of Lok Sabha is 25 years.

The first speaker of the Lok Sabha of independent India was Ganesh Vasudeva Mavalankar.

The President can nominate 12 members in Rajya Sabha.