The Union Parliament

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

1. Federation of States
2. Supreme Court
3. Parliament
4. Unitary bias

Answer

Unitary bias

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

1. Monarchial
2. Federal
3. Unitary
4. None of the above

Answer

Unitary

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

1. Central government
2. State government
3. President
4. Prime Minister

Answer

Central government

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

1. The Constitution of India.
2. The people of India.
3. The Supreme Court
4. The Judiciary.

Answer

The Constitution of India

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

1. single
2. two
3. three
4. four

Answer

three

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

P: A strong Centre

Q: Adequate financial resources for the Centre and the States.

R: A single Constitution for the Union and the States.

S: Division of legislative and administrative powers between the Union and the States.

1. P and Q
2. R and S
3. P and R
4. Q and S

Answer

P and R

The Union Legislature comprises which of the following?

P: The President

Q: The Lok Sabha

R: The Rajya Sabha

S: The two Houses of Parliament

1. P and Q
2. R and S
3. P and R
4. P and S

Answer

P and S

How are the members of the Lok Sabha elected?

1. Directly elected by the people on the basis of universal adult franchise.
2. Indirectly by the representatives of the people on the basis of single transferable vote.
3. Directly by all citizens of the country.
4. Indirectly by members of State Legislatures.

Answer

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

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

1. GDP
2. taxes
3. population
4. area

Answer

population

Identity the members who Constitute the Lok Sabha.

P : 530 members from the States.

Q : 20 members from the Union Territories.

R : Two members belonging to the Anglo-Indians

S : Two members representing the Arjuna awardees.

1. P and Q
2. P and R
3. Q and R
4. Q and S

Answer

P and Q

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

1. The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people.
2. The Lok Sabha acts as the voice of the nation.
3. The Lok Sabha represents the States of Indian Union.
4. The Lok Sabha keeps a check on the finances of the nation.

Answer

The Lok Sabha represents the States of Indian Union.

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

P : The President of India summons each house of Parliament.

Q : Each house of Parliament shall meet at least thrice a year.

R : Normally there are three sessions of Parliament in a year.

S : The speaker presides over the joint sessions of both the Houses of Parliament.

1. P and R
2. P and S
3. Q and R
4. R and S

Answer

P and R
(S is also correct)

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

1. 200
2. 112
3. 110
4. 51

Answer

51

Complete the following analogy.

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

1. Union of States
2. House of the People
3. Representation of the People
4. Council of the People.

Answer

House of the People

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

1. one year at a time.
2. six months at a time.
3. three months at a time.
4. one month at a time.

Answer

one year at a time.

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

P : No-confidence Motion expresses lack of confidence in 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.

1. P and Q
2. Q and R
3. P and R
4. R and S

Answer

Q and R

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.

1. (i) and (ii)
2. (i) and (iii)
3. (ii) and (iii)
4. (i), (ii) and (iii)

Answer

(i), (ii) and (iii)

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

1. 46
2. 32
3. 23
4. 20

Answer

23

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.

1. (i) and (ii)
2. (ii) and (iii)
3. (i) and (iii)
4. (i), (ii) and (iii)

Answer

(ii) and (iii)

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

1. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
2. The President of India
3. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers
4. The Chief Justice of India

Answer

The President of India

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

1. By the people during general elections.
2. By the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves.
3. By the members of the Rajya Sabha.
4. By the members of the State Legislature.

Answer

By the members of the Lok Sabha from amongst themselves.

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 Speaker is the ex-officio Chairman of all the committees of the House.

1. P and Q
2. P and S
3. Q and R
4. Q and S

Answer

Q and R

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

1. The Bill is sent back to the Houses of Parliament for reconsideration.
2. The matter is decided by the joint-sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.
3. The Bill is sent back to the Lok Sabha for reconsideration.
4. The Bill is sent back to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration.

Answer

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

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

1. The President or India
2. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
3. The Vice-President
4. The Prime Minister of India

Answer

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha

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

1. President
2. Prime Minister
3. Speaker of the Lok Sabha
4. Finance Minister

Answer

Speaker of the Lok Sabha

Complete the following analogy.

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

1. President of India
2. Vice President of India
3. Prime Minister of India
4. None of the above

Answer

Vice President of India

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

1. The State Law prevails
2. The Union Law prevails
3. A Bill is introduced in Parliament.
4. The President decides which Law will prevail.

Answer

The Union Law prevails

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

1. 2 years
2. 4 Years
3. 6 Years
4. 8 Years

Answer

6 Years

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.

1. P and Q
2. R and S
3. P and R
4. Q and S

Answer

Q and S

How are the Rajya Sabha members elected?

1. By the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly by means of proportional representation.
2. By the adult citizens of India by a single transferable vote.
3. By the elected members of the Lok Sabha by means of proportional representation.
4. By members of an electoral college by means of proportional representation.

Answer

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

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

Elected : 238 :: Nominated : ....?....

1. 20
2. 15
3. 12
4. 10

Answer

12

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 : Incase of a deadlock between the two Houses, the will of the Lok Sabha prevails.

1. R and S
2. P and S
3. S and Q
4. P and Q

Answer

R and S

1. Elected Members of Legislative Assemblies
2. Elected Members of State Legislatures
3. Elected Members of Lok Sabha
4. Elected Members of Panchayats

Answer

Elected Members of Legislative Assemblies

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?

1. He is appointed by the Chief Justice of India
2. He is nominated by the President
3. He is appointed by the Prime Minister
4. He is nominated by the State Governor.

Answer

He is nominated by the President

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?

1. Adjournment Motion
2. No-confidence motion
3. Quorum
4. Impeachment

Answer

No-confidence motion

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

Answer

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

1. Central Government
2. State Governments
3. Panchayats and Municipalities

In countries like India where the people belong to different races and religions, with their own customs and languages, Federation seems to be the only plan to keep them united and save India from separatist forces fighting for fragmentation and provincialism of the country.

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

Answer

The existence of Union territories is a unitary or non-federal feature of the Indian Constitution. The Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government and do not enjoy any independent powers or autonomy. Moreover, they do not have any representation in the Rajya Sabha, which is the upper house of the Indian Parliament.

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

Answer

The bicameral legislature is one where the legislature consists of two houses and it strengthens federal form of government as in a federal system of government, all the administrative powers are divided between the Central and State governments and both are supreme within their respective spheres according to the Constitution.

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

Answer

The Parliament is the law making body of the Union Government.

The main constituents of the Indian Parliament are:

1. The President
2. The Lok Sabha
3. The Rajya Sabha

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 by direct election on the basis of universal adult franchise. Thus every person who has attained the age of 18 years is entitled to vote provided he is not otherwise disqualified.

The Parliament determines the salaries and allowances of the Members of Parliament.

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 of the Lok Sabha is one-tenth of the total membership of each house. This means that the House cannot conduct its proceedings and pass Bills and resolutions without the presence of at least one-tenth of its total membership.

When the quorum of a House is not met, the House cannot conduct its proceedings and pass Bills and resolutions. The Speaker may adjourn the House or suspend the meeting until there is a requisite quorum.

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 own members soon after the newly elected House meets for the first time.

The Deputy Speaker is elected from among its own members in the same way as the Speaker.

The Speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha. In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha.

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

Answer

The Lok Sabha has three sessions in a year —

1. The Budget Session (February-May)
2. The Monsoon Session (July-August)
3. The Winter Session (November-December)

The maximum gap between two parliamentary sessions cannot exceed 6 months.

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

Answer

The two occasions on which the President of India addresses a joint session of Parliament are :

1. The President addresses the Joint Sitting of the two Houses at the commencement of the First Session after each General Election.
2. The President addresses both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of the first session of each year, i.e., the Budget Session.

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

Answer

The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He presides over its meetings.

The Rajya Sabha elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members. In the absence of the Chairman, he performs all functions and duties of the Chairman.

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

Rajya Sabha Members are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of each State.

The Rajya Sabha enjoys equal powers with the Lok Sabha in important matters such as:

1. Election of the President and Vice-President
2. Impeachment of the President.

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 a permanent House as it cannot be dissolved like the Lok Sabha. Each member of the Rajya Sabha is elected for a period of six years. One-third of the total members of the House retire after every two years. Members can be re-elected if they so desire and if their electors support them.

Each member of the Rajya Sabha is elected for a period of six years. One-third of the total members of the House retire after every two years.

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.

The Vice-President officiates as President in case of death, resignation or removal of the President till a new President is elected.

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 lists which distribute the Subjects of legislation between the Union and the States are -

1. The Union List
2. The State List
3. The Concurrent List

The Parliament can make laws on a state subject during the proclamation of an emergency.

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

Answer

The seat of a member of either House of Parliament becomes vacant in the following situations —

1. If a member resigns his seat by writing to the Speaker or to the Chairman, as the case may be.
2. If a member becomes subject to any of the disqualifications laid down in the Constitution or an Act of Parliament.

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 which clearly establishes the supremacy of the Lok Sabha with regard to money bills is that a money bill can only originate in the Lok Sabha.

If a Money Bill is not returned by the Rajya Sabha within 14 days of its receipt, it shall be deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was passed by the Lok Sabha.

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

Answer

In India, the Parliament and the State legislature both have the power to legislate the subjects of concurrent list.

In the case of conflict between such laws, the central law has been designed to prevail over the state law.

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

Answer

The Bill is sent back to the Parliament for reconsideration. However, if the Bill is passed again with or without amendments the President is bound to give his assent to the Bill.

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.

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

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

Answer

(a) Three federal features of government in India are:

1. 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 Supreme Court stands at the head of Judiciary to safeguard this distribution of powers and to prevent any action which violates the limitations imposed by the Constitution.
2. 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.
3. No system of federation can be successful unless both the Union and the States have adequate financial resources to enable them to discharge their duties. The Constitution of India has made provisions for the distribution of revenue between the Centre and the States. This distribution has ensured equitable distribution of the financial resources between the two units.

(b) The Parliament can make laws on Subjects in the State List:

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

(c) Two unitary features of the government in India are described below:

1. 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. Single Citizenship — The Indian Constitution provides for single citizenship of India which is common to all the people of various States and Union Territories.

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

(a) Three of its Legislative Powers.

(b) Three of its Financial Powers.

(c) Four of its Administrative or Executive Powers.

Answer

(a) Three legislative powers of the Union Parliament are-

1. Matters in the Union List — 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.
2. Matters in the Concurrent List — 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.
3. Residuary Powers — 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 financial powers of the Union Parliament are-

1. The Budget — 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.
2. Supplementary Grants — If the amount authorised for the current financial year is not sufficient, the Government may make a fresh demand known as the 'Supplementary Grant.'
3. Salaries — The salaries and allowances of MPs and Ministers are determined by Parliament.

(c) Four executive powers of the Union Parliament are-

1. Vote of No-Confidence — 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. In such a case, the whole Ministry has to resign.
2. Adjournment Motion — Motion for adjournment is aimed at censuring the acts of omission and commission of the Ministers.
3. Other Motions of Censure — The Parliament exercises its control over the Government by other motions which, if passed, amount to no-confidence. They include: motions of censure against a minister, rejection of a Government Bill, passing of a private member's bill against the wishes of the Government, etc.
4. Monetary Controls — 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.

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?

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

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

Answer

(a) The composition of the Lok Sabha
The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha, as provided by the Constitution is 550. Out of this,

1. not more than 530 members shall represent the States
2. not more than 20 members shall represent the Union Territories

The term of the Lok Sabha

1. According to the Constitution the term of the Lok Sabha is five years.
2. However, it can be dissolved before the expiry of its normal term by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
3. During the proclamation of an emergency the period of the Lok Sabha may be extended by Parliament for one year at a time.
4. The new Lok Sabha must be elected within six months after the national emergency is lifted.

(b) Conditions needed for a person to be a member of Lok Sabha are:

1. He should be an Indian citizen.
2. He should be at least 25 years of age.
3. He should have his name in the electoral rolls in some part of the country.

(c) The Lok Sabha has special powers which make it more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. These special powers are:

1. 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. The Rajya Sabha has no power over such a motion, and hence no real power over the executive.
2. 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.

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.

(b) Any three administrative functions.

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

Answer

(a) Three functions of the Speaker which regulate proceedings of the House are-

1. The Speaker presides over the meetings of the House. All speeches and remarks are addressed to the Speaker. He allots time for discussion.
2. The Speaker interprets the rules of procedure of the House. His decision in all parliamentary matters is final.
3. All Bills passed by the House are signed by him before they are sent to the Rajya Sabha for its consideration or to the President for his assent.

(b) Three administrative functions of the Speaker are-

1. The Speaker receives all petitions and documents in the House.
2. He communicates the decisions of the House to the concerned authorities.
3. He 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.

1. In the Table of Precedence, he ranks higher than all Cabinet Ministers, other than the Prime Minister himself.
2. With respect to the discharge of his powers and functions, the speaker is not answerable to anyone except the House.
3. No court of law can go into the merits of a ruling given by him.

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

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

(b) Any three of its administrative powers.

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

Answer

(a) Two legislative powers of Rajya Sabha are-

1. Except for Money Bills, all bills can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
2. None of the bills can become a law unless agreed to by both Houses of the Parliament. In case of conflict between the two houses of the Parliament, a joint sitting is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

One financial power of Rajya Sabha is that it can delay a money bill by a maximum of 14 days.

(b) Three administrative powers of Rajya Sabha are-

1. Rajya Sabha can make laws on all the subjects mentioned in the Union and Concurrent lists.
2. It can punish a person for obstructing the work of the House or showing disrespect to the House.
3. It can remove the President from office through the procedure of impeachment.

(c) (i) Two exclusive powers of Rajya Sabha are-

1. Though the Parliament cannot, in normal times, make laws on a states subject, the Constitution states that under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha may, by resolution adopted by two-thirds majority empower the Parliament should make laws with respect to a matter in the State List. The Lok Sabha has no authority to assert itself in such matters.
2. The other special power enjoyed by the Rajya Sabha is that it may declare that the creation of new All-India Services be made in the national interest. Thereupon Parliament may create new services.

(c) (ii) Two electoral functions of Rajya Sabha are-

1. The Vice-President of India is elected by both the Houses of the Parliament.
2. Rajya Sabha elects its Deputy Chairman from among its members.

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.

(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?

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

Answer

(a) Comparison between the elections to both the Houses is listed below:

Election of members to Lok Sabha —

1. The Lok Sabha is the House of the People.
2. The 550 members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of India.
3. The allotment of members to the various States is made on the population basis.

Election of members to Rajya Sabha —

1. The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha can be 250 members.
2. 12 members are nominated by the President from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as literature, science, art and social service.
3. 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.
4. The representatives of the Union Territories are chosen in such a manner as Parliament may prescribe.
5. The three representatives from Delhi are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly.

(b) Ordinary Bills may originate in either House of the Parliament.

1. If there is disagreement between the two Houses, the bill is referred to a joint-sitting of both the Houses.
2. In such cases both the Houses are placed on an equal footing.
3. However, the Rajya Sabha is in a weaker position, since the total membership of Rajya Sabha is less than even half of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
4. Besides, the joint session is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

(c) The differences between a money bill and a non-money bill are as follows:

This picture is a symbol of our democratic rule. In this context, answer the following:

(a) How does the Parliament symbolise 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?

(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

(a) The Parliament symbolises that the people of India make laws for themselves as both the houses of the Parliament have citizens of India as their members.

1. Lok Sabha — The Lok Sabha is the House of the People. Its members are directly elected by the people of India.
2. Rajya Sabha — The members of Rajya Sabha fall into two categories - nominated and elected. The 12 nominated members are nominated by the President from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as literature, science, art and social service. The remaining 238 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.

(b) Yes, I can still contest the elections for the Lok Sabha from the state where I am residing as according to the qualifications for membership, my name should be in the electoral rolls in some part of the country.

Other qualifications that I need to have to contest the elections are:

1. I should be an Indian citizen.
2. I should be at least 25 years of age.
3. I should not be an insolvent.
4. I should not hold any office of profit under the government.
5. I should not be a proclaimed criminal.
6. I should not be of unsound mind.

No, I cannot become a member of the Upper House as members of Rajya Sabha are not elected directly by the people. Instead, they 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. Also, I need to be at least 30 years of age to be eligible for Rajya Sabha membership.

(c) I would like to be MP in Lok Sabha because the members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of the country and hence, Lok Sabha has special powers which make it more powerful than the Rajya Sabha.