Union Parliament

Question 1

How many members are in the Lok Sabha?

Answer 1

Maximum strength is 552; maximum 530 from States, maximum 20 members from UT, 2 members from Anglo-Indian community

Question 2

How many members in the Rajya Sabha?

Answer 2

Maximum members are 250. Nominated: 12, Elected: 238

Question 3

What is the normal term of office for Lok Sabha?

Answer 3

5 years

Question 4

What is the normal term of office of Rajya Sabha?

Answer 4

It is a permanent house. 1/3rd of the house changes every two years. Member of rajya Sabha has term of 6 years.

Question 5

What are the qualifications for becoming member of Lok Sabha (Rajya Sabha)?

Answer 5

1. Should be Indian citizen
2. Name should be in electoral roll somewhere in the country
3. Should not be insolvent
4. Should not be of unsound mind
5. Should not hold office of profit
6. Should not be a proclaimed criminal
7. Should be at least 25 years of age for Lok Sabha and 30 years of age for Rajya Sabha2

Question 6

Name the three lists that which distribute the subjects of legislation between the union and the states.

Answer 6

1. Union list
2. State list
3. Concurrent list

Question 7

What are residuary powers? Who can make laws under residuary power?

Answer 7

Matters which are not included in the three lists - state, union or concurrent list are called residuary powers. Parliament can make laws under residuary powers.

Question 8

Mention three main conditions under which Parliament can legislate on state subject.

Answer 8

1. During proclamation of emergency
2. When Rajya Sabha decides by resolution approved by 2/3rd of its members that a matter on state list is of national importance.
3. If two or more states ask the Parliament to intervene . Then the law is applicable only to the concerned states.

Question 9

Name the bill that cannot originate in the Rajya Sabha.

Answer 9

Money bill

Question 10

Name any three legislative powers of the Parliament

Answer 10

1. Make laws in the matter of union and concurrent list
2. Under special conditions, make laws in matters in the state list
3. Residuary powers
4. Powers during an emergency

Question 11

Name any three financial powers of Parliament

Answer 11

1. Approving the budget or supplementary grants
2. Salaries of MPs and ministers
3. Permission for taxes

Question 12

Who is the ex-officio chairperson of the Rajya Sabha?

Answer 12

Vice-President

Question 13

Who presides over Rajya Sabha in absence of Chairman? Who elects?

Answer 13

Deputy - chairman. Elected by members of Rajya Sabha.

Question 14

What is the maximum period that shall not intervene between the two sessions of the Parliament?

Answer 14

6 months

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Elected by the members from amongst themselves

Question 16

Mention 5 important powers and functions of the Lok Sabha Speaker?

Answer 16

1. Regulate the proceedings of the House
2. Maintain discipline
3. Receive petitions and documents addressed to the House
4. Convey the decisions of the House to the concerned authorities
5. The Speaker presides over joint session of both of the Houses

Question 17

What is the quorum of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha?

Answer 17

Quorum is the minimum number of members required to be present before a meeting is allowed to begin. 1/10th of its total members

Question 18

In what ways does the Parliament exercise control over the Executive/ Council of Ministers?

Answer 18

1. Question hour: The House seeks information from the government about its policies and performances.
2. Adjournment motions: With the adjournment motion, the routine business of the House is postponed.
3. Monetary controls: The Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament keeps a check to ensure that public money is spent in accordance with Parliament’s decision.

Question 19

How is the deadlock removed between the two Houses to pass an Ordinary Bill?

Answer 19

If a deadlock arises between the two Houses, the President summons a joint sitting. The Bill is placed before the joint sitting and the issue is decided by a majority vote.

Question 20

Who is the presiding officer of the Lok sabha?

Answer 20

The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha.

Question 21

Mention any one matter where the Rajya Sabha enjoy equal powers with the Lok Sabha.

Answer 21

Election of the President and Vice President.

Question 22

When can the Vice President case a vote in the Rajya Sabha?

Answer 22

Only in case of a tie

Question 23

State the minimum of times the Lok Sabha must meet in a year.

Answer 23

3 sessions:

1. Summer session - Feb - May
2. Monsoon session - July-Sep
3. Winter session - Nov-Dec

Question 24

What are the judicial powers of the Rajya Sabha?🔛

Answer 24

1. Rajya Sabha can impeach the President on charge of violation of the Constitution.
2. Remove a judge the Supreme Court or High Court‼️
3. Along with Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha can pass resolutions for removal of some officers like Attorney General of India, Comptroller and Auditor General, Chief Election Commissioner, etc.

Question 25

What is no-confidence motion?

Answer 25

- The Parliament exercises control over the Union Council of Ministers. - The moment they lose the confidence of the Parliament and a no-confidence motion is passed against them, they have to quit office. - A no-confidence motion can only be passed by the Lok Sabha. - It generally is moved by the Opposition. They need at least 50 members to support the call for the motion. - Once the motion is allowed by the House, they have 10 days to take it up for discussion - After the debate, the Speaker puts the motion to vote.