The Union Parliament - I

The Indian Federation — as articulated by the Chairman of the Drafting Committee B.R. Ambedkar, and the Constituent Assembly — emerged from European colonisation and was formed through the annexation of British provinces and princely states, albeit not by mutual agreement but by historical necessity. Therefore 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

Reason — India has adopted a federal system of government, though with a strong unitary bias. This means powers are divided between the Centre and the States, but the Central Government is more powerful than the States.

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

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

Answer

Unitary

Reason — The framers of the Constitution have provided for a single common and unified Constitution, both for the Centre and the States. The States in India have not been given any right to make their own Constitution.

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

Reason — The Constitution of India provides for a strong Centre. Although the States are not agents of the Centre and derive their powers directly from the Constitution, the Central Government enjoys an overriding position, especially in matters under the Concurrent List.

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

Reason — Both the Central and the State Governments draw their authority from the same Constitution and are supreme within their respective spheres according to it.

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

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

Answer

three

Reason — The Constitution of India originally provided for a two-tier government — the Union government and the State governments. Later, a third level of federalism was added in the form of Panchayats and Municipalities.

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

Reason — A strong Centre and a single Constitution for the Union and the States are unitary features of the Indian Constitution. Adequate financial resources for both the levels and division of legislative and administrative powers between them are federal features.

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

Reason — The Union Legislature comprises the President and the two Houses of Parliament — the House of the People (the Lok Sabha) and the Council of States (the Rajya Sabha).

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.

Reason — The Lok Sabha is the House of the People, and its members are directly elected by the people of India on the basis of universal adult franchise.

Which of the following statements is 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.

Reason — The Rajya Sabha is the Council of States and represents the States of the Indian Union. The Lok Sabha is the House of the People, whose members are directly elected by the people of India.

Read the excerpt given below:

Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha submitted motions seeking a discussion on matters related to the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.

— The Hindu, August 21, 2025

1. No-confidence Motion
2. Adjournment Motion
3. Confidence Motion
4. None of the above

Answer

Adjournment Motion

Explanation: An Adjournment Motion is moved to set aside the normal business of the House and discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance. The Congress MPs sought an immediate discussion on the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.

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)

Reason — The President summons each House of Parliament, and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the joint sittings of both Houses. Statement Q is incorrect because the Constitution only requires that not more than six months shall elapse between two sessions, though normally there are three sessions in a year.

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

Reason — The quorum of a House is one-tenth of its total membership. One-tenth of 510 is 51.

Read the excerpt given below:

The Monsoon Session, 2025 of Parliament which commenced on Monday, the 21st of July, 2025 has been adjourned sine die on Thursday, the 21st of August, 2025. The Session provided 21 sittings spreading over 32 days.

— PIB, August 2025

1. Adjourn the session for a day
2. Adjourn the session for an indefinite period
3. Adjourn the session for a month
4. None of the above

Answer

Adjourn the session for an indefinite period

Explanation: Adjournment sine die (Latin for 'without a date') means terminating a sitting or session without fixing a date for the next meeting. It is declared by the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or the Chairman (Rajya Sabha) when the business of the session is concluded.

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.

Reason — During the proclamation of an emergency, the period of the Lok Sabha may be extended by Parliament for 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

Reason — A No-confidence Motion expresses lack of confidence in the ruling government and not in the Parliament. It is moved by the Opposition, and if it is passed, the Government has to resign.

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)

Reason — The President calls a joint-sitting of the two Houses when there is a deadlock between them over an Ordinary Bill. The President also 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.

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

(i), (ii) and (iii)

Reason — The House is adjourned after the business for the day is over and for want of quorum. An Adjournment Motion, which interrupts the normal business of the House, is generally allowed on subjects such as some natural calamity.

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.

Reason — 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 in the same way as the Speaker.

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

Reason — The Speaker presides over the joint sittings of both Houses of Parliament and decides questions of disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law. The Speaker votes only in case of a tie and is the ex-officio Chairman of only some, not all, House Committees.

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

Reason — Money Bills first require the ruling of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as to whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, and the Speaker's decision in this regard is final.

Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements I and II.

(I) In a federal system of government, all the administrative powers are vested in the Central Government.

(II) The State Governments are neither the agents of the Central Government nor do they draw their authority from it.

1. (I) is true, but (II) is false
2. (I) is false, but (II) is true
3. Both (I) and (II) are true, but (II) is not the correct explanation of (I)
4. Both (I) and (II) are false.

Answer

(I) is false, but (II) is true

Explanation: In a federal system, administrative powers are divided between the Central and State Governments. The State Governments are not agents of the Centre and derive their authority directly from the Constitution.

Name the three levels of government in a federal setup 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 a country like India, where people belong to different races and religions and have different customs and languages, a federal system helps keep the country united. It also helps protect India from separatist forces, fragmentation, and provincialism.

Article 1 of the Constitution delineates India as a 'Union of States', comprising regions that have been organised into States and as Union Territories. 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 (non-federal) feature of the Indian Constitution.

1. In a federal system, powers are divided between the Centre and the States, and each is supreme within its own sphere according to the Constitution.
2. Union Territories are administrative units directly governed by the Central Government.
3. They do not enjoy the same independent powers and autonomy as the States.

Therefore, the existence of Union Territories is a departure from the federal form of government and reflects the unitary character of the Indian Constitution.

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 its total membership. Thus, the House cannot conduct its proceedings or pass Bills and resolutions without the presence of at least one-tenth of its total members.

When the quorum is not met, the Speaker may adjourn the House or suspend the meeting until the required quorum is present.

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 also elected from among the members of the Lok Sabha in the same manner 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.

If the President does not give his/her 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.

According to Dr Ambedkar, “Constitution can be both unitary as well as federal according to the requirements of time and circumstances. In normal times, it (the Constitution) is framed to work as a federal system. But in times of war, it is so designed as to make it work as though it were a unitary system.” 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. Division of powers – Legislative and administrative powers are divided between the Union and the State Governments. The Supreme Court safeguards this distribution of powers and prevents any violation of the Constitution.
2. Participation of States in governance – India has a bicameral legislature. The Rajya Sabha, the Council of States, mainly comprises representatives of the States.
3. Distribution of financial resources – The Constitution provides for the distribution of revenue between the Centre and the States, ensuring that both have adequate financial resources to discharge their functions

(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. Single Constitution for the Union and the States – The States have no right to frame their own Constitutions. India has a single common and unified Constitution for both the Centre and the States.
2. Single Citizenship – The Constitution provides for single citizenship, which is common to all the people of the States and Union Territories of India.

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.

Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:

The Monsoon Session of Parliament begins next week. The dates were announced 45 days ago. Unusual. Normally, schedules for Parliament sessions are put out 18-20 days in advance.... For Narendra Modi and his team, there is no running away from answering 21 hours of questions in each House this session. A total of 42 hours. Question Hour, for 60 minutes a day, puts Union ministers in the hot seat. They are obliged to reply, either orally on the floor of the House (starred questions), or in writing (unstarred questions). On an average, nine questions are answered orally on the floor of Parliament every day, and over 400 questions receive written replies daily.

— Indian Express, July 18, 2025

(a) What is a 'Session' of Parliament?

(b) What do you understand by Question Hour?

(c) Write short notes on the types of questions that are put up in Parliament.

Answer

(a) A session is a formal period when both Houses of Parliament convene to conduct their business, which includes discussions and the passage of legislation.

(b) The first hour on every working day of the Lok Sabha is reserved for questions unless otherwise decided by the Speaker. This hour, which usually starts at 11 am, is known as the Question Hour. It is intended to keep the functioning of the government open to scrutiny by the members.

(c) There are three types of questions that are put up in Parliament:

1. Starred Questions — These are questions to which a member wishes to have an oral answer on the floor of the House. Such questions are indicated by an asterisk mark. Supplementary questions may be asked after replies to such questions are given by the Ministers.
2. Unstarred Questions — These are questions to which answers are given in a written form. No supplementary questions can be asked thereon.
3. Short Notice Questions — These questions relate to a matter of urgent importance. Such questions are asked with a notice shorter than ten days. The Minister concerned has to be asked whether he can reply to the question at a short notice. It is for him to accept or not to accept short notice questions.

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

(a) How does the Parliament work to ensure that the people of India make laws for themselves?

(b) How does the Parliament exercise control over the Executive?

(c) When you grow up, you will have a chance to become an MP. Would you like to be an MP in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha? Why?

Answer

(a) The Parliament ensures that the people of India make laws for themselves as both the Houses of the Parliament are made up of the representatives of the people.

1. Lok Sabha — The Lok Sabha is the House of the People. Its members are directly elected by the people of India on the basis of universal adult franchise.
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 amongst persons who have specialised in the field of art, literature, science and social services. The remaining representatives of the States and Union Territories are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies.

Since no Bill can become a law unless it is passed by both the Houses, laws are in effect made by the people's own representatives.

(b) The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and remains in office only as long as it has the confidence of the Lok Sabha. Parliament exercises control over the Executive in the following manner:

1. Interpellation: Devices like Question Hour, Zero Hour and Calling Attention Notices help MPs seek information from the government. Question Hour, held in the first hour of a sitting, promotes transparency by allowing MPs to question government policies and actions.
2. Vote of No-confidence: If the government loses the majority's support, it must resign.
3. Adjournment Motion: Used to discuss and censure serious issues like government negligence or misconduct.
4. Other Motions of Censure: They include rejection of government bills or passing of private member bills against the government's stance.
5. Monetary Controls: Parliament exercises monetary controls through budget discussions, cut motions, and examination of government spending by the Public Accounts Committee, based on CAG (Comptroller and Auditor-General of India) reports.

These tools ensure the government stays accountable and acts in the public interest.

(c) I would like to be an MP in the Lok Sabha because the members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of the country and hence, the Lok Sabha has special powers which make it more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and a No-confidence Motion against the government can be moved only in the Lok Sabha.

Why is the Lok Sabha often referred to as the 'House of People'? What does this title reflect on its role in Indian democracy?

Answer

The Lok Sabha is called the 'House of the People' because its members are directly elected by the people of India on the basis of universal adult franchise. The number of members elected from each State depends on its population, so the House represents the people of the country.

This title reflects its role in Indian democracy because:

1. The Lok Sabha is the direct voice of the people, as its members are directly elected.
2. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha and remains in office only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the House. A No-confidence Motion can be moved only in the Lok Sabha.
3. A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, giving the elected representatives control over the nation's finances.

Thus, the Lok Sabha is called the 'House of the People' because it represents the will of the people and occupies a central place in India's democratic system.

How does the exclusive power given to Lok Sabha regarding the Money Bill highlight the principle of financial control by the people?

Answer

The Lok Sabha enjoys the following exclusive powers with regard to a Money Bill:

1. A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and only with the President's recommendation.
2. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha decides whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, and the Speaker's decision is final.
3. The Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend a Money Bill. It can only make recommendations and must return the Bill within 14 days. The Lok Sabha may accept or reject these recommendations.
4. If the Rajya Sabha does not return the Bill within 14 days, the Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses.

This highlights the principle of financial control by the people because:

1. The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people, whereas the members of the Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected or nominated.
2. Therefore, the power to raise and spend public money rests mainly with the directly elected representatives of the people, making the Lok Sabha the final authority in matters relating to Money Bills.

Do you think the Speaker of the Lok Sabha can remain completely impartial despite belonging to a political party? Discuss with reasons and examples.

Answer

Reasons which support impartiality:

1. Once elected, the Speaker does not have affiliation to any party and acts in an impartial manner as the guardian of the rights and privileges of the members.
2. The Speaker votes only in case of a tie, when there are equal votes on both sides.
3. The Speaker is answerable only to the House, and no court can question the merits of the Speaker's rulings.
4. Shri N. Sanjiva Reddy resigned from his political party after being elected Speaker in 1967 to emphasise the neutrality of the office.

Reasons which raise doubts about impartiality:

1. The Speaker is elected from among the members of the Lok Sabha and generally belongs to the ruling party.
2. The Speaker exercises important discretionary powers, such as deciding the admissibility of questions, resolutions and adjournment motions, certifying a Money Bill, and deciding disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law.

The office of the Speaker is expected to function impartially and independently, but the extent of impartiality depends on the conduct of the Speaker and the constitutional conventions followed.

How does the system of Question Hour and Zero Hour empower the opposition in the Lok Sabha?

Answer

Question Hour — The first hour of every working day of the Lok Sabha is reserved for questions. The right of members to ask questions from the Government is known as interpellation.

1. All questions are addressed to the Chair, and if admitted, the Government is bound to answer them.
2. Members can ask starred questions, unstarred questions and short notice questions.
3. This keeps the functioning of the Government under scrutiny.

Zero Hour — The Zero Hour begins at 12 noon, immediately after Question Hour, and continues till the lunch break.

1. During Zero Hour, members can raise matters without prior notice or permission.
2. It enables urgent matters of public importance to be discussed immediately.

How this empowers the Opposition: The Question Hour and Zero Hour enable the Opposition to question the Government, seek information, raise urgent public issues and hold the Government accountable for its actions.

Do you think Members of Parliament should be fined for unruly scenes, frequent adjournments and disruptions in the Lok Sabha leading to loss of valuable working hours and wastage of public money? Give your views and suggestions.

Answer

Views in favour of a penalty:

1. Parliament is maintained out of public money and every hour of a sitting costs the taxpayer a considerable amount. Disruptions waste this money.
2. Frequent adjournments reduce the time available for law-making, discussion of the Budget and scrutiny of the Executive, so important Bills are passed without proper debate.
3. Members are elected to represent their constituencies; unruly scenes amount to a failure to discharge that trust and set a poor example for citizens.

Views against a penalty:

1. The Opposition often resorts to protest because it is not given adequate time to raise urgent issues; a fine could be misused by the ruling majority to silence dissent.
2. The Speaker already has disciplinary powers — he/she may order unruly members to withdraw, may suspend a member who disregards the authority of the Chair, and may adjourn the House in case of grave disorder.

My suggestions:

1. The Speaker should use the existing powers of naming and suspension firmly and impartially, and the day's allowance of a member named for grave disorder may be deducted.
2. All parties should agree to a code of conduct for the House.
3. More time should be allotted to the Opposition for raising matters of public importance so that disruption is not the only means of being heard.
4. Sittings lost due to disruption should be made up by extending the session, so that the loss falls on the members rather than on the public.
5. Live telecast of the proceedings should be used to make members answerable to their own voters for their conduct.

Do you think there should be limit on the number of times a person can be elected as Member of Parliament? Give your views with reasons.

Answer

Views in favour of a limit:

1. It would prevent the monopoly of a few individuals or families over a constituency and check the growth of vested interests.
2. It would create opportunities for new leadership, especially for the youth, women and weaker sections.
3. It would reduce the possibility of misuse of influence and patronage by long-serving members.

Views against a limit:

1. In a democracy, the people should have the freedom to re-elect a representative if they are satisfied with his or her performance.
2. Experienced Members of Parliament contribute significantly to law-making, Budget scrutiny and committee work.
3. The Constitution prescribes qualifications and disqualifications for membership but does not limit the number of terms.

My view: I do not think a fixed limit is necessary because free and fair elections allow the people to decide whether a Member of Parliament should continue. If a representative does not perform well, the voters can replace him or her in the next election.