The Cabinet exercises vast authority in legislation and finance, In this context describe:

(a) Any four of its legislative functions

(b) Its control over the National Finance

(a) The Cabinet has the following legislative functions.

1. Summoning the Houses — Although the Houses are summoned by the President, initiative in this matter is taken by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
2. President's Special Address — The Cabinet prepares the President's Special Address to the Parliament. The Cabinet, thus, sets forth its legislative programme at the commencement of the first session of Lok Sabha after each General Election and at the commencement of the first Session of Parliament each year.
3. Introduction of Bills — Parliament has neither the time nor the necessary know-how for making laws. Initiative in legislation has almost completely gone to the Cabinet. More than ninety-five per cent of the Bills are Government Bills, prepared by the Ministries. They are introduced, explained and defended in the Parliament by the Ministers.
4. Issuing Ordinances — In the matter of issuing Ordinances, as in other matters, the President acts on the advice of the Ministers.

(b) The Cabinet is responsible for whole of the expenditure of Government and for raising necessary revenues to meet it.

1. A Money Bill can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only by a Minister.
2. The Annual Financial Statement or the Budget occupies a peculiar position.
3. Although it is presented to the Parliament in the name of the Cabinet, its full proposals are neither circulated among Cabinet members, nor debated by them. The proposals are disclosed to the Cabinet orally on the day when the Finance Minister is to make his/her Budget Speech in Parliament.
4. The detailed taxation proposals are, however, shown to the Prime Minister before they are presented to the Parliament.
5. The Cabinet can examine the Budget proposals after they have been presented to Parliament and may also suggest suitable modifications.