Question

Compare the powers of Indian Rajya Sabha with the Powers of the US Senate.

Compare the functions of the American Senate and the Indian Rajya Sabha.

Make a comparative study of the powers of the US Senate and the Indian Rajya Sabha.

Answer 1

1. The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of India’s Parliament, whereas the United States Senate is the upper house of Congress. Both represent the states under a federal system, yet their powers are vastly different.
2. The Rajya Sabha is an indirectly elected body. Members are elected by state legislative assemblies. The United States Senate is a directly elected chamber; each state, large or small, elects two Senators, providing equal representation for all states.
3. In ordinary legislation, the Rajya Sabha has equal powers to the Lok Sabha, although it only has a 14 day delaying power and cannot change or reject a money bill. In contrast, the United States Senate has equal authority with the House of Representatives in all legislative affairs, including appropriations.
4. The United States Senate holds far more control over the executive branch. It can approve or reject Presidential appointments, such as judges, ambassadors, and cabinet members, with a 2/3rd majority. It also ratifies international treaties and holds impeachment trials. The Rajya Sabha does not possess such powers.
5. Articles 249 and 312 of the Indian Constitution grant the Rajya Sabha the following special powers:
   • It has the authority to allow Parliament to pass legislation on State issues (Article 249).
   • It has the authority to create or abolish All India Services (Article 312). However, it rarely uses these powers.
6. The United States Senate also has active investigative committees and takes a deterministic approach to lawmaking, particularly in financial areas.