Question

Discuss the salient features of Union Parliament of India.

Answer 1

1. The President is not a member of parliament but is still a part of it: Although the President is not a member of either House, he or she is an important part of the Parliament. No bill becomes law without the President’s assent, and he or she gathers and dissolves the Lok Sabha.
2. Bi-Cameral Structure: Lok Sabha (lower) and Rajya Sabha (upper). This bicameral system assures both direct representation for the people and federal representation for the states.
3. Non-sovereign status: The Indian Parliament, unlike the British Parliament, is not sovereign and has restricted powers under the Constitution. It must operate within the limits of the Constitution and is subject to judicial review.
4. Powers of both the houses are not equal: The Lok Sabha holds more power than the Rajya Sabha on financial and executive matters. The Rajya Sabha has a secondary function in money bills and cannot dismiss the government.
5. Provision for some nominated members in the union parliament: The President nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha with skills in literature, science, art, and social service. Previously, two Anglo-Indian MPs were nominated to the Lok Sabha (since terminated).
6. The union parliament is a powerful legislature: The Union Parliament has significant jurisdiction over legislation, financing, constitutional revisions, and the executive branch. In an emergency, it may also enact legislation on State List matters.
7. Vice-President is ex-officio chairman of Rajya Sabha; Speaker is chairman of Lok Sabha: The Vice-President and Speaker are the presiding officers of the Rajya Sabha, with the Vice-President serving as the ex-officio Chairman. The Speaker is elected by the Lok Sabha and oversees the proceedings impartially.