Question

The Union Legislature comprises the President and the two houses of the Parliament.

With reference to the Parliament, answer the following question:

The Parliament controls the Executive.

Mention any four ways in which it exercises its control.

Answer 1

Four ways by which the Parliament exercises control over the Executive are:

1. Interpellation: The Question Hour, Calling Attention Notices and Half-an-Hour Discussion are some of the devices to seek information from the government about its policies and performance. Of these the most important is the Question Hour. The first hour of a sitting in both Houses is allotted for asking and answering of questions. The questions are asked to obtain information on a matter of public importance or to highlight a grievance. It is a valuable device against injustice and slackness of the government.
2. Vote of No-Confidence: If a Government acts against the Constitutional provisions, it can be voted out of office by passing a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister, or the Ministry as a whole or any of its members. In such a case, the whole Ministry has to resign.
3. Adjournment Motion: Motion for adjournment is aimed at censuring the acts of omission and commission of the Ministers. The following are some of the occasions on which Adjournment Motions were allowed in the past: (a) death of several persons due to the consumption of unlicensed liquor; (b) killing of a senior IPS Officer in a place of worship, etc.
4. Monetary Controls: During the budget session a cut motion may be moved. Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts ensures that public money is spent in accordance with Parliament's decision. It examines reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.