How to Use This Page
Read the Samacheer Kalvi textbook chapter on Legislature first. Then use this page to:
- Recap key concepts quickly before exams
- Check your answers against detailed model responses
- Identify and avoid common mistakes that cost marks
Do not memorise answers word-for-word. Understand the reasoning and write in your own words during the exam.
Key Concepts (Quick Recap)
- Parliament of India — bicameral legislature consisting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with the President as part of Parliament (Article 79)
- Lok Sabha — House of the People; directly elected; maximum 552 members; normal term 5 years
- Rajya Sabha — Council of States; indirectly elected by state legislatures; maximum 250 members; permanent body with one-third retiring every 2 years
- State Legislatures — can be bicameral (Vidhan Parishad + Vidhan Sabha) or unicameral (Vidhan Sabha only)
- Legislative Process — Bill introduction, committee review, three readings in each House, Presidential assent
- Money Bill (Article 110) — introduced only in Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha has limited power (14-day delay only)
- Ordinance-making power (Article 123) — President can promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session
- Joint Sitting (Article 108) — both Houses meet together to resolve deadlock on ordinary bills
- Quorum — one-tenth of the total membership required to conduct business
- No-Confidence Motion — can be moved only in Lok Sabha against the Council of Ministers
- Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly — unicameral; 234 elected members; seat in Chennai (Fort St. George)
I. Choose the Best Answer (MCQs)
1. The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha as specified in the Constitution is
Answer
- (a) 240
- (b) 250 ✅
- (c) 260
- (d) 245
ExplanationArticle 80 specifies the maximum Rajya Sabha strength as 250 members — 238 elected plus 12 nominated by the President.
2. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Answer
- (a) Prime Minister
- (b) President
- (c) Vice-President of India ✅
- (d) Speaker of Lok Sabha
ExplanationThe Vice-President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Article 89), just as the Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha.
3. A Money Bill can be introduced only in
Answer
- (a) Rajya Sabha
- (b) Lok Sabha ✅
- (c) Either House
- (d) Joint Session
ExplanationArticle 109 provides that a Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. It can only originate in the Lok Sabha on the recommendation of the President.
4. The quorum required to hold a meeting of the Lok Sabha is
Answer
- (a) One-fifth of total membership
- (b) One-tenth of total membership ✅
- (c) One-third of total membership
- (d) One-half of total membership
ExplanationArticle 100(3) mandates that the quorum for either House is one-tenth of the total number of members.
5. The Anglo-Indian nomination to Lok Sabha was removed by which Constitutional Amendment?
Answer
- (a) 103rd Amendment
- (b) 104th Amendment ✅
- (c) 105th Amendment
- (d) 101st Amendment
ExplanationThe 104th Constitutional Amendment Act (2019) discontinued the nomination of Anglo-Indian members to Lok Sabha and state assemblies, effective January 2020.
6. A Joint Sitting of both Houses is summoned by the President under
Answer
- (a) Article 110
- (b) Article 108 ✅
- (c) Article 112
- (d) Article 123
ExplanationArticle 108 provides for a joint sitting of both Houses when a bill (other than a Money Bill or Constitutional Amendment Bill) has been rejected by the other House or amendments disagree.
7. Which state was the first to have a bicameral legislature?
Answer
- (a) Tamil Nadu
- (b) Bihar ✅
- (c) Maharashtra
- (d) Karnataka
ExplanationBihar was one of the earliest states to adopt a bicameral legislature. Tamil Nadu abolished its Legislative Council in 1986.
8. The maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament cannot exceed
Answer
- (a) 4 months
- (b) 6 months ✅
- (c) 8 months
- (d) 12 months
ExplanationArticle 85 requires that there should not be a gap of more than six months between two sessions of Parliament, ensuring the legislature meets at least twice a year.
9. The power to create or abolish a Legislative Council belongs to
Answer
- (a) The Governor
- (b) The State Legislature
- (c) Parliament ✅
- (d) The President
ExplanationUnder Article 169, Parliament may by law create or abolish a Legislative Council in a state if the state legislative assembly passes a resolution by a special majority.
10. Ordinance-making power of the President is derived from
Answer
- (a) Article 110
- (b) Article 112
- (c) Article 123 ✅
- (d) Article 213
ExplanationArticle 123 empowers the President to promulgate ordinances during the recess of Parliament. (Article 213 gives similar power to the Governor for state ordinances.)
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. The Parliament of India consists of the President and the two Houses — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. 2. The normal term of the Lok Sabha is 5 years, but it can be extended by Parliament during a national emergency by up to one year at a time. 3. The minimum age to contest for Lok Sabha membership is 25 years. 4. The minimum age to contest for Rajya Sabha membership is 30 years. 5. One-third members of the Rajya Sabha retire every 2 years, making it a permanent body. 6. The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha and is elected by the members from among themselves. 7. Article 79 of the Indian Constitution declares that there shall be a Parliament for the Union. 8. The Rajya Sabha can delay a Money Bill for a maximum of 14 days. 9. The President's address to both Houses at the start of the first session each year is under Article 87. 10. The Leader of the House in Lok Sabha is usually the Prime Minister or a minister nominated by the PM.
III. True or False
1. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that can never be dissolved.
- True. The Rajya Sabha is a continuing chamber — it is never dissolved. One-third of its members retire every two years and are replaced through elections.
2. The Lok Sabha can be dissolved before its term ends.
- True. The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister. This is what happens when a government recommends early elections.
3. The Rajya Sabha has equal power with the Lok Sabha on Money Bills.
- False. On Money Bills, the Rajya Sabha has very limited power. It can only recommend amendments within 14 days, and the Lok Sabha may accept or reject those recommendations (Article 109–110).
4. Both Houses sit together for every bill that is passed.
- False. Both Houses sit separately for ordinary business. A joint sitting under Article 108 occurs only when there is a deadlock between the two Houses on an ordinary bill.
5. The Vice-President of India is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and votes on every matter.
- False. The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha but has a casting vote only — that is, the Vice-President votes only when there is a tie (Article 100).
6. A bill becomes an Act only after receiving the President's assent.
- True. Under Article 111, a bill becomes an Act only after the President gives assent, withholds assent, or returns it (in the case of non-Money Bills).
7. Tamil Nadu has a bicameral legislature.
- False. Tamil Nadu has a unicameral legislature — the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha). The Tamil Nadu Legislative Council was abolished in 1986.
8. The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is appointed by the President.
- False. The Deputy Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves (Article 93), not appointed by the President.
IV. Match the Following
| A | B |
|---|
| 1. Article 79 | (d) Constitution of Parliament |
| 2. Article 108 | (e) Joint Sitting of Parliament |
| 3. Article 110 | (a) Definition of Money Bill |
| 4. Article 123 | (c) Ordinance-making power of the President |
| 5. Article 169 | (b) Creation/abolition of Legislative Council |
| 6. Lok Sabha maximum strength | (g) 552 |
| 7. Rajya Sabha maximum strength | (h) 250 |
| 8. Quorum for either House | (f) One-tenth of total membership |
V. Answer Briefly
1. What are the constitutional provisions regarding the composition of the Rajya Sabha?
Answer
Under Article 80, the Rajya Sabha consists of: - A maximum of 250 members: 238 elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies and Union Territory legislatures (through single transferable vote and proportional representation), and 12 members nominated by the President for their expertise in literature, science, art, and social service. - The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman (Article 89). - Representation of states is based on population, not equality — larger states have more seats.
2. Explain the special powers of the Lok Sabha.
Answer
The Lok Sabha has exclusive powers that the Rajya Sabha does not share: - A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha (Article 109). - The Rajya Sabha can only delay a Money Bill for 14 days; it cannot reject it. - A No-Confidence Motion can be moved only in the Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)), making the Council of Ministers collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha alone. - The Lok Sabha controls the purse strings — it alone authorises taxation and government spending. - In a joint sitting, the Lok Sabha's larger membership means it can override Rajya Sabha opposition.
3. What is the difference between an Ordinary Bill and a Money Bill?
Answer
| Feature | Ordinary Bill | Money Bill | |---|---|---| | Introduction | Either House | Only Lok Sabha | | Rajya Sabha role | Full power (can amend, reject) | Can only recommend changes within 14 days | | Joint sitting possible | Yes, under Article 108 | No — Lok Sabha prevails | | President's recommendation | Not needed | Required before introduction | | Definition | Article 107 | Article 110 |
4. Describe the legislative process for an Ordinary Bill.
Answer
An Ordinary Bill goes through the following stages: 1. First Reading — Introduction of the bill; title read; published in Gazette; no debate. 2. Second Reading — The most important stage: (a) general discussion, (b) committee referral (optional), (c) clause-by-clause consideration and amendment. 3. Third Reading — Brief debate on the bill as a whole; vote is taken. 4. Other House — The bill goes through the same three readings in the other House. 5. Presidential Assent — Under Article 111, the President may assent, withhold assent, or return the bill (if not a Money Bill) for reconsideration.
5. What is the ordinance-making power of the President?
Answer
Under Article 123, the President can promulgate ordinances when both Houses of Parliament are not in session, provided the President is satisfied that circumstances exist making it necessary for immediate action. An ordinance has the same force as an Act of Parliament but must be laid before both Houses when they reassemble. It lapses six weeks after the reassembly of Parliament unless approved by Parliament earlier. This power is a key legislative tool for emergencies, but critics argue it can bypass democratic deliberation.
6. Why does Tamil Nadu have a unicameral legislature?
Answer
Tamil Nadu originally had a bicameral legislature with a Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad). The Tamil Nadu Legislative Council was abolished in 1986 through the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council (Abolition) Act, based on a resolution passed by the state assembly. The argument was that the Council was an unnecessary expense, delayed legislation, and did not add meaningful democratic value — the Assembly alone was sufficient to represent the people. Several other states (e.g., Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh) have also abolished their Legislative Councils.
7. What is a No-Confidence Motion and how does it affect the government?
Answer
A No-Confidence Motion is a parliamentary tool available only in the Lok Sabha under Article 75(3). Any member of the Lok Sabha can move it, expressing lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers. If it passes by a simple majority, the entire Council of Ministers (including the Prime Minister) must resign. It ensures the executive remains accountable to the legislature. The first No-Confidence Motion in India was moved in 1963 against the Nehru government.
VI. Answer in Detail
1. Compare the powers of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. In what ways is the Lok Sabha more powerful?
Answer
The Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States) together form the bicameral Parliament of India, but the Lok Sabha enjoys several advantages: Where Lok Sabha is more powerful: - Money Bills — Can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha (Article 109). The Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments within 14 days; the Lok Sabha may accept or reject them. - No-Confidence Motion — Only the Lok Sabha can pass a No-Confidence Motion, which can force the Council of Ministers to resign (Article 75(3)). - Financial control — The Lok Sabha controls government spending through the budget process. The Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend a Money Bill. - Joint Sitting — Under Article 108, in a joint sitting the Lok Sabha's larger numbers (543 vs. 245) give it the deciding edge. - Council of Ministers — The government is responsible to the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha. Where Rajya Sabha has special powers: - State interests — Under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha can authorize Parliament to legislate on a State List subject by passing a resolution by two-thirds majority. - Creation of All-India Services — Under Article 312, the Rajya Sabha can create new All-India Services by a two-thirds resolution. - Amendment review — Constitutional Amendment Bills must pass both Houses separately — a joint sitting is not available for these. Conclusion: The Lok Sabha is more powerful on financial and executive accountability matters, but the Rajya Sabha plays a critical role in protecting federal interests and states' rights.
2. Explain the law-making process in the Indian Parliament with special reference to different types of bills.
Answer
The law-making process in India involves several stages and varies by the type of bill: Types of Bills: 1. Ordinary Bills — Concerned with general public issues; can be introduced in either House. 2. Money Bills — Defined under Article 110; concern taxation, borrowing, and appropriation; can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha on the President's recommendation. 3. Financial Bills — Broader than Money Bills; include those under Article 117 (Financial Bills Category A and B). 4. Constitutional Amendment Bills — Under Article 368; must pass each House separately by a special majority; no joint sitting. Ordinary Bill Process: - First Reading: Introduction — title read, published in Gazette. - Second Reading: General discussion, possible referral to a select/joint committee, clause-by-clause consideration with amendments. - Third Reading: Debate on the bill as a whole; vote taken. - Other House: Same three readings in the second House. - Resolving Deadlock: If the second House rejects the bill or amendments are not agreed upon, a joint sitting under Article 108 may be called. - Presidential Assent (Article 111): The President may assent, withhold assent, or return the bill for reconsideration (except Money Bills). Money Bill Process: - Introduced only in Lok Sabha with the President's recommendation. - After passage by Lok Sabha, sent to Rajya Sabha. - Rajya Sabha has 14 days to return the bill with recommendations. - Lok Sabha may accept or reject any recommendation and then sends the bill to the President. - The President cannot return a Money Bill for reconsideration. Constitutional Amendment Bill Process: - Introduced in either House (no prior Presidential recommendation needed). - Must pass each House by a special majority (two-thirds of members present and voting + majority of total membership). - If one House passes, the other must also pass; no joint sitting is available. - Some amendments require ratification by at least half the state legislatures. - The President must give assent (cannot withhold).
3. Discuss the composition and functions of the State Legislature with special reference to Tamil Nadu.
Answer
Composition: The state legislature can be either unicameral (only Legislative Assembly) or bicameral (Legislative Assembly + Legislative Council). Under Article 168, the legislature of a state consists of the Governor and one or two Houses. Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha): - 234 elected members from single-member constituencies. - Elections held every 5 years unless dissolved earlier. - The Governor summons, prorogues, and can dissolve the Assembly. - Seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (88 seats) and Scheduled Tribes (no ST seats in TN after reorganisation). - The current building is Fort St. George, Chennai. Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad): - Tamil Nadu does NOT have a Legislative Council — it was abolished in 1986. - Under Article 169, Parliament can create or abolish a Council if the Assembly passes a resolution by a special majority. - If created, the Council has 1/3 the membership of the Assembly (minimum 40, maximum 1/3 of Assembly). - Members are elected by graduates, teachers, local bodies, and nominated by the Governor. Functions of the State Legislature: 1. Legislative — Makes laws on State List (66 subjects including police, health, education, agriculture) and Concurrent List subjects. 2. Financial — Approves the state budget; no tax can be levied or money spent without Assembly approval. 3. Executive control — The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Assembly (Article 164). 4. Electoral — Members participate in the election of the President and Rajya Sabha members. 5. Constituency service — MLAs represent their constituencies and raise local issues through questions, calling attention motions, and adjournment motions.
4. Describe the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Answer
Speaker of the Lok Sabha (Article 93–96): - Elected by Lok Sabha members from among themselves. - Presides over Lok Sabha sessions and maintains order. - Decides on points of order and interprets rules of procedure. - Certifies whether a bill is a Money Bill — this certification is final and cannot be challenged in court. - Exercises a casting vote in case of a tie (does not vote in the first instance). - Protects the rights of the Opposition and ensures fair debate. - Accepts resignations of members and decides on disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule). - Heads the Lok Sabha Secretariat. - Can be removed by a majority of the total membership of the Lok Sabha after 14 days' notice. Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Article 89–92): - The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman. - Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions. - Does not vote on any matter except in case of a tie (casting vote). - Can appoint a panel of chairpersons to preside in absence. - Cannot vote on the removal of the Vice-President while presiding. - Unlike the Speaker, the Chairman cannot certify a Money Bill. - The Deputy Chairman is elected by Rajya Sabha members from among themselves. Key Differences: - The Speaker is a member of the Lok Sabha; the Chairman (Vice-President) is not a member of the Rajya Sabha. - The Speaker has a casting vote; the Chairman has a casting vote but cannot vote otherwise as a non-member. - The Speaker's decision on Money Bill certification is final; the Chairman has no such power. - The Speaker is more powerful in maintaining discipline and can suspend members; the Chairman's disciplinary powers are more limited.
5. Explain the significance of the Parliament's control over the executive. How is this accountability enforced?
Answer
In a parliamentary democracy, the executive (Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister) is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75(3)). This accountability is enforced through multiple mechanisms: 1. No-Confidence Motion: - Any member of Lok Sabha can introduce a motion expressing lack of confidence in the Council of Ministers. - If it passes by a simple majority, the government must resign. - This is the most powerful tool of legislative control. 2. Question Hour: - The first hour of every parliamentary sitting is devoted to questions. - Members can ask starred (oral answer required) and unstarred (written answer) questions. - Ministers must respond, revealing government policies and actions. - Supplementary questions allow probing deeper. 3. Adjournment Motion: - Used to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance. - Requires the support of 50 members to be admitted. - If adopted, the House adjourns regular business to discuss the issue — signalling strong dissatisfaction with the executive. 4. Calling Attention Motion: - A member calls the attention of a minister to a matter of urgent public importance. - The minister responds, but no vote is taken. 5. Parliamentary Committees: - Public Accounts Committee (PAC) — examines government expenditure reports from the CAG. - Estimates Committee — examines the budget estimates and suggests economies. - Committee on Subordinate Legislation — scrutinises rules and regulations made by the executive. - Department-Related Standing Committees — examine demands for grants, bills, and policies of ministries. 6. Budget Discussions: - The annual budget must be approved by Parliament. - Discussion on demands for grants allows members to critique government spending priorities. - Cut motions (policy cut, economy cut, token cut) are tools for expressing dissent. 7. Half-an-Hour Discussion: - Used to clarify a matter of public importance that has already been discussed. Significance: - These mechanisms ensure transparency and prevent executive overreach. - They force ministers to justify policies publicly. - Parliamentary committees provide detailed scrutiny that floor debates alone cannot achieve. - The ultimate sanction — a No-Confidence Motion — ensures the government remains responsive to the elected representatives of the people.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha powers — The Rajya Sabha cannot reject a Money Bill; it can only delay it for 14 days. Many students write that "both Houses have equal power on Money Bills" — this is incorrect.
2. Saying the Rajya Sabha can be dissolved — The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body that is never dissolved. Only the Lok Sabha can be dissolved.
3. Writing that the Speaker votes on every matter — The Speaker votes only in case of a tie (casting vote). This is different from regular voting.
4. Confusing Ordinary Bill and Money Bill procedures — An Ordinary Bill can be introduced in either House and goes through both Houses with equal treatment. A Money Bill can only originate in the Lok Sabha.
5. Saying Tamil Nadu has a bicameral legislature — Tamil Nadu is unicameral. The Legislative Council was abolished in 1986. This is a very common exam error.
6. Confusing Article numbers — Article 79 (Parliament constitution), Article 108 (joint sitting), Article 109 (Money Bill restriction on Rajya Sabha), Article 110 (Money Bill definition), Article 123 (Presidential ordinance). These are frequently mixed up in exams.
Exam Checklist
- [ ] I can list the composition and maximum strength of both Houses of Parliament
- [ ] I can explain the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha powers
- [ ] I know the complete law-making process for Ordinary Bills, Money Bills, and Constitutional Amendment Bills
- [ ] I can define Money Bill under Article 110 and explain Rajya Sabha's limited role
- [ ] I understand Article 108 (joint sitting) and when it applies
- [ ] I can explain why Tamil Nadu has a unicameral legislature and the process for creating/abolishing Legislative Councils under Article 169
- [ ] I know the functions of the Speaker and Chairman and can compare them
- [ ] I can list at least 5 mechanisms of parliamentary control over the executive
