Parliament and the Making of Laws

It is the expression of the faith that people of India have in principles of democracy. It allows citizens to participate in decision-making and control the government.

1. To select the National Government. 2. To control, guide, and inform the government. 3. Law-making.

President, Rajya Sabha (Council of States), and Lok Sabha (House of the People).

Directly by the people. The country is divided into 543 constituencies. One representative is elected from each. Elections held every 5 years.

The leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha becomes the PM.

When no single party gets a majority (272 seats), distinct parties join together to form a majority.

Represents the states of India. Members are elected by the elected members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). It has 233 elected + 12 nominated members. It is a permanent house (doesn't dissolve).

The first hour of every parliamentary sitting. MPs ask questions to ministers about the working of their departments. This is a mechanism to control the executive.

The party or coalition that is not part of the government. Their job is to criticize government failures and mobilize public opinion.

For SCs (84 seats) and STs (47 seats). To ensure that historically disadvantaged communities have a voice in law-making.

Electronic Voting Machine. Used to record votes. Introduced in 2004 nationwide.

A specific area from where voters elect a representative.

The consent given by Parliament (e.g., to money bills).

The President nominates 12 members from fields like Art, Literature, Science, and Social Service.

The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha. Maintains order and conducts business.

Through debates and feedback provided by MPs (who represent the people's pulses).

All citizens 18+ have the right to vote.

Because people had no say in laws and criticizing the government was dangerous.

People don't rule directly but choose representatives who rule on their behalf.

552 (Currently 543 elected).

Parliament is the supreme legislative body.

Sansad Bhavan is the Parliament House.

New Parliament building inaugurated recently.

Lok Sabha term is 5 years.

Rajya Sabha term is 6 years (1/3rd retire every 2 years).

PMO is Prime Minister's Office.

South Block and North Block house ministries.

North Block: Finance, Home.

South Block: PMO, Defence, External Affairs.

EVMs saved 1.5 lakh trees (paper ballot).

60 years ago, only 4% women MPs.

Now approx 15% women MPs (still low).

Women's Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan) passed.

Members of Parliament (MPs) represent people.

Incumbent means current holder of office.

Unresolved problems exist.

Dalits and Adivasis need representation.

Muslim representation is low.

Question Hour is vital for accountability.

Zero Hour allows raising urgent issues.

Bill becomes Law after President's assent.

Money Bill originates only in Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha reviews laws.

Rajya Sabha can initiate bills (except Money bills).

Vice President is Chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Leader of Opposition holds cabinet rank.

INC played a key role in demand for legislature.

Government of India Act 1909 allowed some election.

Freedom struggle inspired democracy.

Elections are massive in India.

Election Commission conducts elections.

Secret Ballot ensures privacy.

Voter ID card (EPIC) is used.

Parliament session: Budget, Monsoon, Winter.

Adjournment means break.

Prorogation means end of session.

Dissolution means end of Lok Sabha.

Quorum is minimum members needed (10%).

Whip ensures party discipline.

Defection is changing party after election.

Anti-Defection Law prevents this.

MPLADS fund allows MPs to develop area.

Democracy requires participation.

Independence

EVMs used nationwide