Union Legislature (ICSE Class 10 Civics)

Meaning of Union Legislature

The Union Legislature is the law-making body at the central level in India. It is known as the Parliament of India.

Structure of Parliament

The Parliament consists of three parts:

1. The President of India
2. The Lok Sabha
3. The Rajya Sabha

1. President of India

• Nominal Executive Head of the country
• A bill becomes law only after Presidential Assent
• Summons and prorogues Parliament sessions
• Can dissolve the Lok Sabha
• Can issue Ordinances when Parliament is not in session (important update for exams)

2. Lok Sabha (Lower House)

Key Features

• Maximum strength: 552 members (530 States + 20 UTs + 2 Anglo-Indian — now removed)
• Current effective strength: 543 members
• Members are directly elected by the people
• Term: 5 years (unless dissolved earlier)

Important Update

• [Update] Anglo-Indian nomination has been removed by the
  104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2020

Powers

• Controls the Council of Ministers
• Can pass No-Confidence Motion
• Greater power in financial matters
• Money Bills can be introduced only here

3. Rajya Sabha (Upper House)

Key Features

• Maximum strength: 250 members
• Current strength: 245 members
• Members are indirectly elected
• It is a permanent House (never dissolved)
• One-third members retire every 2 years

Powers

• Reviews and suggests amendments to laws
• Represents States and Union Territories
• Can delay Ordinary Bills (not permanently block)
• Can discuss Money Bills but cannot reject them

Types of Bills

1. Ordinary Bill

• Can be introduced in either House
• Must be passed by both Houses

2. Money Bill

• Introduced only in Lok Sabha
• Rajya Sabha can suggest changes within 14 days
• Final decision lies with Lok Sabha

3. Constitutional Amendment Bill

• Requires Special Majority
• Must be passed by both Houses separately
• In some cases, also requires ratification by states

Functions of Union Legislature

1. Legislative Functions

• Makes laws for the country

2. Financial Functions

• Passes the Union Budget
• Controls taxation and expenditure

3. Executive Control

• Questions government through Question Hour, Adjournment Motions, etc.

4. Electoral Functions

• Participates in election of:
  • President
  • Vice-President

Important Exam Points

• Parliament = President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha
• Lok Sabha is more powerful in financial matters
• Rajya Sabha is a permanent body
• President’s assent is mandatory for laws
• Money Bills → Only Lok Sabha has final authority

Quick Flow (Exam Revision)

People → Elect Lok Sabha → Parliament Frames Laws → President Gives Assent → Law Comes into Force