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Parliament – Composition, Powers & Functions

Introduction

The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body of the country, consisting of the President and two Houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Understanding its composition, powers, and functions is crucial for exams like SSC CGL, IBPS PO, RRB NTPC, and UPSC Prelims, as questions on constitutional provisions and parliamentary procedures are frequently asked.

Pattern: Parliament – Composition, Powers & Functions

Pattern

This pattern tests knowledge of the structure of Parliament, the roles of its two Houses, and the legislative, financial, and judicial powers vested in it by the Constitution of India.

Key Concept:

The Indian Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha (House of the People), and Rajya Sabha (Council of States), each with defined composition and powers under the Constitution.

Important Points:

  • Composition of Lok Sabha = Maximum 552 members: up to 530 from states, up to 20 from Union Territories, and 2 nominated members from Anglo-Indian community (now abolished by 104th Amendment in 2020)
  • Composition of Rajya Sabha = Maximum 250 members: 238 elected by state legislatures and 12 nominated by the President for their expertise in fields like literature, science, art, and social service
  • Powers of Parliament = Legislative (making laws), Financial (passing budget and money bills), and Judicial (impeachment of President, removal of judges)

Related Topics:

  • Constitutional Articles 79-122 (Parliament)
  • Money Bills and Financial Procedures
  • Legislative Process and Types of Bills

Step-by-Step Example

Question

What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha as per the Constitution of India?

Options:

  • A. 545
  • B. 552
  • C. 530
  • D. 560

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the constitutional provisions

    The Constitution under Article 81 specifies the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha as 552 members.

  2. Step 2: Breakdown of the 552 members

    Up to 530 members represent the states, up to 20 represent Union Territories, and earlier 2 members were nominated from the Anglo-Indian community (this provision was abolished by the 104th Constitutional Amendment in 2020, but the maximum strength remains 552).

  3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options

    543 is the current elected strength of the Lok Sabha; 530 and 560 are incorrect figures and do not represent the constitutional maximum.

  4. Final Answer:

    552 → Option B

  5. Quick Check:

    Maximum strength of Lok Sabha = 552 ✅

Quick Variations

This pattern may appear as questions on:

  • 1. The composition and tenure of Rajya Sabha members
  • 2. Differences between Money Bills and Ordinary Bills
  • 3. Powers of Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha in legislative and financial matters

Trick to Always Use

  • Remember: Lok Sabha max strength = 552 (530 states + 20 UTs + 2 nominated, now abolished)
  • Rajya Sabha max strength = 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated)
  • Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha and require President’s recommendation

Summary

Summary

  • Parliament = President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha
  • Lok Sabha max strength = 552; Rajya Sabha max strength = 250
  • Parliament exercises legislative, financial, and judicial powers

Remember:
“552 Lok Sabha, 250 Rajya Sabha - Parliament’s strength and power defined by Constitution.”

Practice

(1/5)
1. What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha as per the Constitution of India?
easy
A. 238
B. 250
C. 245
D. 260

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the concept

    The question tests knowledge of the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha as defined by the Constitution.

  2. Step 2: Apply the concept

    The Constitution specifies the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha as 250 members, including 238 elected members and 12 nominated members.

  3. Final Answer:

    250 → Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    Maximum strength of Rajya Sabha = 250 ✅
Hint: Remember Rajya Sabha max strength = 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated).
Common Mistakes: Confusing current strength with maximum strength or mixing with Lok Sabha numbers.
2. Which of the following is NOT a power of the Indian Parliament?
easy
A. Executive power to appoint the Prime Minister
B. Financial power to approve budget
C. Judicial power to impeach the President
D. Legislative power to make laws

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the powers of Parliament

    Parliament has legislative, financial, and judicial powers as per the Constitution.

  2. Step 2: Analyze the options

    Executive power to appoint the Prime Minister lies with the President, not Parliament.

  3. Final Answer:

    Executive power to appoint the Prime Minister → Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Executive power to appoint the Prime Minister = NOT a power of Parliament ✅
Hint: Remember: President appoints PM, Parliament does not.
Common Mistakes: Mistaking Parliament’s judicial powers for executive powers.
3. Which House of the Indian Parliament has the exclusive right to introduce Money Bills?
easy
A. Rajya Sabha
B. Both Houses
C. Lok Sabha
D. President

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify the concept

    The question tests knowledge of the legislative procedure related to Money Bills.

  2. Step 2: Apply the concept

    Only the Lok Sabha has the exclusive right to introduce Money Bills as per Article 110 of the Constitution.

  3. Final Answer:

    Lok Sabha → Option C

  4. Quick Check:

    Lok Sabha = correct ✅
Hint: Money Bills = Lok Sabha only, Rajya Sabha can only recommend.
Common Mistakes: Confusing Money Bills with Ordinary Bills which can be introduced in both Houses.
4. How many members of the Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President for their expertise in literature, science, art, and social service?
medium
A. 10
B. 20
C. 15
D. 12

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the composition of Rajya Sabha

    The Rajya Sabha consists of elected and nominated members.

  2. Step 2: Recall the number of nominated members

    The President nominates 12 members for their expertise in fields like literature, science, art, and social service.

  3. Final Answer:

    12 → Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    Rajya Sabha nominated members = 12 ✅
Hint: Remember 12 nominated members in Rajya Sabha.
Common Mistakes: Confusing nominated members with elected members or mixing with Lok Sabha nominations.
5. Which Article of the Indian Constitution defines the composition of the Lok Sabha?
medium
A. Article 81
B. Article 79
C. Article 84
D. Article 88

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify relevant constitutional articles

    Articles 79 to 122 deal with Parliament; specific articles define composition of Houses.

  2. Step 2: Recall the article for Lok Sabha composition

    Article 81 defines the composition of the Lok Sabha including maximum strength and member distribution.

  3. Final Answer:

    Article 81 → Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Article 81 = correct ✅
Hint: Article 81 = Lok Sabha composition.
Common Mistakes: Confusing Article 81 with Article 79 (Parliament definition) or Article 84 (qualifications).

Mock Test

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