The Union Parliament — Question 6
Back to all questionsWith reference to the differences in the powers of two Houses answer the following questions:
(a) Compare and contrast the elections to both the Houses.
(b) What is the procedure that is followed if there is a deadlock between the two Houses of the Parliament on a non-money bill?
(c) What is the difference between a money bill and a non-money bill?
(a) Comparison between the elections to both the Houses is listed below:
Election of members to Lok Sabha —
- The Lok Sabha is the House of the People.
- The 550 members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people of India.
- The allotment of members to the various States is made on the population basis.
Election of members to Rajya Sabha —
- The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha can be 250 members.
- 12 members are nominated by the President from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as literature, science, art and social service.
- The representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of each State in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
- The representatives of the Union Territories are chosen in such a manner as Parliament may prescribe.
- The three representatives from Delhi are elected by the members of the Legislative Assembly.
(b) Ordinary Bills may originate in either House of the Parliament.
- If there is disagreement between the two Houses, the bill is referred to a joint-sitting of both the Houses.
- In such cases both the Houses are placed on an equal footing.
- However, the Rajya Sabha is in a weaker position, since the total membership of Rajya Sabha is less than even half of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
- Besides, the joint session is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
(c) The differences between a money bill and a non-money bill are as follows:
| Non-money bill | Money Bill |
|---|---|
| It can be introduced in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. | It can be introduced only in Lok Sabha. |
| Ordinary Bill can be introduced without the recommendation of the President. | Money Bill can be introduced only on the recommendation of the President. |
| Either a Minister or private member can introduce ordinary bill. | Only a Minister is allowed to introduce Money Bill in the Parliament. |
| If the Ordinary Bill originated in the Lok Sabha, then it does not require the approval of the speaker when transmitted to Rajya Sabha. | Money Bill requires the certification of the Lok Sabha Speaker when transmitted to Rajya Sabha. |
| The Rajya Sabha has the power to detain the Ordinary Bill for a period of 6 months. | The Money Bill can be detained for a maximum period of 14 days only by the Rajya Sabha. |
| Ordinary Bill can be returned for reconsideration, accepted or rejected by the President. | Money Bill cannot be returned for reconsideration by the President. The President can only accept or reject it. |
| In case of deadlock on Ordinary Bill there is a provision of a joint sitting. | In case of Money Bill, if there is a deadlock, there is no provision of a joint sitting. |
Chapter Overview: The Union Parliament
The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India, consisting of the President and two Houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Parliament makes laws on subjects in the Union List and Concurrent List, controls the executive through questions and motions, approves the budget, and can amend the Constitution.
The Lok Sabha has a maximum of 552 members elected directly by the people for a 5-year term. The Rajya Sabha has a maximum of 250 members, of whom 238 are elected by state legislatures and 12 are nominated by the President. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body with one-third members retiring every two years. Parliament ensures democratic governance, represents the will of the people, and acts as a check on executive power through debates, committees, and no-confidence motions.
Board Exam Weightage: 6-7 marks | Difficulty: Moderate
Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha
| Feature | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Also called | House of the People / Lower House | Council of States / Upper House |
| Maximum members | 552 | 250 |
| Election | Direct election by people | Indirect election by state legislatures + 12 nominated |
| Term | 5 years (can be dissolved earlier) | Permanent body; members serve 6-year terms |
| Presiding officer | Speaker | Vice-President of India (ex-officio Chairman) |
| Money Bill | Can only be introduced here; has final say | Can only suggest amendments (within 14 days) |
Must-Know Concepts
- Functions of Parliament: Legislative (law-making), financial (budget approval), executive control (question hour, no-confidence motion), constituent (amending Constitution), judicial (impeachment)
- Money Bill vs Ordinary Bill: Money Bills can only originate in Lok Sabha; Ordinary Bills can originate in either House
- Joint Session: Called by the President when Houses disagree on an Ordinary Bill; presided by the Speaker
- Question Hour: First hour of parliamentary session for asking questions to ministers — key accountability tool
- No-Confidence Motion: If passed in Lok Sabha, the entire Council of Ministers must resign
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing that the Rajya Sabha can be dissolved — it is a permanent body; only the Lok Sabha can be dissolved
- Confusing the Speaker (Lok Sabha) with the Chairman (Vice-President, Rajya Sabha)
- Stating that Money Bills need Rajya Sabha approval — Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations within 14 days
- Forgetting that the President is part of Parliament (Parliament = President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha)
Scoring Tips
- Comparison questions between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are very common — prepare thoroughly
- Know the legislative process: introduction, committee stage, passing, presidential assent
- Mention specific articles where relevant (Art. 79: Parliament, Art. 110: Money Bill definition)
- For Lok Sabha superiority, cite: Money Bill control, no-confidence motion, larger representation
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Lok Sabha more powerful than the Rajya Sabha?
The Lok Sabha has exclusive control over Money Bills, can pass no-confidence motions against the government, has more members in a joint session (ensuring majority), and directly represents the people through universal adult suffrage.
What is a Joint Session of Parliament?
When the two Houses deadlock on an Ordinary Bill, the President summons a joint session presided by the Lok Sabha Speaker. The bill is passed by a simple majority of members present and voting from both Houses combined.
Who are the 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha?
The President nominates 12 members who have distinguished themselves in literature, science, art, and social service. This ensures representation of experts who may not win elections but can contribute valuable knowledge to legislation.