Parliament of India

Simple Explanation

Overview

Parliament is the supreme legislative institution of India. It makes laws, controls the executive, discusses public issues and authorises taxation and expenditure.

Articles / Provisions

Key constitutional references

• Articles 79 to 122

Core Notes

Key points

• Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• It performs legislative, financial, deliberative and accountability functions.
• Parliamentary committees improve scrutiny and detailed examination of bills and policies.
• The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Prelims Focus

Prelims pointers

• Article 79 provides for Parliament.
• Money Bills can be introduced only in Lok Sabha.
• Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and is not dissolved.

Mains Focus

Mains angles

• Use Parliament in answers on accountability, representative democracy and law-making quality.
• Discuss decline in parliamentary deliberation, disruptions and committee scrutiny.

Practice

Practice questions

1. 1Parliamentary committees are essential for effective legislative scrutiny. Discuss.
2. 2Examine the role of Parliament in ensuring executive accountability.