Page 21 – Parliament – Part I
Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)
Key Idea Summary
Core concepts and exam relevance
Parliament = Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha + President
It is the central law-making authority of India and the supreme legislative body in the country.
- Composition & qualifications
- Sessions & quorum rules
- Law-making process
- Joint sitting provisions
- Parliamentary privileges
Parliament at a Glance
Structure and key components
A) Composition
- Lok Sabha → House of People
- Rajya Sabha → Council of States
- President → Part of Parliament
Article 79: Parliament consists of the President and two Houses
B) Sessions
- Budget Session (Feb-May)
- Monsoon Session (Jul-Aug)
- Winter Session (Nov-Dec)
⚠️ Gap between two sessions ≤ 6 months
C) Parliamentary Devices
- Question Hour – First hour of sitting
- Zero Hour – After Question Hour
- Adjournment Motion – Urgent matters
- Calling Attention – Draw minister's attention
- No-Confidence Motion – Test govt majority
D) Joint Sitting
- Used when both Houses disagree
- Chaired by Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Article 108
- NOT for: Money Bills, Constitutional Amendment Bills
Law-Making Process
Six stages of passing a bill
Bill introduced; title & objectives stated; no debate
General discussion on principles of the bill
Detailed clause-by-clause examination
Each clause debated; amendments moved; voting done
Rajya Sabha considers; may pass, amend, or reject
Bill becomes Act after President signs
Types of Bills
Different categories and their treatment
| Bill Type | Introduction | Rajya Sabha Power | Joint Sitting? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Bill | Either House | Can amend/reject | Yes |
| Money Bill | Lok Sabha only | Can only recommend (14 days) | No |
| Financial Bill | Lok Sabha only | Can amend/reject | Yes |
| Constitution Amendment | Either House | Equal powers | No |
Simulation Lab
Legislative Process Explorer
🧪 Bill Passage Simulator
Select a bill type to understand how it passes through Parliament.
Select a bill type to see its passage process.
Exam Booster – Practice Questions
Test your understanding
1 Who presides over Joint Sitting of Parliament?
Joint Sitting (Article 108) is presided over by the Speaker of Lok Sabha. If Speaker is absent, Deputy Speaker presides.
2 What is the maximum gap allowed between two Parliament sessions?
Article 85 mandates that the gap between two sessions cannot exceed 6 months.
Memory Hooks & Quick Revision
Key takeaways for exam day
Revision Summary
3 Exam Points to Remember
- 1 Parliament = President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha (Art. 79)
- 2 Joint Sitting: Deadlock resolver, chaired by Speaker, NOT for Money/Amendment Bills
- 3 Sessions gap ≤ 6 months; Budget, Monsoon, Winter sessions