the parliamentary system

​​​​​​​​⭐ Country from which India adopted its Parliamentary System

The United Kingdom

⭐ Three important organs involved in Indian governance

Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary

Primary role of the Legislature

Makes laws and keeps the Executive accountable

Primary role of the Executive

Implements laws and manages the day-to-day administration of the country

Primary role of the Judiciary

Administers justice, interprets laws, and protects citizens' rights

⭐ Three components that constitute the Parliament of India

The President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha

Alternative names for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Lok Sabha: Lower House / House of the People; Rajya Sabha: Upper House / Council of States

⭐ Maximum strength and composition of Lok Sabha

Maximum strength of 550 members (530 from States and 20 from Union Territories)

Election method and term of Lok Sabha members

Directly elected by the people for a term of 5 years

Minimum age required to become a member of Lok Sabha

25 years

Presiding officer of the Lok Sabha

The Speaker

⭐ Maximum strength and breakdown of Rajya Sabha members

Maximum strength of 250 members (238 representing States and UTs, 12 nominated by the President)

How members of Rajya Sabha are elected

Elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies

Term duration and retirement pattern of Rajya Sabha members

Term of 6 years; one-third of the members retire every two years

Minimum age required to become a member of Rajya Sabha

30 years

Presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha

The Vice-President (acting as Chairman)

⭐ Four main functions of Parliament given in the textbook

1. Introduction of New Laws 2. Financial Accountability 3. Accountability of Executive 4. Organ of Information

How Parliament exercises financial accountability

By exercising control over government income and expenditure

Meaning of Parliament as an Organ of Information

It provides a forum for discussion and for obtaining information about matters concerning the country

Minimum frequency of Parliamentary meetings required per year

At least twice a year, with a gap of no more than six months between sessions

Three usual annual sessions of Parliament

Budget Session, Monsoon Session, and Winter Session

Quorum required to transact business in Parliament

At least one-tenth of the total members

Presidential powers regarding Parliamentary sessions

The President can summon either House, discontinue a meeting, and dissolve Lok Sabha in consultation with the PM

Official languages for speaking and publishing proceedings in Parliament

Members speak in Hindi, English, or regional languages (with simultaneous interpretation); translations are published in Hindi and English

⭐ Definition of a Bill

A proposed law

⭐ Matters dealt with by a Money Bill

Taxation, government borrowing, and payments or withdrawals from government funds

⭐ House in which a Money Bill can be introduced

Only in the Lok Sabha

Original Bill

A Bill proposing a new law

Amending Bill

A Bill proposing changes to an existing law

Constitutional Amendment Bill

A Bill proposing changes to the Constitution

⭐ Complete sequence from Bill to Law

Introduction -> First Reading -> Second Reading -> Detailed Examination -> Clause-by-Clause Discussion -> Third Reading -> Voting -> Other House -> President -> Assent -> Law -> Gazette

First Reading stage of a Bill

The stage where the Bill is introduced in a House

⭐ First stage of the Second Reading of a Bill

Discussion of the Bill's principles and objectives, with potential referral to a Select or Joint Committee

Second stage of the Second Reading of a Bill

Clause-by-clause detailed discussion of the Bill

Role of Select Committee or Joint Committee in the law-making process

To conduct a detailed examination of the Bill during the Second Reading stage

Third Reading stage of a Bill

Consideration of the Bill in its final form followed by voting by members

⭐ Majority needed to pass a Bill during voting in a House

More than 50 percent of the members voting must support it

Procedure after a Bill passes the introducing House

It is sent to the other House for consideration and passage

Role of the President in turning a Bill into a Law

The President may suggest changes and send it back; upon Presidential assent, the Bill becomes a law

Final official step after Presidential assent to a law

Notification in the Gazette

⭐ Question Hour

A session in Parliament where members ask ministers questions about government policies and programmes

⭐ Zero Hour

A session in Parliament where members raise urgent matters of public importance

⭐ No-Confidence Motion

A motion passed by Lok Sabha when dissatisfied with the government; if passed, the government must resign

Department-related Standing Committees

Parliamentary committees that examine funds allocated to Ministries

Financial Committees in Parliament

Parliamentary committees that regulate government expenditure

Administrative Committees in Parliament

Parliamentary committees that support the day-to-day functioning of both Houses

⭐ Composition of the Executive branch

President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers

Difference in primary objective: Legislature vs Executive

Legislature: Making laws and keeping Executive in check; Executive: Implementing laws and running administration

Role of civil servants in the Executive branch

Assisting in implementing government decisions

⭐ Constitutional position of the President of India

Head of the State and constitutional head

How the President of India is elected

By an electoral college

⭐ Key judicial and administrative appointments made by the President

Appoints the Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Justice and judges of Supreme Court and High Courts, and Attorney General

Presidential power when Parliament is not in session

Issuing ordinances

Whose advice guides the President in exercising constitutional powers?

The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

⭐ Position and political role of the Prime Minister

Head of the Council of Ministers and leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha

Role of the Prime Minister regarding the President and Legislature

Acts as an important link between the President and the Legislature

⭐ Principle of Collective Responsibility

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Parliament; if a no-confidence motion is passed, the entire Council resigns

Three categories of ministers in the Council of Ministers

Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and Ministers of State

Cabinet Ministers

Ministers holding the highest rank who take important administrative decisions

Difference between Ministers of State with Independent Charge and Ministers of State

Independent Charge ministers manage departments independently; Ministers of State work under Cabinet Ministers

Examples of key government Ministries

Defence, Finance, and External Affairs

Executive's role during Question Hour

Answering questions asked by parliamentary members regarding government policies

⭐ Structure and nature of the Indian Judicial System

A single integrated and independent Judiciary

⭐ Hierarchy of courts in India (top to bottom)

Supreme Court -> High Courts -> Subordinate Courts

Six core functions of the Judiciary

Administers justice, interprets laws, protects natural rights, settles disputes, interprets the Constitution, and protects Fundamental Rights

Authority of the Supreme Court regarding unconstitutional laws

Final interpreter of the Constitution; can declare a law null and void if it violates the Constitution

Four types of disputes settled by the Judiciary

Disputes between citizens, between citizens and State, between different States, and between State and Central governments

⭐ Five reasons why an Independent Judiciary is necessary

1. Prevents misuse of power 2. Ensures impartial justice 3. Protects citizens' rights 4. Maintains separation of powers 5. Prevents interference from Legislature and Executive