The Parliament and Governance in India

Vocabulary and key concepts regarding the Indian Parliamentary system, the lawmaking process, and the constitutional division of powers.

executive

The branch of government that implements and enforces laws.

parliament

The supreme law-making body of India consisting of the President, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha.

legislature

The branch of government responsible for making laws.

Sengol

A gold-plated silver sceptre from the Chola period given to Jawaharlal Nehru on August $14$, $1947$, representing the transfer of power and just rule.

Rajya Sabha

The Council of States (Upper House) of Parliament, which is a permanent body not subject to dissolution with a maximum strength of $250$ members.

Lok Sabha

The House of the People (Lower House) whose members are directly elected through universal adult suffrage, having a current strength of $543$ members.

admonish

To strongly advise somebody to do something.

proroguing

The formal ending of a session of a legislature without dissolving it.

electoral college

The group of elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies responsible for choosing the members of the Rajya Sabha indirectly.

Article $368$

The constitutional article that grants Parliament the power to amend the Constitution.

bicameral

A legislature consisting of two houses or chambers, such as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in India.

Speaker

The presiding officer of the Lok Sabha who is elected by its members to conduct sessions and maintain order.

Question Hour

The first hour of a Parliamentary session during which MPs ask ministers questions to hold the executive accountable.

Article $21A$

The constitutional provision added in $2002$ that mandates free and compulsory education for children aged $6$ to $14$ years.

bill

A draft proposal or suggestion for a new law presented to Parliament.

reading

The process in which the members of parliament read and examine a bill during the lawmaking stages.

standing committee

A permanent body made up of MPs that examines government operations and offers suggestions on bills.

clause

The individual sections of a draft law or bill.

gazette

An official government publication used for disseminating legal documents and official information.

judiciary

The branch of government that interprets laws and ensures justice while acting as the guardian of the Constitution.

unicameral

A legislature that has only one house or chamber.

Vidhan Sabha

The Legislative Assembly which serves as the lower house of the state legislature.

Vidhan Parishad

The Legislative Council which serves as the upper house in some states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Union List

A list of approximately $100$ subjects, such as defence and currency, on which only the Central Government can make laws.

State List

A list of approximately $61$ subjects, such as police and agriculture, on which only State Governments can make laws.

Concurrent List

A list of approximately $52$ subjects, such as education and forests, on which both Central and State Governments can make laws.

ordinance

A temporary law issued by the President when Parliament is not in session.

de facto

A term referring to something that exists in reality, even though it may not be legally accepted as existing.

mahajanapadas

Ancient Indian republics that reflected traditions of collective decision-making and public participation.

universal adult suffrage

The democratic principle granting every adult citizen the right to vote and participate in elections.

eloquence

The use of powerful and effective language that is fluent, graceful, and pervasive.

sessions of parliament

The three periods during which Parliament meets each year: namely the Budget Session, Monsoon Session, and Winter Session.