Indian Polity 21- Union Legislature (Indian Parliament) - Key Vocabulary Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key terms, concepts, and provisions discussed in the lecture notes on the Union Legislature of India.

Parliament (Union Legislature)

The bicameral lawmaking body for the Union of India, consisting of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, plus the President as an integral part of the legislature; established under Article 79.

Bicameral Legislature

A two-house legislature; in India, Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and Lok Sabha (House of the People).

Rajya Sabha

Upper house of Parliament; the federal chamber representing the states; maximum strength 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated).

Lok Sabha

Lower house of Parliament; directly elected by the people; strength 543 MPs (with varying Union Territory representation); five-year term unless dissolved earlier.

Council of States

Another name for Rajya Sabha; emphasizes its role as the representative chamber for states.

House of the People

Another name for Lok Sabha; emphasizes its role as the directly elected, popular house.

Schedule Four

Constitutional provision detailing representation of states in Rajya Sabha. Elections are by proportional representation; 238 elected members from states/UTs with legislatures, plus 12 nominated by the President.

Nominated Members (Rajya Sabha)

12 MPs nominated by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister from fields like art, literature, science, and social service.

Elected Members (Rajya Sabha)

238 MPs elected by the legislative assemblies of states and certain UTs (including those with legislatures).

Open Ballot

A voting method used in Rajya Sabha elections where ballots are cast openly and voters show their preference to party representatives.

Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote (Open Ballot)

Election system for Rajya Sabha where MLAs’ votes are transferred to elect candidates in proportion to strength, with the open ballot revealing preferences to the party.

Money Bill

A bill dealing with taxation or government expenditures; originated in Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha may only make recommendations and cannot amend; Speaker certifies the bill as a money bill.

Constitutional Amendment

A bill to amend the Constitution; requires separate approval by both Houses; no joint sitting; subject to basic structure doctrine.

Ordinary Lawmaking Power

Parliament’s power to legislate on items listed in the Union List and Concurrent List; part of the basic functioning of the Union Legislature.

Constituent Power

Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution (Article 368) subject to the basic structure of the Constitution.

Consolidated Fund of India

The government’s money pool; all taxation and loans go into it; withdrawals require Parliamentary approval (through appropriation/money bills).

All-India Services (AIS)

Public services (e.g., IAS, IPS, IFS) recruited by the Centre, serving in states; creation and control subject to Rajya Sabha involvement under Article 312.

Article 249

Parliament can legislate on the State List if Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by special majority (to protect federal interests).

Article 312

Constitutional provision relating to All-India Services; Parliament can create AIS with Rajya Sabha consent.

Permanent Nature of Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha is a permanent body not subject to dissolution; one-third of its members retire every two years to ensure continuity.

Composition Reasons for Rajya Sabha

Represents states (not equal representation; based on population) to balance federalism; some UTs with legislatures may have representation via Rajya Sabha elections.

Speaker of Lok Sabha

Presiding officer of Lok Sabha; certifies money bills; manages house proceedings; nominates members to parliamentary committees; can disqualify members under the anti-defection framework.

Deputy Speaker

Deputy presiding officer of Lok Sabha; assists and acts in the absence of the Speaker.

Joint Sitting

A meeting of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to resolve legislative deadlocks; the will of Lok Sabha generally prevails due to numerical superiority; has occurred thrice (e.g., for certain bills).

Office of Profit

A disqualification rule: holding an office of profit under the government can disqualify a member from contesting or continuing in Parliament, unless exempted by law; established to preserve independence of legislators.

Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act 1951)

Law governing qualifications and disqualifications of MPs/MLAs; provides grounds beyond the Constitution (e.g., certain kinds of disqualifications and exemptions).

Jaya Bachchan v. Union of India (2006)

Supreme Court case clarifying office of profit: a post must have independent existence and be exempted by law to avoid disqualification; resignation before contesting can remove the disqualification.

Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule)

Law that restricts MPs/MLAs from defecting; requires whips; disqualification for defection; speaker decides on disqualification under this schedule.

Whip / Division / Voice Vote

Party directive (whip) binding on members; division is a formal vote count; voice vote is a quick, non-recorded vote; division is used when a clear tally is required.

Presidential Assent

The President’s signature required to turn a Bill into law; there is no constitutional “absolute veto”; the President can return a Bill for reconsideration, and Parliament may re-pass it.