Q.How is the Lok Sabha more powerful than the Rajya Sabha?
Ans:
*The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha and not before the Rajya Sabha( Article 75 ).
*The Lok Sabha has full control over the finances of the Country. The money bills are introduced in the Lok Sabha and only sent for recommendations to the Rajya Sabha.
* It dominates ordinary law making bills as nearly 90% of the bills are introduced in it.
*The Lok Sabha controls the executive.
*The PM mostly belongs to the Lok Sabha.
*The Lok Sabha can cause the dismissal of the Council of Ministers by passing a vote of no-confidence.
Q. What are the powers and functions of the Lok Sabha?
Ans:
1.Legislative Powers: An ordinary bill can become a law only if it has been passed by both the Houses of the Parliament.In case of a deadlock over a bill passed by the Lok Sabha, the President summons a joint sitting of the two Houses.In a joint sitting, the Lok Sabha because of its larger membership, dominates the show.Hence, the Lok Sabha has a dominant position even in the sphere of ordinary law making.
2. Executive Powers: The Union Council of Ministers is responsible before the Lok Sabha.The ministry remains in office as long as it enjoys the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha.The Lok Sabha can remove the ministers from office by passing a vote of no-confidence against them.
3. Financial Powers: The Lok Sabha has a superior position in financial matters.A Money Bill can be introduced only in it.A Money Bill passed by the Lok Sabha can be delayed by the Rajya Sabha for a maximum period of 14 days.If the Rajya Sabha fails to pass a Money Bill and after 14 days period it is deemed to be passed by both the Houses of the Parliament.
4. Judicial Powers: The impeachment proceedings against the President can be taken up in either of the two Houses of the Parliament.Lok Sabha also investigates the charges prepared by the Rajya Sabha against the Vice-President of India. It alongwith the Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution for the removal of any judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court.
5. Electoral Functions: The members of the Lok Sabha take part in the election of the President. Members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha elect the Vice- President of India.The members of the Lok Sabha also elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker from amongst themselves.
6. Amendment Powers: A constitution amendment bill can be introduced in either House of the Parliament.The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha can together amend all articles of the constitution with some exceptions.
7. Approval of the Declaration of Emergency: When President of India declares any type of emergency, it has to be got approved by both the Houses of the Parliament within a stipulated period.
Q. How can the Speaker of the Lok Sabha be removed?
Ans: The Indian constitution ( Article 94 ) provides that the Speaker ceases to hold office if he is not the member of the House or if he resigns the office. He can also be removed from the office if a resolution is passed by the majority of the members of the House for his removal. To initiate such a no- confidence move against the Speaker, a prior notice of 14 days is to be given by the resolution movers.
Q. What are the different kinds of Bills?
Ans: Bills can be classified into the following kinds:
1. Public Bill: A public bill is of universal nature and affects all or a majority of the residents of the country.A public bill is introduced in the parliament by a minister.It is also called as a government bill.
2. Private Bill: A private bill relates to a particular section of the society. It is introduced by any member of the Parliament other than a minister.It is also called as a private members bill.
The bills introduced in the Parliament can also be classified into the following kinds.
1. Ordinary Bill: The bill that is related to any matter other than the financial matters is called as an ordinary bill.
2. Money Bill: A bill that relates to the imposing, reducing or repealing of taxes or a bill relating to expenditure or income is called as a money bill.
3. Financial Bill: A bill that is related to financial matters but is different from the money bill is called as a financial bill.
4. Constitution Amendment Bill: A bill that is related to the amendment of the provisions of the constitution is called as a constitution amendment bill.