Chapter 6
The Parliamentary System:
Legislature and Executive
🔍 The Big Questions
- What is India’s parliamentary system, and how is it structured?
- What are the key functions of the Parliament?
- What are the roles of the legislature and the executive in India’s Parliamentary democracy?
- How are the legislature and the executive organised at the union and state levels?
- 01 · Introduction — India’s Independence and Constitution
- 02 · The New Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan)
- 03 · Composition of the Parliament of India
- 04 · Functions of Parliament — Overview
- 05 · Legislative Functions of Parliament
- 06 · The Sengol — A Symbol of Power
- 07 · Executive Functions of Parliament
- 08 · Legislature vs Executive — Key Differences
- 09 · The Judiciary — Checks and Balances
- 10 · State Level Legislature and Executive
- 11 · Parallel Structure: Union vs State Government
- 12 · Challenges to Legislature Functioning
- 13 · Key Glossary
- 14 · MCQ Practice (UPSC Standard)
Introduction — India’s Independence and Constitution
India’s independence was achieved through great sacrifices by many people of the country after years of struggle against colonial rule. The citizens of a free country could now make decisions about their own governance. The first important step in this new epoch in the life of our nation was the drafting of the Constitution of independent India.
This comprehensive document laid foundational principles for the nation, including that of Universal Adult Franchise — which guarantees all adult citizens of the country the right to vote irrespective of their social or economic background, gender, race, or religion.
The people of India directly elect their representatives who become members of the Lok Sabha. A majority group from among these elected representatives forms the government. The Parliament is the supreme legislative body of the government (it makes laws for the country). It comprises all elected representatives of the people and controls and guides the work of the government. The government can therefore be seen as functioning with the people’s consent.
- There have been 17 Lok Sabhas since the first one in 1952.
- The 18th Lok Sabha was constituted in June 2024.
- The Parliament is the supreme legislative body — it makes laws AND oversees the Executive.
The New Parliament Building (Sansad Bhavan)
The new Parliament building (Sansad Bhavan) was constructed to accommodate growing needs — including capacity, technology, sustainability and safety.
🏛️ Features of the New Parliament Building
- The shape is triangular (not square or round) — described as a “soft triangle”
- The three-sided design reflects balance, inclusivity, and purpose
- Uses green construction, cutting electricity use by 30 per cent
- Inside: walls decorated with carvings — peacocks, lotuses, tribal art, temple patterns, and freedom fighters
- Houses the Ashokan emblem and many ancient symbols
- It “feels like a museum of India” — democracy must look ahead but never forget its roots
The old Parliament building is now called Samvidhan Sadan. It was constructed in the 1920s. The Constituent Assembly met there for its deliberations, and it served as Parliament House for over seven decades.
Composition of the Parliament of India
The Indian Parliament is composed of the President and two houses:
| Feature | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Other Name | House of the People / Lower House | Council of States / Upper House |
| Method of Election | Direct election by citizens (universal adult suffrage) | Indirect election by electoral college |
| Maximum Strength | 550 (as per Constitution) | Based on population of each state |
| Presiding Officer | Speaker (elected by members) | Vice President of India (acts as Chairperson) |
| Nature | Directly represents the people | Represents the states (federal principle) |
The people of India choose their representatives for the Lok Sabha through a direct election (based on universal adult suffrage). The maximum number of members of the Lok Sabha envisaged by the Constitution is 550. The Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly by the electoral college. Both the number of Rajya Sabha seats allocated and the number of MPs represented in the Lok Sabha are based on the population of each state.
This structure with two houses is called a ‘bicameral’ system — ‘bi’ means two, ‘cameral’ means chamber/house.
- Britain’s system inspired India’s Parliamentary democracy model.
- Freedom fighters also drew from practical experience gained through participation in British colonial governance structures.
- Inspiration also came from the memory of ancient republics (mahājanapadas) and village panchayats where elders made collective decisions.
- Extensive discussions took place in the Constituent Assembly about whether India should have a bicameral system — it was felt a single directly elected House would be inadequate to meet the challenges independent India would face.
- In the spirit of ‘federalism’, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) was considered necessary.
- Federalism = a form of government where power is distributed between the centre, states, and local governments, helping keep balance between national unity and local interests.
Functions of Parliament — Overview
Each House of the Parliament has a presiding officer to ensure debates and discussions are conducted in an orderly manner:
- In the Lok Sabha — the members elect a Speaker, who conducts sessions, allows members to speak, maintains discipline, and ensures rules are followed.
- The Rajya Sabha is presided over by the Vice President of India, who acts as its Chairperson.
Parliamentary discussions are accessible to all through translation services in multiple Indian languages:
Previously, simultaneous interpretation was available in 12 languages: Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Punjabi, and Telugu.
Recently, six more languages were added: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Urdu, and Sanskrit. More languages are expected to be added in the future.
The Constitution lays down the key functions that the Parliament needs to fulfil. They can be broadly classified under:
- Constitutional functions
- Lawmaking
- Executive accountability
- Financial accountability
Legislative Functions of Parliament
1) Constitutional Functions
The Parliament is directly entrusted with upholding the core values of the Indian Constitution, including:
- Enabling parliamentary democracy through universal adult suffrage
- Following the separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary
- Ensuring federalism
- Upholding Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy by framing laws and policies
- Election of President and Vice President
- Amendments to the Constitution
2) Lawmaking — The Bill to Act Process
Among the primary responsibilities of the legislature is to make laws. A law is generally brought into force through an instrument called an act. A bill is a draft of a proposed law — it is introduced in Parliament and goes through a long and effortful journey before it becomes an act.
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE) — one of the landmark laws in India — illustrates the lawmaking journey:
- Its roots lie in the Directive Principles of State Policy of the Indian Constitution.
- In the early 1990s, it was argued in court that education is inherently part of the Right to Life (Fundamental Right).
- The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 added Article 21A — mandating free and compulsory education to all children between ages 6 and 14 years.
- Six years later, the bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha. A committee studied it and suggested modifications.
- The major debate concerned funding for new schools, infrastructure, and teachers.
- After the 2009 elections, in August 2009, it was passed in the Lok Sabha and received Presidential assent, becoming an Act.
- Today, it has enabled legal pathways for children to attend school, new school construction, and ensured free books and uniforms for children.
⚖️ From Bill to Act — The Lawmaking Process
Note: All bills may not be referred to Committees.
- Reading: Originated in British Parliament. Many MPs were illiterate, so a clerk would read out contents of the bill. Today MPs read the bill before discussions take place.
- Clause: Parts of a bill that explain specific details (e.g., RTE defines the age group — 6 to 14 years).
- Gazette: An official government publication that announces legal documents and official information.
- Standing Committee: A permanent committee of MPs that scrutinises government activities, makes recommendations, and asks questions on actions taken by the government. MPs may change but the committee structure remains.
- Money Bill: Concerned with financial matters (taxation, government borrowing, etc.). Can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha — the introduction requires the prior recommendation of the President.
3) Executive Accountability
The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are part of the Union Executive. They are:
- Primarily responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and overseeing the effective running of the government
- Take decisions regarding the day-to-day functioning of the government based on the principles laid out in the Constitution
- Answerable to the Lok Sabha through mechanisms like the Question Hour
The Question Hour in the Lok Sabha is a select period (typically the first hour of a Parliamentary session) where MPs can ask the ministers questions about government policies and activities. It is a process of the Parliament that holds the Executive ‘accountable’ (i.e., it must justify all actions and decisions). Special committees also hold meetings where ministries have to explain and answer questions about their policies — these committees may include MPs from different political parties.
Example 1: Verse in Parliament
While presenting the Union Budget for 2025-26 on 1st February 2025, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman recited a verse from Tirukkural (an ancient Indian treatise in Tamil on ethics and morality):
“Vaanokki vaalum ulakellaam / Mannavan koalnokki vaalung kudi.”
(Just as living beings live expecting rains, Citizens live expecting good governance.)
Example 2: Humour in Parliament
In 2011, Parliamentarian Sushma Swaraj criticised the government in verse: “Tu idhar udhar ki na baat kar, yeh bata ki kafila kyun luta, humein rahjano se gila nahi, teri rahbari ka sawal hai.” (Don’t change the topic, just say why the caravan was looted. We have no complaint with the robbers, but this is a question on your leadership.)
Then PM Dr. Manmohan Singh calmly replied: “Maana ki teri deed ke qabil nahin hoon main, tu mera shauq dekh mera intezar dekh.” (I admit that I am not worthy of your sight; you should look at my zeal and my perseverance.)
4) Financial Accountability
The Parliament approves and monitors government expenditure through the annual budget, and by examining the distribution of funds to different ministries. The government is expected to provide the necessary information to Parliament in a timely and accurate manner.
Why do you think Parliament keeps an eye on government expenditure? (Hint: Whose money does the government spend?)
The Sengol — A Symbol of Righteous Power
- The Sengol is a gold-plated, silver sceptre.
- It was symbolically handed over to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, on 14 August 1947 on the occasion of Indian Independence — as a powerful symbol to mark the transfer of power.
- It is now placed near the Speaker’s chair in the new Lok Sabha.
- It served as a symbol of righteous and just rule.
- Dating back to the Chola period, the Sengol was handed to new rulers as a reminder that power must be guided by dharma and righteousness.
- At its top sits Nandi, symbolising justice.
- Sceptre: A decorated rod carried by a king or queen at ceremonies as a symbol of their power.
Executive Functions of Parliament
Part V of the Indian Constitution begins with Chapter I — The Executive. It is in Chapter II that the role and functions of Parliament are listed.
The ‘executive’ responsibility of the Parliament (i.e., ensuring that laws are implemented and enforced) is as important as its ‘legislative’ function. The Union Executive gives life to the legislative functions and power of the Parliament.
👥 The Union Executive — Composition
- The President
- The Vice President
- The Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister
The Council of Ministers is chosen from among the MPs of both houses of Parliament. These ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
1) The President
The President is the Head of State and the nominal head of the Executive. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are responsible for running the government. The President:
- Appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers
- Summons the Parliament
- Gives assent to bills
- Can exercise discretionary powers in specific circumstances, particularly during political crises (e.g., when no party holds a clear majority in a Lok Sabha election)
The Council of Ministers aids and advises the President.
2) The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers
The Prime Minister is the de facto executive authority in India’s Parliamentary system. The President appoints the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha as the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister serves with the support of the majority of the MPs in the Lok Sabha.
| Key Function of PM | Description |
|---|---|
| Leading Council of Ministers | Heads and coordinates the Cabinet |
| Advising the President | Aids the President on all important matters |
| Coordinating Ministries | Coordinates the work of different ministries |
| Shaping National Policies | Drives the overall policy direction of India |
The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers take decisions and run the government. They are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Most of the bills that come to the Parliament for discussion are initiated by the government.
A permanent group of officials — called ‘civil servants’ — help in implementing laws and policies. These officers, often called administrators or bureaucrats, work under the direction of ministers and ensure that government departments function smoothly.
In 1956, Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned after a train accident. Although he was not blamed for the accident, he believed that a minister must take moral responsibility for anything that happens in their ministry. He offered his resignation to PM Jawaharlal Nehru; Nehru declined at first, but Shastri insisted. Finally, his resignation was accepted. This is a powerful example of individual ministerial responsibility.
Part V of the Indian Constitution begins with Chapter I — The Executive. It looks at the roles and responsibilities of the President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers, among others. It is in Chapter II that the role and functions of Parliament are listed. This suggests that the Executive precedes the Legislature in the constitutional scheme, reflecting the executive’s foundational role in governance.
Legislature vs Executive — Key Differences
| Aspect | Legislature | Executive |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Parliament of India — composed of the President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | The President, Vice-President, and Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister |
| Main Role | Making laws and overseeing the work of the Executive | Enforcing the laws made by the Legislature |
| Bills | Can introduce some bills in the Parliament | Most of the bills are introduced by the Executive in the Parliament |
| Oversight | Keeps a check on activities of the Executive by asking questions and seeking explanations | Provides information and explanations to the Legislature on its decisions and actions. Aids and advises the President on important matters, including calling sessions of Parliament. |
| Finance | Sanctions all government-related expenses | Prepares and implements the budget approved by Parliament |
| Committees | Consults different Parliamentary committees | Can function independently in day-to-day matters and may consult committees when required |
The Judiciary — Role of Checks and Balances
The Judiciary is the branch of government that is responsible for interpreting and applying the laws of the land, including in specific cases of disputes. The Judiciary functions through a system of courts and plays a pivotal role in maintaining the democratic nature of society and governance.
The Judiciary acts as the custodian of the Constitution, ensuring that all branches of the government operate within the principles and parameters enshrined in the Constitution. It keeps a check on the effective functioning of society and institutions by:
- Interpreting laws
- Resolving disputes
- Safeguarding fundamental rights
The Judiciary is given the unique and critical responsibility of checking that the laws passed by Parliament have not violated the Constitutional framework. Similarly, if a violation of the Constitution occurs when the laws are implemented by the Executive, the Judiciary again has the power to step in.
⚖️ Separation of Powers — Summary
- Legislature → Makes the laws
- Executive → Implements/enforces the laws
- Judiciary → Interprets laws, ensures Constitutional compliance
- These three organs provide checks and balances on each other — ensuring no single organ becomes too powerful
State Level Legislature and Executive
The Union Government has a Parliament with legislative and executive functions. Similarly, each state has its own legislature and executive, called its ‘State Assembly’. Just as the Parliament has Members of Parliament (MPs) who make laws, there are Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who formulate laws on subjects that are on the ‘State List’ and on the ‘Concurrent List’.
Union List, State List, and Concurrent List
| List | Who Legislates | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Union List | Parliament (exclusive) | Defence, Foreign Affairs, Currency, Railways |
| State List | State Legislature (exclusive) | Police, Public Health, Agriculture, Land |
| Concurrent List | Both Parliament and States; if Union legislates, state must follow | Education, Environment, Marriage, Forests |
In the case of RTE, the Act is applicable all over India even though education is in the Concurrent List. This is because when the Union government legislates on a subject in the Concurrent List, the state government is bound to follow it.
Structure of State Legislatures
Unlike the Centre, the State legislatures can be:
- ‘Unicameral’ — having only one house (Vidhan Sabha only)
- ‘Bicameral’ — having two houses (Vidhan Sabha + Vidhan Parishad)
The legislative assembly is called the Vidhan Sabha, and the legislative council (the upper house) is called the Vidhan Parishad.
The states having a bicameral system (Vidhan Sabha + Vidhan Parishad) are:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Bihar
- Karnataka (Vidhana Soudha houses the legislature)
- Maharashtra
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
All remaining states have a unicameral system.
Vidhana Soudha houses the legislature in Karnataka. This building was envisioned by Kengal Hanumanthaiah, who was a freedom fighter and a member of the Constituent Assembly, Chief Minister of Karnataka, and later a Member of Parliament.
Parallel Structure: Union vs State Government
The structure at the state-level imitates the one at the union-level:
| Feature | Union Government | State Government |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Head | President of India (elected by electoral college) | Governor of the State (appointed by President) |
| Term of Office (Head) | 5 years | 5 years |
| Executive Head | Nominal — President; De facto — Prime Minister | Nominal — Governor; De facto — Chief Minister |
| Selection of Executive | Leader of majority party/coalition in Lok Sabha | Leader of majority party/coalition in Vidhan Sabha |
| Council of Ministers | Selected by Prime Minister | Selected by Chief Minister |
| Responsibility | Collectively responsible to Lok Sabha | Collectively responsible to Vidhan Sabha |
| Legislature Structure | Bicameral — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | Unicameral (Vidhan Sabha) or Bicameral (Vidhan Sabha + Vidhan Parishad) |
| Lower House | Lok Sabha (House of the People) | Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) |
| Upper House | Rajya Sabha (Council of States) | Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) — in some states only |
| Term of Lower House | 5 years | 5 years |
| Presiding Officer (Lower House) | Speaker | Speaker |
| Legislative Powers | Makes laws on subjects in Union List and Concurrent List | Makes laws on subjects in State List and Concurrent List |
| Financial Powers | Money bills originate only in Lok Sabha | Money bills originate only in Vidhan Sabha |
Challenges to Effective Functioning of Legislatures
The Indian legislature has the critical role of enacting laws, overseeing administrative processes, and approving the budget. It also provides a platform for discussing national policies, development plans, international relations, and addressing public grievances. However, the legislature faces several challenges:
- Regular absenteeism of members
- Non-cooperative conduct or communication of members
- Reduced quality of important debates
- Disruptions of the Question Hour
- A substantial proportion of representatives in the Lok Sabha having criminal cases against them
- Sessions marked by angry or biased debates that do not seriously address issues affecting the people
📊 Parliamentary Sessions — A Declining Trend
- 1st Lok Sabha (1952-57): 14 sessions, 677 sittings
- 2nd Lok Sabha (1957-62): 16 sessions, 567 sittings
- 10th Lok Sabha (1991-96): 16 sessions, 423 sittings
- 13th Lok Sabha (1999-2004): 14 sessions, 356 sittings
- The data clearly shows a declining trend in sittings over time
The former Chairman of the Rajya Sabha stated: “The productivity of Rajya Sabha during 2004-14 has been about 78% and it declined to about 65% since then. During the year 2018, the Rajya Sabha recorded the lowest ever productivity of 35.75% under the impact of disruptions.”
Productivity (Parliamentary context): Measured by the number of hours either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha actually functioned against the time it was scheduled to.
The Parliament typically meets three times a year. These meetings are called ‘sessions’:
- Budget Session
- Monsoon Session
- Winter Session
Usually, the Parliament sits for 6 hours a day during sessions. This can be extended on special occasions or when there is a need to complete urgent business. The State Assemblies too, have similar schedules.
(Translation: Governments will come and go, parties will rise and fall. But the nation must endure, and its democracy must live on.)
- Citizens staying informed and engaged helps shape better policies.
- Participating in public discussions on digital spaces that government departments offer during policymaking.
- Constructively engaging with political representatives on policies.
- Many more young leaders and diverse voices are entering public life, and technology is making it easier to stay connected with governance.
- The media plays an important role in communicating concerns of the electorate.
Key Glossary
📌 Before We Move On — Key Takeaways
- India’s Parliamentary system ensures that power is shared, decisions are debated, and leaders are held accountable.
- The Legislature makes laws, the Executive implements them, and the Judiciary ensures they follow the Constitution.
- The Parliament represents the voice of the people and reflects the federal spirit of our democracy.
- Both at the Centre and in the states, structures are designed to balance representation, responsibility, and unity.
- Checks and balances between institutions help protect citizens’ rights and uphold democratic values.
- The functioning of the Parliament needs to become more efficient and productive so that the country’s progress is not thwarted.
- The 18th Lok Sabha was constituted in June 2024 (there have been 17 Lok Sabhas since the first in 1952).
- Only 6 states (AP, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, UP) have bicameral state legislatures.
- Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha (Centre) and Vidhan Sabha (states).
Practice MCQs — UPSC Standard
Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System — Legislature and Executive | 22 Questions
- A Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the Prime Minister
- B President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha
- C President, Prime Minister, and Lok Sabha
- D President, Vice President, and Lok Sabha
Show Answer
The Indian Parliament is composed of the President and two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People / Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States / Upper House). This is explicitly stated in the Constitution.
- A 545
- B 552
- C 550
- D 543
Show Answer
The maximum number of members of the Lok Sabha envisaged by the Constitution is 550. Members are chosen through direct election based on universal adult suffrage, and the seats are allocated based on the population of each state.
- A The President of India
- B The Prime Minister of India
- C The Speaker elected by the members
- D The Vice President of India
Show Answer
The Rajya Sabha is presided over by the Vice President of India, who acts as its Chairperson. In the Lok Sabha, the members elect a Speaker to preside over sessions.
- A Mughal period
- B Maurya period
- C Chola period
- D Gupta period
Show Answer
Dating back to the Chola period, the Sengol was handed to new rulers as a reminder that power must be guided by dharma and righteousness. It was symbolically handed over to Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on 14 August 1947. At its top sits Nandi, symbolising justice.
- A It can be introduced in either House of Parliament
- B It can be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha with prior Presidential recommendation
- C It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha; the introduction requires prior recommendation of the President
- D It requires a special majority in both Houses to be passed
Show Answer
A Money Bill is concerned with financial matters (including taxation, government borrowing, etc.). It is a draft law that can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha; however, the introduction of the bill requires the prior recommendation of the President.
- A 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
- B 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002
- C 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
- D 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978
Show Answer
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, mandated — as Article 21A of the Constitution — that the state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. The RTE Act, 2009 operationalised this constitutional provision.
- A The President is the nominal head of the Executive
- B The Prime Minister is the de facto executive authority
- C The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Rajya Sabha
- D The Union Executive consists of the President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers
Show Answer
The Council of Ministers is chosen from among MPs of both Houses of Parliament. However, they are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha. This is a critical distinction in India’s Parliamentary system.
- A 1900s
- B 1920s
- C 1940s
- D 1950s
Show Answer
The old Parliament building (now called Samvidhan Sadan) was constructed in the 1920s. The Constituent Assembly met there for its deliberations, and it served as Parliament House for over seven decades.
1. It is a permanent committee of MPs.
2. The MPs in it may change, but the committee structure remains.
3. It scrutinises government activities and makes recommendations.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
All three statements are correct. A Standing Committee is a permanent committee consisting of MPs (the MPs may change, but the committee as a structure remains) that scrutinises government activities, makes recommendations, and asks questions on actions taken by the government. Not all bills are referred to committees.
- A Karnataka
- B Maharashtra
- C Gujarat
- D Uttar Pradesh
Show Answer
Gujarat has a unicameral legislature. The states with bicameral legislatures (Vidhan Sabha + Vidhan Parishad) are: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. All remaining states have a unicameral system.
- A The last hour of a Parliamentary session reserved for questions
- B Typically the first hour of a Parliamentary session where MPs can ask ministers questions about government policies and activities
- C A weekly session where citizens can question their elected representatives
- D A period reserved for the Prime Minister to answer questions from the Opposition
Show Answer
The Question Hour in the Lok Sabha is a select period (typically the first hour of a Parliamentary session) where MPs can ask the ministers questions about government policies and activities. It is a key mechanism that holds the Executive accountable to the Legislature.
- A Union List only
- B State List only
- C Concurrent List
- D Not mentioned in any list
Show Answer
Education is in the Concurrent List — both the Union and State governments can legislate on it. However, when the Union government legislates on a subject in the Concurrent List, the state government is bound to follow it. This is why the RTE Act applies all over India.
1. Its triangular shape reflects balance, inclusivity and purpose.
2. It uses green construction, cutting electricity use by 30 per cent.
3. It houses the Sengol near the President’s chamber.
Which of the above are correct?
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is INCORRECT — the Sengol is placed near the Speaker’s chair in the new Lok Sabha, not near the President’s chamber. The new building uses green construction cutting electricity use by 30 per cent, and its triangular design reflects balance, inclusivity and purpose.
- A President : Governor :: Prime Minister : Chief Minister
- B Rajya Sabha : Vidhan Sabha :: Lok Sabha : Vidhan Parishad
- C Speaker of Lok Sabha : Vice President :: Speaker of Vidhan Sabha : Governor
- D President : Chief Minister :: Governor : Prime Minister
Show Answer
The correct parallel is: President (Constitutional Head of Union) : Governor (Constitutional Head of State) :: Prime Minister (de facto executive authority at Centre) : Chief Minister (de facto executive authority of state). The Lok Sabha is parallel to the Vidhan Sabha (both are lower houses), and the Rajya Sabha is parallel to the Vidhan Parishad (both are upper houses).
- A S. Nijalingappa
- B Devaraj Urs
- C Kengal Hanumanthaiah
- D B. D. Jatti
Show Answer
Vidhana Soudha was envisioned by Kengal Hanumanthaiah, who was a freedom fighter and a member of the Constituent Assembly, Chief Minister of Karnataka, and later a Member of Parliament. This is an important fact about Karnataka’s legislative history relevant for State PCS.
- A Ensuring representation of different castes
- B Giving the President more power
- C The spirit of federalism — ensuring states have a Council of States (Rajya Sabha)
- D Reducing the workload of the Lok Sabha
Show Answer
In the spirit of ‘federalism’, it was felt that a Council of States — the Rajya Sabha — was needed. It was felt that a single directly elected House would be inadequate to meet the challenges independent India would face. The Rajya Sabha represents states in the federal framework.
- A The Governor
- B The Chief Minister
- C The Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha
- D The President of India
Show Answer
At the state level, the nominal head is the Governor, but the Chief Minister is the de facto executive authority of the state. This parallels the Centre, where the President is nominal head and the Prime Minister is de facto executive authority. The Council of Ministers is selected by the Chief Minister and is collectively responsible to the Vidhan Sabha.
- A Part IV, Chapter I
- B Part V, Chapter II
- C Part V, Chapter I
- D Part III, Chapter I
Show Answer
Part V of the Indian Constitution begins with Chapter I — The Executive. It looks at the roles and responsibilities of the President, Vice President, and Council of Ministers. It is in Chapter II that the role and functions of Parliament are listed. This is significant as it places the Executive before the Legislature in the constitutional scheme.
- A Four
- B Five
- C Six
- D Eight
Show Answer
Six new languages were recently added: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Urdu, and Sanskrit. This takes the total from 12 to 18 languages. The original 12 were: Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Punjabi and Telugu.
- A Collective responsibility of the Cabinet
- B Individual ministerial responsibility and moral accountability
- C Executive accountability enforced by the Judiciary
- D Constitutional accountability as per Article 75
Show Answer
This is a classic example of individual ministerial responsibility and moral accountability. Shastri believed that a minister must take moral responsibility for anything that happens in their ministry. He insisted on resigning despite PM Nehru declining his first offer, setting a high standard of ministerial accountability in Indian democracy.
- A The total number of laws passed in a session
- B The number of hours Parliament actually functioned against the time it was scheduled to
- C The number of questions asked during Question Hour
- D The ratio of bills passed to bills introduced
Show Answer
In the Parliamentary context, productivity is measured by the number of hours either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha actually functioned against the time it was scheduled to function. According to former Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Rajya Sabha’s productivity dropped from ~78% (2004-14) to ~65% subsequently, reaching a historic low of 35.75% in 2018.
- A Vidhan Sabha — Governor
- B Vidhan Sabha — Speaker
- C Vidhan Parishad — Chief Minister
- D Vidhan Sabha — Chief Minister
Show Answer
The presiding officer of the Vidhan Sabha (lower house of a state legislature) is the Speaker — exactly parallel to the Lok Sabha at the Union level. The Governor is the Constitutional head of the state; the Chief Minister leads the Council of Ministers. The Vidhan Parishad has a Chairman as its presiding officer.
