Functions of Parliament: Method of Lawmaking, Governance & Structure |
Functions of Parliament: Roles in Lawmaking, Oversight, and Representation
The functions of the Indian Parliament are clearly outlined in Part 5 of the Indian Constitution and are organized into different categories. India’s Parliamentary System is highly regarded as the most important legislative body in the country, and it operates through a two-chamber legislature along with the President.
The Parliament’s roles include making laws, overseeing the executive branch, representing the interests of citizens, and controlling finances. Exploring the functions of the Indian Parliament allows for a better grasp of its vital role in upholding democratic principles and promoting the advancement and welfare of the nation.
Parliament of India: Structure, Functions, and Roles
The Indian Parliament operates with two houses – the upper house known as the Rajya Sabha or Council of State, the lower house called the Lok Sabha or House of People, and the President of India. The President serves as the head of the parliament and has the authority to convene or suspend either house as necessary.
| Also Read: NATIONAL EMERGENCY PROVISIONS: SAFEGUARDING INDIA’S UNITY, SECURITY, AND DEMOCRACY |
Key Points About Parliament’s Functions: Roles, Selection, and Functions
Lok Sabha members (MPs) are elected through a voting system based on the people’s choice.
Rajya Sabha members are chosen through the proportional representation system by state legislative assemblies.
Each segment of the parliament has a vital role in fulfilling its functions. Articles 79 to 122 in Part 5 of the Indian Constitution contain comprehensive details about the parliament’s organization, composition, duration, officers, procedures, privileges, powers, and more. Below, we outline some of the key functions of the parliament:
- Joint Sittings of Parliament
- Parliamentary Privileges
Tip: In summary, the Indian Parliament comprises two houses and the President, each with distinct functions and roles outlined in the Constitution’s Articles 79 to 122. These functions encompass various aspects of legislative and governance processes, including joint sittings and parliamentary privileges.
Functions of Parliament of India: Roles and Responsibilities
The powers and functions of India’s Parliament are diverse and vital for the functioning of the country’s administrative system. These functions are extensively detailed in Chapter II of Part V of the Indian Constitution. They encompass various administrative roles, such as exercising legislative power, carrying out executive functions, overseeing electoral processes, and managing financial matters. The powers and functions of the Indian Parliament can be categorized as follows:
- Legislative Functions
- Executive Functions
- Financial Functions
- Electoral Functions
- Judicial Functions
- Constituent Functions
- Other Powers and Functions
Legislative Functions of Parliament: Union, State, and International
The Indian Constitution grants legislative power to Parliament, allowing it to create and enforce laws concerning topics listed in the Union List. Additionally, Parliament can also pass laws related to subjects in the Concurrent List, alongside the states.
When Parliament exercises its legislative authority over matters in the Concurrent List, its laws take precedence over those of the states, unless the state law receives approval from the President. This exception occurs during emergencies or when a state is under President’s Rule according to Article 356.
One of Parliament’s functions, as per Article 249, allows it to pass laws on subjects within the State List in the interest of the nation if the Rajya Sabha approves it with a two-thirds majority of its present and voting members.
Article 252 empowers Parliament to enact laws for specific states if the legislatures of two or more states pass a resolution expressing the need for a national law concerning a matter listed in the State List.
Another role of Parliament is to implement international agreements or treaties with foreign nations. Under Article 253, Parliament can create laws related to items in the State List to fulfill international commitments.
Tip:In summary, the Indian Parliament has several important functions, including legislating on Union and Concurrent List matters, addressing national interests in State List topics, and implementing international agreements.
Executive Functions of Parliament: Roles and Impact
In the Indian Parliamentary System, the Executive branch is answerable to the legislature. Here are some key Executive Functions of Parliament:
No-Confidence Motion: Parliament has the authority to pass a no-confidence motion, which, if approved, can lead to the removal of the Cabinet (Executive). This motion can also be used in situations where Parliament rejects important financial bills like the budget.
Execution of Executive Powers: Parliament carries out its Executive functions through various parliamentary instruments such as the question hour, zero hour, calling attention motions, discussions, and adjournment motions. These tools help the legislature exercise its oversight and influence over the Executive.
Committee on Ministerial Assurances: Parliament establishes a Committee on Ministerial Assurances, responsible for ensuring that promises made by government ministers to Parliament are fulfilled. This committee plays a crucial role in holding the Executive accountable for its commitments.
Tip:In summary, the Executive Functions of Parliament in India encompass the power to remove the Cabinet, the use of parliamentary tools to execute Executive powers, and the establishment of a committee to verify ministerial commitments to the legislature.
Financial Functions of Parliament: Budget, Taxation, and Accountability
Every year, the Indian government unveils its financial budget in Parliament, outlining its investments across various economic sectors. Additionally, it’s important to note that the government cannot impose taxes on citizens without Parliament’s consent.
The financial authority and responsibilities of Parliament hold utmost importance, as the Executive branch cannot make financial decisions without Parliament’s approval. Two enduring committees within Parliament, the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee, have a critical role in overseeing how the government utilizes the funds allocated by the legislature.
Tip: In short, the annual presentation of the budget in Parliament and the requirement for parliamentary approval for taxation highlight the significance of Parliament’s financial powers. Furthermore, the ongoing work of committees like the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee ensures the accountable use of government funds.
Electoral Functions of Parliament: Selecting Leaders for Governance
The parliamentary system in India carries the significant responsibility of electing the President and Vice President. This electoral process involves two essential components: members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, who are elected politicians, and the leaders of political parties in State Legislative Assemblies.
Here’s a breakdown of the Electoral Functions of Parliament:
Selection of Vice-President: Both houses of Parliament collectively participate in choosing India’s Vice-President.
Election of Lok Sabha’s Speaker and Deputy Speaker: The representatives of the Lok Sabha, elected by the people, are responsible for electing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Choosing the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha: Members of the Rajya Sabha have the responsibility of selecting the Deputy Chairman.
Tip:The Indian parliamentary system plays a crucial role in electing key figures such as the President, Vice President, Lok Sabha Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, thereby contributing to the nation’s leadership and governance.
Judicial Powers and Functions of Parliament: Enacting Laws and Constitutional Amendments
Parliament wields the authority to enact laws, but it must secure approval from a majority of its members and the President of India. When it comes to amending the constitution, Parliament can do so with the agreement of a majority of members, but it is obliged to preserve the fundamental framework of the constitution.
Other Functions of Parliament: Deliberation, Representation, and More
The Parliament serves as a platform where critical national and international issues are discussed. The opposition holds a significant role in ensuring diverse perspectives are considered, fostering transparency.
Often described as a microcosm of the nation, Parliament’s primary democratic role involves thoughtful deliberation before passing laws or resolutions on vital matters.
Additionally, Parliament holds the authority to modify state or Union Territory boundaries, reflecting its legislative power.
Furthermore, Parliament acts as an information hub, with ministers obligated to provide requested information to members during House sessions.
Parliament’s key functions encompass deliberation on important issues, representing diverse viewpoints, boundary adjustments, and serving as an essential source of information in a democratic system.
Functions of Parliament UPSC: Legislative, Oversight, and More for UPSC
The Parliament of India plays a pivotal role in legislating, financial oversight, controlling the Executive, amending the Constitution, and fulfilling various vital functions in the country’s governance.
Check the Functions of Parliament highlights given below:
Legislative Authority: Parliament is the supreme legislative body responsible for making and passing laws in India. It has authority over Union List and Concurrent List subjects.
Financial Oversight: Parliament examines and approves the annual budget, ensuring allocation of funds for various government activities. It also has the power to levy taxes.
Executive Control: Parliament holds the Executive accountable through mechanisms like no-confidence motions, question hours, and committees like the Public Accounts Committee.
Constitutional Amendments: Parliament can amend the Constitution but cannot alter its basic structure.
International Agreements: It ratifies and implements international treaties and agreements.
Electoral Functions: Parliament elects the President and Vice President of India. It also selects the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Information Dissemination: Parliament serves as an organ of information, with ministers obligated to provide information to members when requested.
Boundary Alterations: It has the power to modify state and Union Territory boundaries
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Functions of Parliament |
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Functions of Parliament FAQs
Q1. How many functions are there in Parliament?
Ans. While Parliament carries out numerous duties, its three primary functions are Legislative, Financial, and Cabinet.
Q2. What is the role of Parliament?
Ans. Parliament holds the power to create laws concerning topics listed in the Union List and Concurrent List. Proposed bills can be presented in either house of Parliament and, upon endorsement, transform into laws upon obtaining the President’s approval.
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