With reference to the Union Legislature

Union Legislature (10)

With reference to the Union Legislature, answer the following questions:

  1. Explain any three Legislative powers of the Union Parliament.
  2. State any three exclusive powers of the Lok Sabha that is not enjoyed by the other House.
  3. List any four functions of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Answer

(a) Legislative powers of the union parliament:

  • To make laws in the union list /97 subjects
  • Matters in the concurrent list/47 subjects
  • Residuary powers/matters not mentioned in 3 lists
  • Matters in the state list
  • during an emergency
  • approved by 2/3 majority by the Rajya Sabha
  • when two or more states ask
  • President’s Rule
  • Ordinances must be approved
  • Powers during emergency/67 subjects in state list.

(b)

  • Motions of No-Confidence against the government can only be introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha/answerable to the Lok Sabha only/ enjoy power only until they enjoy the trust of the house.
  • Money bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend it. /budget is passed/controls the national purse/has complete control over finance.
  • In case of a deadlock between the two houses, the will of the Lok Sabha prevails due to its higher numerical strength.
  • Can pass an Adjournment Motion.

(c) Functions of the Speaker of Lok Sabha:

  • Regulate the proceedings of the house
  • Certifies a bill as money bill
  • Maintains discipline in the house
  • Puts issues to vote and announces results
  • Does not vote in the house except when there is a tie. /casting vote
  • Presides over the joint session of the parliament.
  • presides over meetings
  • recognises a member on the floor of the house
  • asks a member to yield the floor
  • preserves order in the house
  • expunges unparliamentary words
  • receives all petitions
  • decides the order of speeches
  • decides which questions to admit
  • communicates the decision of the house to the authorities
  • can adjourn the house
  • decides whether there is any breach of privilege or contempt of house
  • regulates the press and visitors
  • appoints chairmen of various parliamentary committees
  • disqualifies members under anti defection law
  • all bills are signed by him
  • interprets the rules of the house.
  • Exam Year: 2020