Learn
Games

1 - The Union Legislature

Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Introduction to the Union Legislature

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Today, we're discussing the Union Legislature of India, which includes the President, the Rajya Sabha, and the Lok Sabha. Can anyone tell me why this structure is important?

Student 1
Student 1

It's the supreme law-making body of India.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It's crucial for a functioning democracy. The Rajya Sabha is more about representation, while the Lok Sabha represents the general populace. Now, let's look into the composition of each house.

Student 3
Student 3

How many members are in the Lok Sabha?

Teacher
Teacher

The Lok Sabha can have up to 552 members, but currently, it has 545, with members elected directly by the people. Remember, you can visualize the Lok Sabha like a classroom where all students get their say.

Student 4
Student 4

What about the Rajya Sabha?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! The Rajya Sabha's maximum strength is 250, currently having 245 members. It consists of both elected and nominated members. This diversity ensures varied representation.

Powers and Functions of the Union Parliament

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Next, let's dive into the powers and functions of the Union Parliament. Can someone explain what legislative powers mean?

Student 2
Student 2

It means making laws.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The Parliament can legislate on Union List and Concurrent List subjects. They can even legislate on State List during a national emergency. Let's explore another function: financial powers.

Student 1
Student 1

Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! That’s a fundamental difference. The Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments to Money Bills but cannot reject them. This highlights the Lok Sabha's control over public finances. Remember, L for Lok Sabha, L for Limit of Financial Control!

Law-Making Procedure

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s discuss the law-making procedure. Who can share the steps involved in creating an ordinary bill?

Student 3
Student 3

It starts with an introduction, and then there are readings.

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! Can anyone tell me how many readings there are for an ordinary bill?

Student 4
Student 4

Three readings, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! After the readings, the bill goes to the other house and requires presidential assent to become a law. Remember the '3 R's: Read, Review, and Ratify!'

Comparison of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Let’s summarize the differences between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. In terms of membership, which house is larger?

Student 2
Student 2

Lok Sabha, with 545 members.

Teacher
Teacher

Great! And how about tenure?

Student 1
Student 1

Lok Sabha is 5 years and Rajya Sabha is 6 years.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly, and remember the Lok Sabha can be dissolved while the Rajya Sabha is a permanent house. I hope that clarifies!

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

The Union Legislature, or Indian Parliament, comprises the President, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha, serving as the supreme law-making body of India.

Standard

The Union Legislature is essential for India's democratic functioning, consisting of the President, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha. The section covers its composition, legislative, financial, executive, electoral, judicial, and constitutional powers, alongside the law-making process and key differences between the houses.

Detailed

Youtube Videos

The Union Legislature - ICSE Civics | Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha | Federal Setup | Union Parliament
The Union Legislature - ICSE Civics | Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha | Federal Setup | Union Parliament
The Union Parliament | The Union Legislature | ICSE CIVIC 2026 | @sirtarunrupani
The Union Parliament | The Union Legislature | ICSE CIVIC 2026 | @sirtarunrupani
The Union Parliament | The Union Legislature Class 10 ICSE | Civics ICSE Class 10 | @sirtarunrupani
The Union Parliament | The Union Legislature Class 10 ICSE | Civics ICSE Class 10 | @sirtarunrupani
THE UNION PARLIAMENT Complete Chapter In One Shot Theory + PYQs | Class 10 ICSE Board
THE UNION PARLIAMENT Complete Chapter In One Shot Theory + PYQs | Class 10 ICSE Board
The Union Parliament | The Union Legislature Class 10 ICSE | @sirtarunrupani
The Union Parliament | The Union Legislature Class 10 ICSE | @sirtarunrupani
The Union Legislature Class 8 SST ICSE | Selina Chapter 16 | Civics Social Science
The Union Legislature Class 8 SST ICSE | Selina Chapter 16 | Civics Social Science
The Union Legislature | PART 1 | Rapid Revision | ICSE Class 10 | Civics | Lok Sabha
The Union Legislature | PART 1 | Rapid Revision | ICSE Class 10 | Civics | Lok Sabha
Class 10 | The Union Parliament | Civics | History | ICSE Board | Home Revise
Class 10 | The Union Parliament | Civics | History | ICSE Board | Home Revise
THE UNION PARLIAMENT in 45 Mins | Complete Chapter Mind-Map | Class 10 ICSE SST
THE UNION PARLIAMENT in 45 Mins | Complete Chapter Mind-Map | Class 10 ICSE SST
The Union Parliament | Class 10 ICSE - One Shot! 🔥
The Union Parliament | Class 10 ICSE - One Shot! 🔥

Audio Book

Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.

Introduction to the Union Legislature

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

The Union Legislature, or Indian Parliament, is the supreme law-making body of India. It includes:
● The President of India
● The Rajya Sabha (Council of States / Upper House)
● The Lok Sabha (House of the People / Lower House)

Detailed Explanation

The Indian Parliament is the highest authority that creates laws for the country. It is composed of three main components: the President, the Rajya Sabha, and the Lok Sabha. The President acts as the ceremonial head of state, while the Rajya Sabha is the upper house made up of representatives from states and the Lok Sabha is the lower house representing the people directly.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the Union Legislature like a school governing body. The President is like the headmaster who oversees everything, the Rajya Sabha members are like heads of departments who make policies for their specific areas, and the Lok Sabha members are like class representatives who speak directly on behalf of the students to bring their concerns to the body.

Composition of Parliament

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

1.2 Composition of Parliament
1.2.1 Lok Sabha
● Maximum strength: 552 members
● Current strength: 545 members
○ 530 from states
○ 13 from Union Territories
○ 2 nominated by the President (Anglo-Indian provision now abolished)
● Tenure: 5 years
● Members are directly elected by the people

1.2.2 Rajya Sabha
● Maximum strength: 250 members
● Current strength: 245 members
○ 233 elected by State Legislative Assemblies and Union Territory legislatures
○ 12 nominated by the President (from art, literature, science, and social service)
● Tenure: 6 years
● 1/3rd members retire every 2 years
● Members are indirectly elected

Detailed Explanation

Parliament is made up of two houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha can have a maximum of 552 members, but currently has 545. These members represent the states and Union Territories, and they are elected by the public to serve a 5-year term. In contrast, the Rajya Sabha has a maximum of 250 members with 245 currently serving, made up of elected and nominated individuals. Their tenure is 6 years, and they are indirectly elected, meaning state assemblies choose them.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a sports team where the players (Lok Sabha) are chosen by public votes from their local communities, while coaches and experts (Rajya Sabha) are chosen by team owners based on their special skills and knowledge in the sport.

Qualifications for Membership

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

1.3 Qualifications for Membership
1.3.1 Lok Sabha
● Must be a citizen of India
● At least 25 years of age
● Name must be on the electoral roll

1.3.2 Rajya Sabha
● Must be a citizen of India
● At least 30 years of age
● Name must be on the electoral roll

Detailed Explanation

To become a member of the Lok Sabha, one must be an Indian citizen, at least 25 years old, and must be registered to vote. For the Rajya Sabha, the requirements are similar but the age requirement is higher at 30 years.

Examples & Analogies

This is similar to being eligible for participation in a marathon. Just like you need to be of a certain age and have registered to compete, candidates for Parliament must meet specific age and citizenship criteria to ensure they fairly represent the population.

Powers and Functions of the Union Parliament

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

1.4 Powers and Functions of the Union Parliament
1.4.1 Legislative Powers
● Can make laws on subjects in the Union List and Concurrent List
● Can make laws on the State List during a national emergency

1.4.2 Financial Powers
● Money Bills can be introduced only in Lok Sabha
● Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments to Money Bills
● Lok Sabha has control over public finances

1.4.3 Executive Powers
● Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers
● It can pass a Vote of No Confidence to remove the government

1.4.4 Electoral Powers
● Parliament participates in the election of:
○ The President of India
○ The Vice-President of India

1.4.5 Judicial Powers
● Can impeach the President
● Can remove judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
● Can act against other constitutional authorities

1.4.6 Constitutional Powers
● Has the power to amend the Constitution under Article 368

Detailed Explanation

The Parliament has several important responsibilities. It can create laws in many areas, control finances, oversee the executive branch through the Council of Ministers, and even participate in elections for high offices like the President and Vice-President. Additionally, it has judicial powers such as impeachment and removing judges. Lastly, it has the authority to amend the Constitution, which is a critical function given the dynamic nature of governance.

Examples & Analogies

Think of Parliament as a multi-faceted organization like a city council. It makes laws (like local ordinances), controls the city’s budget (financial powers), supervises the mayor and city managers (executive powers), and has the authority to change rules for how city government operates (constitutional powers).

Law-Making Procedure

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

1.5 Law-Making Procedure
1.5.1 Ordinary Bill
1. Introduction in either House
2. First Reading – Title and objective discussed
3. Second Reading – Detailed discussion and clause-by-clause voting
4. Third Reading – Final vote
5. Transmission to the other House
6. Presidential assent to become law

1.5.2 Money Bill
● Can only be introduced in Lok Sabha
● Needs President’s recommendation before introduction
● Rajya Sabha can discuss but cannot reject or amend it
● Must be passed within 14 days

Detailed Explanation

Laws in India go through a structured process. An ordinary bill is introduced in either house, followed by readings where its title and details are discussed. After several readings and votes, it moves to the other house, and finally, it requires the President's approval to become law. Money Bills have a more strict procedure; they can only start in the Lok Sabha and must be passed within 14 days.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine writing a proposal for a new school rule. First, you present the idea to your classmates (introduction), then discuss it (first reading) and make changes based on feedback (second reading). The final proposal goes to the principal for approval (presidential assent), similar to how a bill becomes law.

Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

1.6 Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Feature Lok Sabha Rajya Sabha
Members 545 (elected) 245 (partly elected, partly nominated)
Tenure 5 years 6 years (1/3 retire every 2 years)
Election Direct Indirect
Money Bill Power Exclusive Advisory only
Dissolution Can be Cannot be dissolved (permanent house)

Detailed Explanation

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha differ in several aspects like membership, election method, tenure, and authority over Money Bills. The Lok Sabha is directly elected and can be dissolved, whereas the Rajya Sabha, partly elected and partly nominated, is a permanent body that cannot be dissolved.

Examples & Analogies

Consider Lok Sabha as a school’s student council that is elected every year (can be dissolved), while Rajya Sabha is like the board of trustees, which has longer terms and is made up of appointed members who oversee the council’s actions (permanent).

Importance of the Union Legislature

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

1.7 Importance of the Union Legislature
● Ensures representative democracy
● Provides a check on the executive
● Allows public participation in governance
● Ensures balance of power between the centre and states

Detailed Explanation

The Union Legislature plays a crucial role in maintaining democracy. It ensures that elected representatives speak for the people's needs, holds the government accountable, encourages citizen involvement, and maintains a fair distribution of power between the national and state governments.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the Union Legislature like a referee in a sports match; it ensures that all players (citizens and states) are represented fairly, keeps the game (government) functioning smoothly, and makes sure no one team has too much power, maintaining a balance for a fair play.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Union Legislature: Comprises the President, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha, functioning as India's supreme law-making entity.

  • Lok Sabha: Lower house, directly elected by the public for a tenure of 5 years.

  • Rajya Sabha: Upper house, with mixed membership, serving 6-year terms, with one-third members retiring biennially.

  • Legislative Powers: Parliament's authority to create laws under various lists, including the Union and Concurrent Lists.

  • Money Bills: Specific bills introduced in Lok Sabha, influencing the financial framework of the Government.

  • Impeachment: A parliamentary procedure to remove constitutional authorities from office.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • The Lok Sabha recently passed a bill to enhance educational infrastructure across India.

  • During a national emergency, the Union Parliament can legislate on matters usually reserved for the State List.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In the house of Lok Sabha, five years we stay, Rajya Sabha's six, that's how we play!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a team of superheroes: the Lok Sabha members like quick movers, taking direct votes, while Rajya Sabha members act like wise advisors watching from a high place!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember the steps to pass a bill: I-Introduce, F-First Reading, S-Second Reading, T-Third Reading, T-Transmit, A-Assent. 'IFSTTA' for smooth passage!

🎯 Super Acronyms

For the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha differences

  • M-Twin Mates

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Union Legislature

    Definition:

    The supreme law-making body of India, comprising the President, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha.

  • Term: Lok Sabha

    Definition:

    The lower house of Parliament, directly elected by the people, with a maximum strength of 552 members.

  • Term: Rajya Sabha

    Definition:

    The upper house of Parliament, partly elected and partly nominated, with a maximum strength of 250 members.

  • Term: Money Bill

    Definition:

    A bill that can only originate in the Lok Sabha and relates to monetary matters.

  • Term: Impeachment

    Definition:

    The process of removing a sitting President or judges from office due to misconduct.

  • Term: Tenure

    Definition:

    The period during which a member is elected to serve in a legislative body.