The national legislature or Parliament is the ultimate administrative body of India. The legislature of the States is described as State legislature. Indian legislature is Bicameral in nature, so called because of the two houses- Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Constitution authorizes each State to choose either a unicameral or bicameral legislature.
Only Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have a bicameral legislature. Except the houses President also is an integral part of legislature. The power to summon anyone and dissolving either House of Parliament or Lok Sabha vests with him or her.
The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950 and India became a Republic. Parliament arose in April 1962, which composed of members elected in the first general elections held during 1951-52. Since then elections are held every 5 years and Lok Sabha are re-formed with new elected members.
Visit the Parliament of India WebsiteRajya SabhaCouncil of States came into being in 1919, under the Government of India Act, 1919. The name Rajya Sabha in Hindi was adopted on August 23, 1954. The total number of members in Rajya Sabha is 250. Out of these 238 members will be from different States and Union Territories while the remaining 12 members are nominated by President. Each member is elected for six years.
Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and can not be dissolved fully. One third of the members are replaced by newly elected members every second year. The Rajya Sabha represents the States of India. It is indirectly elected by residents of the State. The citizens elect members to State Legislative Assembly (MLA) and these MLAs then elect members of Rajya Sabha (MP).
The Council of States was a deformed version of second chamber of India before independence and does not reflect true federal features.
The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. The House also has Deputy Chairman and a panel of "Vice Chairmen." The senior most Minister of Rajya Sabha, is appointed by the Prime Minister.
More information on Rajya SabhaLok SabhaThe House of People was constituted in 1952 after the General Elections as was named Lok Sabha in Hindi on 14 May, 1954.
The representatives of Lok Sabha are chosen by election of the territorial constituencies directly. Presently there are 543 constituencies. The total strength of the House is 552 members, consisting of 530 member representatives of the States, 20 members representing the Union Territories and 2 members are nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian Community.
Usually Lok Sabha is formed for a period of five years. But in case of emergency this period may be extended by Parliament as per law for a period upto one year at a time and beyond six months after the conclusion of the declaration.
The Lok Sabha may be dissolved before completing its term if no party or alliance is able to form the government or the Prime Minister and President wants to hold fresh elections.
More information on Lok Sabha
Difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha1. Members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the eligible voters who are the citizens of India whereas the members of Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
2. Lok Sabha is constituted for 5 years only then after that elections are held and new members replace the old ones while Rajya Sabha is a permanent body.
3. The Council of Ministers of Lok Sabha is responsible for the introduction of money bills.
4. Rajya Sabha enjoys special powers to declare laws in Parliament regarding the matter listed in the State List or to create by law one or more all-India services common to the Union and the States.
Functions and PowersThe fundamental functions of the Legislature include-
1. Overseeing of administration
2. Passing of budget
3. Ventilation of public grievances
4. Discussing various subjects like development plans, international relations, and national policies.