The Parliament of India is the legislative branch of the Union government, and it plays a central role in the country's democratic system. It is based on the parliamentary form of government, often referred to as the 'Westminster' model of government, which includes a division of powers between the executive and the legislative branches.
Organization of Parliament:
The Parliament of India is composed of three main parts:
➤ The President of India:
- The President is not a member of either House of Parliament but is an integral part of Parliament.
- The President's role is crucial in the legislative process as no bill passed by both Houses can become law without the President's assent.
- The President performs functions related to parliamentary proceedings, including summoning and proroguing the Houses, dissolving the Lok Sabha, addressing both Houses, and issuing ordinances when the Houses are not in session.
➤ The Council of States (Rajya Sabha):
- The Rajya Sabha is the Upper House of Parliament and is also known as the House of Elders.
- It represents the states and union territories of India.
- Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the Union Territories, as well as through nomination by the President.
➤ The House of the People (Lok Sabha):
- The Lok Sabha is the Lower House of Parliament and is also known as the Popular House.
- It represents the people of India as a whole.
- Members of the Lok Sabha are elected directly by the people through general elections based on a system of universal adult suffrage.