Question

What are the powers and functions of the Parliament?

Answer 1

Hint: The legislative powers of the federal government come under the parliament of India. So, the laws that are framed by the parliament of India are enforced throughout the country. The Parliament consists of two chambers and the laws made in the parliament are executed by both the houses. The functions of parliament depend on the power given by the government.

Complete answer:

The Indian Parliament is a bicameral legislature. It consists of two houses: Rajya Sabha which is the upper chamber of the Parliament and Lok Sabha which is the lower chamber of the parliament.

The powers and functions can be classified into the following categories:

1.Legislative powers and functions:

The primary function of Parliament is law-making. Lok Sabha plays an important part here. It can pass bills concerning the Union and Concurrent list. No bill can be made into law unless it has been passed by the Parliament.

2. Executive powers and functions:

Executive powers are needed in the process of implementing acts and policies in Parliament. The Parliament can remove the Cabinet out of power. 

3. Financial powers and functions:

Parliament enjoys supreme authority in financial matters. It includes enactment of the budget, examining the performance of government concerning financial spending through financial committees.

4. Judicial powers and functions:

It includes impeachment of the President for violation of the constitution, removal of judges of the supreme and high court, removal of vice-president, and punishment of its members or outsiders for breach of privileges. 

5. Electoral powers and functions:

All Parliament members participate in the election of President and Vice-President. The members of Lok Sabha elect its speaker and deputy speaker from among its members. The Rajya Sabha elects its Deputy Chairman. 

6. Constituent powers and functions:

Parliament is empowered to initiate a proposal for the amendment of the constitution. A bill for the amendment initiated in either House of the Parliament.

Note: India has a parliamentary system of government. The functions and powers of the Indian Parliament are mentioned in the Indian Constitution in Chapter II of Part V. The laws framed by the Parliament are enforced in the whole country. The Parliament is the highest-ranking legislative body in the country.