Question

What is the maximum strength of elected representatives for the Lok Sabha according to the Constitution?
A.550
B.552
C.545
D.543

Answer 1

Hint: The Indian legislative system is a bicameral one which means that there are two houses at the centre—the Lok Sabha or the House of People and the Rajya Sabha or the Council of States. The members of the lower house known as the Lok Sabha are elected directly by the people from constituencies around the country and two of its members are nominated by the President from among the Anglo-Indian community. Seats are reserved in the Lok Sabha for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their percentage in the population. The members of the Lok Sabha serve for a term of 5 years and have the right to re-election. Elections for the Lok Sabha follow Universal Adult Franchise which means that all citizens who have attained the minimum age of 18 have the right to vote.

Complete answer: Option A: 550 is correct as it is the maximum strength of elected representatives for the Lok Sabha. The Constitution provides for a maximum of 520 elected members from states and 30 elected members from union territories.
Option B: 552 is incorrect. This is the maximum strength of members in the Lok Sabha including the 550 directly elected members and 2 members nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community.
Option C: 545 is incorrect. This is the current strength of the Lok Sabha including 2 members nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community.
Option D: 543 is incorrect. This is the current number of elected members in the Lok Sabha.

Note: The leader of the party or coalition with the most seats in the Lok Sabha is appointed as the Prime Minister. The President also appoints the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister who may belong to either of the two Houses. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.