1.
Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
• The Upper House of the Indian Parliament.
• Represents the states and union territories.
• Maximum strength: 250 members (238 elected, 12 nominated by the President).
• Election Process: Members are elected by the legislative assemblies of states and UTs using
proportional representation.
• Term: A permanent body; one-third of members retire every two years.
• Powers:
• Participates in the law-making process.
• Can initiate and pass bills (except Money Bills).
• Has equal power as Lok Sabha in constitutional amendments.
• Can create All India Services under Article 312.
2. Lok Sabha (House of the People)
• The Lower House of Parliament, representing the people.
• Maximum strength: 552 members (530 from states, 20 from UTs, 2 nominated Anglo-Indians (if
necessary)).
• Election: Members are directly elected by citizens every five years via universal adult franchise.
• Speaker: Elected from among the members; presides over sessions.
• Powers:
• Initiates and passes Money Bills (Article 110).
• Controls the Council of Ministers (can pass No-Confidence Motion).
• Can amend the Constitution (along with Rajya Sabha).
• More powerful than Rajya Sabha in financial matters.
3. Prime Minister (PM)
• The head of government and leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha.
• Appointed by the President under Article 75.
• Tenure: Five years (can be re-elected).
• Powers and Functions:
• Executive Powers: Heads the Council of Ministers, supervises administration.
• Legislative Powers: Advises the President on summoning and dissolving Parliament.
• Foreign Affairs: Represents India in international forums, signs treaties.
• Emergency Powers: Plays a key role in advising the President during emergencies.
• Appointments: Recommends names for the President’s approval for ministers, governors, Chief
Election Commissioner, etc.
4. President
• The constitutional head and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
• Election: Indirectly elected by an electoral college (MPs & MLAs).
• Term: Five years (eligible for re-election).
• Powers and Functions:
• Executive Powers: Appoints the PM, governors, Chief Justice, and other officials.
• Legislative Powers: Summons and dissolves Parliament, gives assent to bills.
• Judicial Powers: Can grant pardons, reprieves, and commutations (Article 72).
• Emergency Powers: Can impose President’s Rule (Article 356).
• Veto Power: Absolute, Suspensive, and Pocket Veto.
5. Governor
• The constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President.
• Term: Five years but holds office at the pleasure of the President.
• Powers and Functions:
• Executive Powers: Appoints the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers.
• Legislative Powers: Summons, dissolves, and addresses the State Legislature.
• Judicial Powers: Can pardon (except death sentences).
• Emergency Powers: Can recommend President’s Rule in the state.
• Acts as a link between the central and state government.
6. Basic Structure of the Constitution
• The concept was established in the Keshavananda Bharati Case (1973).
• Ensures that certain fundamental features cannot be amended.
• Includes:
• Supremacy of the Constitution
• Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic
• Separation of Powers
• Fundamental Rights
• Judicial Review
• Federal Structure
• Free and Fair Elections
7. Preamble of the Constitution
• Introduction to the Indian Constitution.
• Reflects the ideals and philosophy of the Constitution.
• Declares India as:
• Sovereign (independent nation).
• Socialist (economic equality).
• Secular (freedom of religion).
• Democratic (government by the people).
• Republic (elected head of state).
• Ensures Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
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