Powers and functions of Parliament

1. Legislative Powers

  1. The Parliament has the authority to make laws on subjects listed in the Union List and the Concurrent List.
  2. In matters of national interest, Parliament can legislate on subjects in the State List under specific circumstances, such as a Rajya Sabha resolution (Article 249).
  3. Parliament has the power to create or abolish Union Territories and alter state boundaries (Article 3).
  4. It also legislates on issues under residuary powers, which are not enumerated in the three lists (Article 248).

2. Financial Powers

  1. The Parliament has exclusive control over the Consolidated Fund of India.
  2. It approves the annual Union Budget, which includes the allocation of funds and taxation policies.
  3. Only the Lok Sabha can introduce and pass money bills.
  4. Parliamentary approval is necessary for borrowing funds or spending money from the Contingency Fund.
  5. It oversees financial performance through discussions, cut motions, and audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

3. Executive Powers

  1. The Parliament ensures that the executive is accountable to it.
  2. Members exercise control over the government through questions, zero hour, and adjournment motions.
  3. The Lok Sabha can pass a no-confidence motion to remove the Council of Ministers.
  4. It approves key appointments such as the President, Vice President, and others through electoral processes.

4. Amendment Powers

  1. The Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution under Article 368.
  2. Amendments can be made by a simple majority, special majority, or special majority with state ratification.
  3. Landmark amendments include the 42nd Amendment (1976) and the 101st Amendment (GST).

5. Electoral Functions

  1. Members of Parliament form part of the Electoral College for the election of the President.
  2. The Parliament also participates in the election of the Vice President.

6. Judicial Functions

  1. The Parliament has the authority to impeach the President for violation of the Constitution (Article 61).
  2. It can also remove judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts on grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity.
  3. Parliament can punish individuals for breach of privilege or contempt of its authority.

7. Deliberative Functions

  1. Parliament serves as a platform for discussing critical issues of national importance.
  2. Members deliberate on policies, social challenges, and international relations.
  3. Debates in Parliament influence public opinion and policymaking.

8. Other Powers

  1. Parliament can approve the declaration of emergency (national, state, or financial) under Articles 352, 356, and 360.
  2. It supervises and approves international treaties signed by the executive.
  3. The Parliament can establish new All-India Services (Article 312).

Conclusion

The Parliament of India performs a wide array of functions, including lawmaking, financial control, and ensuring executive accountability. Its diverse powers and responsibilities make it a cornerstone of Indian democracy, reflecting the will of the people and maintaining checks and balances in governance.

Category
Parliament
The Union Government
Indian Polity and Governance
What type of powers does the Parliament have under the Indian Constitution?
What is the exclusive power of the Lok Sabha?
Which of the following is a legislative power of Parliament?
Which Article of the Indian Constitution gives the Parliament the power to make laws on matters enumerated in the Union List?
Who has the power to approve a proclamation of Emergency under Article 352?
Which house of Parliament has the power to impeach the President?
Which of the following is a financial power of the Parliament?
Which of the following powers does the Parliament have concerning the states?
What is the role of Parliament in amending the Constitution?
How does the Parliament exercise control over the executive?
What is the role of the Parliament in approving treaties signed by the government?
Which Article grants the Parliament residuary powers?
What is a Money Bill, and which house of Parliament has special powers concerning it?
How can Parliament remove the Vice President of India?
What is required for Parliament to create a new state in India?
Which of the following powers does the Rajya Sabha have concerning state subjects?
Which motion in Parliament is used to test the government's strength?
What is the primary function of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament?
What type of majority is required to pass a constitutional amendment?
What happens if there is a deadlock between the two Houses of Parliament on an Ordinary Bill?
What is the role of Parliament in the impeachment of a judge of the Supreme Court?
Who has the final authority to approve the Union Budget?
How often does Parliament meet in a year?
Under which Article does the Parliament have the power to legislate on a state subject if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution?
What is the role of the Estimates Committee in Parliament?
Which type of bill requires prior approval of the President before being introduced in Parliament?
Which house of Parliament has the power to recommend the removal of a Supreme Court or High Court judge?
What is the role of Parliament in the declaration of war or peace?
Who decides whether a bill is a Money Bill or not?
What majority is required to pass an Ordinary Bill in Parliament?
Which Article allows the Parliament to make laws for the territories of India?
What is the maximum time Rajya Sabha can delay a Money Bill?
What is the quorum for a session of Parliament?
What is the main role of the Business Advisory Committee in Parliament?
Which of the following is not a power of Parliament?