Functions and Powers of Parliament

Functions and Powers of Indian Parliament

The cardinal functions of the Legislature include overseeing of administration, passing of budget, ventilation of public grievances, and discussing various subjects like development plans, international relations, and national policies. The Parliament can, under certain circumstances, assume legislative power with respect to a subject falling within the sphere, excursively reserved for the states.

The Parliament is also vested with powers to impeach the President, remove judges of Supreme and High Courts, the Chief Election Commissioner, and Comptroller and Auditor General in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Constitution. All legislation requires the consent of both Houses of Parliament. In the case of Money Bills, the will of the Lok Sabha prevails. The Parliament is also vested with the power to initiate amendments in the Constitution.

1. Legislative Powers (Functions)

The Parliament makes laws for the whole country or any part of the country. Parliament often acts to a mere sanction of laws.

The main function of Parliament is to enact laws keeping in mind the national interest.

Article 245 - Parliament can legislate for the entire territory of India or a part thereof on subjects which are included in the Union List.

In addition to the subjects of the Union List, Parliament can also make laws on the subjects of the Concurrent List.

The Constitution has also conferred on Parliament the power to legislate on residual legislative powers.

According to Article 3, Parliament has the power to make laws to create a new state by combining two or more states and to change the area and boundaries or name of the existing states.

The actual work of preparing the bills is done by the bureaucracy under the direction of a minister. The Cabinet decides the purpose of the Bill and the time for its introduction in Parliament.

No important bill is introduced in Parliament without Cabinet approval. Other private members of Parliament can also introduce a bill, but without the support of the Government, such bills are not possible to pass.

Under Article 356, even in the event of President's rule in the event of the failure of the constitutional system in a state, Parliament also gets the power to legislate on the subjects of the State List in respect of that state.

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Sample Questions

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Question : 1

Which of the following are correct : (a) The Parliament represents different views of different regional, social, economic and religious groups in the country. (b) The Parliament is the highest forum of debate in the country. (c) The elected members of both Houses of Parliament are part of the electoral college constituted for the election of the President.
A. Only (a) and (b) are correct.	B. Only (b) and (c) are correct.	C. Only (a) and (c) are correct.	D. All of these.
Right Option : D
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Question : 2

According to _________________________, Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution.
A. Article 333	B. Article 348	C. Article 354	D. Article 368
Right Option : D
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Question : 3

Which of the following are correct : (a) The Supreme Court and the High Court can conduct a judicial review of any law made by Parliament. (b) According to Article 54, Members of Parliament elect the Vice President. (c) The President can be impeached on the basis of special procedure laid down by both the Houses of Parliament.
A. Only (a) and (b) are correct.	B. Only (b) and (c) are correct.	C. Only (a) and (c) are correct.	D. All of these.
Right Option : C
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