**The Relationship between the Two Houses of Parliament**

The relationship between the two houses of parliament, namely the House of Commons and the House of Lords, is a fundamental aspect of the political system in the United Kingdom. These two houses work together to ensure effective governance and the representation of various interests in the legislative process. Let's explore their relationship in detail:

**1. Composition and Membership**

- The House of Commons is composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the public through general elections. There are a total of 650 MPs in the House of Commons.
- On the other hand, the House of Lords consists of appointed and hereditary members. Appointed members include life peers, bishops, and archbishops, while hereditary members inherit their position based on their family lineage.

**2. Legislative Process**

- The legislative process in the UK requires the approval of both houses. Any proposed legislation, known as a bill, must pass through several stages in both houses before becoming law.
- Initially, a bill is introduced in either house. If it is introduced in the House of Commons, it goes through several readings, debates, and committee stages, allowing MPs to scrutinize and suggest amendments.
- After the House of Commons approves the bill, it is sent to the House of Lords. Here, the bill goes through a similar process of readings, debates, and committee stages. The members of the House of Lords can propose amendments to the bill.
- If the House of Lords introduces amendments, the bill is sent back to the House of Commons for further consideration. This process is known as "ping-pong," where the bill goes back and forth between the two houses until both agree on its final form.
- Once both houses agree on the final version of the bill, it is sent to the monarch for royal assent and becomes law.

**3. Role and Powers**

- The House of Commons is considered the lower house and holds more power in the legislative process. It is responsible for initiating most legislation and has the final say on financial matters.
- The House of Lords, as the upper house, plays a crucial role in reviewing and revising legislation proposed by the House of Commons. Its members bring different perspectives and expertise to the legislative process, ensuring a more comprehensive examination of bills.
- While the House of Lords can propose amendments, it cannot permanently block legislation. If the House of Commons rejects the amendments suggested by the House of Lords, the bill can still proceed without them.
- The House of Lords also serves as a chamber of expertise and experience, where members provide valuable insights and consider long-term implications of legislation.

**Conclusion**

The relationship between the House of Commons and the House of Lords is one of collaboration, checks, and balances. The House of Commons represents the will of the people, while the House of Lords brings expertise and scrutiny to the legislative process. Together, they ensure that laws are thoroughly examined, debated, and representative of the interests and values of the UK population.

Under article 75(3) of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, which means that the Rajya Sabha cannot make or unmake the Government.

It can, however, exercise control over the Government and this function becomes quite prominent, particularly when the Government does not enjoy majority in Rajya Sabha.

To resolve a deadlock between the two Houses, in case of an ordinary legislation, the Constitution provides for the joint sitting of both Houses.

Issues in the Joint Sitting are decided by a majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting. The joint sitting is held in the Central Hall of Parliament House presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

However, in the case of a Money Bill, there is no provision in the Constitution for a Joint Sitting of both Houses as the Lok Sabha clearly enjoys pre-eminence over Rajya Sabha in financial matters.

As regards a Constitution amendment Bill, it has been provided in the Constitution that such a Bill has to be passed by the specific majority, as prescribed under article 368 of the Constitution, by both Houses.  There is, therefore, no provision for resolving a deadlock between the two Houses in regard to a Constitution amendment Bill.

The ministers may belong to either House of Parliament.  The Constitution does not make any distinction between the Houses in this regard. Every Minister has the right to speak and take part in the proceedings of either House but he is entitled to vote only in the House of which he is a member.

Similarly, with regard to powers, privileges and immunities of the Houses of Parliament, their members and committees thereof, the two Houses are placed absolutely on equal footing by the Constitution.

Other important matters in respect of which both Houses enjoy equal powers are election and impeachment of the President, election of the Vice-President, approving the Proclamation of Emergency, the proclamation regarding failure of constitutional machinery in States and financial emergency.  In respect of receiving reports and papers from various statutory authorities, etc., both Houses have equal powers.

It is thus clear that except in the case of collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers and certain financial matters, which fall in the domain of Lok Sabha only, both Houses enjoy equal powers