Test: Parliament and State Legislatures - 1 - CLAT PG MCQ

The maximum number of members in a State Legislative Council cannot exceed one-third of the total members in the corresponding Legislative Assembly of that state. However, there is also a minimum requirement of not less than 40 members. This structure is designed to balance representation in the bicameral system.

The President of India is responsible for summoning each House of Parliament. This authority is a critical part of the legislative process, as it ensures that Parliament meets regularly to conduct its business and discuss important national issues.

Article 82 provides for the readjustment of seats in the Lok Sabha and the division of States into territorial constituencies after each census. This ensures that representation remains equitable and reflective of population changes across the country.

When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, all pending business, including bills, motions, resolutions, notices, and petitions, lapses. This means that any legislative proposals that were not completed must be reintroduced in the new Lok Sabha after fresh elections.

The primary responsibility of the Union government in India is national defense. This encompasses protecting the nation from external threats and ensuring the security of the country’s borders. The Union government also handles foreign affairs and other central matters, distinguishing its role from that of state governments, which focus on local issues.

Prorogation refers to the ending of a session of the State Legislature without dissolving the House itself. This means that while the session has concluded, the legislative body continues to exist and can reconvene in the future.

The House of the People (Lok Sabha) has a term of five years from its first meeting unless it is dissolved earlier by the President. This term length is significant as it provides a stable timeframe for governance and legislative action before the next general elections.

Article 80 of the Indian Constitution outlines the composition of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), detailing the number of nominated members and the representatives from States and Union Territories. This article is crucial for understanding the structure of the upper house of Parliament.

The duration of a State Legislative Assembly's term is five years, unless it is dissolved earlier. This period allows the Assembly to carry out its legislative functions, and it can be extended during a Proclamation of Emergency, but only for one year at a time.

To propose the abolition of a Legislative Council under Article 169, a two-thirds majority of those present and voting in the State Legislative Assembly is required. This stipulation ensures that such a significant decision is supported by a substantial portion of elected representatives.

Article 170 specifies the composition of the Legislative Assemblies in the states, stating that each Assembly must have between 60 and 500 members. This article ensures that the number of representatives is proportionate to the population of the state, facilitating effective governance.

Representatives from each State are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assembly. This election uses a system of proportional representation, specifically the single transferable vote method, ensuring that the representation is reflective of the voters' choices in the States.

The minimum age requirement to be a member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) is 30 years. This age criterion reflects the expectation of maturity and experience in legislative duties, which is essential for effectively participating in the parliamentary process.

The Parliament of India is the highest legislative authority in the country, comprising two houses: the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). This bicameral structure is fundamental to the democratic governance of India, allowing for representation and discussion of diverse issues affecting the nation.

A State Legislative Assembly in India must have a minimum of 60 members. This ensures that each state has a sufficient number of representatives to effectively perform legislative functions. The maximum limit is set at 500 members, depending on the population and size of the state.

The term of the Lok Sabha can be extended during a Proclamation of Emergency, allowing Parliament to extend the House's term by up to one year at a time, but not exceeding six months after the emergency ends. This provision ensures continuity in governance during critical times.

The minimum age requirement to be a member of the Legislative Council is 30 years. This requirement reflects the expectation that members of the upper house have a certain level of maturity and experience in political or public service.

The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, can consist of not more than 530 members who are directly elected by the populace from various States and Union Territories. This structure allows for direct representation of the electorate in the legislative process.

The Governor nominates members to the Legislative Council who possess special knowledge or practical experience in areas such as literature, science, art, cooperative movement, and social service. This provision aims to enrich the legislative process with diverse expertise.

The Governor has the authority to summon sessions of either or both Houses of the State Legislature and to prorogue the sessions as deemed appropriate. This power allows the Governor to manage the legislative calendar, ensuring that legislative business is conducted effectively.