Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 8 History Civics Chapter 1 The Union Legislature

I. Fill in the blanks:

Question 1. The elections to the Lok Sabha are held by _________.
Answer: secret ballot.
In simple words: When people vote for members of the Lok Sabha, their choices are kept private.

Exam Tip: Remember that a secret ballot ensures privacy so voters can make their choices without any pressure.

Question 2. A person should have acquired the age of _________ of age to become a Member of Lok Sabha.
Answer: 25 years.
In simple words: Anyone who wants to be elected to the Lok Sabha must be at least twenty-five years old.

Exam Tip: Do not confuse the minimum age for Lok Sabha (25 years) with that of the Rajya Sabha (30 years).

Question 3. The maximum strength of the members of Lok Sabha is _________.
Answer: 545 members.
In simple words: The total number of representatives sitting in the Lok Sabha cannot exceed 545.

Exam Tip: Be clear if the question asks for the "maximum permitted strength" (552) or the "present strength" (545) of the House.

Question 4. The Rajya Sabha is the _________ House of Parliament.
Answer: upper
In simple words: Rajya Sabha is known as the higher chamber in our parliamentary system.

Exam Tip: Remember that Rajya Sabha is the Upper House (Council of States) and Lok Sabha is the Lower House (House of the People).

Question 5. The President can nominate _________ members in the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: 12 members.
In simple words: The President of India has the power to select twelve people directly to sit in the Rajya Sabha.

Exam Tip: These 12 nominated members are chosen for their special contributions in areas like science, art, literature, or social service.
II. Match the contents of Column A with those of Column B.

Question 1. Match the items in Column A with Column B:

Answer:
1. The Speaker - (d) Presiding Officer of the Lok Sabha.
2. The Vice President - (a) Presides over the Rajya Sabha.
3. The Rajya Sabha - (e) Permanent House.
4. The Parliament - (b) The legislative organ of the Union Government.
5. The Lok Sabha - (c) The House of People.
In simple words: The Speaker leads the Lok Sabha, while the Vice President leads the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha never dissolves, the Lok Sabha represents the public, and Parliament creates the country's laws.
Exam Tip: Be sure to match the specific roles (like the Speaker and Vice President) with their respective houses of parliament to avoid losing marks.

III. Tick mark (✓) the correct statements and cross mark (X) the wrong ones.

Question 1. The Rajya Sabha is presided over the Vice President of India. (✓ / X)
Answer: ✓
In simple words: The Vice President of India serves as the head who runs the meetings in the Rajya Sabha.

Exam Tip: The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

Question 2. A money bill has to be moved first in the Lok Sabha. (✓ / X)
Answer: ✓
In simple words: Any bill that is about tax or spending money must start its journey in the Lok Sabha.

Exam Tip: Rajya Sabha can only delay a money bill for up to 14 days; it cannot reject it.

Question 3. The Parliament meets at least twice a year. (✓ / X)
Answer: ✓
In simple words: The members of Parliament must hold sessions at least two times every year.

Exam Tip: The gap between two sessions of Parliament cannot exceed six months.

Question 4. The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years. (✓ / X)
Answer: ✓
In simple words: Each person chosen for the Rajya Sabha serves a term that lasts for six years.

Exam Tip: While Rajya Sabha members have a 6-year term, one-third of them retire every two years.

IV. Answer the following questions:

Question 1. Name the two Houses of the Union Parliament
Answer: The Parliament consists of two distinct chambers, which are:
1. Lok Sabha
2. Rajya Sabha
In simple words: The Indian Parliament has two parts, called the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Exam Tip: Write down both the English and the Hindi names (House of the People and Council of States) to make your answer look more professional.

Question 2. How are the members to the Lok Sabha elected?
Answer: Citizens who have reached adulthood vote directly in elections to choose Lok Sabha members. This process uses a private voting system known as a secret ballot, and those elected hold their seats for a term of five years.
In simple words: Adult citizens vote directly for Lok Sabha members using secret voting cards. These members stay in office for five years.

Exam Tip: Be sure to include the term of office (five years) and the term "direct election" or "secret ballot" when explaining this process.

Question 3. What is a bicameral legislature?
Answer: A legislative system that is divided into two separate chambers - an Upper House and a Lower House - is known as a bicameral legislature. Because the lawmaking body of India features two houses, it is classified as a bicameral legislature.
In simple words: A bicameral legislature is a parliament with two separate groups of lawmakers, just like India has the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Exam Tip: Explain the term "bicameral" by highlighting that "bi" means two, and "camera" refers to a chamber or house.

Question 4. Mention the essential qualifications for a person to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
Answer: Anyone aiming to become a member of the Lok Sabha must meet the following requirements:
1. The candidate must hold Indian citizenship.
2. Their age must be at least twenty-five years.
3. The person must be of sound mind.
4. They cannot be bankrupt or unable to clear their financial debts.
5. The individual must not occupy any salaried government post that yields a profit.
6. They must not be declared a fugitive or a criminal offender by law.
7. Their name has to be registered on the voter list in some part of the nation.
In simple words: To join the Lok Sabha, a person must be an Indian citizen of at least 25 years old, mentally healthy, free of heavy debts, not working a paid government job, and registered as a voter.

Exam Tip: Memorize at least four key qualifications, especially the age limit (25 years) and Indian citizenship, as these are the most crucial points.

Question 5. What is the composition of the Rajya Sabha ?
Answer: The Rajya Sabha, also referred to as the Council of States, serves as the Upper House of India's Parliament. It can have a maximum of 250 members. Out of these, 238 represent the states and union territories, chosen by the members of different state legislative assemblies. The President selects the remaining 12 members from people who have excelled in fields like science, literature, art, or social service. Currently, the house has 245 seats, with 233 members being elected and 12 nominated by the President.
In simple words: The Rajya Sabha has up to 250 members. Most are chosen by state leaders, while the President picks 12 experts from fields like science and art. Right now, it has 245 members.

Exam Tip: Be sure to distinguish between the maximum limit (250) and the current actual membership (245) of the Rajya Sabha when writing your answer.

Question 6. What are the functions of the Lok Sabha?
Answer: The primary responsibilities of the Lok Sabha are:
1. Legislative Duties: The Lok Sabha participates in passing bills and framing laws. Bills dealing with matters in the Union List or the Concurrent List can be introduced in this chamber.
2. Financial Control: This chamber holds authority over the national treasury. No state funds can be spent, and no budget can be passed, without its approval. Furthermore, money bills must originate exclusively in the Lok Sabha.
3. Authority over the Cabinet: The Council of Ministers answers directly to this house. The government can stay in power only if it maintains the support and trust of the Lok Sabha members.
In simple words: The Lok Sabha helps make new laws, controls the country's money and budget, and keeps a check on the government to ensure they have the support of the majority.

Exam Tip: Use sideheadings like 'Legislative Functions', 'Financial Powers', and 'Control over Executive' to organize your points for better marks.

Question 7. Describe the law making functions of the Parliament.
Answer: As the primary legislative branch of the central government, the Parliament of India's main duty is to draft laws. Its lawmaking powers include:
1. It designs new legislation, alters existing acts, or revokes outdated laws regarding the 97 items in the Union List, as well as any residuary subjects not covered elsewhere.
2. Under specific circumstances, it can also pass laws on items normally reserved for the State List.
3. Working alongside state assemblies, the Parliament can create laws on the 47 items within the Concurrent List.
4. The central Parliament holds the exclusive power to propose constitutional amendments, though some amendments must also be approved by at least half of the state legislatures.
In simple words: Parliament makes, changes, or removes laws for the whole country. It handles issues on the Union and Concurrent lists, and can also change the Constitution.

Exam Tip: Be sure to mention the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List when explaining how lawmaking powers are shared.

Question 8. How does the Parliament exercise control over the Government?
Answer: A core duty of the Parliament is maintaining supervision over the ruling government. It does this through the following methods:
1. The executive is answerable to the legislature for all its decisions and actions. The administration can be dismissed from power if the Lok Sabha passes a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister or the cabinet.
2. Lawmakers can request adjournment motions to suspend scheduled debate and focus on an urgent issue of public concern.
3. During sessions, members can raise questions about governance, and ministers must provide clear answers. This helps monitor the work of different ministries.
4. The legislature can restrict government spending by voting to reduce allocations in the annual budget.
In simple words: Parliament keeps the government in check by asking hard questions, pausing regular work for emergencies, and using a no-confidence vote to remove a government that loses its majority.

Exam Tip: Highlighting terms like "no-confidence vote", "asking questions during Question Hour", and "adjournment motions" will secure maximum marks on this topic.

V. Write short notes on the following:

Question 1. Adjournment motion
Answer: The daily schedule of the Parliament is planned ahead of time. However, if a critical matter of urgent public concern arises, lawmakers can request to put aside the scheduled discussions to debate that pressing emergency right away.
In simple words: An adjournment motion is a way to pause the regular, pre-planned work of Parliament to talk about a major emergency instead.

Exam Tip: Explain that an adjournment motion is an extraordinary tool because it interrupts the normal course of business to focus on a crisis.

Question 2. Universal Adult Franchise
Answer: This term signifies that every grown citizen receives the right to vote. No individual can be denied this right based on factors like caste, social class, gender, race, or religion. This system is rooted in the core democratic ideal of equal rights for all.
In simple words: Universal Adult Franchise means every adult, no matter who they are, has the equal right to vote in elections.

Exam Tip: Mention that the minimum age for voting in India under this system is 18 years to show extra knowledge.

Question 3. Secret Ballot
Answer: A secret ballot is an election method where the voter's decision remains entirely private. This anonymity helps prevent external pressure, threats, or bribery. Voters receive a ballot list listing the candidates, step into a private booth to mark their choice, and drop it in a box, ensuring no one can influence or trace their vote.
In simple words: A secret ballot is a private way of voting. No one else can see who you voted for, which keeps the voting process fair and free from pressure.

Exam Tip: Emphasize how secrecy protects the voter's freedom of choice and prevents electoral malpractices.

Additional Questions

A. Fill in the blanks:

Question 1. The functions of the government are divided into three branches, namely, the _________, the _________ and the _________.
Answer: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary
In simple words: Government tasks are shared among three distinct groups: the lawmakers, the administrators, and the courts.

Exam Tip: Be sure to write the three organs in order: Legislature (makes laws), Executive (implements laws), and Judiciary (interprets laws).

Question 2. Subjects for legislation are divide into three lists-the _________, the _________ and the _________.
Answer: Union List, State List, Concurrent List
In simple words: The matters that laws can be made on are divided into central, state, and shared lists.

Exam Tip: Note that "Concurrent List" refers to the list where both the Center and the States can make laws.

Question 3. The Union Parliament has two Houses-the _________ and the _________.
Answer: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha
In simple words: The two groups of people that make up India's Parliament are the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Exam Tip: Remember that the Lok Sabha is the lower house and the Rajya Sabha is the upper house.

Question 4. The Rajya Sabha is a _________ house. It cannot be _________.
Answer: permanent, dissolved
In simple words: The Rajya Sabha is a house that never stops working or gets closed down completely.

Exam Tip: Explain that since it is a permanent body, only a fraction of its members retire at one time, preventing it from ever being empty.

Question 5. The Parliament is answerable to the _________.
Answer: legislature
In simple words: The governing bodies must answer for their choices to the lawmaking assembly.

Exam Tip: Be sure to write the exact word from the textbook exercise to match the answer key.

B. Match the following:

Question 1. Match the following terms in Column A with Column B:

Answer:
1. The President - (c) nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha
2. The Vice-President - (a) is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
3. The Speaker - (d) is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha
4. Parliament - (e) can introduce a bill to amend the Constitution
5. The Rajya Sabha - (b) is a permanent house
In simple words: The President chooses 12 members for Rajya Sabha, the Vice President leads it, and the Speaker leads the Lok Sabha. Parliament can amend the Constitution, and the Rajya Sabha never dissolves.
Exam Tip: Pay attention to the specific roles and houses to ensure accurate matching in your exams.

C. Choose the correct answer:

Question 1. The President carries out his/her functions on the advice of the Prime Minister and
(a) the Lok Sabha
(b) the Council of Ministers
(c) the Rajya Sabha
Answer: (b) the Council of Ministers
In simple words: The President of India works by following the suggestions and advice of the Prime Minister and their team of ministers.

Exam Tip: Remember that while the President is the formal head of state, the real executive powers are exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Question 2. Both the central and the state governments can make laws on the subjects in the
(a) Union List
(b) State List
(c) Concurrent List
Answer: (c) Concurrent List
In simple words: The Concurrent List has subjects where both the national government and state governments have the right to write laws.

Exam Tip: If there is a conflict between a central law and a state law on a concurrent subject, the central law will prevail.

Question 3. Which of the following is also known as the Council of States?
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Vidhan Sabha
Answer: (b) Rajya Sabha
In simple words: The Rajya Sabha is another name for the Council of States because it represents India's different states at the national level.

Exam Tip: Learn both the Hindi and English names for the houses of Parliament (Rajya Sabha - Council of States, Lok Sabha - House of the People).

Question 4. The President can nominate how many members from the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha?
(a) 2
(b) 10
(c) 12
Answer: (a) 2
In simple words: The President had the power to choose two people from the Anglo-Indian community to join the Lok Sabha.

Exam Tip: Although Anglo-Indian nomination has been discontinued recently, standard textbooks still ask this question based on historical composition rules.

Question 5. At present, the Lok Sabha consists of how many members?
(a) 454
(b) 545
(c) 645
Answer: (b) 545 members
In simple words: Currently, the Lok Sabha has a total of 545 representatives sitting in it.

Exam Tip: Always double check the total count of seats (545) versus the maximum possible seats (552) during the exam.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

Question 1. The State List includes subjects of national importance.
Answer: False
In simple words: The State List is for local or regional matters, while the Union List covers topics that matter to the entire nation.

Exam Tip: National importance matters like defense and foreign affairs are in the Union List, not the State List.

Question 2. A member of the Lok Sabha should be at least 30 years of age.
Answer: False
In simple words: A person only needs to be 25 years old to stand for elections to the Lok Sabha.

Exam Tip: Remember 25 years is for the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and 30 years is for the Rajya Sabha (Upper House).

Question 3. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and cannot be dissolved by the President.
Answer: True
In simple words: The Rajya Sabha is never closed down or dissolved, even by the President, making it a continuous house.

Exam Tip: Rajya Sabha's permanent nature is a key feature that distinguishes it from the Lok Sabha.

Question 4. The money bill has to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: False
In simple words: Money bills cannot start in the Rajya Sabha; they must always be presented first in the Lok Sabha.

Exam Tip: Lok Sabha has supreme authority over money matters; Rajya Sabha can only delay a money bill for 14 days.

Question 5. The Vice-President is the presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: True
In simple words: The Vice President of India acts as the chairperson who leads all the meetings in the Rajya Sabha.

Exam Tip: In exams, use the term "ex-officio Chairman" to describe the Vice President's role in the Rajya Sabha.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1. Who is the nominal executive head of the government of India?
Answer: The President of India serves as the nominal executive head of the country's government.
In simple words: The President of India is the symbolic leader of the government.

Exam Tip: Be sure to clarify that while the President is the nominal head, the Prime Minister is the real executive head.

Question 2. How do we know that the Parliament has supreme authority in the government?
Answer: The supreme power of the Parliament is shown by its control over the Council of Ministers, who must answer to the Lok Sabha for every policy and decision. Ultimately, the Parliament has the ultimate power to approve or dismiss the executive's decisions.
In simple words: Parliament is supreme because the government cannot make major decisions or stay in power without its approval.

Exam Tip: Mentioning that the executive is answerable to the legislature is key to explaining why Parliament is supreme.

Question 3. Which branch of government interprets and defines laws?
Answer: The Judiciary is the branch responsible for explaining and defining legal statutes, while working to ensure that no one goes against the Constitution.
In simple words: The courts and judges (the Judiciary) are the ones who explain what laws mean and make sure people follow the Constitution.

Exam Tip: Remember that the three branches are the Legislature (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), and Judiciary (interprets laws).

Question 4. What is the minimum age qualification of an Indian voter?
Answer: Any Indian citizen who is at least eighteen years old is qualified to vote in elections.
In simple words: You must be at least 18 years old to vote in India.

Exam Tip: This 18-year voting age limit was established by the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act.

Question 5. Who conducts the meetings of the Lok Sabha?
Answer: Meetings and proceedings of the Lok Sabha are led and managed by the Speaker.
In simple words: The Speaker is the leader who runs the meetings in the Lok Sabha.

Exam Tip: Do not confuse the Speaker (who runs Lok Sabha) with the Chairman/Vice President (who runs Rajya Sabha).

Question 6. How are the members of the Rajya Sabha elected?
Answer: Members representing the states are chosen through indirect voting by the elected representatives of state legislative assemblies. Additionally, the President nominates twelve individuals who have achieved excellence in areas such as science, social service, literature, or art.
In simple words: Rajya Sabha members are not voted for by the public; instead, state leaders elect them, and the President handpicks 12 experts.

Exam Tip: Clearly mention the difference between the elected members (voted by State Legislative Assemblies) and the nominated members (chosen by the President).

Question 7. What is meant by the term ‘budget’?
Answer: The budget represents a calculated projection of the yearly earnings and spending planned by the Indian government.
In simple words: A budget is a plan that shows how much money the government expects to earn and spend over the next year.

Exam Tip: Remember that the budget must be presented and approved in Parliament before any money can be spent.

Question 8. What happens when a vote of no-confidence is passed against the Council of Ministers ?
Answer: A vote of no-confidence is a parliamentary resolution introduced in the Lok Sabha to show that the house has lost faith in the government. If this resolution gets approved, the entire Council of Ministers is forced to step down.
In simple words: If the Lok Sabha passes a vote of no-confidence, it means they do not trust the government, and the ministers must resign.

Exam Tip: Point out that the resignation applies collectively to the whole ministry, following the rule of collective responsibility.

Question 9. Explain the meaning of the term ‘quorum’.
Answer: The term quorum describes the smallest headcount of members who must attend in order for a formal meeting to take place.
In simple words: Quorum is the minimum number of people needed to show up so that a meeting can officially start.

Exam Tip: For both houses of the Indian Parliament, the quorum is 1/10th of the total membership.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1. In the context of the Parliamentary form of government, answer the following questions:
(a) What are the main features of the parliamentary form of government?
(b) Name the three branches of government and state their respective functions.
(c) Why are powrs distributed between the central and the state governments?
Answer:
(a) The primary features of a parliamentary system include:
1. There exists a highly integrated relationship between the executive branch and the legislature.
2. The members of the executive are selected from the party that holds a majority in the legislature.
3. Following general elections, the representatives voted in by citizens form the Lok Sabha.
4. Subsequently, the Council of Ministers is created from among these elected Lok Sabha members.

(b) The administration is divided into three distinct branches, each with a specific duty:
- The Legislature: Its role is to debate, frame, and pass laws for the entire country.
- The Executive: This branch is responsible for implementing, enforcing, and running the daily administration of these laws.
- The Judiciary: This branch is tasked with interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and ensuring the Constitution is protected.

(c) India is an extremely large nation, making it impossible for a single central authority to effectively manage the distinct requirements of citizens across various regions. Consequently, the country is divided into separate states. Power is shared between the union and state governments so that both national and local needs are met efficiently.
In simple words: (a) In this system, the ruling ministers are chosen from the elected parliament. (b) The government has three parts: law-makers (legislature), law-enforcers (executive), and judges (judiciary). (c) Because India is huge, sharing power between the central and state levels makes it easier to run.

Exam Tip: Clearly list the three branches and define their specific roles (making, enforcing, and interpreting laws) to score full marks.

Question 2. Give an account of the Lok Sabha with reference to:
(a) Its composition
(b) Basic qualifications of its members
(c) Its term
Answer:
(a) **Composition:**
1. The highest permitted capacity of the Lok Sabha is 552 members.
2. Up to 530 representatives are elected directly by citizens across various state constituencies.
3. A maximum of 20 members are chosen to represent union territories.
4. The President holds the power to nominate two representatives from the Anglo-Indian community.
5. Currently, the actual number of members in the Lok Sabha is 545.

(b) **Qualifications:**
1. The individual must be a citizen of India.
2. The candidate must be at least 25 years old.
3. They must not hold any salaried position of profit under the government.

(c) **Term:**
Members are chosen for a standard term of five years. However, the President can dissolve the house earlier if the ruling government loses its majority. Conversely, during a national emergency, this five-year term can be extended by one year at a time.
In simple words: (a) The Lok Sabha has up to 552 seats (currently 545). (b) Members must be Indian citizens aged 25 or more. (c) They serve for 5 years, but this can end earlier or be extended during emergencies.

Exam Tip: Be sure to include the conditions under which the Lok Sabha term can be shortened (dissolution) or lengthened (national emergency).

Question 3. Give an account of the Rajya Sabha with reference to :
(a) Its composition
(b) Basic qualifications of its members
(c) Its term
Answer:
(a) **Composition:**
1. The highest limit for Rajya Sabha membership is 250 representatives.
2. Among these, 238 seats are distributed among states and union territories based on population. State assembly members choose these representatives via indirect elections.
3. The President selects 12 members who are highly respected experts in science, social work, art, or literature.

(b) **Qualifications:**
1. Must hold Indian citizenship.
2. Must be at least 30 years of age.
3. Must be registered as a voter.

(c) **Term:**
As a permanent chamber, the Rajya Sabha is never dissolved by the President. Representatives are elected for six-year terms, with one-third of the members retiring every two years, allowing them to be eligible for re-election.
In simple words: (a) Rajya Sabha has up to 250 members, including 12 chosen by the President. (b) Members must be citizens aged 30 or older. (c) The house is permanent, with members serving 6 years and a third retiring every 2 years.

Exam Tip: Highlight that the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and contrast its 6-year term with the Lok Sabha's 5-year term.

Question 4. With reference to the functions of the Parliament, explain the following:
(a) Law-making functions
(b) Control over the executive
(c) Judicial functions
Answer:
(a) **Law-making functions:**
1. The Parliament has the authority to draft new legislation or edit existing laws on any matter within the Union or Concurrent Lists.
2. Under certain special situations, it can also legislate on matters that fall under the State List.
3. Introducing and passing bills to amend the Constitution is a power held solely by the Parliament.

(b) **Control over the executive:**
1. The Parliament keeps a continuous eye on the administration, with the Council of Ministers being directly answerable to the Lok Sabha for all decisions.
2. If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence resolution, the entire cabinet is required to step down immediately.
3. Members of Parliament can question ministers and scrutinize government policies to ensure proper oversight of operations.
4. Important issues of urgent public importance can be debated by introducing adjournment motions.

(c) **Judicial functions:**
The Parliament can carry out impeachment trials and remove high officials - including the President, Vice-President, and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts - if they violate constitutional limits or abuse their power.
In simple words: (a) Parliament creates laws on central and shared lists. (b) It supervises the government through questions and can remove them with a no-confidence vote. (c) It can remove top leaders, like the President or judges, if they break the rules.

Exam Tip: Clearly categorize your answer into three distinct headings as requested, and mention the word "impeachment" when describing the judicial functions.

G Picture study:

Question 1. Identify the building.
Answer: The structure shown is the Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan).
In simple words: This is the building where India's Parliament meets.

Exam Tip: Be sure to identify it clearly as the Indian Parliament House.

Question 2. Which branch of the government functions in this building?
Answer: The legislative branch of the government, specifically the Lok Sabha, conducts its work in this building.
In simple words: The Lok Sabha (the people's house of lawmakers) works inside this building.

Exam Tip: Specify that this is the home of the legislative branch of the Indian Union government.

Question 3. Who are the members of this branch of the government?
Answer: This branch consists of elected representatives chosen directly by the citizens of India. Known as the Lok Sabha or the Lower House, its maximum allowed capacity is 552 members, comprising:
1. Up to 530 members elected directly from state constituencies.
2. Up to 20 representatives chosen from union territories.
3. Up to 2 members nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian community.
Currently, the actual membership stands at 545.
In simple words: The members are representatives voted in by the public from different parts of India, totaling up to 552 members (currently 545).

Exam Tip: Mention both the state-level elected members and those representing union territories to give a complete picture of the House's composition.

Question 4. What are the basic qualifications of the members?
Answer: A candidate seeking Lok Sabha membership must fulfill the following criteria:
1. Hold citizenship of India.
2. Be at least twenty-five years old.
3. Have their name registered on the voter list.
In simple words: To be a member, a person must be an Indian citizen of at least 25 years of age and registered to vote.

Exam Tip: Memorize these three basic requirements as they are frequently asked in short-answer questions.

Question 5. What is their primary function? Mention any two other important functions.
Answer: The core responsibility of the legislative house is to draft new bills or update existing statutes dealing with subjects under the Union or Concurrent Lists. Other key functions include:
1. Restricting financial actions, meaning no funds can be collected or spent without Lok Sabha's consent.
2. Drafting laws for items in the State List under special circumstances.
3. Holding the exclusive power to start constitutional amendments.

Additionally, two other vital roles are:
(a) Judicial duties (such as conducting impeachment trials)
(b) Elective duties (such as participating in the election of the President and Vice-President).
In simple words: Their main job is to make and change laws for the country. They also control the national budget and help elect or remove top officials.

Exam Tip: Be sure to write 'Judicial Function' and 'Elective Function' explicitly as they represent the secondary functions of the Parliament.