Indian Polity & Constitution • Topic 3 of 4

Parliament & Executive

Parliament has two Houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The President (Article 52) is the constitutional head; real executive power rests with the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister (Article 75).

The three organs of government

Legislature makes laws (Parliament) Executive implements laws (President, PM, Ministers) Judiciary interprets laws (Supreme & High Courts)
Separation of powers — each organ has its own role.

The two Houses of Parliament

PARLIAMENT Lok Sabha House of the People max 552 · term 5 years Money Bills start here Rajya Sabha Council of States max 250 · permanent body 1/3 retire every 2 years
The Rajya Sabha is never fully dissolved; the Lok Sabha is elected directly for 5 years.
Money Bill rule. A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha (and only on the President's recommendation). The Rajya Sabha can suggest changes but cannot reject it.

President vs Prime Minister

  • President (Art 52) — the constitutional head of state; elected indirectly; acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
  • Prime Minister (Art 75) — head of government; holds the real executive power; usually the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha; appointed by the President.

✅ Solved examples

1. Which House is called the House of the People?
The Lok Sabha.
2. Who is the constitutional head of the Indian State?
The President (Article 52).
3. In which House can a Money Bill be introduced?
Only in the Lok Sabha.
4. Who holds real executive power in India?
The Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. The Council of States is also called the?
Upper House.
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—
Rajya Sabha
2. The normal term of the Lok Sabha is?
Years.
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—
5 years
3. The Prime Minister is appointed by the?
Head of State.
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—
President
4. A Money Bill originates only in the?
Lower House.
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Lok Sabha
5. The Rajya Sabha is a ___ body (never fully dissolved).
Continuing.
—
—
Permanent

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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