Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System — Legislature and Executive

Why this chapter matters for UPSC: The structure of Parliament and the executive is the backbone of GS2 (Indian Polity & Governance). The composition of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the roles of the President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers, the parliamentary (Westminster) system, and how a bill becomes law are core Prelims facts and Mains themes on accountability, separation of powers, and governance.

PART 1 — Quick Reference Tables

PART 2 — Detailed Notes

Three Organs, One Constitution

A modern democratic government has three organs: the legislature (which makes laws), the executive (which implements them), and the judiciary (which interprets them and guards the Constitution). India follows a parliamentary system (the Westminster model, adapted from Britain), in which the executive is drawn from, and answerable to, the legislature — unlike a presidential system where they are separate.

Parliament: The Legislature

India's Parliament consists of the President and two Houses:

• The Lok Sabha (House of the People) is directly elected by the people through universal adult franchise. Its maximum strength is 550 (530 from states + 20 from Union Territories; the 2 nominated Anglo-Indian seats were ended by the 104th Amendment, 2020, so the present maximum is 550, with actual strength 543). It has a 5-year term (unless dissolved earlier). The Lok Sabha is the more powerful House, especially over money matters.
• The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) represents the states and UTs. It has a maximum of 250 members — 238 elected by state legislatures plus 12 nominated by the President (for expertise in arts, science, literature, social service). It is a permanent body that is never fully dissolved — one-third of its members retire every two years, and members serve 6-year terms.

Parliament's main functions are: making laws, controlling public money (the budget), holding the executive accountable (through questions, debates, and motions including the no-confidence motion), and representing the people.

The Executive: President, Prime Minister, and Council of Ministers

• The President is the constitutional head of state — the formal head, who under Article 74 acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. The President's powers are largely ceremonial, exercised on the advice of the elected government.
• The Prime Minister is the real head of government — the leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Lok Sabha. The PM heads the Council of Ministers and directs the government's policies.
• The Council of Ministers, under Article 75, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha — if it loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha (e.g. a no-confidence motion passes), the whole government must resign. This is the heart of parliamentary accountability.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

A proposal for a new law is a bill. The usual journey:

1. The bill is introduced in either House (money bills only in the Lok Sabha).
2. It is debated and may be amended (often examined by a committee).
3. It is passed by both Houses of Parliament.
4. It goes to the President for assent; once the President signs, the bill becomes an Act (law).

This process — debate, scrutiny, and the requirement of agreement by both Houses and the President — is designed to ensure that laws are made carefully and with checks.

[Additional] 6a. Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

UPSC synthesis: Three organs: legislature (laws), executive (implement), judiciary (interpret). Parliamentary/Westminster system = executive from + answerable to legislature. Parliament = President + Lok Sabha (max 550, direct, 5 yrs) + Rajya Sabha (max 250: 238 elected + 12 nominated, permanent, 6-yr terms). President = constitutional head (Art 74); PM + CoM = real executive, collectively responsible to Lok Sabha (Art 75). Bill → both Houses → President's assent → Act. Checks and balances + independent judiciary.

Exam Strategy

Prelims pointers:

• Lok Sabha maximum = 550 (530 states + 20 UTs; 104th Amendment 2020 ended Anglo-Indian seats) — NOT 552.
• Rajya Sabha = max 250 (238 + 12 nominated); it is a permanent body (never fully dissolved).
• Article 74 = President acts on Council of Ministers' advice; Article 75 = collective responsibility to Lok Sabha.
• Money bills can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.
• India = parliamentary (Westminster), not presidential.

Mains / Essay angles:

• Parliamentary accountability: how effectively does Parliament hold the executive to account? (GS2)
• Separation of powers and checks and balances in the Indian system (GS2).

Practice Questions

Prelims:

1. The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is:
   (a) 545
   (b) 550
   (c) 552
   (d) 543

2. Under the Constitution, the President of India acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers as per:
   (a) Article 74
   (b) Article 324
   (c) Article 21
   (d) Article 356

Mains:

1. "In a parliamentary system, the executive's survival depends on the confidence of the legislature." Explain the principle of collective responsibility and its significance. (GS2, 10 marks)
2. Compare the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in composition and powers, and assess the role of the Rajya Sabha in Indian democracy. (GS2, 15 marks)

Sources: NCERT, Exploring Society: India and Beyond — Textbook for Grade 8 (2026, Reprint 2026-27), Chapter 6; Constitution of India, Articles 74, 75, 79, 80, 81 (legislative.gov.in); Lok Sabha maximum strength 550 after the 104th Amendment (2020); standard polity references — M. Laxmikanth, Indian Polity.