ICSE Questions & Answers: The Union Parliament (Lok Sabha)
1. When can the term of the Lok Sabha be increased for one year?
When the country is under an emergency.
2. Who is the actual leader of the Lok Sabha?
The Prime Minister is considered to be the Leader of the Lok Sabha. The Speaker is the Presiding officer.
3. Why is Lok Sabha more powerful than Rajya Sabha?
- The members are directly elected
- Money bills can be introduced here
- A government can be voted out of power
- Prevails over the Rajya Sabha in case of a deadlock over an Ordinary Bill
4. Is the Judiciary an independent or interdependent organ of the government?
It is independent from the influence of executive and legislature.
5. What is the time of Zero hour and Question hour?
Question Hour: 11 am to 12 noon
Zero Hour: 12 noon to lunch break
6. Why has the Lok Sabha more members than the Rajya Sabha?
That is what has been prescribed in the Constitution. The members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people to represent their respective constituencies in each state whereas the Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected to represent the states.
7. What do you mean by "secret ballot" and "single transferable vote"?
Secret Ballot is a way of voting where the person need not reveal his or her choice of candidate.
8. What is the importance of a Federal Structure?
It helps in the independent functioning of the Centre and State and ensures a fair distribution of powers and resources.
9. What is Universal Adult Franchise?
Every citizen of India who is 18 years and above can cast his or her vote.
10. Why are the questions asked in the Lok Sabha are categorised as Starred, Unstarred and Short Notice?
Depending upon the answer the questions require, they are categorised as starred or unstarred. However Short Notice questions are questions which have less than 10 days notice.
11. Can the elected members change their parties after election?
No. They will be disqualified under Anti-Defection Law.
12. Is the Lok Sabha Speaker independent to take any decision?
Yes. He or she is supreme with reference to powers and functions in the house.
13. What is 'hung parliament'?
This is a parliament where no party has got the majority to form the government.
14. What does 'office of profit' mean?
Any extra benefits - financial or material availed by the members is considered to be an office of profit.
15. Is there any situation where both houses meet for a joint session?
Yes. One such situation is when there is a deadlock over an Ordinary Bill.
16. What is the duration of the sessions?
It is not always fixed. The Prime minister advices the President to summon and prorogue the sessions.
17. Is it necessary to hold two sessions every year in the Parliament? What happens during the time of an emergency?
Yes, it is necessary. Sessions have been held even during emergency.
18. Why is Lok Sabha called the "House of the People"?
This is because the members are directly elected by the citizens and they represent them.
19. Are the Speaker and Deputy Speaker both elected from the same party?
Not necessarily. Sometimes if only one party has the majority both may be from the same party but in a coalition they may be from different parties.
20. How can the Speaker of the Lok Sabha be removed?
He or she can be removed through a resolution passed by the members of the Lok Sabha.