question_answer 6)

When the Parliament is in session, there is a special programme everyday on Doordarshan about the proceedings in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Watch the proceedings or read about them in the newspapers and note the following:   (a) Powers of the two Houses of Parliament.   (b) Role of the Speaker.   (c) Role of the Opposition  

Answer:

(a) Powers of the Two Houses of Parliament Details are given in the Constitution. However, we should know that the Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the voters and so are the final voices in the passing of any laws. The Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected or nominated and they function mostly in an advisory capacity. But the consent of both Houses is required for passing any Bill, making a law, or making amendments to the Constitution.    (b) Role of the Speaker (Lok Sabha) The Speaker's main functions —    •Regulate the proceedings of the House.   •Maintain discipline in the House.   •Supervise Parliamentary Committees.   •Perform administrative duties like receiving documents, receiving petitions, etc which are addressed to the House.   •Exercise powers under the anti-defection law.   •Exercise other powers as given in the Constitution. (c) Role of the Opposition The major function of the opposition is to act as a check on the ruling party so that any faults of theirs are exposed and any mistakes made by the ruling party are corrected. They can even bring a no-confidence motion against the government if it is seen to be not functioning properly.