Lok Sabha — Basic Structure
Basic Structure
The Lok Sabha is India's lower house of Parliament, directly elected by the people and serving as the primary legislative body in the country's democratic system. With a maximum strength of 552 members (currently 543), it represents territorial constituencies across states and union territories through direct elections held every five years or earlier if dissolved.
The Lok Sabha exercises supreme power in financial matters, including exclusive authority over money bills and budget approval, while sharing legislative powers with the Rajya Sabha. It controls the executive through collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers, question hour, debates, and no-confidence motions.
The Speaker, elected from among members, presides over proceedings and maintains parliamentary discipline. Key constitutional provisions include Articles 81-88 covering composition and duration, Articles 100-104 on procedures and privileges, and Article 110 defining money bills.
The house can be dissolved by the President on the Prime Minister's advice or automatically after five years. Parliamentary committees provide detailed scrutiny of legislation and government expenditure.
The anti-defection law prevents party-switching while the delimitation process ensures equal representation based on population. Recent developments include the new Parliament building, women's reservation bill passage, and digital modernization of proceedings.
Understanding the Lok Sabha is crucial for UPSC as it frequently appears in questions about constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, democratic institutions, and current political developments.
Important Differences
vs Rajya Sabha
| Aspect | This Topic | Rajya Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Basis of Representation | Represents the people directly through territorial constituencies | Represents states and union territories through indirect election |
| Method of Election | Direct election by voters through universal adult suffrage | Indirect election by state legislative assemblies and electoral college |
| Term Duration | 5 years maximum, subject to dissolution | 6 years with one-third retiring every 2 years, permanent body |
| Maximum Strength | 552 members (currently 543) | 250 members (currently 245) |
| Money Bills | Exclusive power to introduce and pass money bills | Can only make recommendations within 14 days |
| No-Confidence Motion | Can pass no-confidence motion against government | Cannot move no-confidence motion |
| Budget Powers | Votes on demands for grants, final authority on budget | Can discuss budget but cannot vote on demands for grants |
| Dissolution | Can be dissolved by President on PM's advice | Permanent body, cannot be dissolved |
vs House of Commons (UK)
| Aspect | This Topic | House of Commons (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Basis | Written constitution with specific articles defining powers | Unwritten constitution based on conventions and statutes |
| Term Duration | Fixed 5-year term unless dissolved earlier | Maximum 5 years but can be dissolved anytime by PM |
| Head of Government Selection | PM appointed by President, must prove majority in Lok Sabha | PM is leader of majority party, appointed by monarch |
| Federal Structure | Part of federal system with state governments | Part of unitary system with devolved administrations |
| Judicial Review | Subject to judicial review by Supreme Court | Parliamentary sovereignty, limited judicial review |
| Upper House Relations | Coordinate relationship with Rajya Sabha in most matters | Supreme over House of Lords in all matters |
| Amendment Process | Formal constitutional amendment process required | Can change constitutional arrangements through ordinary legislation |
| Electoral System | First-past-the-post in single-member constituencies | First-past-the-post in single-member constituencies |