Understanding the Indian Parliament: a quick guide
The two Houses, their roles, and the essentials you need for current affairs and GK.
6 min read · currentaffairschronicle.com editorial
The structure of Parliament
Article 79 of the Constitution provides for a Parliament consisting of the President and two Houses: the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Remember that the President is part of Parliament but is not a member of either House.
How the Houses differ
Lok Sabha represents the people and is normally elected for five years, unless dissolved earlier. Rajya Sabha is a continuing chamber and is not dissolved; roughly one-third of its members retire every two years. These distinctions frequently appear in general awareness questions.
A useful revision method
Create a comparison table covering membership, tenure, presiding officers and powers over money bills. Revise Articles 79–122 alongside a standard polity source. Test yourself on the difference between a joint sitting and the special procedure for a Money Bill.