Why do we Need two houses of Parliament?
The Significance of Bicameralism
In democratic countries, the term “Parliament” denotes the national legislature, while state legislatures are referred to as State legislatures. Bicameral legislatures, characterized by two houses, such as the Indian Parliament, play a crucial role in governance. However, only six states in India have opted for a bicameral legislature, showcasing a diversity of legislative structures across the nation.
Rationale Behind Bicameralism
Bicameral legislatures are prevalent in countries marked by size and diversity. They ensure representation for various societal segments and geographical regions. Additionally, they facilitate a system of checks and balances, as every decision made by one house undergoes scrutiny and reconsideration by the other.
Composition and Role of Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha, representing the States of India, constitutes an indirectly elected body. Its members are elected by the members of State Legislative Assemblies, ensuring regional representation. Unlike the symmetrical representation in the US Senate, the Rajya Sabha’s composition is based on the population of the States, preventing discrepancies in representation.
Membership and Tenure of Rajya Sabha
Members of the Rajya Sabha serve a six-year term and can be re-elected. However, their terms are staggered so that one-third of the members retire every two years, maintaining continuity in the functioning of the house. Additionally, the President nominates twelve members from various fields, enhancing diversity and expertise.
Role and Function of Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha, directly elected by the people, comprises representatives from territorial constituencies. With 543 constituencies, each representing roughly equal populations, the Lok Sabha ensures democratic representation. It operates on a five-year term, although it can be dissolved earlier under certain circumstances, as discussed in the chapter on the executive.
Class 11 Polity Notes Chapter 5: Why do we Need two houses of Parliament?
In the intricate web of democratic governance, the institution of Parliament stands as a pillar of representation, accountability, and deliberation.
Central to this democratic framework is the concept of bicameralism, wherein the national legislature comprises two distinct houses: the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Let’s delve into why the presence of two houses is deemed indispensable for effective governance.