Logo
Overview

Legislative Functions of Parliament

April 10, 2024
2 min read
lawmaking legislation accountability functions

Key Functions

The functions of the Parliament can be broadly classified into four heads:

  1. Constitutional Functions: Upholding core values like democracy, federalism, separation of powers, and Fundamental Rights.
  2. Lawmaking: Drafting and passing laws.
  3. Executive Accountability: Checking the government’s actions.
  4. Financial Accountability: Approving the budget.

1. Lawmaking Process (From Bill to Act)

A primary responsibility is making laws. A law starts as a Bill (a draft proposal).

Tip

Example: The RTE Act The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), 2009, started as an idea rooted in the Directive Principles.

  1. 2002: 86th Amendment made education a Fundamental Right (Article 21A).
  2. 2008: Bill tabled in Rajya Sabha.
  3. Committee Review: Studied and modified.
  4. 2009: Passed by Lok Sabha and received Presidential assent.

The Journey of a Bill

Key Terms

Clause: Specific details of the bill

Gazette: Official govt publication

Introduction of Bill in either House

Reading of the Bill

Referred to Standing Committee

Clause-by-Clause Discussion & Voting

Consideration and Passing

Process Repeated in Other House

Presidential Assent

Gazette Notification

Law Enacted

2. Executive Accountability

The Executive (PM and Ministers) acts on behalf of the Parliament and is answerable to it.

  • Question Hour: Typically the first hour of a session. MPs ask ministers questions about policies and activities. This forces the Executive to justify its actions.
  • Committees: Special committees hold meetings where ministries explain their policies.

3. Financial Accountability

The Parliament controls the purse strings of the nation.

  • Budget: The government must present an annual budget for approval.
  • Expenditure: Parliament monitors how funds are distributed and spent by different ministries.
Warning

Money Bill A Money Bill (concerned with taxation, borrowing, etc.) can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and requires the prior recommendation of the President.