Parliament & State Legislature

Parliament has two houses - Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House). This is called bicameral system. State Legislatures can be unicameral (one house) or bicameral (two houses). Most states have only Vidhan Sabha.

Only 6 states currently have both Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad

Lok Sabha has maximum 552 members (530 from states + 20 from UTs + 2 Anglo-Indians). Current strength is 543. Rajya Sabha has maximum 250 members (238 elected + 12 nominated). Current strength is 245.

State Vidhan Sabha can have 60 to 500 members. Vidhan Parishad cannot exceed 1/3rd of Vidhan Sabha strength

Lok Sabha Term = 5 years (can be extended during emergency) Rajya Sabha Term = 6 years (1/3rd retire every 2 years) Vidhan Sabha Term = 5 years Vidhan Parishad Term = 6 years (1/3rd retire every 2 years)

Remember '1-14-24' rule: 1 = Only Lok Sabha can introduce 14 = Rajya Sabha gets 14 days to recommend 24 = If not returned in 14 days, deemed passed after 24 hours Common Trap: Students often confuse Rajya Sabha's role in Money Bills. Rajya Sabha CANNOT reject Money Bills - it can only recommend changes. Lok Sabha may accept or reject these recommendations. This is the #1 mistake in Parliament questions

Lok Sabha has exclusive power over Money Bills and No-Confidence Motion. Rajya Sabha has exclusive powers over creation of new All India Services and declaring national emergency over state subjects. Both houses have equal powers in constitutional amendments and impeachment processes. State Legislature follows similar patterns but with variations. States with bicameral legislature follow almost identical procedures as Parliament.

Governor plays the role similar to President at state level for legislative processes.