This page covers SSC CHSL Parliament & State Legislature with complete concept notes, 28 graded practice MCQs, key points and exam-specific tips. Free to study.
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
๐กKey Composition Rules
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
๐Term Duration Formula
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)
๐
Exam Patterns
What examiners ask โ read before attempting PYQs
โกShortcut Trick - House Powers
1
Recall constitutional provision - Article 85
2
Remember the rule - Not more than 6 months between sessions
3
Apply logic - This ensures regular functioning
Answer: 6 months maximum gap is allowed between two Parliamentary sessions
โ๏ธWorked Example 2
1
Apply the 1/3rd rule from Article 171
2
Calculate - 200 รท 3 = 66.67
3
Round down as per constitutional provision
4
Also check minimum limit (40 members)
Answer: Maximum 66 members in Vidhan Parishad (1/3rd of 200 = 66.67, rounded to 66)
โกMoney Bill Shortcut
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
โSpecial Powers Distinction
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.
Test Parliament & State Legislature under exam conditions
Which article of the Indian Constitution defines the composition and powers of the Rajya Sabha?
Practice 2easy
Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the composition of the Rajya Sabha?
Practice 3easy
What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha as prescribed by the Constitution?
Practice 4easy
Under which Article can a member of Parliament be disqualified on grounds of defection?
Practice 5easy
Under which article can the President dissolve the Lok Sabha?
Practice 6easy
Which of the following is NOT a house of the Indian Parliament?
Practice 7easy
Which of the following is NOT a function of the State Legislature?
Practice 8easy
Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the composition and powers of the Rajya Sabha?
Practice 9medium
Which of the following statements regarding the term of members of the Lok Sabha is correct as per the Indian Constitution?
Practice 10medium
Under Article 79 of the Indian Constitution, Parliament consists of which of the following?
Practice 11medium
Which of the following is NOT a ground for disqualification of a member of the Lok Sabha under Article 102 of the Indian Constitution?
Practice 12medium
According to Article 75 of the Indian Constitution, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to which house of Parliament?
Practice 13medium
Which of the following statements about the composition of the Lok Sabha is correct according to the Constitution?
Practice 14medium
The 42nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution, passed in 1976, is often called the 'Mini Constitution' because it made several significant changes. Which of the following was NOT a change introduced by the 42nd Amendment?
Practice 15medium
Which Article of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, and has been interpreted by courts to include the right to live with human dignity?
Practice 16medium
Under Article 79 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament of India consists of which of the following?
Practice 17medium
Under Article 368 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following requires a special majority of two-thirds of members present and voting in both Houses of Parliament?
Practice 18medium
Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the qualifications required to be a member of the Lok Sabha?
Practice 19hard
Under Article 85 of the Indian Constitution, the President can summon, prorogue, and dissolve Parliament. If the President dissolves the Lok Sabha, what is the maximum period within which general elections must be held and a new Lok Sabha constituted?
Practice 20hard
Which article of the Indian Constitution establishes the procedure for the removal of the President, and what is the minimum number of members of Parliament required to initiate an impeachment motion?
8 more practice questions in the Study Panel
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