This page covers SSC GD Constable Parliament & State Legislature with complete concept notes, 15 graded practice MCQs, key points and exam-specific tips. Free to study.
Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic
Core Structure
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
Key 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
Term 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)
Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs
SSC CGL consistently asks about composition numbers, constitutional articles, and powers. Most questions focus on differences between houses, qualification criteria, and special powers. Article numbers are heavily tested.
ShortcutsUse these to save 30–60 seconds per question
- House Powers: Remember 'FIRE' for Rajya Sabha's exclusive powers:
F - Federal matters (Art 249 - can make laws on state subjects)
I - Impeachment of President
R - Removal of Vice President
E - Emergency proclamation approval
Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
Recall constitutional provision - Article 85
2
Step 2
Remember the rule - Not more than 6 months between sessions
3
Step 3
Apply logic - This ensures regular functioning
Answer: 6 months maximum gap is allowed between two Parliamentary sessions.
Worked Example 2: Question - 'A state has Vidhan Sabha with 200 members. What can be the maximum strength of its Vidhan Parishad?'
1
Step 1
Apply the 1/3rd rule from Article 171
2
Step 2
Calculate - 200 ÷ 3 = 66.67
3
Step 3
Round down as per constitutional provision
4
Step 4
Also check minimum limit (40 members)
Answer: Maximum 66 members in Vidhan Parishad (1/3rd of 200 = 66.67, rounded to 66).
Money 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.
Special 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.
Key Points to Remember
Lok Sabha maximum 552 members, current strength 543; Rajya Sabha maximum 250, current 245
Only 6 states have bicameral legislature: UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, AP
Vidhan Parishad strength = Maximum 1/3rd of Vidhan Sabha, minimum 40 members
Formula: Rajya Sabha/Vidhan Parishad = 6 year term, 1/3rd retire every 2 years
Money Bill rule: Lok Sabha only introduces, Rajya Sabha gets 14 days to recommend
Article 249 allows Rajya Sabha to make laws on State List if Rajya Sabha passes by 2/3rd majority
Maximum 6 months gap allowed between two Parliamentary sessions (Article 85)
Lok Sabha dissolved every 5 years, Rajya Sabha is permanent house with partial retirement
No-Confidence Motion can only be moved in Lok Sabha, needs 50 members support
Governor nominates 1/6th members of Vidhan Parishad from literature, science, art, social service
Exam-Specific Tips
Article 79 establishes Parliament consisting of President, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Article 168 deals with constitution of State Legislatures
Article 171 specifies composition of Legislative Councils (Vidhan Parishad)
Article 110 defines Money Bills and procedure for their passage
Article 249 empowers Rajya Sabha to make laws on State List subjects
Minimum age for Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha membership is 25 years
Minimum age for Rajya Sabha/Vidhan Parishad membership is 30 years
Anglo-Indian community can have maximum 2 nominated members in Lok Sabha
Practice MCQs
Parliament & State Legislature — Practice Questions
15graded MCQs · easy to hard · full solution & trap analysis
What is the maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha as per the Constitution?
Practice 2easy
Which of the following is NOT a function of the State Legislature?
Practice 3easy
How many members does the Rajya Sabha have according to the Constitution?
Practice 4easy
Which article of the Constitution deals with the composition and powers of the Parliament?
Practice 5easy
Which article of the Indian Constitution defines the composition and structure of Parliament?
Practice 6medium
Under Article 16 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following is NOT a ground on which discrimination in public employment is prohibited?
Practice 7medium
Which of the following amendments introduced the concept of 'Fundamental Duties' into the Indian Constitution?
Practice 8medium
According to Article 74 of the Indian Constitution, the Council of Ministers is responsible to which House of Parliament?
Practice 9medium
Which Article of the Indian Constitution defines the composition and powers of the State Legislature?
Practice 10medium
Which article of the Indian Constitution defines the composition and powers of the State Legislative Assembly?
Practice 11hard
Which article of the Indian Constitution was amended by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, to include the word 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble?
Practice 12hard
Under Article 368 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following requires a special majority (2/3 of members present and voting in both Houses) but NOT ratification by State Legislatures?
Practice 13hard
Which article of the Indian Constitution defines the composition and powers of the Rajya Sabha, including the provision that 1/3 of its members retire every two years?
Practice 14hard
The 101st Amendment Act, 2016, introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Which article was amended to grant Parliament the power to make laws regarding GST?
Practice 15hard
Under Article 368 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following amendments requires ratification by the legislatures of not less than one-half of the States in addition to passage by both Houses of Parliament?
60-Second Revision — Parliament & State Legislature
Remember: Lok Sabha 543, Rajya Sabha 245 current strength
Formula: Vidhan Parishad = 1/3rd of Vidhan Sabha maximum
Trap: Rajya Sabha cannot reject Money Bills, only recommend changes
Remember: 6 months maximum gap between Parliamentary sessions