This page covers SSC MTS 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
Which article of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty to all citizens?
Practice 2easy
Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Duty as per Article 51A of the Indian Constitution?
Practice 3easy
Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the composition and powers of the State Legislature?
Practice 4medium
Which article of the Indian Constitution grants the President the power to summon and prorogue Parliament?
Practice 5medium
Which article of the Indian Constitution defines the composition and powers of the Lok Sabha?
Practice 6medium
According to Article 110 of the Indian Constitution, what is the definition of a 'Money Bill'?
Practice 7medium
Under Article 102 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following is NOT a disqualification for membership of Parliament?
Practice 8medium
Which of the following statements about the Rajya Sabha is correct according to the Indian Constitution?
Practice 9medium
Which article of the Indian Constitution defines the composition and powers of the State Legislative Assembly?
Practice 10hard
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 made significant changes to the Indian Constitution during the Emergency. Which of the following was NOT a change introduced by the 42nd Amendment?
Practice 11hard
Article 368 of the Indian Constitution outlines the amendment procedure. According to this article, which type of constitutional amendment requires ratification by the legislatures of at least half of the States in addition to parliamentary approval?
Practice 12hard
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?
Practice 13hard
Which article of the Indian Constitution establishes the procedure for the removal of the President, and what is the minimum number of members required to sign the impeachment notice in the Lok Sabha?
Practice 14hard
Under Article 110 of the Indian Constitution, a bill is classified as a Money Bill if it contains provisions relating to certain matters. Which of the following is NOT a matter covered under the definition of a Money Bill?
Practice 15hard
The 91st Amendment to the Indian Constitution introduced a constitutional limit on the size of the Council of Ministers. What is the maximum number of ministers (including the Prime Minister) that can be appointed, and what fraction of the Lok Sabha strength does this represent?
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