Various Functions Of The Parliament
Our constitution, as previously stated, has adopted the Parliamentary system of government, which results in a harmonious blending of the legislative and executive organs of the state insofar as the executive power is wielded by a group of members of the legislature who command a majority in the popular chamber of the legislature and remain in power as long as they maintain that majority. The following are some of the parliament's key functions:
1. Legislative Functions:
The Union List is a list of subjects on which the Parliament makes laws. It can also enact legislation on topics covered by the Concurrent List. If there is a disagreement or overlap between provisions in the Union and State enactments, the Union legislation takes precedence. When a state of emergency is declared, the Union Parliament has the power to pass laws on issues from the State List.
2. Financial Control:
Union Parliament has sole authority over the methods and means by which income for public services must be raised. To that aim, it levies taxes and ensures that money appropriated for expenditure by various government departments is spent for the intended reasons.
3. Providing and Exercising Control Over Cabinet:
In the sense that the executive power is handled by a group of Members of the Legislature who possess a majority in the Lok Sabha, our Parliamentary system combines the legislative and executive branches of government. To be more explicit, the government operates through a number of Ministries, each of which is led by a different Minister. The Parliament appoints Ministers and holds them accountable to the people's elected representatives. Members of any of the two Houses of Parliament may serve as Ministers. The bureaucracy, led by a Secretary of the Department, is in charge of carrying out government policies as decided by Parliament.
4. Critical Assessment of The Work Of The Cabinet:
The Lok Sabha, which is comprised of elected representatives of the people, offers the venue through which it is ensured that the Cabinet continues in power only as long as it has majority support in the Lok Sabha. One of the most essential functions of Parliament is to facilitate debate and critical evaluations of government departments' performance. The arguments ensure that performance flaws are exposed, and that Ministers and, via them, the entire executive apparatus are kept on their toes.
5. Role of Opposition:
The existence of opposition also ensures that the nation is informed about opposing viewpoints.
6. An Organ of Information:
When it comes to knowledge about how the government works, Parliament is the most powerful organ. The information presented in the Houses is authoritative, and Ministers are obligated to offer information on government topics when members request it.
7. Constitutional Functions:
Parliament has the authority to change the Constitution. Constitutional modifications must be approved by a two-thirds majority of members present in each house, as well as a majority of the total membership. In other situations, amendments require the ratification of 50% of the state legislatures.
8. Judicial Functions:
Through a regulated mechanism, Parliament has the exclusive right to impeach the President and remove Supreme Court and High Court judges. A person may be punished by Parliament for contempt or slander of the House.
9. Elective Functions:
The Electoral College for the election of the Vice-President is made up of elected members of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. The Electoral College, which includes elected members of state legislatures, is responsible for electing the President.
The Parliament can also create new states or amend the boundaries of existing states by legislation.