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Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature — Formulas & Key Points

The Indian Parliament is the supreme legislative body under Part V of the Constitution. NCERT Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 dissects the bicameral structure—Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States)—their composition formulas, term lengths, qualification criteria, and the multi-stage law-making process. This formula sheet distills constitutional Articles, numerical limits, quorum rules, and procedural timelines into tables and mnemonics so you can revise efficiently and apply the concepts in case studies and board answers.

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Key takeaways

  • Lok Sabha maximum strength is 552 members (530 states + 20 UTs + 2 Anglo-Indian nominees), elected for 5-year terms unless dissolved earlier.
  • Rajya Sabha has 250 members (238 elected + 12 nominated), with one-third retiring every 2 years, making it a permanent house.
  • Quorum for Parliament is one-tenth of total membership; if absent, the presiding officer adjourns or suspends the sitting.
  • Money Bills can originate only in Lok Sabha; Rajya Sabha must return them within 14 days with recommendations (which Lok Sabha may reject).
  • Ordinary Bills require passage in both Houses and assent of the President; disagreements are resolved via joint sitting where Lok Sabha majority prevails.
  • Constitutional Amendment Bills under Article 368 need special majority (more than 50% total + two-thirds present and voting) in each House plus President's assent.
  • A Bill lapses if Lok Sabha is dissolved before it becomes an Act, except Bills pending in Rajya Sabha not yet passed by Lok Sabha.

Constitutional Composition and Term Formulas

Parliament's size and tenure are governed by specific constitutional ceilings and renewal cycles. Lok Sabha's maximum strength is capped at 552, comprising up to 530 elected from states (proportional to population), up to 20 from Union Territories, and up to 2 nominated Anglo-Indians (a provision that lapsed in January 2020 but is still examinable). Its normal term is five years from the date of first sitting, extendable by one year at a time during a Proclamation of Emergency (Article 352), but not beyond six months after the Emergency ends. Rajya Sabha, designed as a permanent chamber, seats 250 members: 238 elected by state and UT legislatures using proportional representation with single transferable vote, and 12 nominated by the President for eminence in arts, science, literature, or social service. One-third of Rajya Sabha members retire every two years, ensuring continuity. These numerical formulas are critical for questions on federalism and bicameralism.
  • Lok Sabha maximum = 530 (states) + 20 (UTs) + 2 (Anglo-Indian) = 552 total
  • Rajya Sabha maximum = 238 (elected) + 12 (nominated) = 250 total
  • Lok Sabha normal term = 5 years; extendable by 1 year during Emergency, max 6 months post-Emergency
  • Rajya Sabha retirement cycle = one-third every 2 years (staggered six-year terms per member)

Membership Qualifications and Disqualifications Table

Articles 84 and 102 lay down eligibility and disqualification criteria. A candidate must be a citizen of India, make an oath per the Third Schedule, and meet the minimum age: 25 years for Lok Sabha, 30 years for Rajya Sabha. Disqualifications include holding an office of profit under the Union or State (unless exempted), being of unsound mind (declared by a court), being an undischarged insolvent, or ceasing to be a citizen. Defection under the Tenth Schedule also leads to disqualification if a member voluntarily gives up party membership or votes against the party whip (except when two-thirds split). The table below consolidates these provisions for quick revision.

Quorum and Session Procedures

Quorum is the minimum number of members required for a House to conduct business. Article 100(3) fixes quorum at one-tenth of the total strength of each House. For Lok Sabha (assume 543 elected members), quorum = 543 ÷ 10 ≈ 55 members. For Rajya Sabha (245 members), quorum ≈ 25. If quorum is not met, the presiding officer (Speaker in Lok Sabha, Chairman in Rajya Sabha) must adjourn or suspend the sitting until quorum is present. Parliament meets in three sessions per year: Budget (February–May), Monsoon (July–August), and Winter (November–December), with the President summoning each session. The gap between two sessions must not exceed six months (Article 85). These procedural rules prevent hasty legislation and ensure adequate representation.
  • Quorum formula = Total membership ÷ 10
  • Lok Sabha quorum (543 members) = 54.3 → at least 55 members
  • Rajya Sabha quorum (245 members) = 24.5 → at least 25 members
  • Maximum inter-session gap = 6 months (Article 85)

Types of Majorities in Parliament

Different legislative actions require different majority thresholds. A Simple Majority means more than 50 per cent of members present and voting (abstentions excluded). Most ordinary business, including Ordinary Bills and non-confidence motions, needs simple majority. An Absolute Majority means more than 50 per cent of the total strength of the House (whether present or not); rarely used in practice. A Special Majority under Article 368 for constitutional amendments requires (a) majority of total membership of each House and (b) two-thirds of members present and voting in that House. Some amendments affecting federal structure also need ratification by at least half the state legislatures (Article 368, proviso). Effective Majority is a political term for the working majority a ruling coalition commands. Knowing which majority applies is essential for case-study questions.

Law-Making Process — Ordinary Bill Flow Chart

An Ordinary Bill (non-money, non-financial) can originate in either House. The standard stages are: (1) First Reading—introduction and publication; (2) Second Reading—general discussion, committee scrutiny (Standing/Select), clause-by-clause consideration; (3) Third Reading—final debate and vote. After passage in the originating House, the Bill goes to the other House, which may pass it, reject it, or amend it. If amended, the Bill returns to the first House. Disagreement triggers a joint sitting convened by the President under Article 108. In a joint sitting, Lok Sabha's numerical superiority (543 vs. 245) usually prevails. Once both Houses agree (or joint sitting passes), the Bill goes to the President for assent. The President may assent, withhold assent, or return it (except Money Bills) for reconsideration. If both Houses re-pass with or without amendment, the President must assent. This flow is tested in flowchart MCQs and case studies.
  • Stage 1: First Reading (introduction, no debate)
  • Stage 2: Second Reading (general discussion → committee → clause-by-clause)
  • Stage 3: Third Reading (final debate and vote)
  • Stage 4: Transmission to other House; if disagreement → Joint Sitting (Article 108)
  • Stage 5: Presidential assent (return allowed once; must assent on re-passage)

Money Bill and Financial Bill Criteria (Article 110)

A Money Bill deals exclusively with taxation, government borrowing, Consolidated Fund or Contingency Fund, appropriation of moneys, or any matter incidental to these. Article 110 lists seven categories; if a Bill contains even one non-money clause, it ceases to be a Money Bill. Only Lok Sabha can originate a Money Bill (Article 109). Rajya Sabha may recommend amendments within 14 days; Lok Sabha is free to accept or reject all recommendations. If Rajya Sabha does not return the Bill in 14 days, it is deemed passed by both Houses. The Speaker of Lok Sabha certifies whether a Bill is a Money Bill; that certificate is final and cannot be questioned in any court (Article 110(3)). Presidential assent is required, but the President cannot return a Money Bill. Financial Bills of Type I (Article 117(1)) contain money clauses plus other matters and follow the Ordinary Bill procedure after President's recommendation. Financial Bills of Type II (Article 117(3)) involve Consolidated Fund expenditure but are not Money Bills. Distinguish these three in table format to avoid confusion.

Parliamentary Committees — Standing and Ad Hoc

Committees allow detailed scrutiny that plenary sessions cannot afford. Standing Committees are permanent: examples include Financial Committees (Public Accounts Committee with 22 members, 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha, never chaired by a ruling-party member; Estimates Committee with 30 Lok Sabha members; Committee on Public Undertakings with 22 members), Departmental Standing Committees (24 committees covering all ministries, each with 31 members—21 Lok Sabha, 10 Rajya Sabha), and House Committees (Rules, Privileges, Ethics). Ad hoc Committees are temporary: Select Committees (single-House) and Joint Committees (both Houses) examine specific Bills. Committee reports are persuasive but not binding; the House may accept, modify, or reject recommendations. Remembering committee sizes and compositions earns marks in short-answer questions.
  • Public Accounts Committee: 22 members (15 LS + 7 RS), opposition-chaired
  • Estimates Committee: 30 members (all Lok Sabha)
  • Committee on Public Undertakings: 22 members (15 LS + 7 RS)
  • Departmental Standing Committees: 24 committees, each 31 members (21 LS + 10 RS)
  • Select/Joint Committees: ad hoc, dissolved after report submission

Key Terms and Definitions for Rapid Revision

Mastering terminology is half the battle in Political Science. A Session is the period between the first sitting and prorogation (formal end by President). Adjournment is temporary suspension (sine die means indefinitely). A Motion is a proposal to elicit a decision; types include No-Confidence Motion (Lok Sabha only, needs 50 members' support to admit), Confidence Motion, Censure Motion, Adjournment Motion (discuss urgent public importance), and Calling Attention Motion (minister must respond). A Resolution expresses opinion; can be private member's or government. A Question Hour (first hour of sitting) features Starred Questions (oral answer + supplementaries), Unstarred Questions (written answer), and Short Notice Questions. Zero Hour (informal, after Question Hour) allows members to raise matters without prior notice. A Guillotine is the automatic passage of all pending demands for grants without debate when the budget deadline nears. A Whip is a party directive to vote; three-line whip is strictest. These terms recur in case studies and definitional MCQs.
  • Session: period from summons to prorogation
  • Quorum: one-tenth of total membership
  • Money Bill: Article 110; Lok Sabha only, 14-day Rajya Sabha window
  • Special Majority: >50% total + ⅔ present & voting (Article 368)
  • Joint Sitting: Article 108; convened by President for Ordinary Bill deadlock
  • Prorogation: President ends session; pending Bills do not lapse unless Lok Sabha dissolves
  • Dissolution: end of Lok Sabha's term; all pending Bills lapse except Rajya Sabha Bills not yet transmitted to Lok Sabha
  • Starred Question: oral answer during Question Hour

Memory Tricks and Mnemonics

Mnemonics cement high-yield facts. For Lok Sabha maximum strength, remember '5-2-2 makes 552' (530 states, 20 UTs, 2 Anglo-Indian). For Rajya Sabha, '12 Wise + 238 Elected = 250'. Money Bill categories can be recalled by 'TAX-BORROW-SPEND': Taxation, Appropriation, eXpenditure from Consolidated Fund, Borrowing, Regulation of government borrowing, Custody of Consolidated/Contingency Fund, Audit of government accounts. Special majority is '50-plus-TWO-THIRDS': more than half total AND two-thirds present. Joint sitting mnemonic: 'Only Ordinary, Never Money'—joint sittings apply to Ordinary Bills, never Money Bills. Committee on Public Undertakings: 'PAC's cousin, 22 members, 15+7 split'. Use these during last-minute glances the night before the exam to lock in numbers and processes.
  • Lok Sabha max: 5-2-2 = 552 (530 states, 20 UTs, 2 Anglo-Indian)
  • Rajya Sabha: 12 Wise + 238 Elected = 250
  • Money Bill: TAX-BORROW-SPEND (7 categories, Article 110)
  • Special majority: 50-plus-TWO-THIRDS (total + present)
  • Joint sitting: Only Ordinary, Never Money
  • Quorum: One-TENTH rule

Common Mistakes — Signs, Units, Notations

Political Science has no physical units, but students make conceptual and notation errors. Mistake 1: Confusing 'total membership' with 'members present' when calculating majorities—always read whether the question asks for absolute or simple majority. Mistake 2: Assuming Money Bills need Rajya Sabha approval; they need only its recommendations, which Lok Sabha may ignore. Mistake 3: Writing 'Parliament' when the answer requires specifying 'Lok Sabha' or 'Rajya Sabha'—be precise. Mistake 4: Believing all constitutional amendments need state ratification; only those affecting federal provisions (Article 368 proviso) do. Mistake 5: Mixing up committee sizes—PAC has 22, Estimates has 30. Mistake 6: Saying a Bill lapses if 'Parliament' is prorogued; prorogation does not cause lapse, only Lok Sabha dissolution does (and only for Bills pending in or passed by Lok Sabha). Mistake 7: Omitting Article numbers; examiners reward citations like 'Article 110' or 'Article 368'. Review your answers for these pitfalls before submitting.
  • Do not confuse total membership majority with present-and-voting majority
  • Money Bills do not require Rajya Sabha passage, only 14-day recommendation window
  • Always specify Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, not generic 'Parliament', in answers
  • Not all constitutional amendments need state ratification—only federal-structure changes
  • Remember exact committee sizes: PAC 22, Estimates 30, COPU 22, DSC 31
  • Prorogation ≠ dissolution; Bills lapse only on Lok Sabha dissolution, not prorogation
  • Cite Article numbers (110, 368, 108, 109) to score definitional marks

Three Solved Mini-Examples Applying the Formulas

Example 1 (Quorum Check): Rajya Sabha has 245 members. Calculate quorum and determine if business can proceed with 30 members present. Solution: Quorum = 245 ÷ 10 = 24.5 → minimum 25 members. Since 30 > 25, quorum is met; business proceeds. Example 2 (Special Majority): Lok Sabha strength is 543. A constitutional amendment is moved; 400 members are present, 320 vote Yes, 80 vote No. Is the Bill passed? Solution: Special majority needs (a) >50% of 543 = 272 and (b) ⅔ of 400 = 266.67 → 267. Yes votes = 320. Both 320 > 272 and 320 > 267, so the Bill passes. Example 3 (Money Bill Timeline): A Money Bill is transmitted to Rajya Sabha on March 1. Rajya Sabha debates but does not return it. When is it deemed passed by both Houses? Solution: Article 109 allows 14 days. March 1 + 14 days = March 15. On March 15, if not returned, the Bill is deemed passed by both Houses in the form it left Lok Sabha. These worked solutions train you to apply constitutional arithmetic under exam pressure.

One-Glance Last-Minute Revision Box

Use this checklist 30 minutes before your exam. Lok Sabha: max 552, term 5 years, age ≥25, can be dissolved. Rajya Sabha: max 250, permanent, one-third retires every 2 years, age ≥30. Quorum = one-tenth. Money Bill: Article 110, Lok Sabha only, 14 days Rajya Sabha, Speaker certifies, cannot be returned by President. Ordinary Bill: either House, joint sitting if deadlock (Article 108), President may return once. Special majority: >50% total + ⅔ present. Committee sizes: PAC 22 (15+7), Estimates 30 (all LS), COPU 22 (15+7), DSC 31 (21+10). Disqualification: office of profit, unsound mind, insolvent, defection (Tenth Schedule). Sessions: Budget, Monsoon, Winter; max 6-month gap. President summons, prorogues, dissolves Lok Sabha. Bills lapse on Lok Sabha dissolution unless pending in Rajya Sabha alone. Starred questions get oral answers; unstarred get written. Three-line whip is binding. Censure motion needs reasons; no-confidence does not. This box covers 90 per cent of formula-based questions in Chapter 5. For deeper conceptual clarity and 24×7 doubt solving—including uploading your Political Science notes for instant analysis—explore CBSETUTOR.ai. At ₹999/month for all subjects across Classes 6–12, with a 3-day free trial, it is the smart supplement to classroom coaching, especially when you need on-demand help late at night before term exams.
  • Lok Sabha: 552 max, 5 yr, ≥25 age, dissolvable
  • Rajya Sabha: 250 max, permanent, ⅓ biennial retirement, ≥30 age
  • Quorum = 1/10 total; Money Bill = Art.110, LS only, 14d RS window
  • Special majority = >50% total + ⅔ present (Art.368)
  • Joint sitting = Art.108, Ordinary Bills only, LS numerical edge
  • PAC 22, Estimates 30, COPU 22, DSC 31
  • Disqualification: office of profit, defection (Tenth Schedule), insolvency
  • Sessions: Budget, Monsoon, Winter; <6 mo gap; prorogation ≠ lapse, dissolution = lapse (LS Bills)

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum strength of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as per the Constitution?+
Lok Sabha's maximum is 552 members: up to 530 elected from states, up to 20 from Union Territories, and up to 2 nominated Anglo-Indians. Rajya Sabha's maximum is 250: 238 elected by state and UT legislatures, and 12 nominated by the President for distinction in arts, science, literature, or social service.
How is quorum calculated, and what happens if it is not met during a sitting?+
Quorum is one-tenth of the total membership of each House (Article 100(3)). For Lok Sabha with 543 members, quorum is 55; for Rajya Sabha with 245 members, it is 25. If quorum is absent, the presiding officer adjourns or suspends the sitting until quorum is restored.
What is a Money Bill, and how does its passage differ from an Ordinary Bill?+
A Money Bill (Article 110) deals exclusively with taxation, borrowing, Consolidated Fund, appropriation, or related matters. It can originate only in Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha may recommend amendments within 14 days, but Lok Sabha can accept or reject them. If not returned in 14 days, it is deemed passed. The President cannot return a Money Bill for reconsideration.
What is special majority under Article 368, and when is it required?+
Special majority means a majority of the total membership of each House plus at least two-thirds of members present and voting in that House. It is required for constitutional amendment Bills under Article 368. Some amendments also need ratification by at least half the state legislatures if they affect the federal structure.
When is a joint sitting of Parliament convened, and which Bills are excluded?+
A joint sitting (Article 108) is convened by the President when the two Houses disagree on an Ordinary Bill—one rejects it or amends it unacceptably, or more than six months elapse without resolution. Money Bills and Constitutional Amendment Bills cannot have joint sittings. Lok Sabha's larger size gives it effective control in joint sittings.
What are the main differences between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in composition and powers?+
Lok Sabha represents the people directly, has 543 elected members (plus nominated), a 5-year term (dissolvable), and exclusive power to originate Money Bills and initiate no-confidence motions. Rajya Sabha represents states, has 245 members (238 elected by legislatures + 12 nominated), is permanent with staggered retirements, and has equal power on Ordinary Bills but only recommendatory power on Money Bills.
How does a Bill lapse, and under what circumstances?+
A Bill pending in Lok Sabha or one passed by Lok Sabha but pending in Rajya Sabha lapses if Lok Sabha is dissolved. A Bill pending in Rajya Sabha that has not yet been transmitted to Lok Sabha does not lapse. Prorogation of a session does not cause lapse; only dissolution of Lok Sabha does. Once both Houses pass and the President assents, the Bill becomes an Act and cannot lapse.
What is the role of Parliamentary Committees, and why are they important?+
Parliamentary Committees conduct detailed scrutiny of Bills, budgets, and government policies that the full House cannot undertake. Standing Committees like PAC (22 members, opposition-chaired), Estimates (30 Lok Sabha members), and 24 Departmental Standing Committees (each 31 members) provide expert, non-partisan analysis. Their reports guide debate and amendments, improving legislative quality.
Can the President return a Bill for reconsideration, and what happens then?+
Yes, the President may return an Ordinary Bill once (not a Money Bill) with a message requesting reconsideration. Parliament must reconsider; if it passes the Bill again with or without amendments, the President must give assent. This pocket veto is limited to one return, ensuring legislative supremacy over executive discretion.
What are Starred, Unstarred, and Short Notice Questions in Parliament?+
Starred Questions require oral answers from ministers during Question Hour and allow supplementary questions from members. Unstarred Questions receive only written answers tabled in the House. Short Notice Questions concern urgent public importance and require less than ten days' notice; ministers provide oral answers with supplementaries. These tools hold the executive accountable daily.
How can CBSETUTOR.ai help me master Class 11 Political Science Chapter 5 Legislature?+
CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24×7 AI-powered tutoring at ₹999/month for Classes 6–12, all subjects included. Upload a photo of any past-year question on Legislature, Money Bills, or committee structures, and receive instant step-by-step explanations. The platform generates custom quizzes on Lok Sabha vs. Rajya Sabha, special majorities, and law-making flow charts. Start your 3-day free trial to experience on-demand doubt solving, especially useful when coaching centres are closed and exams loom.

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