Question

Discuss the powers and functions of the Parliament.

Answer 1

Apart from making Laws for India, the other important functions and powers of the Parliament are given below:

Financial Functions of the Parliament

• Parliament has the power to grant resources to the Government, to help the Government implement its various programs.
• The financial resources that the Government wishes to raise, and the money spent by the Government; these details have to be shared by the Government with the Parliament.
• Parliament controls the taxation and the way the funds are utilized by the Government.
• The approval of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Parliament) is needed if the Government of India wants to introduce new taxes.
• Government has to present its budget and financial statements in Parliament.

Debating Functions of the Parliament

• The highest forum for debates in India is the Parliament.
• All the Members of Parliament have the right to debate and speak on any matter.
• Every issue in India gets analyzed in the debates held in the Parliament.
• Debates in Parliament are the heart of decision-making in India.

Judicial Functions of the Parliament

• Considering the proposals for the removal of the judges of the Supreme Court, High Courts, Vice-President and President is the judicial function of the Parliament.

Electoral Functions of the Parliament

• Parliament has the power to elect the Vice President of India and the President of India. This is the electoral function of the Parliament.

Constituent Functions of the Parliament

• Approval of the Parliament is needed for making any amendments to the Constitution of India.
• The Parliament has the power to discuss and enact changes

Legislative Functions of the Parliament

• Legislations of the country are enacted in the Parliament of India.

Controlling the Executive

• The Parliament of India ensures that there is accountability of the Executive.
• Parliament ensures that the executive remains responsible to the people who have elected them.
• Parliament ensures that the executive does not overstep its authority.