Other Powers/ Functions of the Parliament

Functions of the Parliament

In the Indian Constitution in Chapter II of Part V, the functions of the Parliament are mentioned. The functions of the Parliament can be classified into several heads as follows:...

Legislative Functions

The parliament, being the legislative body, has many legislative functions and powers. The Parliament legislates on various matters which are mentioned in the Union List and the Concurrent List. While in Concurrent List, where the state legislatures and the Parliament make for joint jurisdiction, the union law prevails over the states unless the state law would have received certain earlier presidential assent....

Executive Functions

In executive is responsible for the legislature in the parliamentary forms of government and hence the parliament exercises control over most of the executives by certain measures:...

Financial Functions

When it comes to finances, Parliament is the final authority. Without parliamentary approval, the Executive cannot spend a single penny. The Cabinet prepares the Union Budget, which is then presented to Parliament for approval. Parliament exercises budgetary and post-budgetary control over the government in this manner. All tax-imposition plans must be authorized by the Parliament. The government’s spending is scrutinized by the public accounts and estimates committees....

Amending Powers

The Parliament of India has the to power for amending the Constitution of India and both Houses of Parliament have an equal amount of power for amending the constitution concerned and amendments passed in both Houses for effective functioning....

Electoral Functions

The Parliament of India is part of the elections of the President and the Vice President of the country. The electoral college which is responsible for President is made up of the elected members of both Houses along with others. The removal of the President is possible by a resolution by Rajya Sabha agreed on by the Lok Sabha....

Judicial Functions

It has the authority to impeach the President when there is a violation of the Constitution by him. The Parliament also has the authority to impeach the Vice President, Supreme Court, and High Court, judges. It has the power to punish its members or outsiders for violating its privileges or disrespect. A member may bring a privilege motion if he believes that a minister or another member has violated the House’s or one or more of its members’ privileges by hiding or misrepresenting facts in a case. The power of the Parliament to penalize its members is also rarely challenged in court. Other important judicial functions of Parliament include the powers to impeach the President, Vice President, judges of the Supreme Court, High Court, etc....

Other Powers/ Functions of the Parliament

The issues pertaining to both international and national importance are discussed in the Parliament. Opposition plays a very important part in regard to ensuring that the country is aware of the alternatives. The Parliament is also at times referred to as a “nation in miniature” as parliament plays important role in deliberating on matters of importance before the laws or before the resolutions have been passed. The Parliament also functions as an organ of information and has the power to increase or decrease the boundaries of States or UTs....

FAQs on Functions of the Parliament

What are the main functions of the Parliament?...