Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — how they're composed, how they differ, and how a bill becomes a law.
Parliament consists of the President and two Houses — the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Directly elected by the people. Maximum strength fixed by the Constitution at 552; the current effective strength is 543 elected members. Normal term is 5 years, but it can be dissolved earlier, and its term can be extended during a National Emergency.
A permanent body, never fully dissolved — one-third of its members retire every two years. Members are elected indirectly, by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies, with 12 members nominated by the President for their contribution to literature, art, science and social service. Maximum strength: 250.
A Money Bill (Article 110) can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha's role is limited to recommending changes within 14 days — it cannot reject or indefinitely delay one. A joint sitting (Article 108) is used to resolve a deadlock between the two Houses over an ordinary bill, but it is not available for Money Bills or Constitutional Amendment Bills.
The Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Amendment (1985), disqualifies a member who voluntarily gives up party membership or votes against party direction (whip) on key matters — administered by the Speaker/Chairman of the respective House.
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