Parliament of India Facts for Kids

Sansad Bhavan, the building where India's Parliament meets.

The Parliament of India is the most important law-making group in India. Think of it as the main team that creates rules and laws for the whole country. It includes the President of India and two main groups, or "houses."

India's Parliament is bicameral, which means it has two parts. These two parts are like two different teams working together. They are called the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

The Rajya Sabha is also known as the Council of States. It's sometimes called the "Upper House."
The Lok Sabha is known as the House of the People. It's often called the "Lower House."

Even though one is called "Upper" and the other "Lower," it doesn't mean the Lok Sabha is less important. In fact, the Lok Sabha usually has more power in making decisions for the country.

What is the Parliament of India?
- Why is the Parliament important?
The Two Houses of Parliament
- The Lok Sabha: House of the People
- The Rajya Sabha: Council of States
How Laws Are Made
History of India's Parliament
Images for kids
See also

What is the Parliament of India?

The Parliament of India is where elected representatives from all over the country come together. Their main job is to discuss important issues, make new laws, and decide how the country should be run. It's a very important part of India's democracy.

Why is the Parliament important?

The Parliament makes sure that the government works for the people. It helps to keep the government accountable and ensures that everyone's voice is heard. Without a Parliament, there would be no clear way to make laws or manage the country's affairs.

The Two Houses of Parliament

As we learned, India's Parliament has two main houses: the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. Each house has different roles and responsibilities.

The Lok Sabha: House of the People

The Lok Sabha is the more powerful of the two houses. Its members are directly chosen by the people of India through elections. This means that citizens vote for the people they want to represent them in the Lok Sabha.

Members: The Lok Sabha can have up to 550 members. Most of these members are elected by voters.
Term: Members of the Lok Sabha usually serve for five years. After five years, new elections are held.
Main Role: The Lok Sabha has a big say in making laws, especially those about money and taxes. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are usually from the Lok Sabha.

The Rajya Sabha: Council of States

The Rajya Sabha represents the different states and union territories of India. Its members are not directly elected by the people. Instead, they are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.

Members: The Rajya Sabha can have up to 250 members.
Term: Members of the Rajya Sabha serve for six years. However, about one-third of its members retire every two years, and new members are elected. This makes it a "permanent house" because it never fully dissolves.
Main Role: The Rajya Sabha reviews laws passed by the Lok Sabha and can suggest changes. It also plays a key role in matters that affect the states.

How Laws Are Made

Making a law in India is a detailed process that involves both houses of Parliament and the President.

Starting a Bill: A new idea for a law, called a "bill," can start in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. However, bills about money must start in the Lok Sabha.
Discussion and Voting: Once a bill is introduced, members of Parliament discuss it, debate it, and suggest changes. Then, they vote on it.
Passing to the Other House: If one house approves the bill, it then goes to the other house for their approval.
President's Approval: After both houses agree on the bill, it is sent to the President of India. Once the President signs it, the bill becomes a law.

History of India's Parliament

The idea of a Parliament in India grew from the country's journey to independence. Before 1947, India was ruled by the British. After gaining freedom, India needed a strong system to govern itself.

Constituent Assembly: Before the Parliament was formed, a group called the Constituent Assembly of India worked to write the Constitution of India. This is the rulebook for how India should be governed.
First Elections: The first general elections in independent India were held in 1951-1952. After these elections, the first Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were formed in 1952.
Sansad Bhavan: The Parliament of India meets in a grand building in New Delhi called Sansad Bhavan. This building has seen many important decisions that have shaped modern India.

Images for kids

Statue of Chandragupta Maurya, an ancient Indian emperor, at the Parliament of India.
A map showing how seats are divided among states in each house of Parliament.
Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, and other members taking a pledge during a special meeting in August 1947.
A meeting of the Constituent Assembly of India in 1950, where they were writing the country's Constitution.
Jawaharlal Nehru speaking to the Constituent Assembly in 1946.
President of the United States Barack Obama speaking to both houses of the Indian Parliament in 2010.