The Union Parliament comprises the President and the two houses. With reference to this, answer the following questions:

(i) The two Houses of Parliament enjoy equal power and status in the following matters:

1. Legislative Powers — All Bills other than Money Bills may originate in either House, and no Bill can become a law unless it is passed by both the Houses.
2. Judicial Powers — Both Houses have equal powers in the impeachment of the President and in the removal of the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts. Impeachment can be initiated in either House and the other House has an equal say in the judgement.
3. Amendment of the Constitution — An amendment must be passed by each House by a majority of its total membership and by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.

(ii) The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States, in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. The representatives of the Union Territories are chosen in such a manner as Parliament may prescribe.

Two exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha are:

1. The Rajya Sabha may, by a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, declare that Parliament should make laws on a matter in the State List in the national interest. This resolution can be passed only by the Rajya Sabha.
2. The Rajya Sabha may similarly declare, by a two-thirds majority, that it is necessary in the national interest to create a new All-India Service, after which Parliament may create such a service.

(iii) Parliament exercises control over the Executive in the following ways:

1. Interpellation — Devices such as the Question Hour, Calling Attention Notices and Half-an-Hour Discussion enable members to seek information from the government about its policies and performance.
2. Vote of No-Confidence — The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If a No-Confidence Motion is passed, the government has to resign.
3. Other Motions of Censure — An Adjournment Motion, a censure motion against a minister, the rejection of a Government Bill or the passing of a private member's Bill against the wishes of the Government all amount to no-confidence in the government.
4. Monetary Control — During the budget session a cut motion may be moved. The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts examines the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and ensures that public money is spent in accordance with Parliament's decisions.