The Union Legislature of India is the law-making body of the country. With reference to the Parliament, answer the following questions:

(i) The Lok Sabha has special powers which make it more powerful than the Rajya Sabha. These special powers are:

1. Motions of No-confidence against the government can only be introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha. If passed by a majority vote, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers resign collectively. The Rajya Sabha has no power over such a motion, and hence no real power over the executive.
2. Money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and upon being passed, are sent to the Rajya Sabha, where it can be deliberated on for up to 14 days.
3. In case of a deadlock between the two Houses over a non-financial (ordinary) bill, the will of the Lok Sabha normally prevails, as its strength is more than double that of the Rajya Sabha.

(ii) The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who is the Vice President of India, has the authority to adjourn a Rajya Sabha session.

Composition of the Rajya Sabha — The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha can be 250 members, out of which-

1. 12 members are nominated by the President from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as literature, science, art and social service.
2. 238 members are elected by the States in the Union. Seats are allocated to the States and the Union Territories on the basis of their population.

(iii) Four legislative powers of the Union Parliament are-

1. Matters in the Union List — The Parliament has exclusive powers to make laws on all the subjects mentioned in the Union List, including important subjects like Defence, Banking, Communications, Foreign Affairs, etc.
2. Matters in the Concurrent List — Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies can both make laws on Concurrent List subjects like education, forests, succession, etc. In case of a conflict, the Union law overrides the State law.
3. Residuary Powers — Parliament can make laws on subjects not listed in the Union, State, or Concurrent Lists.
4. Powers during Emergency — When a State faces a breakdown of Constitutional machinery, Parliament takes over its legislative and financial powers, including passing the State budget.