Powers of Parliament

Legislative Authority, Financial Control & Executive Accountability

PART I — LEGISLATIVE & FINANCIAL DOMAINS

THE LAW MAKER

Primary function is to make laws for the governance of the country.
Has exclusive power to make laws on the **Union List** (98 subjects) and overriding power on the **Concurrent List** (52 subjects).
Vested with **Residuary Powers** (Art 248) to make laws on matters not enumerated in any of the three lists.
Can legislate on State List subjects under abnormal circumstances (e.g., National Emergency, Art 249 resolution by RS, or if 2+ states request it).

THE NATIONAL PURSE

**"No tax without representation" (Art 265):** No tax can be levied or collected except by authority of law.
No expenditure can be incurred by the Executive except under authorization from Parliament (Appropriation Act).
Parliament scrutinizes government spending through its financial committees (Public Accounts, Estimates, and Public Undertakings).

THE WATCHDOG

The Executive (Council of Ministers) is **collectively responsible** to the Parliament (specifically the Lok Sabha).
Parliament exercises control over the Executive through Question Hour, Zero Hour, debates, and various motions (Adjournment, Censure, Calling Attention).
The ultimate weapon of control is the **No-Confidence Motion**; if passed, the government must resign.

ARTICLE 368 & MORE

**Constituent:** Vested with the power to amend the Constitution (by addition, variation, or repeal). *Limit:* Cannot alter the "Basic Structure" of the Constitution (Kesavananda Bharati case).
**Judicial:** Can impeach the President for violation of the Constitution (Art 61).
Can remove the Vice-President, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, Chief Election Commissioner, and CAG.
Can punish its members or outsiders for breach of its privileges or contempt.

INITIALIZE: WORLD O — STATE LEGISLATURE