Assess the role of the Rajya Sabha in India’s federal structure. How does it act as a check on the majoritarian tendencies of the Lok Sabha?
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
Q4. Assess the role of the Rajya Sabha in India’s federal structure. How does it act as a check on the majoritarian tendencies of the Lok Sabha? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question Recent announcement of Rajya Sabha polls in J&K after prolonged vacancies highlights the federal role of the Upper House and its function as a constitutional check against Lok Sabha dominance. Key demand of the question The question demands assessment of the Rajya Sabha’s role in India’s federal structure and an explanation of how it prevents majoritarian impulses of the directly elected Lok Sabha. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly introduce Rajya Sabha as the federal chamber and guardian of States’ interests in the Union Parliament. Body Role of Rajya Sabha in federal structure – federal representation, constitutional amendment ratification, All-India Services, regional voice, continuity of legislature. Rajya Sabha as a check on majoritarian tendencies – revising chamber, political counterbalance, protection of rights, judicial validation, restraint on brute majority. Conclusion Highlight its significance as a constitutional balance-wheel and stress reforms for strengthening its federal and deliberative role.
Why the question Recent announcement of Rajya Sabha polls in J&K after prolonged vacancies highlights the federal role of the Upper House and its function as a constitutional check against Lok Sabha dominance.
Key demand of the question The question demands assessment of the Rajya Sabha’s role in India’s federal structure and an explanation of how it prevents majoritarian impulses of the directly elected Lok Sabha.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly introduce Rajya Sabha as the federal chamber and guardian of States’ interests in the Union Parliament.
• Role of Rajya Sabha in federal structure – federal representation, constitutional amendment ratification, All-India Services, regional voice, continuity of legislature.
• Rajya Sabha as a check on majoritarian tendencies – revising chamber, political counterbalance, protection of rights, judicial validation, restraint on brute majority.
Conclusion
Highlight its significance as a constitutional balance-wheel and stress reforms for strengthening its federal and deliberative role.