Question

With reference to the powers of the Union Parliament, state the following:

1. Three of its Legislative Powers.
2. Three of its Financial Powers.
3. Four of its Administrative or Executive Powers.

Answer 1

1. Three legislative Powers:
   1. Parliament is the legislative body at the central level. It creates new laws and changes or repeals existing ones for all 97 Union List subjects and Residuary Subjects that do not appear on any lists.
   2. For the 47 subjects on the Concurrent List, both Parliament and State Legislatures have the authority to make legislation. If a State Law conflicts with the Central Law, the Central Law will prevail.
   3. The Union Parliament has the only authority to change the Constitution, but some changes require approval by a majority of States. States cannot start constitutional changes.
2. Three financial powers of the Union Parliament are: 
   1. Union Budget: The Parliament approves the government's estimated receipts and expenditures for the fiscal year. Since 2017-18, the Railway Budget has been integrated with the Union Budget.
   2. Supplementary Grants: If the amount approved for the current fiscal year is insufficient, the government may issue a new demand known as the "Supplementary Grant."
   3. Salaries: Salaries and allowances for MPs and Ministers are established by Parliament. 
3. The four executive powers of the Union Parliament are: 
   1. Vote of No-Confidence: If a government violates the Constitution, it can be removed from office through a vote of no-confidence in the Prime Minister, the Ministry, or any of its members. In this circumstance, the entire Ministry must resign.
   2. Adjournment Motion: This motion seeks to hold Ministers accountable for their actions.
   3. Other Motions of Censure: Parliament can exercise control over the government through other motions, which, if passed, result in no-confidence. Examples of parliamentary actions include censure motions against ministers, rejection of government bills, and passage of private member's bills that oppose government wishes.
   4. Monetary Controls: During the budget session, a cut motion will be moved. The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts guarantees that public funds are spent in line with Parliament's decisions. It evaluates reports from the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.