How is the election of members to the Lok Sabha different from that to the Rajya Sabha?
The election of members to the Lok Sabha differs from the Rajya Sabha in several key ways.
First, the Lok Sabha is elected through direct elections — citizens aged 18 and above vote directly to elect MPs from their constituencies. In contrast, the Rajya Sabha is elected through indirect elections — MLAs of State Legislative Assemblies elect Rajya Sabha members.
Second, the Lok Sabha has 543 elected members representing geographical constituencies across India, while the Rajya Sabha has 245 members (233 elected plus 12 nominated by the President).
Third, Lok Sabha members are elected for a term of five years, after which the House is dissolved. Rajya Sabha is a permanent house that is never dissolved; members serve six-year terms with one-third retiring every two years.
Fourth, Lok Sabha elections use the First-Past-the-Post system where the candidate with the most votes wins. Rajya Sabha elections use the single transferable vote system, ensuring fair representation for smaller states.
Fifth, Lok Sabha represents the people directly, while Rajya Sabha represents the states.
Explanation
The chapter provides detailed information about both houses. For Lok Sabha, it states India uses 'First-Past-the-Post' electoral system. For Rajya Sabha, it explains that '233 are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies (MLAs), while the President of India nominates 12' and that it uses 'a single transferable vote system.'
Solution Steps
Lok Sabha uses direct elections by citizens; Rajya Sabha uses indirect elections by MLAs
Lok Sabha has 543 elected members; Rajya Sabha has 245 members (233 elected + 12 nominated)
Lok Sabha has 5-year terms and dissolves; Rajya Sabha is permanent with 6-year terms and one-third retiring every two years
Lok Sabha uses First-Past-the-Post system; Rajya Sabha uses single transferable vote system
Lok Sabha represents people directly; Rajya Sabha represents states