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ICSE Question Bank
2026Q3(ii)(b)The Union Parliament
Short answerHard2 marks
3(ii)

The Union Parliament comprises the President and the two houses. With reference to this, answer the following question:

Mention any two exclusive powers to analyse the advantages of the Rajya Sabha.

Topic: Exclusive powers of the Rajya Sabha

Previous-year question practice database

Answer

Exam answer

(1) Under Article 249, if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority declaring that a subject in the State List has become a matter of national importance, Parliament may legislate on it — a power the Lok Sabha does not have. (2) Under Article 312, only the Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution authorising the creation of a new All India Service. It is also a permanent House that is never dissolved, so it gives continuity to the legislature.

Explanation

Two marks for two EXCLUSIVE powers — the word exclusive is the test, so anything the Lok Sabha can also do earns nothing. The two constitutional powers are Articles 249 and 312; quoting the article numbers is not required but shows precision. The permanence of the House (one-third retiring every two years) is a good supporting point about its advantage.

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