The Legislature — Important Questions

435

The American House of Representatives has 435 members who are directly elected by the voters. Seats are distributed among states based on population, ranging from 52 seats for California to 1 seat for smaller states like Alaska. 100 is the strength of the Senate, 543 is the current strength of India's Lok Sabha, and 250 is the maximum strength of India's Rajya Sabha.

6 years

Senators in the United States serve a term of 6 years. One-third (1/3) of the Senate retires after every 2 years, ensuring continuity. Members of the House of Representatives serve for 2 years. The President of the USA serves for 4 years. The Indian Lok Sabha has a normal term of 5 years. Senators can be re-elected any number of times.

The House of Representatives

In the United States, only the House of Representatives has the power to initiate (begin) impeachment proceedings against the President, Vice-President, or other high officials, by a simple majority vote. The Senate then conducts the trial. To remove the official, a two-thirds majority in the Senate is required. The Supreme Court does not participate in impeachment trials, except that the Chief Justice presides when the President is being tried.

250

The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Indian Parliament) is fixed at 250 members. Out of these, 238 are representatives of States and Union Territories, and 12 are nominated by the President for their distinguished contributions in fields like science, literature, arts, or social service. 543 is the current strength of Lok Sabha, 552 was the original maximum for Lok Sabha, and 100 is the strength of the American Senate.