The Union Legislature — Important Questions

25 years

Step 1: To be a member of the Lok Sabha, a candidate must meet certain qualifications. Step 2: One key qualification is the minimum age — a person must be at least 25 years old. Step 3: Note that the voting age (to cast a vote) is 18 years, which is different from the age to become a member. Step 4: The minimum age for Rajya Sabha membership is 30 years, which is higher than that for Lok Sabha. Step 5: So the correct answer is 25 years.

The Speaker

Step 1: Every legislative body needs a presiding officer who maintains order and conducts its business. Step 2: In the Lok Sabha, this person is called the Speaker. Step 3: The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves. Step 4: The Speaker maintains discipline, decides the agenda, and conducts the proceedings. Step 5: The Vice President presides over the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha. The President and Prime Minister do not preside over Lok Sabha sessions.

5 years

Step 1: The Lok Sabha is elected by the people during general elections. Step 2: Once elected, the Lok Sabha serves for a fixed term of 5 years. Step 3: After 5 years, fresh elections must be held. Step 4: However, it can be dissolved before 5 years if no party has a majority, or its term can be extended during a national Emergency. Step 5: 6 years is the term of Rajya Sabha members, not the Lok Sabha. So the correct answer is 5 years.

The Vice President of India

Step 1: The Rajya Sabha, like the Lok Sabha, needs a presiding officer to run its sessions. Step 2: The presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha is called the Chairman. Step 3: The Vice President of India automatically becomes the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha — this is what 'ex-officio' means (by virtue of holding another office). Step 4: So whoever becomes the Vice President of India also becomes the Chairman of Rajya Sabha automatically. Step 5: The President presides over the entire nation, and the Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha — not the Rajya Sabha.