5--Describe the composition,powers and functions of the Rajya Sabha
Answers
COMPOSITION
The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum strength of 250 members; out of these 238 are to be the representatives of the States and remaining 12 members are to be nominated by the President from amongst persons who have achieved distinctions in the fields of art, literature, science or social services.
POWERS
In the Indian federal structure, the Rajya Sabha is a representative of the States in the Union legislature (hence the name, Council of States). For this reason, the Rajya Sabha has powers that protect the rights of States against the Union.
FUNCTIONS
The Parliament participates in the election of the President and the Vice-President. The Lok Sabha also elects its own Speaker and Deputy Speaker while the Rajya Sabha elects its Deputy Chairman.