Civics /Polity (Commonly Used Terms in Parliament)

Commonly Used Terms in Parliament

Re – Election :- Takes place due to rigging, booth capturing, countermanding or employing any other unfair means during elections

Bye Election :-    When seat is rendered vacant (Due to death, resignation or any other subsequent disqualification of member originally elected)

Midterm election :-    If LS or state assembly is dissolved well before the expiry of its full term then the elections are held to constitute new house

Leader of Opposition :-    Leader of largest opposition party in LS having at least 1/10th of the strength of the house

Lame Duck Session :- Refers to last session of old parliament, held after a new LS has been elected as a result of general elections. Lame ducks under it are those members who were part of old house but could not get re-elected for the new house

Filibuster :- Parliamentary device of long winded speeches, not necessarily relevant to delay a matter under consideration for voting (Not practised in India)

Snap Vote :- Refers to a vote taken unexpectedly without voters being briefed or informed about it in advance

Gerry Mandering :- Reorganisation of electoral districts by political party in power in attempt to gain advantage in upcoming elections

Hung Parliament :- After a general election, when no political party or combination of parties is in position to form a government by majority

Guillotine :- When due to lack of time, demand of grants are put to vote whether they are discussed or not in the house on last working day of allotted time

Quorum :- Minimum required number of members present to validly transacts the business of the house (1/10th of total members of the house including presiding officer)

Point of order :- A process, which when raised has effect of suspending the proceedings before the house & member who is on his legs gives away

Breach of privileges & contempt of parliament

* When any individual or authority disregards any of the privileges & immunities, either of the member or of the house, the offence is called breach of privileges.

* Any act which impedes either the house or performance of official function of the house or of any of its member, is called contempt of parliament

Delegated / Subordinate legislation

* MPs / MLAs make laws only in broad skeletal form, Executives fill up the minor details

* When legislatures outsource the law making work to the executives, then it is known as delegated / subordinate legislation

* Committee on subordinate legislation examine the rules & regulations made by the executives & submit its report to the house

* Hence parliament continues to keep its control over delegation