In India, lawmaking happens at two levels: central and state. Here’s a breakdown:
Central Level:
- Parliament of India: This is the supreme legislative body, consisting of two houses: Lok Sabha (lower house) and Rajya Sabha (upper house). They have the power to make laws for the entire country on matters enumerated in the Union List (e.g., defense, foreign affairs, currency).
- President of India: Although not directly involved in drafting laws, the President plays a crucial role by assenting to bills passed by Parliament before they become law.
State Level:
- State Legislatures: Each state in India has its own unicameral Legislature (Vidhan Sabha), responsible for making laws for its respective state on matters listed in the State List (e.g., law and order, public health, local government).
- Governor of the State: Similar to the President at the central level, the Governor holds the power to assent to bills passed by the State Legislature before they become law.
Concurrent List:
There’s also a Concurrent List with subjects where both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws, but in case of any conflict, the law made by Parliament prevails.
Points to Remember:
- Local Bodies: While not directly involved in lawmaking, local bodies like Municipal Corporations also have the power to make bye-laws within their designated areas.
- Judiciary: While not directly creating laws, the Supreme Court and High Courts play a crucial role in interpreting existing laws and striking down those deemed unconstitutional.