Governance in India Test - 2

A member of parliament in Lok Sabha (abbreviated: MP) is the representative of the Indian people in the Lok Sabha; the lower house of the Parliament of India. Members of parliament of Lok Sabha are chosen by direct elections on the basis of the adult suffrage. Parliament of India is bicameral with two houses; Rajya Sabha (upper house, i.e. Council of States) and Lok Sabha (lower house, i.e. House of the People).

The maximum permitted strength of members of parliament in the Lok Sabha is 552. This includes maximum 530 members to represent the constituencies and states, up to 20 members to represent the union territories (both chosen by direct elections) and not more than two members of the Anglo-Indian community to be nominated by the President of India. The party—or coalition of parties—having a majority in the Lok Sabha chooses the Prime Minister of India.

Lok Sabha is composed of representatives of the people chosen by direct election on the basis of the adult suffrage. The maximum strength of the House envisaged by the Constitution is 552, which is made up by election of up to 530 members to represent the states, up to 20 members to represent the Union Territories and not more than two members of the Anglo-Indian Community to be nominated by the President.

Uttar Pradesh is the the Indian state which has largest representation in Lok Sabha (80 MPs). It is followed by Maharashtra (48), West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh with 42 MPs each.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the guardian of the House and the watchman of the rights and privileges of the members of Lok Sabha. He/She is elected by all the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves by simple majority of members present and voting in the House.

The Deputy Speaker is also selected in a similar manner.