TL;DR Parliament is the supreme law-making body of India. It has two Houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Parliament makes laws, approves the budget, and holds the government accountable. As citizens, we elect the Lok Sabha; our representatives speak and vote on our behalf.
What Parliament does
Parliament makes laws that apply to the whole country. It discusses and passes the Union Budget. It can question the government (e.g. through questions, debates, and committees). It can remove the government if it loses the confidence of the Lok Sabha.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Lok Sabha — Members are directly elected by citizens. Maximum strength 552; term 5 years (unless dissolved earlier). Most money bills and the final say on many matters rest with the Lok Sabha.
Rajya Sabha — Members are elected by State legislatures. It is a permanent body; one-third of members retire every two years. It represents the States and can suggest changes to bills.
What you can do
- Vote in Lok Sabha elections. Your MP represents you in Parliament.
- You can write to your MP or use petitions to ask them to raise issues (e.g. in questions or debates).
- Follow Parliament proceedings (e.g. on Sansad TV or official websites) to see how laws and policies are discussed.
Related: Executive: How Government Functions · Judiciary: How Courts Protect Rights · Federal Structure: Centre and States · Introduction: Constitution for Citizens