Functions of the Parliament of India:

(a) Legislative Functions: The Parliament makes laws on all subjects listed in the Union List. It can also make laws on subjects listed under the Concurrent List. In case there is any conflict or overlapping in the provisions existing in the Union and State enactment, the Union law prevails. In cases when an emergency has been declared, the Union Parliament can also make laws on subjects that fall within the State List.

(b) Financial Control: Union Parliament has exclusive powers to provide ways and means through which revenue has to be raised for public services. To that end it imposes taxes and also ensures that the money sanctioned for expenditure to various departments of the government has been spent for the authorised purposes.

(c) Constitutional Functions: The power to amend the Constitution vests with the Parliament. Constitutional amendments have to be passed by each house by a majority of total membership as well as by two-third majority of members present in voting. In some cases amendments need ratification from half of the Legislative assemblies of the States.

(d) Elective functions: Elected members of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha Constitute the Electoral College for the election of the Vice-President. Along with elected members of the State Legislatures they form the Electoral College for election to the office of the President. The Parliament can also by legislation create new States or make changes in the existing boundaries of the States.