The need for a second chamber

Context:  Importance of Rajya Sabha in the constitutional scheme of bicameralism.

Evolution of the second chamber 

• Bicameralism in India came into being under the GOI Act 1919 but was restricted to wealthy class and limited franchise.(No women can vote or seek membership).
• The GOI Act 1935 proposed improved version but was never materialized. Only after independence the Rajya Sabha came into being on April 3, 1952

Relation between Bicameralism and Federalism.

• Bicameralism: It requires the consent of two differently constituted chambers of Parliament for making or changing laws (came into operation in 1787 with the adoption of the U.S. Constitution).
• Federalism: states come together and confer the power to center, now has been evolved to modern federalism, which is entirely different which marks the constituent units of a federation or a union.
• Relation between the two: The federal character of a nation comprising constituent units can be reflected in, and secured by, a bicameral legislature.

Constituent Assembly debates on Rajya Sabha

• Arguments in opposition: Creation of imperialism (Mohd. Tahir), a clog in the wheel of progress(Prof. Shiban Lal Saxena).
• Arguments in favour: it would include element of sobriety, lending voice to constituent units in the legislative scheme, would enable the genius of the people, delay the legislation which is outcome of passion, parliament being a deliberative body needs discussion on issues of Public importance (Dr. S Radhakrishnan).

House elected directly by the people (Lok Sabha) is susceptible to passions of the moment and electoral considerations and needs to be checked by the second chamber.