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Ordinary Bill, Money Bill and Speaker ICSE Class 10

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History & CivicsICSE Class 10 · The Union Legislature

Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (ICSE Class 10 Civics)

Updated 17 October 2026 · Fact-checked

An Ordinary Bill may start in either House, passes three readings in each, and becomes law with the President's assent; a deadlock goes to a joint sitting chaired by the Speaker. A Money Bill starts only in the Lok Sabha, with the President's recommendation; the Rajya Sabha has 14 days to return it, and there is no joint sitting. The Speaker, elected by the Lok Sabha, presides, certifies Money Bills and has a casting vote.

Understand Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills; The Speaker

1. Ordinary Bill: stages.
1. *Introduction (first reading):* in either House, by a minister (government bill) or a private member. The title is read; no debate.
2. *Second reading:* general discussion of the principle, then the committee stage, then clause-by-clause consideration with amendments.
3. *Third reading:* a vote on the bill as a whole.
4. The bill goes to the other House, which follows the same stages and may pass, amend or reject it.
5. *Deadlock:* if the Houses disagree, or the other House takes no action for six months, the President may call a *joint sitting*. The Speaker presides and a simple majority of members present and voting decides.
6. *Assent:* the President signs and the bill becomes an Act. The President may return an Ordinary Bill once; if Parliament passes it again, assent must follow.

2. Money Bill. It deals only with taxation, borrowing or payment from the Consolidated Fund of India.

  • Introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and only on the President's recommendation.
  • The Speaker certifies that it is a Money Bill and that decision is final.
  • After passing the Lok Sabha it goes to the Rajya Sabha, which must return it within 14 days with or without recommendations. The Lok Sabha may accept or reject them.
  • If the Rajya Sabha keeps it beyond 14 days it is treated as passed by both Houses.
  • No joint sitting, and the President does not send it back for reconsideration.

3. The two bills compared.

  • *Where introduced:* Ordinary Bill in either House; Money Bill in the Lok Sabha only.
  • *Rajya Sabha power:* it can reject or hold an Ordinary Bill for months; for a Money Bill it has 14 days and is only advisory.
  • *Deadlock:* Ordinary Bill goes to a joint sitting; Money Bill has none.
  • *President:* may return an Ordinary Bill once; cannot return a Money Bill.

4. The Speaker.

  • *Election:* by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves, soon after a new House meets. The Speaker stays in office till just before the next Lok Sabha meets.
  • *Removal:* by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members, on at least 14 days' notice. During the debate the Speaker does not preside but may speak and vote in the first instance. The Speaker can also resign to the Deputy Speaker.
  • *Functions:* presides and conducts business; maintains order and may suspend members or adjourn in grave disorder; adjourns the House if there is no quorum; decides if a bill is a Money Bill; has a casting vote in a tie; presides over joint sittings; decides defection disqualification; admits questions and motions; interprets the rules; protects members' privileges.

Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills; The Speaker: key facts

Stages of an Ordinary Bill
  • First reading
  • Second reading
  • Third reading
  • Other House
  • Presidential assent
Three readings in each House.
Money Bill rules
  • Lok Sabha only
  • President's recommendation
  • Rajya Sabha 14 days
  • No joint sitting
Four rules.
Deadlock on Ordinary Bill
  • Disagreement or six months of delay
  • Joint sitting
  • Speaker presides
  • Simple majority
Joint sitting.
Speaker
  • Elected by Lok Sabha
  • Removed by majority of all then members
  • 14 days notice
  • Casting vote
Four anchors.

How to answer Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills; The Speaker questions

Expect: stages of an Ordinary Bill (4-6 marks), Money Bill procedure (3-4 marks), a difference between the two (4 marks), or Speaker's election, removal and functions (6 marks).

  1. 1Number the stages of the bill in order.
  2. 2Mention the other House, deadlock and assent.
  3. 3For a Money Bill add certification, 14 days and no joint sitting.
  4. 4For the Speaker, use three headings: election, removal, functions.

Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills; The Speaker in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Two-tier approval

Suppose a school fete plan must be approved by the students' council and then by the staff committee, but the budget part is decided by the students' council alone.

Which part resembles a Money Bill and why?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. The budget is controlled by the elected body.
  2. The second body can only suggest changes.
  3. The elected body decides whether to accept them.

Answer: The budget resembles a Money Bill because the House closer to the people decides, while the other body can only recommend.

Memory hook: Purse with the people.

Casting vote

Imagine a debating panel in which a vote is tied 20-20 and the chairperson, who has not voted so far, breaks the tie.

Whose power does this resemble?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. The chair votes only in a tie.
  2. The tie is broken.
  3. This is the Speaker's casting vote.

Answer: It resembles the Speaker's casting vote, used only in a tie.

Memory hook: Chair votes on a tie.

Tricks to remember Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills; The Speaker

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

  • 3-3-1

    Three readings, three steps in each House, one assent.

    Use it when: Ordinary Bill.

  • M-L-14

    Money Bill: Lok Sabha first, 14 days for the Rajya Sabha.

    Use it when: Money Bill procedure.

  • E-R-F

    Speaker: Election, Removal, Functions.

    Use it when: Headings for the Speaker.

Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills; The Speaker: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Money Bill · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level

What is a Money Bill? In which House can it be introduced? [2]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Bill on taxation, borrowing or Consolidated Fund (1 mark).
  2. Lok Sabha only (1 mark).

Answer: A Money Bill deals with taxes, borrowing or payment from the Consolidated Fund of India. It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, on the recommendation of the President.

Example 2: Speaker's casting vote · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level

When does the Speaker vote? What is the casting vote? [2]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Does not vote in the first instance (1 mark).
  2. Votes to break a tie (1 mark).

Answer: The Speaker does not vote in the first instance. In a tie he casts a deciding (casting) vote.

Example 3: Ordinary Bill · 6 marks · Long answerHarder board level

Describe how an Ordinary Bill becomes an Act. [6]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Introduction and readings (3 marks).
  2. Other House (1 mark).
  3. Deadlock and joint sitting (1 mark).
  4. Assent (1 mark).

Answer: An Ordinary Bill may be introduced in either House. It has a first reading (introduction), a second reading (discussion, committee stage and clause-by-clause consideration) and a third reading (vote). It then goes to the other House, which follows the same stages. If the Houses disagree or one holds the bill for six months, the President may summon a joint sitting presided over by the Speaker, where a simple majority decides. After passage the President gives assent, and the bill becomes an Act.

Example 4: Money against Ordinary · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

Distinguish between an Ordinary Bill and a Money Bill under four points. [4]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Introduction (1 mark).
  2. Rajya Sabha power (1 mark).
  3. Joint sitting (1 mark).
  4. Return by President (1 mark).

Answer: An Ordinary Bill can start in either House, whereas a Money Bill starts only in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha can reject or delay an Ordinary Bill but must return a Money Bill within 14 days and can only recommend changes. A deadlock on an Ordinary Bill goes to a joint sitting, but none is held for a Money Bill. The President may return an Ordinary Bill once for reconsideration, but not a Money Bill.

Example 5: Case: a doubtful bill · 6 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency

Case. A bill proposing a new tax is passed by the Lok Sabha. Members of the Rajya Sabha say it is an ordinary bill and refuse to hold the money rules. (i) Who decides if it is a Money Bill? [1] (ii) Within how many days must the Rajya Sabha return it? [1] (iii) What happens if it does not? [2] (iv) Why can the Rajya Sabha not block it? [2]

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. (i) The Speaker (1 mark).
  2. (ii) 14 days (1 mark).
  3. (iii) Deemed passed by both Houses (2 marks).
  4. (iv) Money control rests with the directly elected House (2 marks).

Answer: (i) The Speaker, whose decision is final. (ii) Within 14 days. (iii) It is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form passed by the Lok Sabha. (iv) The power over taxes and spending belongs to the House directly elected by the people and to which the ministry is responsible, so the Rajya Sabha has only an advisory role.

Where students lose marks in Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills; The Speaker

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

  • Mistake: Allowing a joint sitting on a Money Bill

    Treating every bill alike.

    Wrong working

    A deadlock on a Money Bill goes to a joint sitting.

    Right working

    There is no joint sitting for a Money Bill.

    Do this: Money Bill: 14 days, no joint sitting.

    Usually costs: 2 marks.

  • Mistake: Wrong person certifies

    Giving the power to the President or Finance Minister.

    Wrong working

    The President decides whether a bill is a Money Bill.

    Right working

    The Speaker decides and his decision is final.

    Do this: Speaker certifies.

    Usually costs: 1 mark.

  • Mistake: Skipping the readings

    Writing only that the bill is passed and signed.

    Wrong working

    The bill is passed and signed.

    Right working

    First, second and third readings in each House, then assent.

    Do this: List readings.

    Usually costs: 2-3 marks.

  • Mistake: Wrong removal majority

    Confusing majority of those present with the whole House.

    Wrong working

    By a majority of members present and voting.

    Right working

    By a majority of all the then members of the House, with 14 days' notice.

    Do this: Write all the then members.

    Usually costs: 1 mark.

Exam tips

  • Number the stages of an Ordinary Bill and bring in the other House and the joint sitting.
  • For a Money Bill always include 14 days and the Speaker's certification.
  • For the Speaker write three headings: election, removal, functions.

Practice questions on Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills; The Speaker

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

  1. Q1 · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level

    How is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha elected? [2]

    Hint

    By whom, from whom.

    Answer

    The Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha from among themselves soon after the first meeting of a new House.

  2. Q2 · 3 marks · Short answerBoard level

    In what ways can the Speaker be removed? State the procedure. [3]

    Hint

    Majority and notice.

    Answer

    The Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha after at least 14 days' notice, or he may resign in writing to the Deputy Speaker. While the resolution is considered he does not preside.

  3. Q3 · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

    Explain the role of the Speaker in connection with a Money Bill and a joint sitting. [4]

    Hint

    Certify and preside.

    Answer

    The Speaker decides whether a bill is a Money Bill, and his decision is final. For a joint sitting called to settle a deadlock on an Ordinary Bill, the Speaker presides over the combined meeting of both Houses.

  4. Q4 · 5 marks · Short answerHarder board level

    Discuss any five functions of the Speaker. [5]

    Hint

    Keep to five clear points.

    Answer

    The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha and conducts its business; maintains order and may suspend or adjourn the House in case of grave disorder; adjourns it when there is no quorum; decides whether a bill is a Money Bill; and uses the casting vote in case of a tie. He also presides over joint sittings and decides cases of disqualification for defection.

  5. Q5 · 4 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency

    A bill passed by Parliament is returned by the President for reconsideration. Parliament passes it again unchanged. Is the President bound to sign? Explain why this shows the position of the President in a parliamentary system. [4]

    Hint

    Return once.

    Answer

    Yes. The President may return an Ordinary Bill only once, and if Parliament passes it again the President must give assent. This shows that the President is a constitutional head who cannot defeat the will of Parliament.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

  1. 1.Who presides over a joint sitting?Show answer

    The Speaker.

  2. 2.How many readings does a bill have?Show answer

    Three.

  3. 3.After how many days is a Money Bill treated as passed if the Rajya Sabha says nothing?Show answer

    After 14 days.

  4. 4.Who certifies a Money Bill?Show answer

    The Speaker.

  5. 5.Who can introduce a private member's bill?Show answer

    Any member who is not a minister.

  6. 6.What notice is needed to remove the Speaker?Show answer

    At least 14 days.

Passing of Ordinary and Money Bills; The Speaker: frequently asked questions

Why does the Rajya Sabha have only an advisory role in money matters?

Because taxes and spending are controlled by the directly elected Lok Sabha, to which the ministry is responsible; the Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes, which the Lok Sabha may reject.

Does the Speaker vote?

Only to break a tie.

Does a bill become law after both Houses pass it?

Only after the President gives assent.

What is a joint sitting?

A combined meeting of both Houses to settle a deadlock on an Ordinary Bill.