The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of ______ members.
A. 550
B. 400
C. 100
D. 250

Hint: Rajya Sabha is a permanent house. A member of the Rajya Sabha is elected for six years. As one-third of its members retire after every two years, new members join the House every two years.

Complete Answer: The legislative powers of the Union have been vested in the Parliament. The Parliament comprises the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha according to the Constitution has been put at 250 members. The President, out of 250 members nominates 12 members. These members shall consist of persons having practical experience in literature, art, science and social service. The remaining 238 members represent the Union Territories and the States. The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote elects the representatives of the States. The method of election is, accordingly, indirect. The members of the Union Territories are chosen in such a manner as the Parliament may by law decide. Representation of the States is on the basis of population. At present, the Rajya Sabha has 245 members. Out of 245 members, 229 members represent the 29 States and 4 members represent two Union Territories and the remaining 12 members have been nominated by the President.

Thus, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Similar to the Vice President of the U.S.A, the Indian Vice-President is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Upper House. It also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its own members and he presides in the absence of the Chairman or during the period when the Vice-President is discharging the function of the President.