The 'Council of States' which is also known as Rajya Sabha, a nomenclature that was announced by the chair in the House on the 23 August, 1954 has its own distinctive features. Article 80 of the Constitution lays down the strength of Rajya Sabha.The Fourth Schedule to the Constitution provides for allocation of seats to the States and Union Territories in Rajya Sabha. The allocation of seats is made on the basis of the population of each State. A member who is elected for a full term serves for aperiod of six years. There is no provision in the Constitution for a joint sitting of both Houses as Lok Sabha clearly enjoys pre-eminence over Rajya Sabha in financial matters. Other important matters in respect of which both Houses enjoy equal powers are election and impeachment of the President,election of the Vice-President