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The Parliamentary System forms the backbone of India’s democratic functioning, emphasizing collective responsibility and accountability. It is modeled on the British parliamentary form but tailored to suit Indian socio-political realities. The Parliamentary System ensures that the executive remains responsible to the legislature at all times. India adopted the Parliamentary System to maintain a representative government and uphold the spirit of federalism.
Parliamentary System
The Parliamentary System is a form of governance where the executive derives its legitimacy from the legislature and is accountable to it. This system ensures a close relationship between the law-making and law-executing bodies. In India, the Parliamentary System provides for dual heads: a nominal head (President) and a real head (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers). It promotes responsible governance, enables frequent checks on the government, and supports the concept of collective decision-making.
Parliamentary System – Overview
The Parliamentary System of India functions under a constitutional framework where the executive is responsible to the legislature. It involves a fusion of powers, unlike the Presidential system which separates them. The Prime Minister, being the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha, exercises real power, while the President acts as a constitutional head.
| Parliamentary System – Overview | |
| Feature | Details |
| Type of Executive | Dual (Nominal: President, Real: Prime Minister) |
| Source of Executive | Legislature (Lok Sabha) |
| Accountability | Executive is accountable to the legislature |
| Separation of Powers | Fusion of legislative and executive functions |
| Head of State vs Head of Government | President (Head of State), Prime Minister (Head of Government) |
| Based on | British Westminster Model |
Parliamentary System – Features of the Parliamentary System
The Parliamentary System is characterized by features like collective responsibility, leadership of Prime Minister, and a bicameral legislature. These ensure smooth functioning of governance and encourage cooperation between the legislature and executive. The Parliamentary System also ensures political stability as long as the government enjoys majority support in Lok Sabha.
Parliamentary System – Features of the Parliamentary System | |
| Feature | Explanation |
| Collective Responsibility | Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha |
| Leadership of the PM | Prime Minister is the head of the government |
| Bicameral Legislature | Parliament comprises Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha |
| Nominal and Real Executive | President is ceremonial; PM and Council exercise real power |
| Political Homogeneity | Ministers usually belong to the same political party |
Parliamentary System – Advantages of the Parliamentary System
The Parliamentary System promotes accountability, responsiveness, and efficient governance. It enables the legislature to control the executive through tools like no-confidence motions, question hours, and debates. The flexibility of the Parliamentary System allows for smoother government functioning and easy leadership changes without elections.
Parliamentary System – Advantages of the Parliamentary System | |
| Advantage | Description |
| Accountability | Ministers answerable to the legislature |
| Quick Legislation | Close coordination between executive and legislative arms |
| Prevents Authoritarianism | Power is distributed among many individuals |
| Flexibility | Leadership change possible without full elections |
| Representative Governance | Ensures decisions reflect people’s will |
Parliamentary System – Disadvantages of the Parliamentary System
Despite its strengths, the Parliamentary System faces criticisms such as instability due to coalition politics, weak separation of powers, and dominance of the executive in legislature. The frequent change in leadership and risk of political deadlock can sometimes hinder governance.
Parliamentary System – Disadvantages of the Parliamentary System | |
| Disadvantage | Explanation |
| Instability | Coalition politics can lead to unstable governments |
| Executive Dominance | Ruling party may control both legislature and executive |
| Lack of Continuity | Governments may fall mid-term due to no-confidence motions |
| Delayed Reforms | Political compulsions often slow down reforms |
| Weak Separation of Powers | Fusion of legislature and executive weakens checks and balances |
Parliamentary System – Difference Between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems
The Parliamentary System differs from the Presidential system in structure, accountability, and separation of powers. While the Parliamentary System promotes collective responsibility, the Presidential system ensures fixed tenure and separation of executive powers.
Parliamentary System – Difference Between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems | ||
| Aspect | Parliamentary System | Presidential System |
| Executive | Dual (Nominal & Real) | Single Executive |
| Accountability | Accountable to Legislature | Not directly accountable to Legislature |
| Tenure | Not fixed; depends on majority in legislature | Fixed tenure for President |
| Separation of Powers | Fusion of powers | Clear separation of powers |
| Leadership Change | Without general election | Only through impeachment |
Parliamentary System – Reasons for Adopting Parliamentary System in India
India opted for the Parliamentary System due to its familiarity with the British system, ability to ensure representative government, and its flexibility to adapt to diverse socio-political realities. The Constituent Assembly believed this system would better reflect the aspirations of a diverse population.
Parliamentary System – Reasons for Adopting Parliamentary System in India | |
| Reason | Explanation |
| Familiarity | Continued the pre-Independence British system |
| Inclusiveness | Supports coalition and consensus politics |
| Accountability | Allows Legislature to question Executive regularly |
| Federal Unity | Encourages coordination between Centre and States |
| Diversity Management | Suits India’s multi-religious, multilingual, and multi-regional structure |
Parliamentary System – Criticisms and Reforms
The Parliamentary System has been criticized for encouraging horse-trading, frequent elections, and weak Prime Ministerial leadership in coalitions. Experts suggest reforms like anti-defection strengthening, electoral reforms, and clearer definitions of roles of President and Governor within the Parliamentary System.
Parliamentary System – Criticisms and Reforms | |
| Criticism | Suggested Reform |
| Coalition Instability | Electoral reforms to ensure stable governments |
| Defection | Stronger anti-defection laws |
| Misuse of Governor’s Role | Codification of discretionary powers of Governor |
| PM Dominance | Institutional strengthening of cabinet governance |
| Electoral Malpractices | State funding and transparency in political financing |
FAQs on Parliamentary System
What is the Parliamentary System in India?
The Parliamentary System in India is a democratic governance model where the executive is accountable to the legislature and derives legitimacy from it.
Which Article of the Constitution establishes the Parliamentary System?
The Parliamentary System is not mentioned by name but is established through Articles 74 and 75, which define the Council of Ministers and Prime Minister.
Who is the real executive in the Parliamentary System?
In the Parliamentary System, the real executive is the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The President is the nominal executive.
Why did India adopt the Parliamentary System?
India adopted the Parliamentary System due to its familiarity with the British model, need for inclusivity, and better reflection of diverse public will.
How is the Parliamentary System different from the Presidential System?
The Parliamentary System has a dual executive and is accountable to the legislature, while the Presidential system has a single executive with fixed tenure and separation of powers.
Can the Prime Minister be removed in the Parliamentary System?
Yes, in the Parliamentary System, the Prime Minister can be removed through a vote of no-confidence in the Lok Sabha.
What are the limitations of the Parliamentary System?
The Parliamentary System can suffer from political instability, executive dominance, coalition pressures, and frequent elections.
