Introduction:
The Parliamentary System is a
form of government where the executive (Prime Minister and Council of
Ministers) is responsible to the legislature (Parliament) and derives its
legitimacy from it. In India, this system has been adopted both at the Union
level and State level, inspired mainly by the British model.
It is provided in the Constitution of India under Articles 74 and 75 (Union)
and Articles 163 and 164 (States). This system ensures that the
government remains answerable to the people through their elected
representatives. For students preparing for SSC, UPSC, Railway, and other
competitive exams, understanding the parliamentary system is important as
it forms the backbone of Indian democracy.
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Features of Parliamentary System:
The main features are:
1. Dual Executive: India has a dual executive – Nominal Head (President, Article 52) and Real Head (Prime Minister, Article 74).
Example: The
President signs bills into law, but real power rests with the Prime Minister
and Cabinet.
2. Collective Responsibility: As per Article 75(3), the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Example:
In 1999, the Vajpayee government lost a no-confidence motion by just one vote,
and the entire cabinet had to resign.
3. Bicameral Legislature: Article 79: Parliament consists of the President, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha.
Example: Bills
must pass both Houses before becoming law.
4. Majority Rule: Government is formed by the party/coalition with a majority in Lok Sabha.
Example: In 2014,
BJP formed government with absolute majority.
5. Presence of Opposition: Opposition ensures accountability of ruling government.
Example: Question
Hour in Parliament.
6. Leader of the House: Prime Minister (Article 75) acts as the leader of Lok Sabha.
Features of Presidential System:
Although India follows the parliamentary system, comparing with the Presidential System helps in exams:
· Single Executive – President is both head of state and
head of government.
· Fixed Tenure – President is elected for a fixed
term, usually not dependent on the legislature’s confidence.
· Separation of Powers – Executive, Legislature, and
Judiciary are independent.
· Non-responsible Executive – President is not answerable to the legislature for day-to-day functioning.
Example: The USA follows this model where President is both head of state and head of government.
Indian Constitution (1773-1947): History, Acts & Timeline for UPSC, SSC, Railway Aspirants.
Merits of Parliamentary System:
1.
Harmony between Executive and Legislature – As ministers are members of the
legislature, coordination is easier.
2.
Accountability
– The government can be removed anytime through a no-confidence motion.
3.
Prevents Dictatorship –
Power is shared and constantly monitored by the legislature.
4.
Responsive Government –
Quick decisions can be made when needed.
5. Adaptability – Can handle coalition governments and changing political scenarios.
Demerits of Parliamentary System:
1.
Instability
– Coalition politics often leads to government collapse.
Example:
Multiple governments in the late 1990s due to lack of majority.
2.
Frequent Elections –
Political instability can lead to early elections.
3.
Compromised Decision-Making – Sometimes, decisions are made to
please coalition partners.
4. Possibility of No Strong Leadership – PM may be dependent on party high command.
Reasons for Accepting Parliamentary System in India:
· Historical Influence – Long experience of British
parliamentary system during colonial rule.
· Suitability for
Diversity –
Parliamentary system allows representation of multiple political parties and
regional voices.
· Accountability – Ensures the executive remains
answerable to the elected representatives.
· Flexibility – Can adapt to emergencies and changes in political alliances.
Differences
Between Indian and British Parliamentary System:
|
Aspect |
Indian Model |
British Model |
|
Head of State |
President (elected) |
King/Queen (hereditary) |
|
Written Constitution |
Yes |
No (unwritten) |
|
Federal Structure |
Federal with unitary bias |
Unitary |
|
Judicial Review |
Yes |
No (Parliamentary supremacy) |
|
Secular State |
Yes |
No official separation of church and state |
Conclusion
The Parliamentary System in India balances democracy and accountability by making the executive answerable to the legislature. While it has some drawbacks like instability, its flexibility and inclusiveness make it suitable for a diverse country like India.
FAQs on Parliamentary System in India
Q1. Which Articles in
the Indian Constitution deal with the Parliamentary System?
A: Articles 74–75 for Union and 163–164 for States.
Q2. Who is the real
executive in India?
A: The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Q3. How is the
Parliamentary System different from the Presidential System?
A: In the Parliamentary System, the executive is responsible to the
legislature; in the Presidential System, it is independent.
Q4. Why did India
adopt the Parliamentary System?
A: Due to historical familiarity with British governance and its suitability
for a diverse society.
Q5. Can the Lok Sabha
be dissolved before 5 years?
A: Yes, by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Full Article on Fundamental Rights: Notes & MCQ.
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