1. Introduction to the Parliamentary System

  • Definition and Classification:
    • A parliamentary system is a type of government where the executive branch is directly accountable to the legislature, and the executive derives its legitimacy from the support of the legislative branch.
    • This contrasts with a presidential system, where the executive (president) is separate from the legislature and operates independently.
  • Comparison with Presidential Systems:
    • In a parliamentary system, the executive can be dismissed by the legislature through a vote of no confidence.
    • In a presidential system, such as that of the United States, the president has a fixed term and cannot be easily dismissed by the legislature.
  • Origins and Examples:
    • The parliamentary system originated in Britain, also called the “Westminster Model.”
    • Countries that follow the parliamentary system include India, the UK, Canada, and Japan.

2. Features of the Parliamentary System

  • Nominal and Real Executives:
    • The President of India is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government with real executive power.
  • Majority Party Rule:
    • The party that secures the majority in the Lok Sabha forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister. In case no single party wins a majority, a coalition government may be formed.
  • Collective Responsibility:
    • The council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, meaning that they stand or fall together as a team. A vote of no confidence can force the entire council to resign.
  • Political Homogeneity:
    • Usually, all ministers belong to the same political party or a coalition. This ensures a shared political ideology and policy direction.
  • Double Membership:
    • Ministers are members of both the executive and the legislature, ensuring that legislative and executive functions are closely aligned.
  • Leadership of the Prime Minister:
    • The Prime Minister is the head of the executive, leader of the majority party, and plays a central role in both policy-making and administration.
  • Dissolution of the Lower House:
    • The Prime Minister can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha to the President, triggering new elections.
  • Secrecy:
    • Ministers are sworn to secrecy regarding government decisions and actions, ensuring sensitive matters remain confidential.

3. Merits of the Parliamentary System

  • Harmony between Legislature and Executive:
    • Since the executive is part of the legislature, there is less chance of conflict, ensuring smoother functioning.
  • Responsible Government:
    • Ministers are accountable to the Parliament for their actions and decisions. This ensures transparency and accountability.
  • Prevention of Despotism:
    • Power is not concentrated in one person but shared among the council of ministers, which prevents autocratic rule.
  • Ready Alternative Government:
    • If the ruling party loses its majority, the opposition may be invited to form the government without needing fresh elections.
  • Wide Representation:
    • The executive branch can include ministers from different regions and communities, ensuring diverse representation.

4. Demerits of the Parliamentary System

  • Unstable Government:
    • Coalition governments or internal party disputes can lead to political instability, with governments often collapsing before completing their terms.
  • Lack of Continuity in Policies:
    • Frequent changes in government can result in inconsistent policies, making long-term planning difficult.
  • Risk of Cabinet Dictatorship:
    • If the ruling party holds a large majority, the cabinet can dominate the legislature, undermining democratic checks and balances.
  • Absence of Separation of Powers:
    • The executive and legislative branches are closely linked, which can blur the separation of powers and limit the legislature’s ability to check the executive.
  • Government by Amateurs:
    • Ministers may not always be experts in their fields, which can lead to inefficiency in governance.

5. Reasons for Adopting the Parliamentary System in India

  • Familiarity with the System:
    • India had experience with parliamentary governance during British rule, making it a familiar and practical choice post-independence.
  • Preference for Responsibility:
    • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar argued that the parliamentary system offers more accountability, which was deemed more important than the stability of a presidential system.
  • Avoiding Legislative-Executive Conflicts:
    • The framers of the Indian Constitution wanted to avoid the conflict seen in presidential systems, such as that in the U.S.
  • Accommodating the Diversity of Indian Society:
    • The parliamentary system provides space for diverse representation, crucial in a heterogeneous country like India.

6. Comparison between Indian and British Parliamentary Systems

  • Republican vs Monarchical:
    • India is a republic with an elected President, while Britain remains a monarchy with a hereditary King or Queen as the head of state.
  • Sovereignty of Parliament:
    • In Britain, Parliament is supreme. In India, Parliament’s powers are limited by the Constitution, judicial review, and federalism.
  • Prime Minister’s Membership:
    • In Britain, the Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Commons. In India, the Prime Minister can be from either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
  • Appointment of Ministers:
    • In Britain, only members of Parliament can be appointed as ministers. In India, non-MPs can also be appointed, but they must secure a seat within six months.
  • Legal Responsibility of Ministers:
    • In Britain, ministers bear legal responsibility for their decisions. This is not the case in India.
  • Shadow Cabinet:
    • Britain has a “shadow cabinet” formed by the opposition to prepare for future governance. India has no such formal system.