The parliamentary system stands as a cornerstone of India’s democratic framework, embodying the principles of representation, accountability, and governance. Rooted in the British parliamentary tradition, India’s parliamentary system has evolved over decades to reflect the nation’s unique socio-political landscape.
The parliamentary system of government is characterized by the executive branch, led by the Prime Minister, being supported by a majority in the legislature. This system entails the concept of the executive deriving its authority from the legislature, emphasizing collective responsibility and regular parliamentary sessions. While the system has its merits, such as promoting stability and accountability, it also has its demerits, including the potential for dominance by the executive and limited checks and balances.
The distinction between the parliamentary systems of Britain and India lies in their historical evolution and specific institutional arrangements. While both systems share common features, such as the fusion of executive and legislative powers, India’s parliamentary system has adapted to suit its unique socio-political context, incorporating elements of federalism and diversity.
Constitutional Provision
The structure of the parliamentary system for the central government is detailed in Articles 74 and 75 of the Constitution. Similarly, provisions for the parliamentary system at the state level are laid out in Articles 163 and 164.
In the parliamentary system, executives are members of the legislature as they are lawmakers, distinguishing it from the Presidential system. Executives can remain in power as long as they maintain the support of the lower house of the legislature, allowing them to exercise their authority and retain their positions.
Merits of Parliamentary System
- In the parliamentary system, there are two executives: the real executive and the nominal executive. The real executive is the Prime Minister, who serves as the head of government, while the nominal executive is the head of state, such as the president or monarch.
- Governance is based on the party that holds the majority in the Lok Sabha.
- Collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha, as outlined in Article 75, is fundamental to the parliamentary system.
- A vote of no confidence can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha.
- Political homogeneity is ensured, with shared party affiliations and ideologies among ministers.
- Ministers hold dual membership in both the legislative and executive branches.
- Ministers risk losing their positions if they are absent from Parliament for six consecutive months.
- The tenure of the government depends on its majority in the lower chamber. If a motion of no confidence fails, the council of ministers must resign, leading to the formation of a new government after elections.
- The Prime Minister is central to the parliamentary system and is typically chosen from the party with a majority in the lower chamber.
- Close cooperation exists between the legislature and the executive, with the Parliament serving as the legislative body and the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers forming the executive. The executive branch appears to derive its authority from the legislature, as the members of parliament elect the Prime Minister and the ministries.
Demerits of Parliamentary System
- The government is effectively led by the Prime Minister, resembling a cabinet-level dictatorship.
- Ministers may lack expertise in their assigned portfolios.
- The Prime Minister’s options for selecting ministers may be limited.
- Civil officials hold significant power and advise ministers without being accountable to the legislature.
- Non-constitutional pressures can influence parliamentary governments.
- Policy consistency may be lacking, as changes in government often lead to shifts in policy.
- The absence of a true separation of powers makes it challenging for the legislature to consistently hold the executive accountable, especially if the government holds a significant majority.
- Anti-defection laws restrict lawmakers’ ability to vote according to their beliefs, forcing them to adhere to party lines.
- Instability can arise if there is no clear election winner, as governments rely on maintaining a parliamentary majority. Coalition governments, in particular, tend to be unstable.
- Lawmakers may prioritize advancing to the executive branch over legislative work, leading to a lack of qualified legislators.
- The Council of Ministers may delay making significant, long-term policy decisions due to its uncertain tenure.
Why India adopted Parliamentary system?
The constitutional framers opted for the parliamentary model, influenced by India’s socio-political context and colonial political legacy. The factors contributing to this decision include:
- Prior Experience: India had prior exposure to the parliamentary system through the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935, fostering awareness and understanding among the populace.
- Effective Representation: These acts demonstrated the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight, showing that elected representatives could effectively control the executive.
- Accountability: The framers intended for the government to be accountable and responsive to the people’s needs, a principle inherent in the parliamentary system.
- Presidential System Concerns: Concerns about the concentration of power in a president, independent of the legislature, deterred the adoption of a presidential system.
- Personality Cult: The potential for a personality cult surrounding the president was seen as a weakness of the presidential system.
- Checks and Balances: To avoid such risks, the constitution established a strong executive branch with robust checks and balances.
- Accountability Mechanisms: Various mechanisms within the parliamentary system enhance executive accountability to elected representatives, aligning with the constitutional goals.
These considerations led to the adoption of the parliamentary system in the Indian constitution.
Difference between Parliamentary and Presidential Form of Government
Also read about Fundamental Rights and DPSP.