Meaning of Parliamentary System of Government
The Parliamentary System of Government is a democratic model where the executive derives its authority from the legislature and is accountable to it. In this system, the real executive powers are exercised by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, while the President is the nominal or constitutional head of the State.
India adopted the Parliamentary System both at the Union level and at the State level, inspired by the British model of government. The aim is to ensure collective decision-making and responsible governance through parliamentary control.
Formation of Parliamentary System in India
The system is primarily based on the Constitutional provisions under Articles 74 and 75 at the Union level and Articles 163 and 164 at the State level.
According to these provisions:
There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President.
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President, but this pleasure is not absolute; it is exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Thus, the executive remains in power only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the lower house.
Features of the Parliamentary System of Government
Dual Executive: The President is the nominal head of state, while the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers constitute the real executive.
Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the entire ministry must resign.
Leadership of the Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the real leader of the government and directs the functioning of the Council of Ministers.
Political Accountability: The government is accountable to the legislature and must retain its confidence to remain in office.
Membership of Ministers: A minister must be a member of Parliament. If not, they must become a member within six months.
Dissolution of Lower House: The President can dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Prime Minister, leading to fresh elections.
Fusion of Powers: There is a close relationship between the legislature and the executive, unlike in the Presidential system where the separation is rigid.
Why India Adopted the Parliamentary System of Government
India’s Constituent Assembly chose the Parliamentary System over the Presidential one for several reasons.
It ensures responsibility and accountability of the executive to the legislature.
It is more suitable for a diverse and multi-party country like India.
It provides flexibility and stability through the principle of collective responsibility.
It prevents the concentration of power in one individual, thus safeguarding democracy.
India already had familiarity with the British system through its colonial experience.
Important Points Related to Parliamentary System of Government (Exam Focused)
The Parliamentary System in India is established under Articles 74–75 (Union) and Articles 163–164 (State).
The real executive is the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
The nominal executive is the President at the Union level and the Governor at the State level.
The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha or the State Legislative Assembly.
The President acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
A no-confidence motion can remove the entire Council of Ministers.
The Prime Minister acts as the link between the President and the Cabinet.
Ministers who are not members of Parliament must get elected within six months.
The system promotes accountability and stability but may sometimes result in instability due to coalition politics.
Conclusion
The Parliamentary System of Government forms the backbone of Indian democracy. It ensures that the government functions with the confidence of the legislature and remains answerable to the people. While it may face challenges like instability and coalition pressures, it continues to uphold the principles of accountability, representation, and collective leadership, making it one of the most suitable systems for a diverse country like India.
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