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Core Demand of the Question
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The recent 43-day US government shutdown highlights how budget disputes can halt governance under a Presidential system. It underscores the importance of understanding how different democracies structure fiscal authority. Comparing the US and India reveals how institutional design shapes budget approval and administrative continuity.
| Aspect | United States (Presidential System) | India (Parliamentary System) |
| Nature of Executive–Legislature Relationship | The Executive (President) is separate from Legislature (Congress), creating independent power centres. | The Executive (PM & Cabinet) is part of Parliament, enabling coordinated decision-making. |
| Budget Approval Authority | The President proposes, but Congress must approve appropriations; neither is bound by the other. | The government proposes and, with parliamentary majority, reliably secures approval. |
| Consequence of Budget Not Passing | Leads to a government shutdown, agencies halt operations, services stop, employees go unpaid. | No shutdown possible; failure to pass Budget implies loss of confidence, forcing resignation or elections. |
| Frequency and Severity of Shutdowns | 11 shutdowns since 1976; latest lasted 43 days, longest ever. | Zero shutdowns due to fused executive–legislature structure. |
| Fiscal Year and Deadline Pressure | FY begins Oct 1, missing this deadline causes an immediate funding lapse and shutdown. | FY begins Apr 1; even delays do not interrupt functioning due to parliamentary control. |
| Political Deadlock Risk | High, because of disagreement between parties or between the President and Congress can halt governance. | Low, because majority government ensures Budget passage and prevents administrative paralysis. |
| Governance Stability During Budget Process | High Vulnerability, because shutdown disrupts the economy, welfare, and federal services. | Stable, because administration continues uninterrupted even during contentious budget debates. |
| Systemic Implication for India | Highlights fragility of Presidential systems where gridlock stops governance. | Reinforces resilience of India’s parliamentary system in ensuring continuous government functioning. |
The comparison shows that budget processes reflect deeper constitutional choices and governance priorities. While the US model risks paralysis during political gridlock, India’s system ensures uninterrupted functioning. Strong executive–legislature coordination is essential for stable and effective fiscal governance.
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Books
Prahaar (Mains Wallah)
Prahaar Summary
Mains Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Budget & Economic Survey
NCERT Wallah
Marks Booster
Udaan 500+
Udaan
Prelims Wallah (Q&A Bank)
Current Affairs
Monthly Current Wallah
Subject Wise Current Affairs
Editorial Analysis
Editorial PDFs
News of The Day
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