Parliamentary System of Government: Features, Merits and British Model

Introduction

• The Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government (the executive is responsible to the legislature for its policies and acts), both at the Centre and in the states. [UPSC 2017]
• It is also known as the Cabinet government/ Responsible government/ Westminster model of government and is prevalent in Britain, Japan, Canada, and India, among others.
• Articles for Parliamentary system:
  • Center: Article: 74 & 75.
  • States: Article: 163 & 164.
• SR Bommai Case (1994): The Supreme Court laid down that the Constitution is federal and characterized federalism as its basic feature.

Features of Parliamentary and Presidential System of Government

Merits & Demerits of Presidential Government

Merits & Demerits of the Parliamentary System

Reasons for Adopting the Parliamentary System:

• Familiarity with the system due to British Rule.
• Preference for more responsibility, unlike in the Presidential system.
• Need to avoid Legislative-Executive Conflict like in the USA, where there is a complete separation of powers.
• Nature of Indian society, i.e., heterogeneous sections, linguistic, religious, and ethnic diversity.
• The Parliamentary system gives wider representation.

Distinction between Indian and British Models

Distinction Between the Parliamentary System of India and the Parliamentary System British Models. 

Conclusion

• The parliamentary system of government emphasizes cooperation and accountability between the executive and legislative branches. 
• It provides a mechanism for swift decision-making, as well as checks and balances through parliamentary oversight. 
• This system has been adopted by numerous democratic nations worldwide, contributing to stable governance and effective representation of the people’s interests.