Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Parliamentary democracy, derived from the British system, is a system of government where the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (Parliament). It stands in contrast to presidential systems where the executive is directly elected and independent of the legislature. India adopted parliamentary democracy post-independence, largely due to its familiarity with British rule and the perceived suitability for its diverse society. The core principle revolves around the sovereignty of Parliament and the principle of responsible governance, where the government remains in power as long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature. This system, while offering several advantages, also presents unique challenges in a complex nation like India.
Nature of Parliamentary Democracy
The nature of parliamentary democracy is characterized by several key features:
- Head of State vs. Head of Government: A clear distinction exists between the Head of State (President in India, largely ceremonial) and the Head of Government (Prime Minister, wielding executive power).
- Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament). This means the entire government can fall if it loses a vote of no-confidence.
- Political Parties: Parliamentary systems are heavily reliant on political parties to form governments and provide stability.
- Fusion of Powers: There is a fusion of powers between the executive and the legislature, unlike the strict separation of powers in a presidential system.
- Rule of Law: The system operates under the rule of law, ensuring equality before the law and protection of fundamental rights.
Functions of Parliamentary Democracy
Parliamentary democracy performs several crucial functions:
Legislative Function
Parliament is the primary law-making body. It debates, amends, and enacts legislation. The process involves the introduction of bills, their scrutiny by committees, and voting in both houses. Examples include the enactment of the Right to Education Act, 2009 and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2016.
Executive Function
The executive branch (Council of Ministers) is responsible for implementing laws and policies. It is drawn from and accountable to Parliament. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are responsible for day-to-day governance.
Financial Function
Parliament controls the nation’s finances. It approves the budget, levies taxes, and scrutinizes government expenditure. The Finance Committee plays a crucial role in this process. Article 112 of the Constitution deals with the Annual Financial Statement (Budget).
Judicial Function
While the judiciary is independent, Parliament can impeach judges and amend the Constitution. Parliament also has the power to review the functioning of the judiciary through parliamentary committees.
Control and Oversight
Parliament exercises control over the executive through mechanisms like Question Hour, debates, and committees. This ensures accountability and transparency. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) scrutinizes government spending.
Evaluation of Parliamentary Democracy
Parliamentary democracy has both strengths and weaknesses:
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Accountability: The executive is directly accountable to the legislature, promoting responsible governance. | Instability: Coalition governments can be unstable, leading to frequent elections and policy paralysis. |
| Representation: Provides better representation of diverse interests through elected representatives. | Tyranny of Majority: The majority party can potentially disregard the interests of minorities. |
| Flexibility: Easier to adapt to changing circumstances compared to rigid presidential systems. | Slow Decision-Making: The need for consensus and debate can slow down the decision-making process. |
| Reduced Risk of Authoritarianism: The separation of powers and accountability mechanisms reduce the risk of authoritarian rule. | Influence of Money and Muscle Power: Elections can be influenced by money and muscle power, undermining the democratic process. |
In India, the parliamentary system has faced challenges like the rise of regional parties, coalition politics, and instances of political instability. However, it has also demonstrated resilience and adaptability, as evidenced by the smooth transfer of power and the functioning of democratic institutions despite numerous challenges. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992) strengthening local self-governance are a testament to the system’s adaptability.
Conclusion
Parliamentary democracy, while not without its flaws, remains a viable and effective system of governance, particularly for diverse and complex nations like India. Its strengths lie in its accountability, representation, and flexibility. Addressing the weaknesses – such as political instability and the influence of money power – requires ongoing reforms, including electoral reforms, strengthening parliamentary committees, and promoting greater transparency and accountability in governance. The continued success of parliamentary democracy depends on the active participation of citizens and the commitment of political leaders to uphold democratic values.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.