Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Parliamentary democracy, at its core, is a system of governance where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature. The concept of an ‘elected head’ as the real executive implies that the individual or body wielding executive power is chosen by and responsible to the elected representatives of the people. In India, the Constitution establishes a parliamentary form of government, modeled after the British system, where the Prime Minister, as the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha, functions as the real executive, despite the President being the constitutional head of the State. This arrangement is deeply rooted in the principles of popular sovereignty and representative governance.
The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers: The Real Executive
Article 74 and 75 of the Constitution explicitly establish the Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister at its head, as the real executive authority. The President acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 74(1)). This means that while the President formally possesses executive powers, their exercise is largely symbolic and guided by the elected government.
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President (Article 75) but conventionally, the President appoints the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the Lok Sabha. This underscores the democratic basis of the executive’s power. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75(2)). This principle of collective responsibility means that the government remains in power only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the lower house.
Constitutional Provisions Supporting the Elected Head
Several constitutional provisions reinforce the primacy of the elected head:
- Vote of No Confidence: The Lok Sabha can remove the government through a vote of no confidence, demonstrating parliamentary control over the executive.
- Question Hour & Parliamentary Committees: Mechanisms like Question Hour, parliamentary committees (e.g., Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee) hold the executive accountable for its actions and policies.
- Financial Control: The Parliament’s control over the budget ensures that the executive cannot spend public funds without legislative approval.
- Impeachment: While rarely invoked, the impeachment process for the President (Article 61) highlights the ultimate accountability of even the constitutional head.
The President’s Role: A Constitutional Head
While the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers constitute the real executive, the President’s role is not merely ceremonial. The President has certain discretionary powers, particularly in situations of hung parliament or when no party secures a clear majority. However, even in these cases, the President is expected to act in accordance with constitutional conventions and principles of parliamentary democracy.
Historical Examples & Case Studies
The 1996-97 period, with multiple short-lived governments, demonstrates the Lok Sabha’s power to determine the executive. Similarly, the imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356, though controversial, is ultimately subject to judicial review and parliamentary scrutiny. The S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) case established limitations on the use of Article 356, reinforcing the importance of elected governments.
| Feature | Parliamentary System (India) | Presidential System (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Executive | Prime Minister & Council of Ministers (collectively responsible to Parliament) | President (not responsible to legislature) |
| Head of State | President (ceremonial) | President (also Head of Government) |
| Accountability | Executive accountable to Parliament | Executive not directly accountable to legislature |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian parliamentary democracy firmly establishes the elected head – the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers – as the real executive. This is underpinned by constitutional provisions ensuring executive accountability to the legislature, particularly the Lok Sabha. While the President remains the constitutional head, their powers are largely exercised on the advice of the elected government, reflecting the core principle of popular sovereignty. The system, though not without its challenges, effectively balances executive authority with parliamentary oversight, ensuring a responsive and accountable government.
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.