UPSC Prelims 1998·GS1·polity-and-governance·federal structure

The Indian parliamentary system is different from the British parliamentary system in that India has

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. Aboth a real and a nominal executive
  2. Ba system of collective responsibility
  3. Cbicameral legislature
  4. Dthe system of judicial reviewCorrect

Explanation

The Indian parliamentary system is based on the British model, but they differ significantly regarding the sovereignty of Parliament. In Britain, Parliament is supreme, and its laws cannot be declared unconstitutional by courts. In India, the Constitution is supreme, and the judiciary has the power of judicial review to examine the constitutionality of laws passed by Parliament. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they are features common to both India and Britain. Both countries have a nominal and real executive (Monarch/President and Prime Minister), both follow the principle of collective responsibility of the cabinet to the legislature, and both have two houses in their parliament (Bicameralism). Judicial review is a distinct feature in India influenced by the American model, making D the correct answer.
polity-and-governance: The Indian parliamentary system is different from the British parliamentary system in that India has

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.