UPSC Prelims 2015·GS1·polity-and-governance·government structure

There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. ALok Sabha is elected directly by the people
  2. BParliament can amend the Constitution
  3. CRajya Sabha cannot be dissolved
  4. DCouncil of Ministers is responsible to the Lok SabhaCorrect

Explanation

The defining characteristic and fundamental reason for India having a Parliamentary System of Government is the principle of 'collective responsibility'. This means that the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament). If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion against the Council of Ministers, the entire council must resign. Option A (Lok Sabha elected directly by the people) is a feature of a democratic system, but not the defining characteristic of a *parliamentary* system, as presidential systems can also have directly elected legislatures. Option B (Parliament can amend the Constitution) is a feature of a sovereign parliament, common to many systems. Option C (Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved) is a feature of the bicameral legislature, specific to India, but not the core reason for its parliamentary nature.
polity-and-governance: There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the
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