2.1 Parliamentary System in India: Merits, Demerits & Reasons for Adoption

 


SIMPLY SMART

Introduction

India follows the Parliamentary System of Government, inspired by the British Westminster Model.
According to D.D. Basu, this system ensures responsible government, executive accountability, and constant legislative control.
The Parliamentary System is defined in the Constitution under Articles 74–75 (Union) and 163–164 (States).

What is the Parliamentary System?

A system where:

  • The Executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is part of the Legislature

  • Government is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha

  • The President is the nominal head

  • The Prime Minister is the real executive head

  • Policies are made through discussion and coordinated decision-making

This structure creates a government based on accountability, debate, and representation.

1. Merits of the Parliamentary System

1.1 Ensures Responsible Government

The Council of Ministers is directly accountable to the Lok Sabha.
If it loses majority, the government must resign.
This ensures transparency and control through:

  • Question Hour

  • No-confidence motions

  • Parliamentary debates

Keyword: Responsible Government in India

1.2 Prevents Dictatorship

Power is distributed among the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and Parliament.
No single person can dominate the government.
This prevents authoritarian rule.

Keyword: Checks and Balances in Parliamentary System

1.3 Flexible and Adaptable Government

The Prime Minister can change ministers without collapsing the government.
Policies can be modified quickly based on changing needs.
This flexibility helps during crises.

Keyword: Flexible Government

1.4 Better Coordination Between Executive and Legislature

Since ministers are part of Parliament, policy-making becomes smooth.
Discussions, debates, and committees improve the quality of laws.

Keyword: Executive–Legislative Relationship

1.5 Representation and Diversity

The Cabinet represents different regions, castes, religions, and social groups.
This strengthens democracy and national unity.

Keyword: Inclusive Governance

1.6 Collective Leadership

Decisions are taken jointly by the Cabinet, reducing one-person dominance.

Keyword: Collective Responsibility

2. Demerits of the Parliamentary System

2.1 Political Instability

Governments may fall due to loss of majority or coalition issues.
India has witnessed frequent state-level collapses.

Keyword: Coalition Instability

2.2 Weak Separation of Powers

Executive controls the Legislature through party majority.
This reduces independent legislative functioning.

Keyword: Lack of Separation of Powers

2.3 Possibility of Executive Dominance

A strong Prime Minister may dominate Cabinet and Parliament.
Example: Excessive centralisation during the 1975 Emergency.

Keyword: Prime Ministerial Government

2.4 Delayed Decision-Making

Too much discussion, committee review, and debate slow down decisions.

Keyword: Slow Policy-making

2.5 Coalition Pressure

Coalitions force governments to compromise on important issues.

Keyword: Coalition Politics Challenges


3. Reasons for Adopting the Parliamentary System in India

3.1 Historical Background and British Influence

India was familiar with British-style governance due to colonial rule.
The Constituent Assembly found this system suitable and understandable.

Keyword: British Westminster Influence

3.2 India's Diversity Needed Collective Leadership

India’s vast linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity required a government that was:

  • Representative

  • Cooperative

  • Consultative

A single-person executive (Presidential form) was risky for such diversity.

Keyword: Diverse Society Administration

3.3 Ensures Executive Accountability

India opted for a system where the executive remains answerable everyday, not just during elections.
Parliamentary oversight ensures transparency.

Keyword: Executive Accountability in India

3.4 Avoids Concentration of Power

The Constitution-makers feared dictatorship in a newly independent nation.
The Parliamentary System distributes power among:

  • Prime Minister

  • Cabinet

  • Parliament

  • Judiciary

  • President

Keyword: Decentralization of Power

3.5 Flexibility and Stability Together

The system allows:

  • Removal of PM without dissolving Parliament

  • Cabinet reshuffles

  • Smooth transition of power

This flexibility attracted Constitution-makers.

Keyword: Flexible Constitutional System

3.6 Supported by Constituent Assembly Debates

Members like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, K.M. Munshi, and Jawaharlal Nehru supported a responsible and discussion-based government.
The Parliamentary System matched India’s democratic vision.

Keyword: Constituent Assembly Views on Parliamentary System

Conclusion

India adopted the Parliamentary System because it ensures:

  • Responsible and accountable government

  • Representation of diverse groups

  • Democratic decision-making

  • Stable yet flexible administration

Though it has challenges like instability and slow decision-making, it remains the system best suited to India’s history, diversity, and constitutional philosophy.

This structure continues to support India's democratic growth through debate, accountability, and collective governance.



For Full Chapter  --->  22IMC7Z2 CONSTITUTION OF INDIA Unit-wise



— End of Article | Aivette-COI (Constitution of India by Aivette)

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