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Parliamentary System Notes


The Parliamentary System is a system of governance where the executive is responsible to the legislature. India follows the British Westminster Model of parliamentary democracy.


Meaning of Parliamentary System

  • The President is the nominal head (constitutional head).
  • The Prime Minister is the real head (executive head).
  • The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
  • The government remains in power as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Parliament.

Key Features:
  • Fusion of powers between executive and legislature.
  • Collective responsibility of ministers.
  • Leadership of the Prime Minister.
  • Dissolution of the Lower House possible.


Features of the Parliamentary System in India

Feature Description
Nominal & Real Executive The President is the nominal executive (head of state), while the Prime Minister is the real executive (head of government).
Majority Rule The party or coalition with a majority in the Lok Sabha forms the government.
Collective Responsibility The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75). If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the government must resign.
Bicameral Legislature India has two Houses – Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
Leadership of the Prime Minister The PM is the leader of the majority party and the head of the government.
Dissolution of Lok Sabha The Lok Sabha can be dissolved before its 5-year term ends (unlike Rajya Sabha, which is a permanent house).
Cabinet Supremacy The Cabinet controls the administration and policy-making.
Independent Judiciary The Supreme Court ensures separation of powers and judicial review.


Difference Between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems

Feature Parliamentary System (India, UK) Presidential System (USA)
Head of State President (Nominal Executive) President (Real Executive)
Head of Government Prime Minister President
Separation of Powers No strict separation (Executive is part of Legislature) Strict separation (President is independent of Legislature)
Tenure of Executive Not fixed – PM stays as long as they have Lok Sabha’s confidence Fixed tenure – President serves for a set term (4 years in the USA)
Executive Responsibility PM & Ministers are responsible to Parliament President is not responsible to the Legislature
Dissolution of Legislature Lok Sabha can be dissolved Congress cannot be dissolved before term ends

Why India Chose the Parliamentary System?
  • Ensures responsible government.
  • Prevents authoritarianism by ensuring executive accountability.
  • Suitable for India’s diverse society (encourages coalitions and representation).


Merits and Demerits of the Parliamentary System


Merits of the Parliamentary System
  • Ensures responsible government – The executive is accountable to the legislature.
  • Prevents dictatorship – Power is distributed between the legislature and executive.
  • Flexibility – The government can be changed without a full election if it loses confidence.
  • Representation of diverse groups – Coalition governments allow power-sharing among regions and communities.

Demerits of the Parliamentary System
  • Unstable government – Coalition politics often leads to instability (e.g., 1996-1998).
  • Lack of leadership continuity – Frequent changes in government can disrupt long-term policies.
  • Party politics dominates – MPs must follow the party line due to the Anti-Defection Law.
  • Executive dominance – The PM and cabinet may overpower the Parliament.
  • Example: In 1975, Indira Gandhi declared an Emergency, reducing Parliament’s power.


Features That Make India’s Parliamentary System Unique

Feature India UK
Written Constitution Yes No
Judicial Review Yes (Supreme Court can strike down unconstitutional laws) No (Parliament is supreme)
Head of State Elected President Hereditary Monarchy
Rajya Sabha Permanent Upper House House of Lords (not elected)
Anti-Defection Law Exists (to prevent political instability) No such provision

Key Takeaway: India has a more structured and regulated parliamentary system than the UK.



Constitutional Provisions Related to the Parliamentary System

Article Provision
Article 74 Council of Ministers with the PM to aid and advise the President.
Article 75 PM appointed by the President, Ministers hold office at President’s pleasure.
Article 85 Sessions of Parliament, prorogation, and dissolution.
Article 110 Definition of Money Bills (Lok Sabha’s supremacy in financial matters).
Article 111 President’s Assent to Bills (can return a bill once, but must approve it if passed again).
Article 123 Ordinance-making power of the President (when Parliament is not in session).


Criticism of India’s Parliamentary System

  • Criticism of India’s Parliamentary System
  • Executive dominance over the legislature (PMO has more power).
  • Anti-Defection Law limits MPs’ individual decision-making.
  • Slow decision-making due to multiple political approvals.
  • Example: The fall of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1999 due to loss of majority.


Key Takeaways for UPSC

  • India follows the British Parliamentary System (Westminster Model).
  • The President is the nominal head, and the PM is the real head.
  • The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
  • Unlike the UK, India has a written Constitution, judicial review, and an elected President.
  • Advantages: Accountability, representation, prevents dictatorship.
  • Disadvantages: Political instability, executive dominance, party politics.


Quick Revision Table

Feature Details
System of Government Parliamentary System
Executive Head Prime Minister
Nominal Head President
Legislative Control Council of Ministers is responsible to Lok Sabha
Judicial Review? Yes (Unlike UK)
Dissolution of Lower House? Yes (Lok Sabha can be dissolved)
Example of Instability Fall of Vajpayee government in 1999


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