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Parliamentary System in India: Why We Chose It & How It Works

Introduction

India is the world's largest democracy. At its heart lies the Parliamentary System of government, modeled after the British Westminster model. But why did the founding fathers choose this over the American Presidential model?

1. Features of Indian Parliamentary System

• Dual Executive: The President is the nominal head (De Jure), while the Prime Minister is the real head (De Facto).
• Majority Party Rule: The political party which secures majority seats in the Lok Sabha forms the government.
• Collective Responsibility: Article 75 states that ministers are collectively responsible to the Parliament (specifically Lok Sabha). If a No-Confidence Motion is passed, the entire government falls.
• Double Membership: Ministers are members of both the legislature and the executive.

2. Why did India adopt this system?

• Familiarity: We had been governed under British parliamentary acts (like 1919 and 1935) for decades.
• Responsible Government: Dr. Ambedkar argued that a Presidential system gives more stability but less responsibility. India needed a government that is responsible to the people on a daily basis (through Question Hour, motions).
• Preventing Dictatorship: The executive is always answerable to the parliament.
• Diverse Representation: A parliamentary system offers better scope for representation of various sections (minorities, regions) in the government.

3. Difference from British Model

Though modeled on Britain, Indian Parliament is not sovereign. The British Parliament can do anything except "make a man a woman". But in India, the Constitution is supreme, and laws can be struck down by the Supreme Court (Judicial Review).

Conclusion

The Parliamentary system has ensured that the voice of the common man reaches the corridors of power, making India a vibrant democracy.