The Indian Parliamentary System is a system of government in which the executive branch is drawn from the legislative branch. The prime minister is the head of government, and the president is the head of state. The prime minister is appointed by the president, but must have the support of the majority of the members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. The president is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament and the legislative assemblies of the states.
The Indian Parliamentary System is based on the Westminster system, which is used in many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The system is characterized by a strong executive branch and a weak legislature. The prime minister and the cabinet have a great deal of power, and the Parliament is largely responsible for approving legislation and overseeing the government.
The Indian Parliamentary System has been in place since the country’s independence in 1947. The system has been successful in providing India with a stable and democratic government. However, the system has also been criticized for being too centralized and for giving too much power to the executive branch.
Features of the Indian Parliamentary System
The Indian Parliamentary System has the following features:
- A bicameral legislature: The Indian Parliament is made up of two houses, the Lok Sabha (the lower house) and the Rajya Sabha (the upper house).
- A strong executive branch: The prime minister is the head of government, and the cabinet is responsible for carrying out the policies of the government.
- A weak legislature: The Parliament is largely responsible for approving legislation and overseeing the government.
- A president who is the head of state: The president is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both houses of Parliament and the legislative assemblies of the states.
Advantages of the Indian Parliamentary System
The Indian Parliamentary System has the following advantages:
- It provides a stable and democratic government.
- It is a flexible system that can be adapted to changing circumstances.
- It is a relatively efficient system of government.
- It is a system that is accountable to the people.
Disadvantages of the Indian Parliamentary System
The Indian Parliamentary System has the following disadvantages:
- It is a centralized system of government.
- It gives too much power to the executive branch.
- It is not always responsive to the needs of the people.
- It is a system that is susceptible to corruption.
Conclusion
The Indian Parliamentary System is a system of government that has both advantages and disadvantages. It is a system that has been successful in providing India with a stable and democratic government. However, the system has also been criticized for being too centralized and for giving too much power to the executive branch.