"The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.
The assertion that the growth of the cabinet system has practically marginalized parliamentary supremacy highlights a critical shift in modern democratic governance, particularly in parliamentary systems like India. Theoretically, Parliament remains supreme, embodying the collective will of the people and acting as the primary legislative body. However, the cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, has emerged as the executive core, wielding significant power and influence, leading to a practical dilution of Parliament's direct control.
This marginalization occurs because the cabinet, especially under a strong Prime Minister, often controls the legislative agenda, effectively determining what laws are introduced and passed. Party discipline ensures that ruling party members in Parliament largely vote according to the cabinet's directives, transforming Parliament, at times, into a body that ratifies cabinet decisions rather than independently scrutinizes them. Furthermore, the increasing complexity of governance has led to a rise in delegated legislation, where Parliament grants significant law-making powers to the executive, further concentrating authority within the cabinet. While Parliament retains its oversight functions through questions, debates, and committees, the sheer dominance of the executive often curtails its ability to significantly alter policy or hold the government truly accountable beyond formal procedures. Thus, the cabinet, as the functional epicentre of power, often steers the nation's course with parliamentary assent becoming more a formality than an active check.
Answered By:
Sakshi Negi
Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.
Similar Questions
Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation one election" principle.
Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?
"The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.
Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.
Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.
Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?
The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.
The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance.' Explain this statement with examples.
Critically analyse India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.
What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act?
Important Questions from GS2
Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation one election" principle.
Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?
"The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.
Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.
Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.
