Understanding India's Parliamentary Government
India's system of government is a parliamentary form of government. This means that the executive branch (the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers) is responsible to the legislative branch (Parliament). The President is the head of state, but the Prime Minister is the head of government.
Feature Borrowed from the British Constitution
This specific structure, known as the Westminster system, was largely inspired by and borrowed from the Constitution of Britain (United Kingdom). When India was drafting its Constitution after independence, the makers looked at various existing democratic systems around the world. The British parliamentary system was chosen because:
- It was familiar to the Indian political leadership, having been established during the British rule.
- It provided a framework for responsible government, where the ruling party or coalition has the confidence of the majority in the legislature.
- It emphasized the close relationship between the executive and the legislature.
Key Aspects of the Parliamentary System
Some key features India adopted from the British model include:
- The role of the Prime Minister as the effective head of the government.
- The principle of collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Parliament.
- The position of the President (or monarch in Britain) as the ceremonial head of state.
- The supremacy of the legislature in certain aspects.
Conclusion
Therefore, the parliamentary form of government in India is a significant feature borrowed from the British Constitution.
Important Questions from Salient Features of the Constitution
- Identify the incorrect pair of Principle implied in Fundamental Rights and its related Article of the Constitution of India :
- The Concept of welfare state in Indian Constitution is included in _________.
- Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution was added by the 1st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1951?
- Which among the following Constitutions became the source for the feature of "Federation with Strong Centre" in Indian Constitution?
Consider the following statements :
1. In order to form a new state in the Indian Union, the Parliament can amend the provisions of the Constitution with a Simple Majority.
2. To amend the provisions of Directive Principles of State Policy, the Parliament requires a Special Majority.
3. To amend Article 368 of the Constitution, the Parliament requires Special Majority along with the consent of half of the state legislatures.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
