{"id":4394,"date":"2025-07-11T20:12:30","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T14:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=4394"},"modified":"2025-10-15T13:44:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T08:14:27","slug":"features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/","title":{"rendered":"Features of Parliamentary Form of Government, India, UK, Merit, Demerit"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<label class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/label>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/#What_is_Parliamentary_Form_of_Government\" >What is Parliamentary Form of Government?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/#Features_of_Parliamentary_Form_of_Government\" >Features of Parliamentary Form of Government<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/#Nominal_and_Real_Executives\" >Nominal and Real Executives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/#Nominal_and_Real_Executives_The_President_is_the_nominal_executive_de_jure_executive_or_titular_executive_while_the_Prime_Minister_is_the_real_executive_de_facto_executive_means_the_President_is_the_head_of_the_State_and_the_Prime_Minister_is_the_head_of_the_government_It_is_part_of_Features_of_parliamentary_form_of_government\" >Nominal and Real Executives: The President is the nominal executive (de jure executive or titular executive) while the Prime Minister is the real executive (de facto executive). means the President is the head of the State, and the Prime Minister is the head of the government. It is part of Features of parliamentary form of government<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/#Features_of_Parliamentary_form_of_government_in_India\" >Features of Parliamentary form of government in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/#Features_of_Parliamentary_Form_of_Government_in_UK\" >Features of Parliamentary Form of Government in UK<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/#Difference_Between_Indian_and_British_Parliamentary_Systems\" >Difference Between Indian and British Parliamentary Systems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/#Merits_and_Demerits_of_Parliamentary_Form_of_Government\" >Merits and Demerits of Parliamentary Form of Government\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/features-of-parliamentary-form-of-government\/#Features_of_Parliamentary_form_of_government_FAQ\" >Features of Parliamentary form of government FAQ?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><b>A democratic system of government can be divided into the parliamentary and the presidential system based on the relationship between the executive and the legislature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The Presidential system is found in the USA, whereas India opted for the Parliamentary system. In the parliamentary system borrowed from Britain, In a parliamentary system, the executive is a part of the legislature and answerable to parliament. In this system, <\/span><b>the head of state may be a monarch or a<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/news-crux-10\/presidents-rule\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b> President,<\/b><\/a><b> but both of these positions are ceremonial. The head of the government, who is generally called the Prime Minister, is the real head.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Thus, all the real executive powers are vested in the Prime Minister<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4396\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-10-184104.png?resize=300%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-10-184104.png?resize=300%2C167&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-10-184104.png?w=384&amp;ssl=1 384w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, read <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/mains-marks-booster\/adoption-of-the-parliamentary-system-in-india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reason for adopting Parliamentary form of government\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Parliamentary_Form_of_Government\"><\/span><b>What is Parliamentary Form of Government?\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Parliamentary system, there are two heads, the head of state and the head of government.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The President of India, as per the Constitution, serves as the ceremonial head of state(de jure), while the Prime Minister acts as the real executive (de facto), holding most of the power in decision-making. The parliamentary system in India is enumerated in Part V of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the Union Executive. <\/span><b>Articles 74 and 75 specifically deal with the structure and powers of the Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and the President.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Also, read <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/indian-polity-and-constitution\/powers-and-functions-of-the-indian-parliament\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Power and function of Indian parliament<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Features_of_Parliamentary_Form_of_Government\"><\/span><b>Features of Parliamentary Form of Government<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the features of Parliamentary form of Government in India;<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><b>\u00a0Features of Parliamentary form of Government\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nominal_and_Real_Executives\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nominal and Real Executives<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Political Homogeneity<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Majority Party Rule:\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Double Membership<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collective Responsibility:<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dissolution of the Lower House<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secrecy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leadership of the Prime Minister<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nominal_and_Real_Executives_The_President_is_the_nominal_executive_de_jure_executive_or_titular_executive_while_the_Prime_Minister_is_the_real_executive_de_facto_executive_means_the_President_is_the_head_of_the_State_and_the_Prime_Minister_is_the_head_of_the_government_It_is_part_of_Features_of_parliamentary_form_of_government\"><\/span><b>Nominal and Real Executives:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The President is the nominal executive (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">de jure <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">executive or titular executive) while the Prime Minister is the real executive (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">de facto <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">executive). means the President is the head of the State, and the Prime Minister is the head of the government. It is part of Features of parliamentary form of government<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Majority Party Rule: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The political party that secures a majority in the Lok Sabha forms the government, and the leader of that party is appointed as the Prime Minister by the President; other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Collective Responsibility<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The ministers are collectively responsible to the <\/span><b>Parliament. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collective responsibility means<\/span><b> each minister&#8217;s responsibilities are shared by the entire Council.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They act as a team and swim and sink together. It implies that the Lok Sabha can remove the ministry (i.e., the council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister) from office by passing a vote of no confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Political Homogeneity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Usually, the ministers belong to the same political party, and hence they share the same political ideology.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Double Membership<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The ministers are members of both the legislature and the executive. Its is part of features of parliamentary form of government<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Dissolution of the Lower House<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The President, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, can dissolve the lower house of the Parliament before the expiry of its term and hold fresh elections, which means that the executive enjoys the right to get the legislature in a parliamentary system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Secrecy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The ministers operate on the principle of secrecy of procedure and cannot disclose information about their proceedings, policies and decisions. They take the oath of secrecy administered by the President before entering their office.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Features_of_Parliamentary_form_of_government_in_India\"><\/span><b>Features of Parliamentary form of government in India<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has adopted a <\/span><b>Parliamentary system of Government borrowed from Britain. Article 74 and Article 75 deal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the parliamentary system at the centre, and <\/span><b>Articles 163 and 164 deal with the states<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0 Features of parliamentary form of government in India are given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Dual executive:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In a parliamentary system, there is a dual executive<\/span><b>, i.e., the Nominal head and the Real Head. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The head of the state holds a ceremonial position and is the nominal executive, i.e. the President.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And the head of government is the Prime Minister, who is the real executive.\u00a0 Article 75 of the Indian constitution provides for a Prime Minister to be appointed by the president. According to Article 74, the Prime Minister, headed a council of ministers, would aid and advise the President in the exercise of his functions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Double Membership:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are members of both the legislature and the executive. This means that a person can&#8217;t be a minister without being a member of the parliament. The Constitution stipulates that a minister who is not a member of the Parliament for six consecutive months ceases to be a minister.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Executive is a Part of Legislature:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Executive forms a part of the legislature and is a feature of the Parliamentary form of government. In India, the person should be a member of parliament to become a member of the executive. However, a person can be appointed as a minister for a period of not more than six consecutive months if he is not a member of the parliament, after which the person ceases to be a minister. This is part of Features of parliamentary form of government<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Majority Party Rule<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Political Party that wins the majority of seats in the elections of the Lower House forms the government form the government. In India, the President invites the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha to form the government. The President appoints the Prime Minister, and the other ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President may invite a coalition of parties to form the government, in case no party has got clear majority.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Collective Responsibility:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a parliamentary form of government, the council of ministers is collectively responsible to the parliament.<\/span> <b>Collective responsibility means each minister&#8217;s responsibilities are shared by the entire Council.<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0The Lok Sabha has the power to dismiss the government of the day by passing a no-confidence motion in the house. The government survives so long it enjoys the support of the majority of members in the Lok Sabha. Thus, the Lok Sabha is empowered to introduce a no-confidence motion against the government. They act as a team and swim and sink together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Leadership of Prime Minister:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a parliamentary form of government<\/span><b> prime minister is the real executive<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. He is the head of the government, and a council of ministers works under him. Thus, he is the centre of gravity in the government, and he plays a significant role in the working of the government. This is part of Features of parliamentary form of government<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Opposition say government way:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> No government in the parliament can get a hundred per cent majority. The opposition plays an important role in checking the arbitrary use of authority by the political executive. This is one of the important features of the parliamentary form of government.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Independent Civil Service:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> civil servants are permanent executives, they advise and implement decisions of the government. They ensure continuity of employment even when the government changes. The civil service also ensures efficiency in the execution of duties and responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Bicameralism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Bicameralism means<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a system of government in which the <\/span><b>legislature comprises two houses.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Countries following the parliamentary system, including India, have a bicameral legislature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Secrecy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The members of the executive in this system have to follow the principle of secrecy in matters such as proceedings, executive meetings, policymaking etc. In India, the ministers take an oath of secrecy before entering their office. The oath of secrecy to the minister is administered by the President<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is an important features of parliamentary form of\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also read <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/mains-marks-booster\/indian-parliament\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Parliament\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Features_of_Parliamentary_Form_of_Government_in_UK\"><\/span><b>Features of Parliamentary Form of Government in UK<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>U.K. constitution is the mother constitution of parliamentarians.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is also called a ministerial or cabinet system. A cabinet or parliamentary form of government is one in which the legislature and executive are closely related and share powers with each other.\u00a0 Features of Parliamentary form of government in the UK are given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Fusion of Powers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is one of the important features of Parliamentary form of government.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The executive (government) is drawn from the legislature (Parliament). <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Prime Minister and most Cabinet members are Members of Parliament (MPs), typically from the House of Commons. This contrasts with a separation of powers, as seen in presidential systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government is accountable to Parliament, requiring its confidence to remain in power<\/span><b>Sovereignty of Parliament<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parliament, comprising the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Monarch, is the<\/span><b> supreme legislative authority.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> No court can overrule its laws, though judicial review can challenge their application.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UK\u2019s unwritten constitution allows Parliament to make or repeal any law without legal constraints, reflecting its absolute legislative power.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Monarchy as Head of State<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Monarch is the ceremonial head of state, with powers that are largely symbolic and exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister or Cabinet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Monarch\u2019s roles include opening and dissolving Parliament, giving royal assent to legislation, and performing ceremonial duties.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Prime Minister and Cabinet<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This is one of the important features of parliamentary form of government.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prime Minister is the head of government<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, typically the leader of the majority party or coalition in the House of Commons.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cabinet, appointed by the Prime Minister, consists of senior ministers who collectively make key executive decisions. It operates on the principle of <\/span><b>collective responsibility<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where ministers publicly support government decisions or resign.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Prime Minister\u2019s power stems from commanding the confidence of the House of Commons, not a fixed constitutional mandate.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Bicameral Legislature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parliament consists of two chambers: the <\/span><b>House of Commons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (elected, with 650 MPs as of recent data) and the <\/span><b>House of Lords<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (unelected, comprising life peers, hereditary peers, and bishops).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Commons is the primary legislative body, initiating most legislation, especially financial bills. The Lords review, amend, and can delay (but not block) legislation, under the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Majority Party Rule<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Political\u00a0 Party with the most seats in the House of Commons usually forms the government. If no party has an absolute majority, a coalition or minority government may form, as seen in hung parliaments. The opposition, led by the Leader of the Opposition, plays a formal role in scrutinising the government. This is part of Features of parliamentary form of government.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Responsible Government<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons to govern. If it loses a vote of no confidence, it must resign, triggering a general election or a new government formation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ministers are individually accountable to Parliament for their departments and answer questions during sessions like Prime Minister\u2019s Questions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Unwritten Constitution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>UK\u2019s constitution is uncodified, relying on statutes, conventions, judicial decisions, and traditions. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key documents include the Magna Carta (1215), Bill of Rights (1689), and Acts of Union (1707).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conventions, such as the Prime Minister being an MP or the Monarch\u2019s neutrality, guide political behaviour but are not legally enforceable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4397\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-10-184145.png?resize=282%2C197&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"282\" height=\"197\" \/><br \/>\nAlso read <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/free-resources\/mains-marks-booster\/comparison-of-the-indian-and-japanese-constitutions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comparison between Indian and Japanese constitutions\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_Between_Indian_and_British_Parliamentary_Systems\"><\/span><b>Difference Between Indian and British Parliamentary Systems<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I<\/span><b>ndia has borrowed the Parliamentary system of government from Britain, but there is a significant difference <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">between them, in the features of Parliamentary form of government given below:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>India\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Britain<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parliament is not supreme in India and enjoys limited and restricted powers. India believes in Constitutional Supremacy.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on the doctrine of the Sovereignty of Parliament, which asserts that Parliament holds supreme legal authority, enabling it to create, amend, or repeal any law without Constitutional constraint.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Republican system<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monarchical system<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Prime Minister may be a member of any of the two Houses of Parliament.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Prime Minister should be a member of the Lower House (House of Commons).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No system of legal responsibility, i.e. ministers in India, are not required to countersign the official acts of the Government.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The system of legal responsibility of the minister<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A person who is not a member of Parliament can also be appointed as minister, but for a maximum period of six months<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The members of Parliament alone are appointed as Ministers.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No shadow cabinet<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Institution of the shadow cabinet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Merits_and_Demerits_of_Parliamentary_Form_of_Government\"><\/span><b>Merits and Demerits of Parliamentary Form of Government\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Merit and demerits of parliamentary form of government are given below:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Merit<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Demerit<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Harmony between Legislature and Executive<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The parliamentary system ensures cooperation between the legislature and the executive,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the executive (Council of Ministers) is drawn from the legislature, it reduces conflicts and ensures smoother governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><b>Unstable Government<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government depends on the majority support in the legislature. A loss of majority or coalition breakdowns can lead to frequent government changes or instability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Responsible Government<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The executive is accountable to the legislature, ensuring transparency and responsiveness to public needs through mechanisms like question hour, debates, and no-confidence motions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><b>No Separation of Powers<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fusion of legislative and executive powers can lead to a lack of checks and balances, potentially allowing the executive to dominate the legislature.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Flexible and Adaptable<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The system allows quick decision-making and adaptability to changing circumstances.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The executive can be changed without needing a constitutional amendment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><b>Against Separation of Powers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The close linkage between the legislature and the executive undermines the principle of separation of powers, which may weaken institutional independence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Representation of Diverse Interests<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The parliamentary system accommodates diverse political parties and groups, ensuring broader representation in governance, especially in a multi-party system like India.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Party Politics Over National Interest<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Decisions may be influenced by party politics, vote-bank considerations, or coalition compulsions, sometimes at the expense of national interest.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Prevents Authoritarianism<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The executive\u2019s accountability to the legislature prevents despotic tendencies, as it must justify its actions and policies regularly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><b>Incompetent Ministers<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Ministers are often appointed based on political loyalty or coalition dynamics rather than expertise, potentially leading to inefficient administration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Are you preparing for UPSC 2026?<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/prelims\/prelims-samadhaan-mentorship-2025?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=home_page&amp;utm_campaign=course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>Join IAShub&#8217;s UPSC coaching batches<\/b><\/a><b> to boost your preparation. Enrol now!<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Features_of_Parliamentary_form_of_government_FAQ\"><\/span><b>Features of Parliamentary form of government FAQ?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-4395 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-4395{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-4395 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-4395{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}#sp-ea-4395.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-4395.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-4395.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-4395.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-4395.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1752151326\"><div id=\"sp-ea-4395\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"1\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div id=\"eap-preloader-4395\" class=\"accordion-preloader\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion-free\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/><\/div><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43950\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43950\" aria-controls=\"collapse43950\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is the defining characteristic of a parliamentary government?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse43950\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4395\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43950\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The executive and legislature are interconnected, with the executive (government) being formed from the legislature and remaining accountable to it. The head of government (e.g., Prime Minister) is typically a member of the parliament.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43951\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43951\" aria-controls=\"collapse43951\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Who is the head of state in a parliamentary system?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse43951\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4395\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43951\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The head of state (e.g., President or Monarch) is usually a ceremonial figure, while the head of government (e.g., Prime Minister) holds real executive power.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43952\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43952\" aria-controls=\"collapse43952\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is a vote of no-confidence?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse43952\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4395\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43952\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A vote of no-confidence is a parliamentary motion that, if passed, indicates the legislature no longer supports the government. This may lead to the government's resignation or new elections.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43953\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43953\" aria-controls=\"collapse43953\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How is the separation of powers maintained?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse43953\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4395\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43953\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While the executive and legislature are closely linked, separation of powers is maintained through checks and balances. The judiciary remains independent, and the legislature can scrutinise the executive's actions.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-43954\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse43954\" aria-controls=\"collapse43954\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is collective responsibility in a parliamentary system?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse43954\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-4395\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-43954\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The cabinet (executive) operates under collective responsibility, meaning all members must publicly support government decisions, even if they privately disagree. If a minister cannot support a decision, they are expected to resign.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn the key features of Parliamentary form of Government in India, including dual executive, majority rule, collective responsibility, and the leadership of the Prime Minister. Ideal for UPSC preparation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4451,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4394","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4394"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4394\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5965,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4394\/revisions\/5965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4394"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4394"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4394"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}