In this article, we will discuss Salient Features of Indian Constitution (Part-3). So, let’s get started.
Parliamentary Form of Government
The Constitution of India has opted for the British Parliamentary System of Government rather than America Presidential System of Government. The parliamentary system is based on the principle of co-operation and co-ordination between the legislative and executive organs while the presidential system is based on the doctrine of separation of powers between the two organs. The parliamentary system is also known as the ‘Westminster’ Model of Government, responsible Government and cabinet Government. The Constitution establishes the parliamentary system not only at the Centre but also in the states.
The features of parliamentary government in India are:
(a) Presence of nominal and real executives;
(b) Majority party rule.
(c) Collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature.
(d) Membership of the ministers in the legislature.
(e) Leadership of the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister.
(f) Dissolution of the lower House (Lok Sabha or Assembly).
Even though the Indian parliamentary system is largely based on the British pattern, there are some fundamental differences between the two. For example, the Indian Parliament is not a sovereign body like the British Parliament. Further, the Indian State has an elected head (republic) while the British State has hereditary head (monarchy).
In a parliamentary system whether in India or Britain, the role of the Prime Minister has become so significant and crucial that the political scientists like to call it a “Prime Ministerial Government”.
