The Governance System (Indian Polity and Governance)

India chose a parliamentary form of government primarily because the constitution-makers were greatly influenced by the system in England. Another reason the founding fathers saw was that the parliamentary model would only work to accommodate the varied and diverse groups within our population.

Also, the strict separation of powers in the presidential system would cause conflicts between the two branches, the executive and the legislature, which our newly-independent country could ill-afford.

There are more parliamentary forms of government in the world than there are presidencies. In this system, the parliament is generally supreme and the executive is responsible to the legislature. It is also known as the Cabinet form of government, and also 'Responsible Government.

The real executive being the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Indian Constitution adopted a form of secular State and federal system. India chose a parliamentary form of government primarily because the constitution-makers were greatly influenced by the system in England.

Another reason the founding fathers saw was that the parliamentary model would only work to accommodate the varied and diverse groups within our population. Also, the strict separation of powers in the presidential system would cause conflicts between the two branches, the executive and the legislature, which our newly-independent country could ill-afford.

There are more parliamentary forms of government in the world than there are presidencies. In this system, the parliament is generally supreme and the executive is responsible to the legislature. It is also known as the Cabinet form of government, and also 'Responsible Government.

The advantages of the parliamentary system are as follows:

• Better coordination between the executive and the legislature: Since the executive is a part of the legislature, and generally the majority of the legislature
  support the government, it is easier to pass laws and implement them.
• Prevents authoritarianism: Since the executive is responsible to the legislature, and can vote it out in a motion of no confidence, there is no authoritarianism. Also, unlike the presidential system, power is not concentrated in one hand.
• Responsible government: The members of the legislature can ask questions and discuss matters of public interest and put pressure on the government. The parliament can check the activities of the executive,
• Representing diverse groups: In this system, the parliament offers representation to diverse groups of the country. This is especially important for a country like India.
• Flexibility: There is flexibility in the system as the PM can be changed easily if needed. During the Second World War, the British PM Neville Chamberlain was replaced by Winston Churchill. This is unlike the presidential systern where he/she can be replaced only after the entire term or in case of Impeachment/incapacity.

The advantages of the parliamentary system are as follows:

• Better coordination between the executive and the legislature: Since the executive is a part of the legislature, and generally the majority of the legislature
  support the government, it is easier to pass laws and implement them.
• Prevents authoritarianism: Since the executive is responsible to the legislature, and can vote it out in a motion of no confidence, there is no authoritarianism. Also, unlike the presidential system, power is not concentrated in one hand.
• Responsible government: The members of the legislature can ask questions and discuss matters of public interest and put pressure on the government. The parliament can check the activities of the executive,
• Representing diverse groups: In this system, the parliament offers representation to diverse groups of the country. This is especially important for a country like India.
• Flexibility: There is flexibility in the system as the PM can be changed easily if needed. During the Second World War, the British PM Neville Chamberlain was replaced by Winston Churchill. This is unlike the presidential systern where he/she can be replaced only after the entire term or in case of Impeachment/incapacity.

Any Minister who is not a member of either House of Parliament for six consecutive months shall, at the expiration of that period, cease to be a Ministers according to Art. 75(5). According to Art. 75(3), the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People.

Thus Statements 1 and 2 are correct, but statement 3 is incorrect as the Cabinet is headed by the Head of the Government, the Prime Minister. The Head of the State is the President.

1. The Executive is responsible to the legislature.

2. Majority Party rule.

3. Collective Responsibility

4. Nominal and Real Executives

5. Political Homogeneity

6. Double membership

7. Leadership of Prime Minister

8. Dissolution of lower House

9. Secrecy of procedure.

Thus, the Cabinet form of Government is a mechanism to ensure collective responsibility of the Government to the people.

Features of the Presidential System
1. The executive (President) can veto acts by the legislature.
2. The President has a fixed tenure and cannot be removed by a vote of no-confidence in the legislature.
3. Generally, the President has the power to pardon or commute judicial sentences awarded to criminals.
4. The President is elected directly by the people or by an electoral college.

India chose a parliamentary form of government primarily because the constitution-makers were greatly influenced by the system in England. Another reason the founding fathers saw was that the parliamentary model would only work to accommodate the varied and diverse groups within our population.

Also, the strict separation of powers in the presidential system would cause conflicts between the two branches, the executive and the legislature, which our newly-independent country could ill-afford.

There are more parliamentary forms of government in the world than there are presidencies. In this system, the parliament is generally supreme and the executive is responsible to the legislature. It is also known as the Cabinet form of government, and also 'Responsible Government.

The Preamble's declaration of India as a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic" encapsulates the fundamental principles that shape the nature and functioning of the Indian state.

Sovereignty: The term "Sovereign" signifies the independent and supreme authority of the Indian state. Internally, it means that the Indian government has the ultimate decision-making power within its territorial boundaries. Externally, it implies that India is not subject to control or interference by any external power.

Socialism: The addition of "Socialist" through the 42nd Amendment in 1976 reflects India's commitment to achieving social and economic equality. The government plays a crucial role in ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and providing basic amenities to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status. It is reflected in the DPSPs of the Constitution.

Secularism: The declaration of India as a "Secular" state in the Preamble emphasises that the state does not have an official religion. It ensures that all religions are treated with equal respect. Citizens have the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion without discrimination.

Democracy: The characterisation of India as a "Democratic" republic underscores the principle of government by the people, for the people, and of the people. Regular, free and fair elections allow citizens to actively participate in the political process. Every citizen has an equal right to vote and choose their representatives.

Republic: The term "Republic" signifies that the head of the state (the President) is an
elected official, not a hereditary monarch. This form of government ensures that the power and authority of the state are derived from the people's mandate.