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Q91 (IAS/2015) Polity & Governance › Union Executive › Parliamentary system features Official Key

There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

The defining feature of a Parliamentary System of Government is the principle of collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature. The fundamental principle underlying the working of parliamentary system of government is the principle of collective responsibility. Article 75 clearly states that the council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.[1] The principle of collective responsibility implies that the Lok Sabha can remove the ministry (i.e., council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister) from office by passing a vote of no confidence.[2]

While options A, B, and C are factually correct statements about India's political system, they do not define the parliamentary system. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha and not Rajya Sabha.[3] This accountability of the executive (Council of Ministers) to the directly elected house (Lok Sabha) is the cornerstone that distinguishes a parliamentary system from a presidential system, where the executive is separately elected and not removable by the legislature through a no-confidence vote.

Sources
  1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Collective Responsibility > p. 215
  2. [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
  3. [3] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > Special Powers of Rajya Sabha > p. 110
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Q. There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the [A] Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people [B] Parliament can a…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Best Answer' trap. All four options are factually true statements about the Indian polity, but only [D] defines the *system* itself. This requires conceptual clarity from NCERT Class XI (Constitution at Work) rather than just rote memorization of articles.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Are members of the Lok Sabha in India's parliamentary system elected directly by the people?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive > LET'S REMEMBER > p. 142
Presence: 5/5
“The people of India choose their representatives for the Lok Sabha through a direct election (based on universal adult suffrage). The maximum number of members of this House envisaged by the Constitution is 550. The Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly by the electoral college that you read about in the previous chapter. Both, the number of Rajya Sabha seats allocated and the number of MPs represented in the Lok Sabha, are based on the population of each state.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states that the people of India choose their representatives for the Lok Sabha through a direct election.
  • Contrasts Lok Sabha (direct election) with Rajya Sabha (indirect election), reinforcing the direct nature for Lok Sabha.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Composition of Lok Sabha > p. 223
Presence: 5/5
“The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is fixed at 550. Out of this, 530 members are to be the representatives of the states and 20members are to be the representatives of the union territories. At present, the Lok Sabha has 543 members. Of these, 524 members represent the states and 19 members represent the union territories. I. Representation of States The representatives of states in the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people from the territorial constituencies in the states. The election is based on the principle of universal adult franchise. Every Indian citizen who is above 18 years of age and who is not disqualified under the provisions of the Constitution or any law is eligible to vote at such election.”
Why this source?
  • Says representatives of states in the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people from territorial constituencies.
  • Mentions universal adult franchise and eligibility to vote, linking voter participation to Lok Sabha elections.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > Lok Sabha > p. 106
Presence: 5/5
“The Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies are directly elected by the people. For the purpose of election, the entire country (State, in case of State Legislative Assembly) is divided into territorial constituencies of roughly equal population. One representative is elected from each constituency through universal adult suffrage where the value of vote of every individual would be equal to another. At present there are 543 constituencies. This number has not changed since 1971 census. The Lok Sabha is elected for a period of five years. This is the maximum.”
Why this source?
  • States that the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies are directly elected by the people.
  • Explains division into territorial constituencies and one representative elected from each, supporting direct election.
Statement 2
Can the Parliament of India amend the Constitution of India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
Presence: 5/5
“Like any other written Constitution, the Constitution of India also provides for its amendment in order to adjust itself to the changing conditions and needs. However, the procedure laid down for its amendment is neither as easy as in Britain nor as difficult as in USA. In other words, the Indian Constitution is neither flexible nor rigid but a synthesis of both. Article 368 in Part XX of the Constitution deals with the powers of Parliament to amend the Constitution and its procedure. It states that the Parliament may, in exercise of its constituent power, amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down for the purpose.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly cites Article 368 and states Parliament 'may, in exercise of its constituent power, amend by way of addition, variation or repeal any provision of the Constitution.'
  • Frames amendment as a parliamentary power (constituent power) rather than ordinary legislative power.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > III Const ituent Powers and Functions > p. 258
Presence: 5/5
“The Parliament is vested with the powers to amend the Constitution by way of addition, variation or repeal of any provision. The major part of the Constitution can be amended by the Parliament with special majority, that is, a majority of the total membership of each House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting in each House. Some other provisions of the Constitution can be amended by the Parliament with simple majority, that is, • (a) By simple majority;• (b) By special majority; and (c) By special majority but with the consent of half of all the state legislatures.”
Why this source?
  • States Parliament is 'vested with the powers to amend the Constitution by way of addition, variation or repeal of any provision.'
  • Specifies majority requirements for amendments (special majority, simple majority, and cases requiring state consent), showing scope and limits of parliamentary amendment power.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 201
Presence: 4/5
“Article 2: Parliament may by law admit into the union …..new states…. Article 3: Parliament may by law… b) increase the area of any state…. For amending the remaining parts of the Constitution, provision has been made in Article 368 of the Constitution. In this article, there are two methods of amending the Constitution and they apply to two different sets of articles of the Constitution. One method is that amendment can be made by special majority of the two houses of the Parliament. The other method is more difficult: it requires special majority of the Parliament and consent of half of the State legislatures.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the two methods under Article 368: (a) amendment by special majority of both Houses and (b) special majority plus consent of half the State legislatures.
  • Provides procedural detail reinforcing that Parliament (with or without state consent) effects constitutional amendments under Article 368.
Statement 3
Is the Rajya Sabha in India's Parliament a permanent house that cannot be dissolved?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > WHY DO WE NEED TWO HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT? > p. 106
Presence: 5/5
“complete their term and elections are held for those one third seats only. Thus, the Rajya Sabha is never fully dissolved. Therefore, it is called the permanent House of the Parliament. The advantage of this arrangement is that even when the Lok Sabha is dissolved and elections are yet to take place, the meeting of the Rajya Sabha can be called and urgent business can be conducted. Apart from the elected members, Rajya Sabha also has twelve nominated members. The President nominates these members. These nominations are made from among those persons who have made their mark in the fields of literature, science, art and social service.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states Rajya Sabha is never fully dissolved and is called the 'permanent House'.
  • Explains practical consequence: it can meet and conduct urgent business even when Lok Sabha is dissolved.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Duration of Rajya Sabha > p. 225
Presence: 5/5
“The Rajya Sabha (first constituted in 1952) is a continuing chamber, that is, it is a permanent body and not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire every second year. Their seats are filled up by fresh elections and Presidential nominations at the beginning of every third year. The retiring members are eligible for re-election and renomination any number of times. . The Constitution has not fixed the term of office of members of the Rajya Sabha and left it to the Parliament. Accordingly, the Parliament in the Representation of the People Act (1951) provided that the term of office of a member of the Rajya Sabha shall be six years.”
Why this source?
  • Describes Rajya Sabha as a 'continuing chamber' and a 'permanent body not subject to dissolution'.
  • Provides supporting detail on replacement mechanism (one-third retirements) that explains continuity.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Dissolution > p. 236
Presence: 5/5
“Rajya Sabha, being a permanent House, is not subject to dissolution. Only the Lok Sabha is • Col1: 1.; Adjournment: It only terminates a sitting and not a session of the House.; Col3: 1.; Prorogation: It not only terminates a sitting but also a session of the House. • Col1: 2.; Adjournment: It is done by presiding officer of the House.; Col3: 2.; Prorogation: It is done by the President of India. • Col1: 3.; Adjournment: It does not affect the bills or any other business pending before the House and the same can be resumed when the House meets again.; Col3: 3.”
Why this source?
  • Concise statement: 'Rajya Sabha, being a permanent House, is not subject to dissolution.'
  • Located in a standard polity text (Laxmikanth), reinforcing the constitutional interpretation.
Statement 4
Is the Council of Ministers in India's parliamentary system responsible to the Lok Sabha?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 21: Central Council of Ministers > Collective Responsibility > p. 215
Presence: 5/5
“The fundamental principle underlying the working of parliamentary system of government is the principle of collective responsibility. Article 75 clearly states that the council of ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This means that all the ministers own joint responsibility to the Lok Sabha for all their acts of omission and commission. They work as a team and swim or sink together.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states Article 75: the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
  • Defines collective responsibility as joint accountability of all ministers to the Lok Sabha ('swim or sink together').
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
Presence: 5/5
“However, when no single party gets the majority, a coalition of parties may be invited by the President to form the government. 3. Collective Responsibility This is the bedrock principle of parliamentary government. The ministers are collectively responsible to the Parliament in general and to the Lok Sabha in particular (Article 75). They act as a team, and swim and sink together. The principle of collective responsibility implies that the Lok Sabha can remove the ministry (Le., council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister) from office by passing a vote of no confidence. 4. Political Homogeneity Members of the council of ministers usually belong to the same political party, and hence they share the same political ideology.”
Why this source?
  • Affirms collective responsibility as the bedrock of parliamentary government and names Lok Sabha in particular (Article 75).
  • Links collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha's power to remove the ministry via a no-confidence motion.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > Special Powers of Rajya Sabha > p. 110
Presence: 5/5
“Powers exercised only by the Lok Sabha: Then, there are powers that only the Lok Sabha exercises. The Rajya Sabha cannot initiate, reject or amend money bills. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha and not Rajya Sabha. Therefore, Rajya Sabha can criticise the government but cannot remove it. Can you explain why? The Rajya Sabha is elected by the MLAs and not directly by the people. Therefore, the Constitution stopped short of giving certain powers to the Rajya Sabha. In a democratic form as adopted by our Constitution, the people are the final authority. By this logic, the representatives, directly elected by the people, should have the crucial powers of removing a government and controlling the finances.”
Why this source?
  • States directly that the Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha.
  • Explains constitutional reasoning why Rajya Sabha cannot remove the government, reinforcing Lok Sabha's exclusive responsibility role.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC frequently tests 'Definitional Purity'. They present four valid facts, but three are merely 'features' while one is the 'essence'. You must distinguish between democratic features (elections) and parliamentary features (accountability).
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Absolute Sitter. Direct conceptual lift from Laxmikanth Chapter 12 (Parliamentary System) or NCERT Class XI Chapter 4 (Executive).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Classification of Governments. The core distinction between Parliamentary and Presidential systems lies in the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Westminster' features: 1. Dual Executive (Head of State vs Head of Govt), 2. Majority Party Rule, 3. Collective Responsibility (Art 75), 4. Political Homogeneity, 5. Double Membership (Ministers are MPs), 6. Dissolution of Lower House.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When UPSC asks 'Why is X called Y?', look for the functional definition, not just a structural feature. Direct elections (Option A) happen in Presidential systems (USA) too, so that cannot be the defining reason for a Parliamentary system.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Direct election & universal adult suffrage
💡 The insight

The question asks whether Lok Sabha members are directly elected; multiple references state direct elections and reference universal adult suffrage.

High-yield for UPSC polity: understanding who elects representatives is foundational for questions on democratic legitimacy, voter rights, and electoral reforms. Links to topics on franchise, electoral participation, and constitutional provisions; revise NCERT and Laxmikanth summaries and practice factual recall and application questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive > LET'S REMEMBER > p. 142
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Composition of Lok Sabha > p. 223
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > Lok Sabha > p. 106
🔗 Anchor: "Are members of the Lok Sabha in India's parliamentary system elected directly by..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha: direct vs indirect election
💡 The insight

References contrast Lok Sabha's direct elections with Rajya Sabha's indirect election by an electoral college.

Frequently tested distinction in polity papers and prelims; helps answer questions on powers, representation, and bicameralism. Study comparative features, election methods, and consequences for legislative powers; use source comparisons (NCERT vs Laxmikanth) for clarity.

📚 Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive > LET'S REMEMBER > p. 142
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > Special Powers of Rajya Sabha > p. 110
🔗 Anchor: "Are members of the Lok Sabha in India's parliamentary system elected directly by..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 First-past-the-post (territorial representation) system
💡 The insight

Supports how Lok Sabha members are chosen: single-member territorial constituencies and FPTP electoral rule are stated in the references.

Important for questions on electoral systems, representation quality, and reform debates. Understand mechanics, advantages/disadvantages, and implications (e.g., single-member constituencies, plurality winners); compare with proportional representation when answering normative/analytical questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > First-Past-The-Post System > p. 225
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Composition of Lok Sabha > p. 223
🔗 Anchor: "Are members of the Lok Sabha in India's parliamentary system elected directly by..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Article 368 — Parliamentary power to amend
💡 The insight

Multiple references (notably [2] and [8]) centre the amendment power in Article 368, showing Parliament exercises constituent power to alter the Constitution.

High-yield: Article 368 is frequently tested in questions on amendment procedure and constitutional law. Understanding its text and scope connects to topics like federalism, fundamental rights and judicial review. Prepare by memorising the two methods under Art. 368, its scope, and landmark cases that interpret it.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 11: Amendment of the Constitution > Amendment of the Constitution > p. 123
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 201
🔗 Anchor: "Can the Parliament of India amend the Constitution of India?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Majorities & role of State Legislatures in amendments
💡 The insight

References ([4], [8]) enumerate the types of majorities required and when state legislatures' consent is necessary.

Essential for UPSC: questions often ask which provisions need special majorities or state consent. This links to Parliament vs. State powers and federal structure. Learn by categorising amendment types, the exact majority thresholds, and examples of provisions requiring state ratification.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > III Const ituent Powers and Functions > p. 258
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: CONSTITUTION AS A LIVING DOCUMENT > Article 368: > p. 201
🔗 Anchor: "Can the Parliament of India amend the Constitution of India?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Basic Structure limitation on amendment
💡 The insight

Evidence ([7], [6]) records the Kesavananda Bharati outcome and that 'basic features' cannot be altered by Parliament despite Article 368.

Crucial doctrinal concept: the Basic Structure Doctrine is a recurrent UPSC topic connecting amendment power, judicial review, and fundamental rights. Master by studying the doctrine's origin, core elements, and its implications for parliamentary sovereignty and constitutional amendments.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: RIGHTS IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION > Chapter 2: Rights in the Indian Constitution > p. 47
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > Exceptions to Funda· mental Rights. > p. 96
🔗 Anchor: "Can the Parliament of India amend the Constitution of India?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Permanent (continuing) nature of Rajya Sabha
💡 The insight

All selected references explicitly label the Rajya Sabha as a permanent/continuing chamber not subject to dissolution.

High-yield for polity questions comparing Houses of Parliament; frequently tested in MCQs and mains questions on structure and functions. Connects to constitutional design and stability of legislature. Memorise the terminology ('continuing chamber'/'permanent') and where it contrasts with Lok Sabha.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > WHY DO WE NEED TWO HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT? > p. 106
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Duration of Rajya Sabha > p. 225
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Dissolution > p. 236
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Rajya Sabha in India's Parliament a permanent house that cannot be dissol..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Since they asked about Collective Responsibility (Art 75(3)), the logical sibling is Individual Responsibility (Art 75(2)). Ministers hold office during the 'pleasure of the President', not the Prime Minister (though PM advises it).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use the 'Relationship Test'. A 'System of Government' describes how the organs (Legislature, Executive, Judiciary) interact. Options A, B, and C describe the organs in isolation (Lok Sabha's election, Parliament's power, Rajya Sabha's tenure). Only Option D describes an interaction/relationship between two organs.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (Separation of Powers): The Parliamentary system represents a 'Fusion of Powers' (Executive sits inside Legislature), unlike the US Presidential system which has strict 'Separation of Powers'. This fusion is why the Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule) is crucial for stability.

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