This is a classic 'Sitter' and a fundamental static question. While the algorithm flagged web sources for the distractors, the correct answer is the verbatim definition found in the first few pages of NCERT Class XI (Indian Constitution at Work) or Laxmikanth's 'Parliamentary System' chapter. If you miss this, you are failing the basics.
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
In a Parliamentary System of Government, are all political parties in the Parliament required to be represented in the Government?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"system of government has been largely stable, relying on a specific electoral system that usually produces clear parliamentary majorities ... In other countries, the parliamentary system of government has sometimes been seen as a source of instability, typically in circumstances with unclear majorities and shifting party alliances, resulting in frequent changes of government."
Why this source?
- States that parliamentary systems typically produce clear parliamentary majorities, implying the government is formed from whoever controls a majority rather than from all parties.
- Notes that where majorities are unclear and parties shift alliances, governments change frequently — showing government composition depends on majority support, not mandatory inclusion of all parties.
"system of government because it is either seen to be potentially unstable or gives too much power to a parliamentary majority."
Why this source?
- Describes the parliamentary system (UK model) and warns it can be seen as giving too much power to a parliamentary majority — indicating governments are driven by majority control rather than obligated representation of every parliamentary party.
- By highlighting potential instability from shifting alliances and majority dynamics, it supports that not all parties must be in government.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 760 P Indian Polity > p. 759
Strength: 5/5
“• 10. A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which (a) all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government (b) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it (c) the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them (d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term 11 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? • (b) 2 only • (a) 1 only • (c) Both 1 and 2 • (d) Neither 1 nor 2 • 13.”
Why relevant
The snippet presents the specific proposition that 'all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government' as one of several definitional statements and (in the same item) indicates that the correct characterisation is the Government's responsibility to Parliament (statement 2).
How to extend
A student could use this to infer that representation of every party is not a defining requirement of parliamentary systems and then check constitutions or examples to confirm.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
Strength: 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: Usually members of the council of ministers belong to the same political party, and hence they share the same political ideology.”
Why relevant
Explains that when no single party has a majority a coalition may be invited to form the government and that ministers are usually collectively responsible and typically belong to the same party.
How to extend
Combine with the basic fact that only parties forming or supporting the majority coalition supply ministers, so not every parliamentary party must be included.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > HOW DOES THE PARLIAMENT CONTROL THE EXECUTIVE? > p. 114
Strength: 5/5
“In a parliamentary democracy, the executive is drawn from the party or a coalition of parties that has a majority in Lok Sabha. It is not difficult for the executive to exercise unlimited and arbitrary powers with the support of the majority party. In such a situation, parliamentary democracy may slip into Cabinet dictatorship, where the Cabinet leads and the House merely follows. Only if the Parliament is active and vigilant, can it keep regular and effective check on the executive. There are many ways in which the Parliament can control the executive. But basic to them all is the power and freedom of the legislators as people's representatives to work effectively and fearlessly.”
Why relevant
States that in a parliamentary democracy the executive is drawn from the party or a coalition that has a majority in the legislature.
How to extend
Use this rule plus knowledge of multiple-party parliaments to deduce that smaller or opposition parties need not be part of the executive.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: ELECTION AND REPRESENTATION > Chapter 3: Election and Representation > p. 61
Strength: 4/5
“In constituency based system like the FPTP, the voters know who their own representative is and can hold him or her accountable. These members of the ruling party are trying to listen to the 'tiny' opposition! Was this the effect of our electoral system? More importantly, the makers of our Constitution also felt that PR based election may not be suitable for giving a stable government in a parliamentary system. We shall study the nature of parliamentary system of executive in the next chapter. This system requires that the executive has majority in the legislature. You will notice that the PR system may not produce a clear majority because seats in the legislature would be divided on the basis of share of votes.”
Why relevant
Notes that the parliamentary system requires the executive to have a majority in the legislature and contrasts this with PR systems that may not produce a clear majority.
How to extend
A student can apply this to infer that governments normally reflect a majority grouping rather than all parties, and then look at real-world parliaments to verify.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive > Introduction > p. 141
Strength: 4/5
“A majority group from among these elected representatives forms the government. The Parliament is the supreme legislative body of the government (it makes laws for the country). It comprises all elected representatives of the people and controls and guides the work of the government. The government can therefore be seen as functioning with the people's consent. There have been 17 Lok Sabhas since the first one in 1952. The 18th Lok Sabha was constituted in June 2024. 141Governance and Democracy 6 – The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive”
Why relevant
Says a majority group from among elected representatives forms the government, implying the government comes from a subset of parliamentary parties.
How to extend
Extend by checking examples (e.g., single-party majority or coalition governments) to see that not all parliamentary parties are represented.
Statement 2
In a Parliamentary System of Government, is the Government responsible to the Parliament and subject to removal by the Parliament?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > CHAPle > p. 131
Presence: 5/5
“, CHAPle Parliamentary System The Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, both at the Centre and in the states. Articles 74 and 75 deal with the parliamentary system at the Centre and Articles 163 and 164 in the states. Modern democratic governments are classified into parliamentary and presidential on the basis of the nature of relations between the executive and the legislative organs of the government. The parliamentary system of government is the one in which the executive is responsible to the legislature for its policies and acts. The parliamentary government is also known as cabinet government or responsible government or Westminster model of government and is prevalent in Britain, Japan, Canada and India among others.”
Why this source?
- Defines parliamentary system as one in which the executive is responsible to the legislature.
- Labels parliamentary government as 'responsible government' / 'cabinet government' confirming accountability to Parliament.
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?
- States collective responsibility is bedrock of parliamentary government.
- Explicitly says Lok Sabha can remove the ministry by passing a vote of no confidence.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > MERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 132
Presence: 5/5
“The parliamentary system of government has the following merits: I. Harmony Between Legislature and Executive The greatest advantage of the parliamentary system is that it ensures harmonious relationship and cooperation between the legislative and executive organs of the government. The executive is a part of the legislature and both are interdependent at work. As a result, there is less scope for disputes and conflicts between the two organs. 2. Responsible Government By its very nature, the parliamentary system establishes a responsible government. The ministers are responsible to the Parliament for all their acts of omission and commission . The Parliament exercises control over the ministers through various devices like question hour, discussions, adjournment motion, no confidence motion, etc.”
Why this source?
- Describes ministers as responsible to Parliament for their acts.
- Lists parliamentary control mechanisms including the no-confidence motion.
Statement 3
In a Parliamentary System of Government, is the Government elected directly by the people and removable by the people?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The head of government is elected by the legislature. – The head of government is accountable to Parliament (through a vote of no confidence) and dependent on his/her party’s support."
Why this source?
- Explicitly states the executive's origin and survival depend on the legislature (not direct popular election).
- Says the head of government is elected by the legislature and is accountable to Parliament through a vote of no confidence — implying removal is by legislature.
"The head of government is elected by the legislature. – The head of government is accountable to Parliament (through a vote of no confidence) and dependent on his/her party’s support."
Why this source?
- Reiterates the key criterion: the executive is subordinated to the legislature, so its origin and survival depend on the legislature.
- Again notes the head of government is elected by the legislature and accountable to Parliament (vote of no confidence).
"this means that everyone holding ministerial office has been elected by the people and is directly accountable to the people."
Why this source?
- Explains a related nuance: ministers appointed from elected members of a legislature have been elected by the people (so ministers are drawn from people-elected pool).
- Shows democratic quality that ministers are ‘chosen from among those whom the people have elected,’ but does not claim direct popular election of the executive as a whole.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 760 P Indian Polity > p. 759
Strength: 5/5
“• 10. A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which (a) all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government (b) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it (c) the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them (d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term 11 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? • (b) 2 only • (a) 1 only • (c) Both 1 and 2 • (d) Neither 1 nor 2 • 13.”
Why relevant
Gives a test-style list showing the accepted definition: a parliamentary government is 'responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it' (option b) and contrasts that with the alternative 'elected by the people and can be removed by them' (option c).
How to extend
A student can treat this as a rule that in parliamentary systems removal operates via the legislature (not direct popular removal) and check who elects the legislature in a given country.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > CHAPle > p. 131
Strength: 5/5
“, CHAPle Parliamentary System The Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, both at the Centre and in the states. Articles 74 and 75 deal with the parliamentary system at the Centre and Articles 163 and 164 in the states. Modern democratic governments are classified into parliamentary and presidential on the basis of the nature of relations between the executive and the legislative organs of the government. The parliamentary system of government is the one in which the executive is responsible to the legislature for its policies and acts. The parliamentary government is also known as cabinet government or responsible government or Westminster model of government and is prevalent in Britain, Japan, Canada and India among others.”
Why relevant
Defines parliamentary system: 'the executive is responsible to the legislature'—establishes responsibility/removal link to legislature rather than direct popular election.
How to extend
Combine with the fact that legislatures are made of elected representatives to infer whether removal is indirect (via representatives) rather than by direct popular vote.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > Special Powers of Rajya Sabha > p. 110
Strength: 4/5
“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 relevant
Explicitly notes that the Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha and not the Rajya Sabha, and that the constitution gives removal/control powers to representatives 'directly elected by the people.'
How to extend
A student can use this to infer that 'removable by the people' in practice usually means removable via their directly elected representatives (Lok Sabha), not by a separate direct popular mechanism.
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive > Introduction > p. 141
Strength: 4/5
“A majority group from among these elected representatives forms the government. The Parliament is the supreme legislative body of the government (it makes laws for the country). It comprises all elected representatives of the people and controls and guides the work of the government. The government can therefore be seen as functioning with the people's consent. There have been 17 Lok Sabhas since the first one in 1952. The 18th Lok Sabha was constituted in June 2024. 141Governance and Democracy 6 – The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive”
Why relevant
States that 'a majority group from among these elected representatives forms the government,' implying the government is chosen by elected MPs rather than by a separate direct popular vote for the government as a whole.
How to extend
Combine with knowledge that voters elect MPs: infer government formation/removal operates through parliamentary majority dynamics rather than a direct popular election of government.
Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 1 If you are elected as the President of India, which of the following decisions can you take on your own? exercises > p. 72
Strength: 4/5
“7 Why is the Prime Minister in India not directly elected by the people? Choose the most appropriate answer and give reasons for your choice. • a In a Parliamentary democracy only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become the Prime Minister. • b Lok Sabha can remove the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers even before the expiry of their term. • c Since the Prime Minister is appointed by the President there is no need for it. • d Direct election of the Prime Minister will involve lot of expenditure on election.”
Why relevant
Asks why the Prime Minister is not directly elected, giving 'only the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha can become Prime Minister' and 'Lok Sabha can remove the Prime Minister' as central points.
How to extend
A student can use this to conclude that the head of government is chosen/removed via parliamentary majority mechanisms, not by direct popular election.
Statement 4
In a Parliamentary System of Government, is the Government chosen by the Parliament but protected from removal by the Parliament before the completion of a fixed term?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"“the executive is hierarchically subordinated to the legislature, thus its origin and survival depend on the legislature. – The head of government is elected by the legislature. – The head of government is accountable to Parliament (through a vote of no confidence) and dependent on his/her party’s support.”"
Why this source?
- Explicitly states the head of government is elected by the legislature (supports the ‘chosen by Parliament’ part).
- Directly says the head of government is accountable to Parliament through a vote of no confidence (contradicts the ‘protected from removal’ part).
"“in a parliamentary system only Parliament is directly elected, and the head of government is selected or elected by Parliament and requires its constant support.”"
Why this source?
- States that only Parliament is directly elected and the head of government is selected by Parliament (supports the ‘chosen by Parliament’ part).
- Says the head of government ‘requires its constant support’, implying Parliament can remove the government if support is withdrawn (contradicts the idea of fixed-term protection).
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 760 P Indian Polity > p. 759
Strength: 5/5
“• 10. A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which (a) all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government (b) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it (c) the Government is elected by the people and can be removed by them (d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term 11 Which of the statements given above is/are correct? • (b) 2 only • (a) 1 only • (c) Both 1 and 2 • (d) Neither 1 nor 2 • 13.”
Why relevant
Presents alternative characterizations and (by the question format) contrasts a claim that the government 'cannot be removed ... before completion of a fixed term' with the proposition that 'the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it.'
How to extend
A student could take this contrast and check typical parliamentary rules (e.g., confidence/no-confidence) on whether removal by parliament is a standard feature.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > MERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 132
Strength: 5/5
“The parliamentary system of government has the following merits: I. Harmony Between Legislature and Executive The greatest advantage of the parliamentary system is that it ensures harmonious relationship and cooperation between the legislative and executive organs of the government. The executive is a part of the legislature and both are interdependent at work. As a result, there is less scope for disputes and conflicts between the two organs. 2. Responsible Government By its very nature, the parliamentary system establishes a responsible government. The ministers are responsible to the Parliament for all their acts of omission and commission . The Parliament exercises control over the ministers through various devices like question hour, discussions, adjournment motion, no confidence motion, etc.”
Why relevant
States that parliamentary government establishes 'responsible government' and that ministers are responsible to Parliament and can be controlled via devices like no-confidence motion.
How to extend
Use knowledge of what a no-confidence motion does (forces resignation/dismissal or dissolution) to infer parliaments generally can remove governments before fixed terms.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > CHAPle > p. 131
Strength: 5/5
“The presidential government, on the other hand, is also known as non-responsible or non-parliamentary or fixed executive system of government and is prevalent in USA, Brazil, Russia and Sri Lanka among others. Ivor Jennings called the parliamentary system as 'cabinet system' because the cabinet is the nucleus of power in a parliamentary The parliamentary government is also known as 'responsible government' as the cabinet (the real executive) is accountable to the Parliament and stays in office so long as it enjoys the latter's confidence. It is described as 'Westminster model of government' after the location of the British Parliament, where the parliamentary system originated.”
Why relevant
Explains parliamentary government as 'responsible government' where the cabinet 'stays in office so long as it enjoys ... confidence' of Parliament.
How to extend
Combine this rule with the general fact that 'enjoying confidence' is revocable (e.g., via parliamentary votes) to judge whether governments are protected from early removal.
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
Strength: 4/5
“In these capacities, he/she plays a significant and highly crucial role in the functioning of the government. 7. Dissolution of the Lower House The lower house of the Parliament (Lok Sabha) can be dissolved by the President on recommendation of the Prime Minister. In other words, the Prime Minister can advise the President to dissolve the Lok Sabha before the expiry of its term and hold fresh elections. This means that the executive enjoys the right to get the legislature dissolved in a parliamentary system. 8. Secrecy The ministers operate on the principle of secrecy of procedure and cannot divulge information about their proceedings, policies and decisions.”
Why relevant
Notes that in a parliamentary system the executive can advise dissolution of the lower house before its expiry, indicating flexibility in tenure rather than rigid fixed-term protection.
How to extend
Contrast this executive power to dissolve legislature with the idea of a government being immune from parliamentary removal to argue against fixed-term protection.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
Strength: 4/5
“In case of coalition government, the ministers are bound by consensus. 5. Double Membership The ministers are members of both the legislature and the executive. This means that a person cannot 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 a period of six consecutive months ceases to be a minister. 6. Leadership of the Prime Minister The Prime Minister plays the leadership role in this system of government. He/She is the leader of the Council of Ministers, the leader of Parliament and the leader of the party in power.”
Why relevant
Emphasises interdependence of ministers and Parliament (ministers must be members and are accountable), reinforcing the pattern that executive tenure depends on parliamentary confidence.
How to extend
A student could combine this with the parliamentary-confidence principle to infer that early removal mechanisms exist and fixed-term immunity is unlikely.
Pattern takeaway:
Polity questions are increasingly 'Definitional' and 'Philosophical'. The examiner tests if you understand the *soul* of the concept (e.g., Parliamentary = Responsible) rather than just the procedural rules. Master the Preamble and Chapter 1 definitions.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hit from Laxmikanth Chapter 12 (Parliamentary System) and NCERT Class XI (Constitution at Work, Chapter 4).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Basic Structure' and 'Forms of Government' module. Specifically, the debate between Stability (Presidential) vs. Responsibility (Parliamentary).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Features' vs 'Merits/Demerits' table in Laxmikanth.
1. Presidential System: Fixed tenure, Separation of Powers (USA).
2. Semi-Presidential: Elected President + PM responsible to Parliament (France/Sri Lanka).
3. Shadow Cabinet: UK feature (not in India).
4. Doctrine of Fusion of Powers: Executive sits inside Legislature.
5. Article 75(3): Collective Responsibility (the bedrock).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: UPSC Polity has shifted from asking 'Which Article?' to 'What does this concept mean?'. You must be able to define Liberty, State, Law, and Parliamentary System in one simple sentence without legal jargon. Focus on the *essence* (Accountability), not just the mechanics.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Executive formation: majority or coalition
💡 The insight
The executive in a parliamentary system is formed by the party or coalition that commands a majority in the legislature; not every parliamentary party becomes part of the government.
High-yield: questions often ask who forms the government and under what conditions (single-party majority vs. coalition). Understanding this clarifies coalition politics, stability of governments, and differences with proportional-representation outcomes. Connects to topics on majority rule, coalition bargaining, and election systems.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > HOW DOES THE PARLIAMENT CONTROL THE EXECUTIVE? > p. 114
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 6: The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive > Introduction > p. 141
🔗 Anchor: "In a Parliamentary System of Government, are all political parties in the Parlia..."
👉 Collective responsibility of the council of ministers
💡 The insight
Ministers act as a team and are collectively responsible to the legislature, which can remove the ministry via a vote of no confidence.
High-yield: this principle explains executive accountability in parliamentary systems and is frequently tested in polity questions on checks and balances, impeachment/no-confidence mechanisms, and executive-legislature relations.
📚 Reading List :
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
🔗 Anchor: "In a Parliamentary System of Government, are all political parties in the Parlia..."
👉 Political homogeneity of the council of ministers
💡 The insight
Members of the council of ministers usually belong to the same political party or the ruling coalition, reflecting political homogeneity rather than mandatory inclusion of all parties.
Medium-high: helps answer questions on composition of cabinets, ideological cohesion, and why opposition parties remain outside the executive. Useful for analysing coalition versus single-party governments and executive-legislative coordination.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > MERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "In a Parliamentary System of Government, are all political parties in the Parlia..."
👉 Ministerial accountability (Responsible Government)
💡 The insight
Ministers in a parliamentary system are accountable to Parliament for their policies and actions and must retain its confidence to remain in office.
High-yield for UPSC because questions often test the nature of executive responsibility and constitutional features; links to Articles on executive formation, parliamentary oversight, and political responsibility. Mastery helps answer questions on legitimacy of government actions, legislative control, and comparative government forms.
📚 Reading List :
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > MERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 132
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > CHAPle > p. 131
🔗 Anchor: "In a Parliamentary System of Government, is the Government responsible to the Pa..."
👉 Collective responsibility and vote of no confidence
💡 The insight
The cabinet is collectively responsible to the legislature and can be removed by a parliamentary vote of no confidence.
Crucial for answering questions on government stability, removal mechanisms, and practical functioning of parliamentary systems; connects to topics like coalition governments, floor majority, and procedural tools (no-confidence, adjournment motions).
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > DEMERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 133
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > MERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "In a Parliamentary System of Government, is the Government responsible to the Pa..."
👉 Parliamentary vs Presidential executive-legislative relation
💡 The insight
Parliamentary systems feature interdependence and cooperation between executive and legislature, unlike presidential systems which emphasize separation of powers.
Useful for comparative constitutional questions, classification of governments, and constitutional design debates; enables distinction-based answers on accountability, tenure security, and checks and balances.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > CHAPle > p. 131
- Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 4: Salient Features of the Constitution > El l Parliamentary form of Government > p. 29
🔗 Anchor: "In a Parliamentary System of Government, is the Government responsible to the Pa..."
👉 Executive responsibility to the legislature
💡 The insight
In a parliamentary system the executive (Council of Ministers) is accountable to the legislature and can be removed by it.
High-yield for polity questions on modalities of accountability (no-confidence, question hour) and constitutional provisions; helps answer questions on ministerial responsibility and legislative control. Links to discussions on responsible government, checks on executive and party-system dynamics.
📚 Reading List :
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > CHAPle > p. 131
- Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 13: Parliamentary System > MERITS OF THE PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM > p. 132
🔗 Anchor: "In a Parliamentary System of Government, is the Government elected directly by t..."
The 'Kitchen Cabinet' or 'Inner Cabinet'. While the Parliamentary system is defined by the Council of Ministers, real power often resides in this smaller, extra-constitutional body. A future question might ask: 'Which of the following is an extra-constitutional body that influences decision making in a Parliamentary democracy?'
Use the 'Opposite System' check. Option D describes the Presidential System (Fixed term, hard to remove). Option C describes a Direct Democracy or Presidential election. Option A describes a 'National Unity Government' (rare exception). Only Option B describes the daily accountability mechanism (Question Hour/No-Confidence) that defines our system.
Mains GS-2 (Comparison of Constitutions): Link this definition to the 'Decline of Parliament' thesis. If the Government is responsible to Parliament, why are ordinances and guillotines increasing? This definition is the *theory*; Mains asks about the *practice*.