A.1. Parliamentary form of Government
Before talking of the Parliament and Union Executive, let us understand the form and nature of the Indian government. The Structure of the Indian government can be understood by the following flow chart:
[Image: Structure of the Indian Government]
India is a form of Parliamentary Government. It is a form of government in which the executive is responsible and answerable to the legislative. It is also called the Cabinet Government due to the concentration of executive powers in the Cabinet. The Executive is a part of the Legislative.
This form of government was basically preferred by the leaders as:
- Leaders were aware of such a form of government.
- This government was considered a more responsible government as in this form of government, the executive is answerable to legislative and the legislative is answerable to the citizens.
- This type of government prevents Authoritarianism.
- This form helps to get representation from a Diverse Group of people.
- This form of government remains laden with the availability of Alternate Government.
- In this form of government, the head of the state holds a ceremonial position and is the nominal executive. For example, the President
- The real head of the State is the Prime Minister, who is the real executive.
- There is a majority party rule in such a form of government.
- There is always a Parliamentary Opposition to maintain a check on the actions of the ruling government.
- In this form of Government Civil Servants are Independent.
This is a famous concept of government followed in other countries like Japan, Canada, Britain. This form of government in India was majorly inspired by Britain.
Opposite of such a form of government is the Presidential form of Government. In this government, the President is answerable to citizens rather than the legislative.
If we dwell deep inside, we find further subdivision of the Executive Organs of the State. These subdivisions are:
[Image: Subdivisions of Executive]