Which of the following is also known as 'Parliamentary form of government'?

The correct answer is Responsible government.

Key Points

• The Parliamentary form of government is also referred to as a Responsible Government because the executive (Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers) is collectively responsible to the legislature (Parliament).
• It emphasizes the principle of majority rule, where the government remains in office only as long as it has the confidence of the majority in the legislature.
• India and the United Kingdom are examples of countries following the Parliamentary system, where the head of the state (President/Monarch) acts as a constitutional figurehead.
• In this form of government, the executive and legislative branches are closely linked, with the executive being drawn from the legislature.
• The Parliamentary form ensures a system of checks and balances by enabling legislature oversight over the executive through mechanisms like Question Hour, debates, and votes of no confidence.

Additional Information

• Key Features of the Parliamentary System:
  • Collective Responsibility: The Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Parliament.
  • Dual Executive: There is a nominal head of state (President/Monarch) and a real head of government (Prime Minister).
  • Majority Rule: The government must maintain the confidence of the majority in the legislature to remain in power.
  • Close Executive-Legislative Link: Ministers are usually members of the legislature.
• Difference Between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems:
  • The Parliamentary system has a fusion of powers between the executive and legislature, whereas the Presidential system maintains a strict separation of powers.
  • The head of government (Prime Minister) in a Parliamentary system is chosen by the legislature, while in a Presidential system, the President is directly elected by the people.
• Advantages of the Parliamentary System:
  • Quick decision-making due to the coordination between the executive and legislative branches.
  • Flexibility, as governments can be dissolved, allowing for new elections in case of a deadlock or loss of confidence.
• Global Examples of Parliamentary Systems:
  • United Kingdom (Westminster model): The Monarch acts as the ceremonial head, while the Prime Minister leads the government.
  • India: The President is the nominal head, and the Prime Minister is the real executive authority.