1. Meaning

A parliamentary system is a democratic structure where:

• The party with the majority in the legislature forms the government.
• The executive (PM + Ministers) comes from the legislature and remains answerable to it.
• India follows the British model.

2. Why Is It Called “Parliamentary”?

Because Parliament controls the Executive through confidence, questions, debates, motions, and committees.

3. Core Features

1. Nominal & Real Executive

• President → nominal (de jure).
• PM → real (de facto).

2. Executive from the Legislature

• PM and Ministers are MPs.
• Dual membership ensures linkage.

3. Collective Responsibility

• The entire Cabinet is responsible to the Lok Sabha.

4. Prime Ministerial Leadership

• PM is the pivot of policy and administration.

5. Majority Party Rule

• Leader of the majority becomes PM.

6. No Fixed Tenure

• The government survives only while it enjoys Lok Sabha confidence.

7. Secret Cabinet Meetings

• Ensures frank discussion.

8. Bicameral Legislature

• Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha.

9. Political Homogeneity

• Ministers usually share the same ideology (coalition → common agenda).

4. Constitutional Provisions

5.Advantages

1. Executive–Legislature Coordination
   Smooth lawmaking, quicker implementation.
2. Responsible Government
   Questions, debates, and motions ensure accountability.
3. Prevents Dictatorship
   Power is divided among a team, not one individual.
4. Broad Representation
   Ministers from various regions/castes/communities.

6. Disadvantages

1. No Real Separation of Powers
   A majority government can dominate Parliament.

2. Instability
   Coalitions may collapse; frequent elections.

3. Weak Lawmaking Quality
   MPs aspire to become ministers → less policy expertise.

4. Bureaucratic Influence
   Civil servants often shape decisions more than ministers.

5. Slow Decision-Making
   Political calculations delay long-term reforms.

7. Parliamentary System vs Presidential System

A parliamentary system blends accountability with flexibility, making it suitable for diverse, democratic, and coalition-driven societies like India.