Q. The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that
Answer:
The executive remains responsible to the legislature.
Notes: The correct answer is
[C] The executive remains responsible to the legislature. This core principle of "collective responsibility" is the defining characteristic of a Parliamentary system, often referred to as the
Westminster model.
- Executive Responsibility (Statement [C] – Correct): In a parliamentary system, the Executive (the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister) is drawn from the Legislature and is directly accountable to it. Under Article 75 of the Indian Constitution, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If the Executive loses the confidence of the lower house, it must resign. This ensures constant democratic oversight.
- Independent Working (Statement [A] – Incorrect): This describes a Presidential system (like in the USA), which is based on a strict Separation of Powers. In a parliamentary system, there is a "fusion of powers" because the executive members are also members of the legislature.
- Continuity and Efficiency (Statement [B] – Incorrect): Parliamentary systems can actually be less stable than presidential ones. A government can fall at any time due to a No-Confidence Motion or a shift in party alliances (especially in coalitions), leading to frequent policy shifts. Presidential systems provide better continuity as the President has a fixed tenure.
- Changing the Head of Government (Statement [D] – Incorrect): In a parliamentary system, the head of government (Prime Minister) can be changed without a general election. If the ruling party or coalition chooses a new leader (e.g., due to resignation or internal party dynamics), that person can become the Prime Minister as long as they command a majority in the house.