Question 73 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Polity

Question

There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha.

Strategy: Identify the core principle of a parliamentary system—the executive's accountability to the legislature. Evaluate each option to determine which one best reflects this foundational feature, disregarding structural or procedural details that are not unique to the system.

Key Info: India's government is based on the parliamentary system as adopted from Britain, characterized by the principle of collective responsibility. Article 75(3) of the Constitution states that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha). This ensures the executive remains answerable to the legislature and can function only so long as it enjoys the confidence of the majority of Lok Sabha members.

*   **Option A (Direct election of Lok Sabha)**: A democratic feature but not unique to parliamentary systems.
*   **Option B (Parliamentary power to amend the Constitution)**: A feature of legislative sovereignty, not uniquely parliamentary.
*   **Option C (Indissolubility of Rajya Sabha)**: A structural detail and not central to the parliamentary model.
*   **Option D (Council of Ministers responsible to Lok Sabha)**: This principle of ministerial responsibility distinguishes parliamentary from presidential systems, ensuring executive stability, accountability, and responsiveness.

Answer

Option A: Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people.

Answer

Option B: Parliament can amend the Constitution.

Answer

Option C: Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved.