Comparative Analysis of Parliamentary Systems: India vs United Kingdom – Prelims Specific

Introduction

The parliamentary system of government serves as the foundation for both India and the United Kingdom. While India adopted the Westminster model, it introduced significant modifications to align with its republican nature, written constitution, and federal structure. Comparative study of these systems is crucial for distinguishing between parliamentary features in different global contexts.

Why in News?

Recent political developments in the United Kingdom regarding executive accountability and legislative dynamics have drawn renewed attention to the structural differences between the British parliamentary framework and the Indian system, making a comparative analysis vital for constitutional clarity.

Static Link

The topic is a core component of the Polity syllabus under the Parliament and Executive sections. UPSC frequently examines the source of Indian constitutional provisions and the unique adaptations made by the Constituent Assembly. Candidates must understand that while India follows a parliamentary system (fusion of powers), it operates under Constitutional Supremacy, unlike the UK.

Institutional Link

The Parliament of India and the Parliament of the United Kingdom serve as the primary institutional frameworks. The Indian Parliament operates under a written Constitution, while the UK Parliament functions under an uncodified constitution shaped by conventions and statutes. The President of India (elected head) and the British Monarch (hereditary head) occupy distinct roles within their respective constitutional frameworks.

Core Prelims Facts

• India is a Republic with an elected Head of State; the UK is a Constitutional Monarchy.
• India maintains Constitutional Supremacy; the UK follows Parliamentary Sovereignty.
• Judicial Review: The Indian Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional; in the UK, the judiciary cannot strike down primary legislation due to Parliamentary Sovereignty.
• Rajya Sabha members represent States; the House of Lords in the UK includes hereditary peers, bishops, and life peers.
• Both systems exhibit a fusion of powers, where the executive is drawn from the legislature.

Important Terms and Concepts

• Parliamentary Sovereignty: A principle in the UK where Parliament can make or unmake any law, and no court can overrule its legislation.
• Constitutional Supremacy: The principle in India where the Constitution is the supreme law, and all legislative/executive actions must conform to it.
• Fusion of Powers: The executive branch is part of the legislative branch, typical of the Westminster model.
• Shadow Cabinet: A group of senior opposition members who shadow specific government ministers, a standard convention in the UK and practiced in India.

Bodies / Organisations / Institutions

• Parliament of India: A bicameral legislature governed by the Constitution of India.
• House of Commons/House of Lords: The two houses of the UK Parliament.
• Supreme Court of India: The guardian of the Constitution with the power of judicial review.

Possible UPSC Prelims Traps

• Trap: Assuming India and the UK have identical parliamentary systems. Reality: India is a Republic, the UK is a Monarchy.
• Trap: Misidentifying the supreme authority. Reality: In India, the Constitution is supreme; in the UK, Parliament is supreme.
• Trap: Assuming both systems allow judicial review to the same extent. Reality: UK courts cannot strike down acts of Parliament.
• Trap: Confusing the nature of the Upper House. Reality: Rajya Sabha represents states, while the House of Lords has non-elected hereditary and appointed members.

One-Minute Revision Notes

• India: Written Constitution, Republic, Constitutional Supremacy, Judicial Review.
• UK: Uncodified Constitution, Constitutional Monarchy, Parliamentary Sovereignty, No Judicial Review of Acts.
• Commonality: Westminster model (Parliamentary form), Fusion of powers, Bicameralism.

Practice MCQ for Prelims

1. With reference to the parliamentary systems of India and the United Kingdom, consider the following statements:

1. Both India and the UK follow the doctrine of Parliamentary Sovereignty.

2. In India, the judiciary has the power of judicial review, whereas in the UK, the courts cannot strike down primary legislation.

3. India is a Republic, whereas the United Kingdom is a Constitutional Monarchy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation: India follows Constitutional Supremacy, not Parliamentary Sovereignty. The UK adheres to Parliamentary Sovereignty, which prevents courts from striking down acts of Parliament. Statement 2 and 3 are correct.