QUES . Illustrate the challenges and concerns of Parliamentary democracy. UPSC IES/ISS EXAM 2022 General Studies. 200 Words. 5 Marks
HINTS:
Parliamentary democracy is a form of government in which the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch. While it has its advantages, it also faces several challenges and concerns, which are discussed below:
Minority rule: In a parliamentary democracy, the party or coalition with the majority of seats in the legislature forms the government, and the leader of that party becomes the prime minister. However, this means that a minority of the population may end up ruling over the majority, which can be a concern for some.
Party politics: In a parliamentary democracy, political parties play a significant role in the functioning of government. However, this can lead to excessive partisanship and a focus on winning elections rather than governing effectively.
Must read: Features of party system in India
Lack of representation: While parliamentary democracy is meant to represent the will of the people, it may not always do so in practice. Certain groups may be underrepresented or marginalized, which can lead to their voices being ignored or not heard.
Corruption: Parliamentary democracy can be susceptible to corruption, as politicians may prioritize their own interests or those of their party over the interests of the people they represent. This can lead to policies and decisions that do not benefit the public.
Must read: Parliamentary control over administration is no substitute for judicial control
Gridlock: The legislative branch of parliamentary democracy is responsible for passing laws and holding the government accountable. However, if there is a lack of cooperation between the different parties or if there is a hung parliament, it can be difficult to get anything done.
Lack of stability: Parliamentary democracy relies on the ability to form a government with a majority of seats in the legislature. However, if no party or coalition is able to do so, it can lead to instability and frequent changes in government.
Must read: How has electoral democracy augmented the participation of people in the democratic process?
Bureaucratic inefficiency: The government bureaucracy in a parliamentary democracy can be slow and inefficient, which can lead to delays in decision-making and implementation.
Overall, while parliamentary democracy has its advantages, it also faces several challenges and concerns that must be addressed to ensure that it remains an effective form of government.
