Demerits / criticism of parliamentary government:
The following are the main demerits criticism of parliamentary government:
1. Against the principle of separation of powers:
According to the principle of separation of powers, there is a classification of three organs of the governance—legislature, executive and judiciary, so that all these three organs function independently and impartially in their respective fields. As, in this form of government, executive and legislature have very close relations, the system may go free-willing under this condition, and simultaneously, there can originate a threat to the liberty of citizens.
2. Advent of autocracy:
In this form of government, there is a possibility of danger of double autocracy because of close rapport between executive and legislature.
3. Weak governance:
This form of government is weak. As the tenure of executive is dependent on the ‘will’ of legislature, there becomes possibility of dual danger. In an environment of uncertainty, council of ministers cannot implement influential and long – term plans. By way of deriving advantage out of weak council of ministers, legislature starts interfering unnecessarily in the works of government.
4. Intensity in political factionalism:
Political parties give more importance to their party interests and less to national interests, causing harm to national interests. The object of the ruling party in – power is to remain in the power of governance, where the object of opposition parties is to acquire power by criticizing every work of the ruling party. This leads to the formation of an atmosphere of constant conflict and differences.
5. Unstable system of governance:
This is one main defect of parliamentary form of government. Many a time,when one single political party does not get majority, then a coalition government is formed. In such a government, at the time of eruption of mutual differences, there develops a situation of the collapse of the government.
6. Governance of incompetent persons:
In such a form of government, the election of ministers is not done on the basis of their eligibility and administrative experience, instead, it is done on the basis of their popularity and political influence in the political party. In council of ministers, many illiterate, less educated and inexperienced persons are included, which is not in the nation’s interest.
7. Unsuitable form of government in emergency time or at the time of war:
This form of government is not suitable for emergency situations or at the time of war, because there is a need for taking quick decisions in these circumstances, where as it takes a great deal of time in arriving at any final decision in this form of government.
8. Neglect of administrative works:
In this form of government, the members of council of ministers always remain in touch with the voters, and as a result, they do not pay much attention towards governance-related works.
9. Fear of dictatorship of majority party:
In this form of government, the ruling party may neglect public interests and initiate arbitrariness in its approach due to its majority, which is a dangerous tendency.
