A Parliamentary form of government is where the parliament is supreme. The government at the center or the executive branch of the government is supported either directly or indirectly by the members of the parliament. A vote of confidence shows the support for the government’s decisions.
Following are the features of a parliamentary form of government:
Nominal Head: A Parliamentary government has two heads-a titular and a real one. The nominal head is the head of state in name. The true powers reside in the real head, i.e. Prime Minister and his council of ministers.
Collective and Individual Responsibility: The cabinet has the responsibility of making decisions for the country. The roles are divided among the ministers. Portfolios are distributed for effective governance but the minister who holds the portfolio is accountable for the decisions he makes. Similarly, if the cabinet has collectively made a decision then all its members are responsible for the same. Censure motions or Cut motions/No-confidence motions can be passed against the ministers if they act irresponsibly.
Centrally important position of the Prime Minister in the Indian Parliamentary System: The powers and functions of the Prime Minister clearly bring out the fact that he is the most powerful person in the Indian Political System. He exercises real and formidable powers in all spheres of governmental activity – Executive, Legislative and Financial. The powers that the Constitution vests in the President are exercised by the Cabinet, which is headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the captain of the ship, of state, the keystone of cabinet-arch, the steering wheel of the government, and the moon against lesser stars.
