Describe the main features of the Parliamentary System in India.

The parliamentary system in India is a form of government that draws its inspiration from the British Westminster model. It is characterized by a fusion of the executive and legislative branches, where the executive, headed by the Prime Minister, is drawn from the majority party or coalition in the lower house of Parliament, known as the Lok Sabha. Several distinctive features define the parliamentary system in India:

1. Fusion of Executive and Legislature:
In the parliamentary system, there is a fusion of the executive and legislative branches of government. The executive is drawn from the majority party in the Lok Sabha, and the Prime Minister, who is the head of government, is usually the leader of the majority party. This fusion ensures a close and dynamic relationship between the executive and the legislature.

2. Role of the President:
India follows a parliamentary system with a ceremonial President as the head of state. The President's role is largely symbolic, and the real executive powers are vested in the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The President's functions include the appointment of the Prime Minister, the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, and the assent to bills for their enactment into law.

3. Collective Responsibility:
The principle of collective responsibility is a fundamental feature of the parliamentary system. The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This means that all ministers must publicly support government decisions, and if the government loses a vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha, the entire cabinet must resign.

4. Confidence of the Lok Sabha:
The government's legitimacy and continuation in office depend on maintaining the confidence of the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers must command the majority in the lower house to remain in power. If the government loses a vote of confidence or fails to pass the budget, it may lead to the resignation of the Prime Minister or the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

5. Bicameral Legislature:
India has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). While the Lok Sabha is the lower house directly elected by the people, the Rajya Sabha is the upper house representing the states and union territories. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are accountable primarily to the Lok Sabha.

6. Parliamentary Elections:
Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by the people through direct elections based on a first-past-the-post system. Elections are held at least every five years, and the party or coalition that secures a majority forms the government. The Prime Minister is typically the leader of the majority party or coalition.

7. Role of Opposition:
The parliamentary system emphasizes the significance of the opposition in providing checks and balances. The leader of the opposition plays a crucial role in scrutinizing government policies, questioning decisions, and presenting an alternative viewpoint. This contributes to the democratic functioning of the system.

8. Flexibility and Responsiveness:
The parliamentary system is known for its flexibility and responsiveness to changing political scenarios. The government can be easily changed through a vote of no-confidence, leading to a new government without the need for a complete election. This flexibility allows for adaptability in governance.

In summary, the parliamentary system in India is characterized by a fusion of executive and legislative powers, collective responsibility of the cabinet, the role of the President as a ceremonial head of state, and a bicameral legislature. The system underscores the importance of maintaining the confidence of the Lok Sabha for the stability and legitimacy of the government.