Question

What are the merits and demerits of a parliamentary system of government?

Answer 1

Instructions: This question needs to be answered in 3 parts. Firstly define the Parliamentary Form of Government in one point. Then explain the merits in two to three points and then the demerits in two to three points.

Solution: The parliamentary system of government is the one where people elect their representatives to the legislature and the members of the executive emerge from the legislature.
Merits-

• The executive is the part of the legislature and hence it allows for greater coordination between them.
• This system is also called 'Responsible Government' because the members of the legislature address issues of public concern.
• This system prevents autocracy as the government can be removed from power by passing a no-confidence motion in the parliament.

Demerits-

• The government is unstable and can be removed from office by passing a no-confidence motion in the parliament.
• Due to the instability, the governments are often reluctant to take important and radical long-term decisions.
• Whenever a different party comes to power, it tries to ignore the development projects started by the previous government.