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5.6 - HOW DOES THE PARLIAMENT CONTROL THE EXECUTIVE?

Interactive Audio Lesson

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Parliament's Role and Power

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’ll discuss the power of Parliament in controlling the executive. Can anyone tell me why it's important for the Parliament to oversee the executive?

Student 1
Student 1

To ensure that the government is serving the people properly.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The Parliament ensures that the executive does not act arbitrarily and remains accountable to the people. This relationship is essential in a democracy.

Student 2
Student 2

How does Parliament do this?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! Parliament employs several tools like deliberation, financial control, and the no-confidence motion to maintain oversight.

Student 3
Student 3

So, if they disagree with the executive, can they just reject everything?

Teacher
Teacher

Not everything, but they can challenge key decisions, ensuring government accountability. We will delve deeper into these tools in our next sessions.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, Parliament's role is vital for a functioning democracy. It keeps the executive in check so that they always serve the interests of the people.

Instruments of Parliamentary Control

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Teacher
Teacher

Now let's discuss the specific instruments Parliament uses to exert control over the executive. Can someone name one of these instruments?

Student 1
Student 1

Deliberation and discussion?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! Deliberation allows members of Parliament to scrutinize policies and decisions of the executive during sessions. This process encourages transparency.

Student 4
Student 4

What about financial control?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The Parliament reviews and approves the budget, which is critical since it determines how public funds are spent. This responsibility reinforces their control.

Student 2
Student 2

And what about the no-confidence motion?

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent point! A no-confidence motion is a powerful tool because it can remove the government if the majority no longer supports it. It ensures that the executive cannot take the majority's support for granted.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, these instruments empower Parliament to actively oversee the executive, maintaining a balance in governance.

The Importance of Oversight Mechanisms

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Teacher
Teacher

We’ve mentioned several instruments. Why do you think it’s crucial for Parliament to have these oversight mechanisms in place?

Student 3
Student 3

To prevent abuse of power by the government.

Teacher
Teacher

That’s right! It protects against tyranny and ensures that the government stays in touch with the people's needs.

Student 4
Student 4

But sometimes people say Parliament doesn’t do enough. Why is that?

Teacher
Teacher

Good observation! Sometimes, time constraints and political dynamics can hinder effective oversight. Active participation and engagement in debates can enhance Parliament's power.

Student 1
Student 1

So, it’s also about how actively members engage, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Effective democratic practice depends on the commitment of members to hold the government accountable.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, for a democracy to thrive, oversight mechanisms must be robust and actively utilized by Parliament.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section outlines how the Parliament effectively controls the executive in a parliamentary democracy, ensuring accountability and adherence to democratic principles.

Standard

The section explains the mechanisms through which the Parliament exercises oversight and control over the executive branch, emphasizing the importance of regular vigilance, various parliamentary instruments, and the roles played by both Houses in ensuring that the government remains answerable to the elected representatives.

Detailed

In a parliamentary democracy like India, the executive is formed from the party or coalition with a majority in the Lok Sabha. This unique relationship can lead to scenarios where the Parliament may appear less powerful compared to the executive, leading to Cabinet dictatorship. Therefore, Parliament's role as a controlling entity is crucial. The section discusses several instruments of control available to Parliament, including deliberation and discussion, approval or refusal of laws, financial oversight, and the no-confidence motion. Through these mechanisms, Parliament can investigate the actions of the executive at various stages—policy-making, implementation, and post-implementation. Regular discussions, especially during Question Hour and Zero Hour, provide opportunities for Parliament to scrutinize government actions intimately. Moreover, financial control through the budget process and the ability to initiate or reject legislation are essential tools for maintaining this oversight. The section concludes by highlighting that though the Parliament holds significant authority, its effectiveness relies on active participation, adequate time for discussion, and the willingness of the executive to compromise.

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Audio Book

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Introduction to Parliamentary Control

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In a parliamentary democracy, the executive is drawn from the party or a coalition of parties that has a majority in Lok Sabha. It is not difficult for the executive to exercise unlimited and arbitrary powers with the support of the majority party. In such a situation, parliamentary democracy may slip into Cabinet dictatorship, where the Cabinet leads and the House merely follows. Only if the Parliament is active and vigilant, can it keep regular and effective check on the executive.

Detailed Explanation

In a parliamentary democracy, the government consists of members elected from the majority party in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament). This can lead to situations where the executive (the Cabinet) has too much power, potentially ignoring the legislature (the Parliament). This scenario is often referred to as 'Cabinet dictatorship.' To prevent this, it's crucial for Parliament to stay active and monitor the government's actions carefully.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a classroom where only a few students take charge and make all the decisions. If the rest of the class (like Parliament) doesn't speak up or participate, those few could start making rules that benefit only themselves. However, if everyone participates and asks questions, it keeps those in charge accountable and ensures fairness.

Instruments of Parliamentary Control

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The legislature in parliamentary system ensures executive accountability at various stages: policy making, implementation of law or policy and during and post-implementation stage. The legislature does this through the use of a variety of devices: Deliberation and discussion, Approval or Refusal of laws, Financial control, No confidence motion.

Detailed Explanation

Parliament plays an important role in holding the executive accountable by overseeing various action stages, including policy-making and implementation. Some of the tools at Parliament's disposal include: 1. Deliberation and discussion: Parliament debates policies and laws before they are finalized. 2. Approval or Refusal of laws: Any proposed law must be approved by Parliament before it becomes law. 3. Financial control: Parliament has control over government spending, as budgets must be approved. 4. No confidence motion: This allows Parliament to remove the government if it loses support.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a school principal making changes to the school rules. Before implementing any new rule, the principal must present it to the school board (like Parliament). They discuss and vote on whether to accept or reject the rule. If a majority does not support it, the principal must rethink the changes.

Deliberation and Discussion

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During the law making process, members of the legislature get an opportunity to deliberate on the policy direction of the executive and the ways in which policies are implemented. Apart from deliberating on bills, control may also be exercised during the general discussions in the House. The Question Hour, which is held every day during the sessions of Parliament, where Ministers have to respond to searching questions raised by the members; Zero Hour where members are free to raise any matter that they think is important.

Detailed Explanation

Parliament allows members to discuss and debate laws and policies thoroughly. There are dedicated times, like the Question Hour, where ministers answer tough questions from members about government policies and actions. There’s also Zero Hour, a time set aside for members to discuss urgent issues without prior notice. This openness ensures that concerns can be raised and addressed promptly.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a town hall meeting where residents get to ask the mayor questions about local policies. For instance, someone may ask why a road hasn’t been repaired yet, forcing the mayor to provide answers and be accountable to the citizens.

Financial Control by Parliament

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As mentioned earlier, financial resources to implement the programmes of the government are granted through the budget. Preparation and presentation of budget for the approval of the legislature is constitutional obligation of the government. This obligation allows the legislature to exercise control over the purse strings of the government.

Detailed Explanation

The government must prepare a budget that allocates funds for its various programs and proposals. This budget must be presented to Parliament and approved before it takes effect. By controlling the budget, Parliament effectively controls how money is spent and which programs receive funding, ensuring the government is accountable for its spending decisions.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a family planning a budget for their household expenses. Before they can buy groceries or pay bills, they need to sit down and decide how much money to allocate to each category. The family must agree on the budget, just as the government must get Parliament’s approval for its financial plans.

No Confidence Motion

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The most powerful weapon that enables the Parliament to ensure executive accountability is the no-confidence motion. As long as the government has the support of its party or coalition of parties that have a majority in the Lok Sabha, the power of the House to dismiss the government is fictional rather than real.

Detailed Explanation

A no confidence motion is a tool that Parliament can use to remove the government if it is deemed to have lost its support or confidence from the majority in the Lok Sabha. If enough members sign this motion and it is passed, the government is forced to resign. This option provides a strong check against government misuse of power; however, it's reliant on having sufficient support from Parliament to enact change.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a sports team where the coach is not performing well, leading to a losing streak. If a majority of players (representing the legislative members) believe a new coach is necessary, they can petition for a change in leadership, just as Parliament can call for a no-confidence motion against a government that is not performing effectively.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Parliament's Role: Parliament exercises oversight and keeps the executive accountable.

  • Instruments of Control: Includes deliberation, financial control, and no-confidence motions.

  • Executive Accountability: The executive must answer to Parliament for its actions and decisions.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • An example of a no-confidence motion is when the opposition parties gather enough support to challenge and seek the removal of the sitting government.

  • During budget sessions, Parliament exercises financial control by reviewing and approving government expenditure proposals.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In Parliament's hall, where rules do reign, / The government's actions we’ll scrutinize and explain.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once in a land, the Parliament stood as the people's defender, ensuring every act was fair, holding the government as a presenter.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember: P-F-D-N (Parliament, Financial Control, Deliberation, No Confidence) for the instruments of control.

🎯 Super Acronyms

P.A.R.L - Parliament Always Resolves Legislative issues.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Deliberation

    Definition:

    Discussion and consideration of various viewpoints before making a decision.

  • Term: NoConfidence Motion

    Definition:

    A parliamentary motion that, if passed, indicates that the legislature no longer supports the government.

  • Term: Financial Control

    Definition:

    Parliament's power to approve government budgets and expenditures, thereby exercising oversight over public spending.

  • Term: Accountability

    Definition:

    The obligation of the executive branch to be answerable to Parliament and, by extension, to the public.