Class 11 Polity Notes Chapter 5: How does Parliament control the executive?

In parliamentary democracies, maintaining a balance of power between the executive and legislative branches is essential to prevent authoritarian rule and uphold democratic principles.

The Parliament, as the apex legislative body, plays a crucial role in controlling the executive, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding the interests of the people. Here’s a detailed look at how the Parliament exercises its control over the executive.

How does Parliament control the executive?

Parliamentary Oversight of the Executive

In a parliamentary democracy, the executive, formed by the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha, holds significant power. However, without effective parliamentary oversight, this power can lead to executive dominance and potentially, Cabinet dictatorship. The Parliament plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and curbing executive excesses through various means:

1. Parliamentary Privilege:

• Parliamentary privilege grants legislators immunity from legal action for statements made in the legislature, fostering fearless debate and effective representation.

2. Instruments of Control:

• The Parliament employs several instruments to hold the executive accountable:
  • Deliberation and Discussion: Members engage in debates, question hours, zero hours, and adjournment motions to scrutinize policies and actions of the government.
  • Approval of Laws: The Parliament’s approval is essential for bills to become law, providing an opportunity for negotiation and scrutiny.
  • Financial Control: Through budget discussions and oversight of expenditures, the Parliament influences government policies and resource allocation.
  • No-Confidence Motion: This powerful tool allows the Parliament to remove the government if it loses the confidence of the House.

3. Deliberative Processes:

• Question hours and debates serve as effective platforms for members to question the government, criticize its actions, and represent constituents’ concerns. However, political posturing and disruptions sometimes overshadow substantive discussions.

4. Budgetary Control:

• The Parliament’s authority over finances enables it to scrutinize government spending and policies reflected in the budget, influencing the direction of governance.

5. No-Confidence Motion:

• The threat of a no-confidence motion compels governments to maintain the support of the House, ensuring responsiveness to parliamentary concerns.

Despite these mechanisms, challenges such as declining legislative sessions, absenteeism, and partisan politics hinder effective parliamentary control. Nevertheless, a vigilant and active Parliament remains crucial for upholding democratic principles and ensuring executive accountability.

Parliamentary Privileges: Upholding Freedom of Speech

One fundamental aspect of parliamentary control is the protection of parliamentary privileges. These privileges empower legislators to speak fearlessly and represent their constituents without the fear of repercussions.

The presiding officer of the legislature holds the authority to adjudicate matters related to breaches of privilege, reinforcing the legislators’ freedom to express their views.

Instruments of Parliamentary Control

The Parliament employs various instruments to hold the executive accountable at different stages of governance:

1. Deliberation and Discussion: Through debates, question hours, zero hours, and adjournment motions, members of Parliament scrutinize government policies, seek explanations from ministers, and highlight issues of public concern. These platforms facilitate robust discussions, allowing legislators to critique the government’s actions and policies effectively.

2. Approval or Refusal of Laws: Parliament’s approval is mandatory for the enactment of laws. While a majority government may find it easier to pass legislation, parliamentary approval involves negotiations and compromises, especially in cases where the ruling party lacks a majority in the upper house. Failure to secure parliamentary consent can lead to the rejection of bills, as witnessed in instances like the Lok Pal Bill and the Prevention of Terrorism Bill.

3. Financial Control: Parliament exercises control over government finances through budgetary approvals and oversight mechanisms. By scrutinizing budget allocations and auditing government expenditures, legislators ensure financial accountability and assess the alignment of budgetary allocations with government policies.

4. No Confidence Motion: Perhaps the most potent tool of parliamentary control, a no-confidence motion can compel a government to resign if it loses the support of the majority in the lower house. While initially considered a symbolic gesture, several governments have been compelled to step down due to the lack of confidence from the Parliament, highlighting the significant role of this mechanism in ensuring executive accountability.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite its critical role, parliamentary control faces challenges such as declining legislative sessions, absenteeism, and disruptions that hamper effective governance oversight.

To strengthen parliamentary control, there’s a need for increased legislative engagement, efficient time management, and a willingness to collaborate across party lines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parliamentary control over the executive is indispensable for upholding democratic values and ensuring responsive governance. By leveraging its constitutional powers and parliamentary instruments, the Parliament can effectively check executive excesses and foster a more transparent and accountable government, thereby reinforcing the foundations of democracy.

How does Parliament control the executive?- FAQs

How does the Parliament control the executive?

The Parliament exercises control over the executive through various means such as deliberation and discussion, approval or refusal of laws, financial oversight, and motions like a no-confidence vote. These mechanisms enable legislators to scrutinize government actions, hold ministers accountable, and ensure transparency in governance.

What are parliamentary privileges, and why are they important?

Parliamentary privileges refer to the legal immunities and rights enjoyed by legislators to express their views and represent their constituents without fear of reprisal. These privileges are vital for upholding freedom of speech, enabling robust debate, and maintaining the legislature’s independence from external influence.

How does Parliament scrutinize government finances?

Parliament exercises financial control by reviewing and approving government budgets, scrutinizing budget allocations, and auditing government expenditures. Through mechanisms like the Public Accounts Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor General, legislators ensure fiscal accountability and monitor the government’s adherence to budgetary guidelines.

What is a no-confidence motion, and how does it affect the government?

A no-confidence motion is a parliamentary mechanism through which legislators express their lack of confidence in the government’s ability to govern effectively. If the motion receives majority support in the lower house, the government is compelled to resign, leading to potential changes in leadership or early elections.

How does Parliament ensure transparency in lawmaking?

Parliament promotes transparency in lawmaking by providing opportunities for deliberation, public scrutiny, and participation in the legislative process. Through platforms like question hours, debates, and public consultations, legislators engage with citizens, gather feedback, and ensure that laws reflect the collective interests and concerns of the populace.