Previous Year Question

The modern Parliamentary Form of Government first evolved in Britain. It was not established suddenly through a single law or on one specific date; rather, it developed gradually over several centuries through constitutional conventions governing the relationship among the Crown, Parliament, Cabinet and Prime Minister. The UK Parliament itself describes the growth of parliamentary authority and the modern democratic legislature as a long historical evolution.

A central feature of this system is the close relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. In Britain, the political party that normally wins the largest number of seats in the House of Commons forms the Government, its leader becomes Prime Minister, and Government Ministers remain accountable to Parliament.

The development of Cabinet Government and the office of Prime Minister was particularly important in the evolution of the British Parliamentary System. According to the UK Parliament, the office of Prime Minister evolved over approximately three centuries; Robert Walpole (1721–1742) is generally regarded as the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.

India's Parliamentary Democracy was also significantly influenced by British experience. NCERT, while discussing influences on India's Constitution, specifically refers to the practice of parliamentary democracy in Britain.

Thus, the useful examination association is—Parliamentary Government → Great Britain → Cabinet responsibility → Prime Minister + accountability to the Legislature.