ADVANCED 20-MARK SERIES – PSIR PAPER I
Q10. “Parliamentary Democracy is in Crisis.” Critically Examine.
🔹 INTRODUCTION
Parliamentary democracy is based on representative government, collective responsibility, and legislative supremacy. Originating in Britain, it has become a dominant model in many constitutional democracies.
However, concerns about executive dominance, declining deliberation, populism, and weakened institutions have led scholars to argue that parliamentary democracy faces structural crisis.
🔹 I. Classical Foundations
- Collective responsibility of the cabinet
- Accountability to the legislature
- Deliberative debate
- Confidence of the majority
The system depends on strong opposition and vibrant parliamentary discussion.
🔹 II. Executive Dominance
Modern parliamentary systems often witness concentration of power in the executive.
- Party discipline weakens legislative autonomy
- Frequent use of ordinances or executive orders
- Marginalization of parliamentary committees
This leads to “elective dictatorship,” as described by Lord Hailsham.
🔹 III. Decline of Deliberation
Increasing polarization and media-driven politics reduce substantive debate.
- Disruptions and walkouts
- Reduced sitting days
- Legislation passed without detailed scrutiny
Habermas argues that democratic legitimacy depends on communicative rationality — which is weakening.
🔹 IV. Populism and Majoritarianism
Populist leaders often claim direct mandate from “the people,” bypassing institutional checks.
This undermines:
- Judicial independence
- Minority protections
- Institutional balance
🔹 V. Counter-Arguments
Despite challenges, parliamentary democracy remains adaptable.
- Strong committee systems
- Judicial review
- Active civil society
- Electoral accountability
Crises may reflect transformation rather than collapse.
🔹 VI. Contemporary Context
- Digital media influence
- Coalition instability
- Anti-defection laws
- Decline of ideological politics
These factors reshape but do not necessarily destroy parliamentary democracy.
🔹 CONCLUSION
Parliamentary democracy faces serious challenges, particularly executive centralization and erosion of deliberative quality.
However, it retains institutional resilience through constitutional safeguards and electoral accountability.
Rather than terminal decline, contemporary developments represent a critical phase requiring institutional reform and democratic renewal.
Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Advanced Answer Series
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