Westminster model
Topic: Democracy: Forms of Government, Principles and Outcomes · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Westminster model is the British-style parliamentary system. It has a nominal head of state, meaning a head in name only, while the real executive is a cabinet drawn from the legislature. The cabinet is collectively responsible to the elected lower house, so it falls if it loses that house's support. Members are elected by first-past-the-post, where the candidate with the most votes wins. India adopted this model but added a written constitution, judicial review, federalism and an elected head of state.
Example
Under Art. 75(3), India's Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. On 4 November 1948, Ambedkar explained the choice: the American system gives more stability, but the British system gives more responsibility. The Drafting Committee chose responsibility.
Don't confuse with
- Presidential system (USA): the executive is separate from the legislature and serves a fixed term. It does not need a confidence vote.