Prime Minister in India: Primus Inter Pares or Inter Stella Luna Minores? | UPSC Current Affairs

Summary

This video script from Legacy I Academy discusses the roles of the Indian President and Prime Minister within the parliamentary system. It explains the President's position as a figurehead with ceremonial duties, contrasting it with the Prime Minister's significant power as the 'first among equals' or 'Moon among stars.' The script further explores the dynamics of the Prime Minister's role, highlighting how it can shift between being dominant or overshadowed by cabinet ministers, depending on the individual's strength and the party's position in Parliament. Historical examples are provided to illustrate these concepts.

Takeaways

• 🏛 The Indian political system is a parliamentary democracy, which means the President is an integral part of the Parliament.
• 🌟 The President of India is often likened to a 'lamp', symbolizing a position of dignity and representation of the nation, rather than the main source of power.
• 🛠️ In a parliamentary setup, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are part of the legislative branch, unlike in a presidential system where the executive is separate.
• 🤔 The role of the President can be significant during deadlocks between the two houses of Parliament, acting as a philosopher, guide, and friend.
• 👥 The British model of governance influenced India's parliamentary system, with the Queen's three rights—right to be informed, right to advise, and right to warn—mirrored in the President's role.
• 🌟 The Prime Minister's position is described as 'Primus inter pares' or 'first among equals', suggesting a leadership role among cabinet ministers.
• 🔑 The strength of the Prime Minister's position can vary, depending on whether it's a Prime Ministerial form of government (strong PM) or a Cabinet Ministerial form (strong cabinet ministers).
• 📊 The effectiveness of the Prime Minister's role is influenced by two main factors: the personality of the PM and the position of their party in Parliament.
• 🔄 Historical examples illustrate the shift between strong Prime Ministers like Indira Gandhi and periods where the cabinet system was less powerful, such as during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure.
• 🤝 In coalition governments, the Prime Minister's position can become weaker due to the need for consensus among multiple parties, but this can vary based on the PM's personality and leadership skills.
• 🔮 The script suggests that the power dynamics between the Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers can change over time, reflecting the evolving nature of the parliamentary system.

Q & A

What type of democracy has India adopted according to the script?

India has adopted a parliamentary democracy model.

Why is the President considered an integral part of the Indian Parliament?

The President is considered an integral part of the Indian Parliament due to the parliamentary democracy model chosen by India, influenced by British rule and the need for representation of every section of Indian society.

What is the role of the President in the Indian parliamentary setup?

The President in the Indian parliamentary setup is like a 'lamp,' symbolizing dignity and representing the nation. The President is a constitutional head and acts as a philosopher, guide, and friend, especially in case of deadlocks between two houses.

How does the script describe the role of the Prime Minister in comparison to the President?

The script describes the Prime Minister as the 'main power' in comparison to the President, who is likened to a 'lamp,' suggesting that the Prime Minister has a more active role in governance.

What are the three rights of the British Queen that are also applicable to the Indian President?

The three rights of the British Queen that are also applicable to the Indian President are the right to be informed, the right to advise, and the right to warn in case the Council of Ministers does not function properly.

What is the difference between a Prime Ministerial form of government and a Cabinet Ministerial form of government according to the script?

In a Prime Ministerial form of government, the Prime Minister dominates, whereas in a Cabinet Ministerial form of government, the cabinet ministers dominate and have a greater say in front of the Prime Minister.

Why does the script mention the term 'Primus inter pares' or 'Inter alia luna minor' in relation to the Prime Minister's position in India?

The term 'Primus inter pares' or 'Inter alia luna minor' is used to illustrate the debate over whether the Prime Minister is 'first among equals' or 'Moon among stars,' indicating the varying dynamics of power within the government.

What factors determine whether the Prime Minister is 'first among equals' or 'Moon among stars'?

The factors that determine the Prime Minister's position as 'first among equals' or 'Moon among stars' are the personality of the Prime Minister and the position of his party in Parliament.

How does the script describe the role of the Prime Minister during Indira Gandhi's time?

During Indira Gandhi's time, the script describes the role of the Prime Minister as having a Prime Ministerial form of government, indicating a strong Prime Minister who dominated and led to the development of authoritarian trends.

What challenges does the script suggest for the Prime Minister in a coalition government?

The script suggests that the position of the Prime Minister in a coalition government can become weak due to the lack of a single party majority, although this depends on the personality of the Prime Minister and their ability to lead a diverse coalition.

What does the term 'diarchy' refer to in the context of the script's discussion on the Indian government during Manmohan Singh's time?

In the context of Manmohan Singh's time, 'diarchy' refers to the emergence of two centers of power, with responsibility in the hands of the Prime Minister and power with the head of the Congress party.