For this article:

7 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
6 min
Polity & GovernanceEDITORIAL

Erosion of Parliamentary Authority: Analyzing the Decline of Legislative Influence

Examining the factors contributing to the diminishing role of parliaments in governance.

Editorial Analysis

The House is being hollowed of meaning, indicating a decline in the authority and influence of parliaments.

Main Arguments:

  1. The increasing complexity of policy issues diminishes parliamentary influence.
  2. Executive dominance undermines the legislative branch.
  3. The rise of non-state actors further erodes parliamentary authority.

Conclusion

The article suggests measures to strengthen parliamentary oversight and enhance the effectiveness of legislative institutions.

Policy Implications

The article implies a need for policy changes to reinforce parliamentary oversight and ensure democratic accountability.

The article discusses the decline in the authority and influence of parliaments in contemporary governance. It attributes this erosion to various factors, including the increasing complexity of policy issues, the rise of executive dominance, and the growing influence of non-state actors. The author analyzes the impact of these trends on democratic accountability and the rule of law.

It suggests measures to strengthen parliamentary oversight and enhance the effectiveness of legislative institutions. The piece underscores the importance of parliamentary reforms, capacity building, and greater public engagement to revitalize the role of parliaments in shaping public policy and holding governments accountable.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

2.

Connects to syllabus topics on Indian Constitution, functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, and separation of powers.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the role of parliament.

Visual Insights

Erosion of Parliamentary Authority

Mind map showing the factors contributing to the decline of legislative influence and its impact on democratic accountability.

Erosion of Parliamentary Authority

  • ●Increasing Complexity of Policy Issues
  • ●Rise of Executive Dominance
  • ●Growing Influence of Non-State Actors
  • ●Impact on Democratic Accountability
  • ●Impact on Rule of Law
More Information

Background

The concept of parliamentary authority has evolved significantly over centuries. Initially, parliaments served primarily as advisory bodies to monarchs, with limited power to influence policy. The gradual shift towards representative democracy saw parliaments gaining legislative and financial control, marking a crucial step in ensuring government accountability. This evolution involved landmark events like the English Bill of Rights (1689), which established parliamentary supremacy over the monarchy, setting a precedent for similar developments worldwide. The rise of political parties and the expansion of suffrage further shaped the role of parliaments, transforming them into key arenas for political debate and decision-making. Over time, the relationship between the legislature and the executive has undergone significant changes. The rise of the welfare state and the increasing complexity of modern governance have led to greater executive dominance in many countries. This trend has been fueled by the need for specialized expertise and rapid decision-making, often bypassing traditional parliamentary processes. The growth of delegated legislation, where parliaments grant broad powers to the executive to make detailed rules and regulations, has further contributed to this shift. This has raised concerns about the erosion of parliamentary oversight and the potential for executive overreach. The concept of separation of powers, a cornerstone of democratic governance, is often tested in this dynamic. In India, the Constitution establishes a parliamentary system of government, where the executive is accountable to the legislature. Article 75 of the Constitution states that the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This principle underscores the importance of parliamentary scrutiny and control over the executive. However, the increasing complexity of policy issues and the dominance of the ruling party have, at times, led to a weakening of parliamentary oversight. The role of parliamentary committees in scrutinizing legislation and holding the government accountable is crucial in maintaining the balance of power. The effectiveness of these committees depends on their composition, resources, and the willingness of the government to engage with their recommendations. Globally, the erosion of parliamentary authority is a common concern, particularly in countries with weak democratic institutions. The rise of populism and the spread of misinformation have further challenged the role of parliaments in shaping public discourse and holding governments accountable. Comparative studies reveal that countries with strong parliamentary traditions and independent judiciaries tend to have more effective legislative oversight. International organizations like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) play a crucial role in promoting parliamentary strengthening and fostering dialogue among legislators worldwide. The challenge lies in adapting parliamentary practices to the changing realities of modern governance while preserving the core principles of democratic accountability and the rule of law.

Latest Developments

Recent years have witnessed increasing scrutiny of government actions through mechanisms like parliamentary questions and debates. However, the effectiveness of these mechanisms is often hampered by disruptions and a lack of quorum. The use of ordinances, which allows the executive to bypass parliamentary approval, has also raised concerns about the erosion of legislative authority. The passage of key legislation through the ordinance route has been criticized for undermining parliamentary scrutiny and debate. The role of the Speaker of the House in maintaining order and ensuring fair debate is crucial in preserving the integrity of parliamentary proceedings. The rise of social media and digital platforms has created new avenues for public engagement with parliamentary processes. Citizens can now directly interact with their representatives and participate in online consultations on policy issues. However, this also presents challenges in terms of managing misinformation and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. The use of technology to enhance parliamentary transparency and accessibility is gaining traction, with initiatives like live streaming of parliamentary proceedings and online access to legislative documents. The challenge lies in leveraging technology to strengthen parliamentary democracy while mitigating the risks of digital manipulation and polarization. Looking ahead, several reforms are needed to revitalize the role of parliaments in contemporary governance. These include strengthening the capacity of parliamentary committees, enhancing the independence of the Speaker, and promoting greater public engagement in legislative processes. The adoption of best practices from other countries, such as the use of pre-legislative scrutiny and impact assessments, can also improve the quality of legislation. The establishment of an independent parliamentary budget office can provide legislators with the expertise needed to scrutinize government spending and fiscal policies. Ultimately, the revitalization of parliamentary authority requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, the opposition, civil society, and the media. The increasing influence of non-state actors, such as multinational corporations and international organizations, also poses a challenge to parliamentary sovereignty. These actors often operate outside the traditional framework of democratic accountability, making it difficult for parliaments to hold them accountable for their actions. The negotiation and ratification of international treaties and agreements, which often have significant implications for domestic policy, require careful parliamentary scrutiny. The challenge lies in ensuring that parliaments have the resources and expertise needed to effectively engage with these complex issues and protect the interests of their citizens. The concept of parliamentary sovereignty is being redefined in the context of globalization and the rise of non-state actors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is meant by 'erosion of parliamentary authority' in the context of governance?

Erosion of parliamentary authority refers to the decline in the power and influence of parliaments in shaping public policy and holding governments accountable. This decline is attributed to factors like complex policy issues, executive dominance, and the influence of non-state actors.

2. What are some factors contributing to the decline of legislative influence?

Several factors contribute to this decline, including the increasing complexity of policy issues, the rise of executive dominance where the executive branch exerts greater control, and the growing influence of non-state actors in policy-making.

3. How does the erosion of parliamentary authority affect democratic accountability?

When parliamentary authority erodes, it weakens democratic accountability. Parliaments play a crucial role in holding governments accountable through mechanisms like questions, debates, and committees. A decline in their authority can lead to reduced scrutiny of government actions and policies.

4. What measures can be taken to strengthen parliamentary oversight?

Measures to strengthen parliamentary oversight include parliamentary reforms, capacity building for legislators, and greater public engagement. These steps can help parliaments regain their effectiveness in shaping public policy and holding governments accountable.

5. Why is the 'Erosion of Parliamentary Authority' considered a HIGH importance topic?

The 'Erosion of Parliamentary Authority' is considered a HIGH importance topic because it directly impacts democratic governance, accountability, and the rule of law. A weakened parliament can lead to reduced public trust in government and less effective policy-making.

6. What is the role of ordinances in the context of erosion of parliamentary authority?

The use of ordinances, which allows the executive to bypass parliamentary approval, raises concerns about the erosion of legislative authority. Frequent use of ordinances can undermine the role of parliament in law-making.

7. What are the recent developments related to parliamentary proceedings?

Recent developments include increased scrutiny of government actions through parliamentary questions and debates. However, the effectiveness of these mechanisms is often hampered by disruptions and a lack of quorum.

8. How can citizens contribute to strengthening parliamentary authority?

Citizens can contribute by engaging with their elected representatives, participating in public consultations, and advocating for parliamentary reforms. Increased public awareness and engagement can help hold parliamentarians accountable and promote a more effective legislative process.

9. What is the UPSC relevance of 'Erosion of Parliamentary Authority'?

While the topic data doesn't specify direct UPSC relevance, understanding the erosion of parliamentary authority is crucial for aspirants as it relates to Polity & Governance, Separation of Powers, Democratic Accountability, and the Rule of Law – all important areas for both Prelims and Mains.

10. What type of questions can be asked in UPSC Prelims related to the decline of parliamentary authority?

UPSC Prelims questions might focus on the factors leading to the decline of parliamentary authority, the impact on democratic accountability, or the role of ordinances. Questions could also test your understanding of related concepts like Separation of Powers and Executive Dominance.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the erosion of parliamentary authority: 1. Increasing complexity of policy issues contributes to executive dominance. 2. The rise of non-state actors has no impact on parliamentary sovereignty. 3. Parliamentary reforms and capacity building are suggested measures to strengthen legislative institutions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The increasing complexity of policy issues often requires specialized expertise and rapid decision-making, leading to greater executive dominance as the executive branch has more resources and expertise than the legislature. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The rise of non-state actors, such as multinational corporations and international organizations, poses a challenge to parliamentary sovereignty as these actors often operate outside the traditional framework of democratic accountability. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Parliamentary reforms, capacity building, and greater public engagement are suggested measures to revitalize the role of parliaments in shaping public policy and holding governments accountable.

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