Context:
United Kingdom (UK) elects new Prime Minister (PM)
Comparison of dimensions of democracy in India and the UK:
| Features | India | UK |
| System of democracy | Parliamentary system of democracy | Parliamentary system of democracy |
| Nature of Parliamentary sovereignty | Subject to Constitutional Supremacy. | Parliament is supreme |
| Eligibility for Voting in the Lower House | 18 years of age or older Indian citizens. Members of the Upper House are also eligible for casting votes. | 18 years of age or older UK citizens, a qualifying citizen of the Commonwealth or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland. Members of upper House cannot vote in the UK parliament election |
| Voting | Through an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) | By postal ballots. |
| Office of Prime Minister | Established in the Constitution, appointed by the President PM can be from either House of parliament. A person who is not Member of Parliament (MP) can be appointed as PM for 6 months. | Based on Convention, appointed by The Monarch PM can only be from the Lower House. A PM must be, or be about to become an MP. |
| Oath by members | Take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution Provided in the 3rd Schedule of the Constitution | Take an oath of allegiance to the Crown. Provided in Promissory Oaths Act 1868 and Oaths Act 1978 |
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Constitutional government means
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) a representative government of a nation with federal structure
(b) a government whose Head enjoys nominal powers
(c) a government whose Head enjoys real powers
(d) a government limited by the terms of the Constitution
Answer: (d)
