Thursday, July 5, 2012

Are we prepared to adopt American Presidential system?


Presidential election in our country is just round the corner. Every other hour, some or the other BREAKING NEWS regarding this election is conquering our T.V. screens. First, it was regarding selection of presidential candidate, than about winning the support of major and minor parties….
And,
This election has turned into one big Warring event…
Imagine, the appointment of the First Person of our country and the entire scenario is nothing else but militaristic episode.
India, being a democracy,  the President is powerful rubber stamp with no power to implement and more so, because usually [of course, not always] the post is filled by existing leader of the political party and he/she follows the instructions as well as wishes of the Govt. []This has been a practice, so far].
Looking at Presidential strength, other than our country, we generally sight at Presidential democracy of USA. Where as what we follow in India, is adoption of British pattern, where President takes the role of King/Queen of Britain and plays passive role. USA, too were ruled by British and fought to acquire their independence but they espoused different form of democracy.
Now, in current scenario, Presidential election has become an extension of thrusting power game, the question is doing rounds in mindsets of people, that why not American presidential system?
What is American Presidential system?
American Presidential System projects Head of state that performs as head of administrative group, too. American Prez is elected directly by citizen’s voting and is entitled to rule for at least 4 years. He/she has the authority to directly appoint talented various personalities as head of different departments. USA has two party system and whenever any minute group comes into existence, within sometime it merges with the one of the major parties. Since last 150 years, US has had Republican and Democratic parties and the President is chosen from either of the party.
In comparison, our country has number of parties apart from the leading ruling and opposition. Agreed, administration and performance of the govt. in power would be comparatively, induce less corruption but the bona fide meaning of term “democracy” could be jeopardized.  Democracy implies Expression of political beliefs, not  violating the peace and harmony of the society. India being multi linguistic nation as well as it represents diversification in religion, too. Hence, the representation of smaller groups, existing on state levels has to be incorporated. In addition, India is a country, with centuries old history and social strata. The then social and economic systems, which were boon in olden era that elaborated inclusive social fabric, later on with passage of time and during foreign rules, turned out to be cause for Class and Caste division. The huge class of people of the country had been victim of caste and class schism and thus, exploited. In such circumstances, their representation in current democratic system becomes inevitable. Thus, American Presidential system, however may be pertinent in theory but for India’s contemporary socio-political scenario, it may not be appositely applicable.

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