Similar to India, UK also follows a Parliamentary system of democracy.
- However, Parliament is supreme in UK whereas in India Parliamentary sovereignty is subject to Constitutional Supremacy.
Comparison of dimensions of democracy in India and the UK
| Specification | India | UK |
|---|
| Eligible Voters for election in 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 process | - Voting is done through an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)
| - Voting can be done by postal ballots.
|
| Office of Prime Minister (PM) | - The office is established in the Constitution.
- PM can be from either House of parliament, i.e Lok Sabha (lower House) or Rajya Sabha.
- A non-elected Member of Parliament (MP) can be appointed as PM for 6 months.
- The President appoints PM.
| - The office is based on Convention (UK does not have a written constitution)
- PM can only be from the Lower House
- A PM must be, or be about to become an MP.
- The Monarch appoints PM.
- PM is also ‘First Lord of the Treasury’.
|
| Oath by elected Members | - Members of both the Houses take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution.
- Forms of Oaths or Affirmations are provided in the 3rd Schedule of the Constitution.
| - Members of both the Houses take an oath of allegiance to the Crown.
- Oath is based on Promissory Oaths Act 1868 and Oaths Act 1978.
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