Alok thinks that a country needs an efficient government that looks after the welfare of the people. So, if we simply elected our Prime Minister and Ministers and left to them the task of government, we will not need a legislature. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
I do not agree with Alok's view. The legislature is essential for a functioning democracy and cannot be done away with.
First, the legislature is not merely a law-making body. It is the centre of all democratic political process. A genuine democracy is inconceivable without a representative, efficient and effective legislature.
Second, the legislature helps people in holding the representatives accountable. This is the very basis of representative democracy. Without a legislature, there would be no mechanism to ensure that the government remains answerable to the people.
Third, the legislature is the most representative of all organs of government due to its composition. It is recognised as one of the most democratic and open forums of debate where popular sentiments and people's expectations can be expressed.
Fourth, the legislature is vested with the power to choose and dismiss the government. Even very strong cabinets must retain majority in the legislature. A strong leader has to face the Parliament and answer to its satisfaction.
Therefore, simply electing the Prime Minister and Ministers and leaving governance entirely to them would undermine democracy, as there would be no institutional mechanism for accountability, representation, and control over the executive.
Explanation
The textbook clearly establishes that legislature is indispensable for democracy. It serves multiple functions beyond lawmaking - it ensures accountability of the executive, represents diverse voices, provides a platform for debate, and holds the power to choose and dismiss governments. The context emphasizes that 'a genuine democracy is inconceivable without a representative, efficient and effective legislature.' Alok's view ignores these fundamental democratic functions.