Which of the following best describes the relationship between the executive and the legislature in a parliamentary system as discussed in the context of electoral cycles?

The executive derives legitimacy from and remains continuously accountable to the legislative majority.

The legislature is dissolved automatically at the end of every fiscal year.

The executive is elected for a fixed, unalterable term independent of the legislature.

The executive is immune to motions of no confidence during its term.

What is the primary function of the Model Code of Conduct during the election period?

To prevent the ruling executive from making opportunistic financial announcements or politically-motivated transfers.

To regulate the total amount of public funds spent by the Election Commission.

To mandate the dissolution of state assemblies whenever the national parliament is dissolved.

To freeze all government administrative activities and public works.

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17 August 2026

One Nation, One Election proposal critique

One Nation, One Election is a major, ongoing national policy debate that directly engages core constitutional and federal principles frequently tested in UPSC Mains.

Notes

One Nation, One Election (ONOE) proposes a uniform, synchronised timeline for national and State legislative elections in India.
The parliamentary system relies on executive accountability to the legislature, where governments exist only as long as they command a majority.
Historical context: India held simultaneous elections from 1952 to 1967, after which cycles diverged due to the collapse of governments at different times.
Constitutional concerns: Fixed-term calendars may conflict with the parliamentary requirement for fresh elections following a loss of legislative confidence.
Federalism impact: Synchronisation risks subordinating regional political dynamics and state-specific issues to national narratives.
Governance concerns: The Model Code of Conduct is designed to prevent opportunistic financial announcements, not to halt routine administrative functions or ongoing public works.
Economic perspective: Campaign expenditures by political parties act as a form of informal economic redistribution, providing stimulus to local sectors.
Democratic equity: Midterm elections under a fixed-term system could create 'lame-duck' administrations or result in unequal temporal mandates for voters.

Part of a longer story

This is day 46 of 76 in Election Commission of India electoral roll revision exercises, which has been running since 21 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

Examine the constitutional challenges of implementing a synchronised electoral cycle within the framework of India's parliamentary democracy. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
Critically analyse the impact of 'One Nation, One Election' on the federal structure of India and the principle of regional political representation. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the executive and the legislature in a parliamentary system as discussed in the context of electoral cycles?

What is the primary function of the Model Code of Conduct during the election period?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

India’s democracy needs different electoral rhythms

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