01370pab a2200157 454500008004000000100001600040245004400056260000900100300001500109362001200124520093400136650003401070650003601104650002801140773004401168180718b2014   xxu||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d  aZahluna, J.  aOpposition in a parliamentary democracy  c2014  ap.873-881.  aOct-Dec  aModern democracies are representative in character. The essence of parliamentary democracy lies in the tolerance on the part of the majority as well as the minority. If democratic parliamentary institutions are to function, an effective and viable Opposition is an essential prerequisite. The importance of a strong opposition in a parliamentary democracy cannot be over emphasised. There can be no democratic government without an effective Opposition and that too has to be a strong and responsible one. It is an organised and effective Opposition that constantly keeps the government in checks. The Opposition criticises and exposes the lapses and acts of omission and commission of the government and offers alternatives. The functions of the Opposition are almost important as those of the government. The Opposition sharpens the government's policy by its criticism and prevents abuses by its "watchful eye ". - Reproduced.  aParliamentary systems - India  aIndia - Politics and government  aPolitics and government  aIndian Journal of Public Administration