Kashyap describes the Indian system as a "unique compromise" that does not strictly fit any single Western model. It blends elements of: Presidential and Parliamentary systems. Federal and Unitary structures. Republican and Parliamentary traditions. Core Pillars of the State
: The author highlights the unique nature of the Indian system, which blends parliamentary and presidential features to create a structure that is federal but has unitary strengths.
The latest edition of Our Political System was published by the National Book Trust in 2023. It is widely used by students and teachers for its simple, non-technical language that makes complex legal concepts accessible to general readers.
Despite its strengths, the Indian political system has several weaknesses. First, it has been criticized for being overly centralized. The Constitution has given a lot of power to the Union government, which has led to a concentration of authority in the hands of the Center. This has resulted in a lack of autonomy for the states and local governments.
: Kashyap traces the system's roots back to ancient and medieval times, showing how past successes and failures shaped today’s governance.