key term - Parliamentary Democracy

Definition

Parliamentary democracy is a system of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is accountable to it. In this system, the head of government, usually called the prime minister, is typically a member of the parliament and is elected by fellow legislators rather than directly by the public. This interdependence between the executive and legislative branches fosters collaboration but can also lead to instability if there are no clear majorities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In parliamentary democracies, the prime minister is often elected from the political party that has the most seats in parliament after elections.
2. This system allows for more flexible governance as the prime minister can be replaced without a full election if they lose parliamentary support.
3. Parliamentary democracies often experience coalition governments, which occur when no single party wins a majority of seats, requiring parties to work together.
4. Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and India are examples of nations that operate under a parliamentary democracy framework.
5. The effectiveness of parliamentary democracy can be affected by political fragmentation, where multiple parties struggle for power, leading to frequent elections and changing coalitions.

Review Questions

• How does the relationship between the legislative and executive branches in a parliamentary democracy impact governance?
  • In a parliamentary democracy, the executive branch is drawn from the legislature, which means that the prime minister must maintain the confidence of parliament to stay in power. This relationship encourages cooperation between branches, allowing for more cohesive policy-making. However, if there is a loss of support from parliament, it can lead to instability and require new elections or changes in leadership.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of coalition governments within parliamentary democracies.
  • Coalition governments can bring diverse perspectives and enhance representation since they require multiple parties to collaborate. This can lead to more comprehensive policy solutions. However, they can also result in inefficiency and compromise if parties struggle to agree on key issues. The need for consensus might slow down decision-making and lead to political instability if coalitions break apart.
• Evaluate how a vote of no confidence serves as a check on the power of the prime minister in a parliamentary democracy.
  • A vote of no confidence acts as a critical mechanism for accountability in parliamentary democracies by allowing parliament to remove a prime minister or government that has lost its legitimacy or support. This process ensures that leaders remain responsive to their legislative body and ultimately to the electorate. If a prime minister cannot maintain majority support, it reflects broader dissatisfaction with their policies or governance, prompting necessary changes in leadership and potentially leading to new elections.

Related terms

Prime Minister: The head of government in a parliamentary democracy, responsible for running the government and making policy decisions.

Coalition Government: A government formed by multiple political parties who cooperate to achieve a majority in parliament, often necessary in parliamentary systems where no single party has an outright majority.

Vote of No Confidence:

A parliamentary vote that can remove the prime minister or government from power if they lose the support of the majority of members in parliament.