Parliamentary system

Definition

A parliamentary system is a democratic governance structure where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (parliament), with the head of government typically being the prime minister. This system allows for a fusion of powers, meaning that the executive and legislative branches are interconnected, which often leads to more cohesive policy-making and governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parliamentary systems are common in many countries, especially in Europe, with notable examples including the United Kingdom, Canada, and India.
2. In a parliamentary system, the prime minister is usually the leader of the majority party in parliament and is elected indirectly through parliamentary votes rather than a direct public vote.
3. The fusion of powers in a parliamentary system often results in a more stable government compared to presidential systems, as the executive can rely on legislative support.
4. Coalition governments are frequent in parliamentary systems, especially when no single party holds a majority, leading to alliances that can influence policy decisions.
5. Parliamentary systems often allow for quicker legislative action since the executive branch is part of the legislature and can respond rapidly to political changes.

Review Questions

• How does the relationship between the executive and legislative branches differ in a parliamentary system compared to a presidential system?
  • In a parliamentary system, the executive branch is directly accountable to the legislature, meaning that the prime minister and their cabinet are often members of parliament and depend on its support to remain in power. This contrasts with a presidential system where the executive is elected separately from the legislature and operates independently. This difference allows for more fluid collaboration in parliamentary systems but can lead to instability if there is a lack of majority support.
• Discuss the implications of having coalition governments in parliamentary systems and how they affect political stability.
  • Coalition governments are common in parliamentary systems, especially when no party secures an outright majority. These coalitions can lead to more inclusive decision-making as multiple parties must negotiate policies and compromise. However, they can also result in instability as coalition partners may have differing agendas, potentially leading to frequent votes of no confidence or changes in government if alliances break down.
• Evaluate how the characteristics of a parliamentary system can influence policy-making compared to other political systems.
  • The characteristics of a parliamentary system, such as the fusion of powers and reliance on legislative support for executive actions, significantly influence policy-making by enabling faster and often more cohesive decision-making. The close relationship between parliament and the prime minister allows for swifter responses to public issues and crises. However, this can also lead to challenges if coalition partners have conflicting interests, resulting in compromises that might dilute policy effectiveness. Ultimately, these dynamics shape not only domestic governance but also international relations, as stable governments can pursue consistent foreign policies.

Related terms

Prime Minister: The head of government in a parliamentary system, responsible for running the country and leading the executive branch.

Cabinet: A group of high-ranking officials, usually consisting of the heads of government departments, appointed by the prime minister to make decisions on government policies.

Vote of No Confidence: A parliamentary motion that can remove the prime minister or government from power if a majority of parliament members vote against them.