Responsible Government

Definition

Responsible government is a political system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature and is accountable to it, ensuring that leaders remain answerable to elected representatives. This principle emerged strongly in England during the period of constitutionalism, especially after the Civil War and through the Glorious Revolution, influencing how power was balanced between monarchy and parliament.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of responsible government became essential during the English Civil War, as conflicts over authority led to a push for greater parliamentary power.
2. Following the Glorious Revolution in 1688, William of Orange's acceptance of the English Bill of Rights marked a significant transition towards responsible government.
3. In a responsible government, if the executive loses support from the legislature, it can be removed from power, reinforcing accountability to elected officials.
4. This system led to political practices such as cabinet meetings being held in private and parliamentary questions directed at ministers to ensure they are held accountable.
5. The development of responsible government influenced other nations and colonial administrations as they sought similar democratic reforms in their governance.

Review Questions

• How did the events of the English Civil War contribute to the establishment of responsible government?
  • The English Civil War was pivotal in challenging the authority of the monarchy and highlighting the need for accountability in governance. As Parliament asserted its power against King Charles I, it laid the groundwork for a system where the executive would have to answer to elected representatives. This struggle for power led to a rethinking of governance, ultimately promoting ideas about responsible government that ensured ministers were accountable to Parliament rather than ruling without oversight.
• Evaluate the significance of the Glorious Revolution in shaping responsible government in England.
  • The Glorious Revolution in 1688 was crucial for shaping responsible government as it marked a clear transition of power from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional framework. The acceptance of the Bill of Rights by William and Mary not only curtailed royal authority but also established parliamentary supremacy. This revolution solidified the principle that government must be conducted with the consent of Parliament, leading to a more balanced relationship between monarchy and elected officials.
• Assess how responsible government influenced later democratic movements beyond England in terms of governance and accountability.
  • Responsible government had far-reaching implications for democratic movements worldwide as it set a precedent for accountability within governance structures. Countries inspired by England's model began adopting similar principles, establishing governments that required executives to answer to legislative bodies. This framework influenced revolutions and reforms in places like America and France, where demands for checks on power and democratic representation echoed England’s evolution towards responsible governance, ultimately reshaping political landscapes globally.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A system of government where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, limiting their absolute power.

Parliamentary Sovereignty: The principle that Parliament has the ultimate legal authority in the state, and that no other body can override its decisions.

Bill of Rights 1689: An act passed by Parliament that laid out certain rights for citizens and established limits on the powers of the monarchy.