Parliamentary democracy

Definition

Parliamentary democracy is a form of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is directly accountable to the legislature or parliament. This system allows for a close relationship between the legislative and executive branches, promoting a government that is more responsive to the will of the people. In such a system, the head of government, typically called the Prime Minister, is elected from the legislative body and can be removed by a vote of no confidence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Canada, parliamentary democracy emerged as a key feature of governance following colonial developments and the push for responsible government in the 19th century.
2. The Prime Minister leads the executive branch and is typically a member of the House of Commons, making them directly accountable to elected representatives.
3. Parliamentary democracies often feature a dual system with both an elected House of Commons and an appointed Senate, providing checks on power.
4. Political parties play a significant role in parliamentary democracies, as they organize electoral competition and determine leadership positions within the government.
5. The concept of responsible government entails that the executive must maintain the confidence of parliament to govern effectively, ensuring accountability to elected officials.

Review Questions

• How does parliamentary democracy ensure accountability in government?
  • Parliamentary democracy ensures accountability by requiring that the executive branch, led by the Prime Minister, derives its authority from the elected parliament. If the government loses the confidence of the majority in parliament, it can be removed through a vote of no confidence. This mechanism promotes transparency and responsiveness to public needs, as the executive must continuously seek support from elected representatives to stay in power.
• What are some key differences between parliamentary democracy and presidential systems?
  • Parliamentary democracy differs from presidential systems mainly in how executive power is structured and held accountable. In parliamentary systems, the executive is derived from and accountable to parliament, while in presidential systems, the president is separately elected and holds fixed terms. This leads to different dynamics in governance; for example, parliamentary systems often allow for more fluid changes in leadership through votes of no confidence, whereas presidential systems may require more formal procedures for removing an elected president.
• Evaluate how parliamentary democracy has shaped Canadian political development since its inception.
  • Parliamentary democracy has significantly shaped Canadian political development by promoting political stability and responsiveness to citizens' needs since its establishment. It facilitated the evolution towards responsible government, allowing elected officials to directly influence legislation and policy. The dynamic relationship between political parties and their platforms reflects public sentiment, fostering an engaged electorate. This system has also adapted over time, incorporating multicultural perspectives and regional interests, thereby enriching Canada’s democratic framework while ensuring that governance aligns with contemporary societal values.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A system of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, often functioning within a parliamentary democracy.

Majority Rule: A fundamental principle in democratic systems where the majority's preference becomes the decision, reflecting the will of the greater number of voters.

Vote of No Confidence: A parliamentary motion that can remove a government or specific ministers from power if they lose the support of the majority in the legislature.