Parliamentary Democracy

Definition

A parliamentary democracy is a political system in which the government is elected by and accountable to a parliament, with the executive branch deriving its legitimacy from the legislature. In this system, the head of government, usually called the prime minister, is selected from the majority party or coalition in parliament and is directly accountable to that body, fostering a close relationship between the legislative and executive branches.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a parliamentary democracy, the prime minister can be replaced through a vote of no confidence, highlighting the government's accountability to parliament.
2. The head of state, often a monarch or president, typically has a ceremonial role, while real political power is held by the prime minister and the cabinet.
3. This system promotes a strong connection between the legislative and executive branches, as members of the government are often also members of parliament.
4. Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and India exemplify parliamentary democracies, each with unique adaptations to this political framework.
5. Parliamentary democracies often feature proportional representation systems, which can lead to multiple parties being represented in parliament and more diverse viewpoints.

Review Questions

• How does the relationship between the executive and legislative branches function in a parliamentary democracy?
  • In a parliamentary democracy, the executive branch is directly derived from and accountable to the legislative branch. The prime minister is usually a member of parliament and leads the government while maintaining support from the majority. This close relationship allows for more cohesive policy-making but also means that if the prime minister loses support, they can be removed through mechanisms like a vote of no confidence.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of having coalition governments in parliamentary democracies.
  • Coalition governments can enhance representation by allowing multiple parties to work together, reflecting a wider array of interests in parliament. However, they may also lead to instability if parties cannot agree on policies or governance. The necessity for compromise can dilute policy initiatives, potentially frustrating voters who supported more definitive platforms from individual parties.
• Analyze how a parliamentary democracy differs from a presidential democracy in terms of accountability and governance.
  • Parliamentary democracies differ from presidential democracies primarily in how power is structured and accountability is maintained. In parliamentary systems, the prime minister is accountable to parliament and can be swiftly removed through votes of no confidence, promoting responsiveness to legislative concerns. In contrast, presidential democracies feature an independently elected president who serves fixed terms, making removal more challenging. This structural difference influences governance styles, with parliamentary systems often allowing for more fluid policy changes based on majority support.

Related terms

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

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 in parliament.

Coalition Government: A government formed by multiple political parties who cooperate to achieve a majority in parliament when no single party gains a majority.