Parliamentary systems

Definition

Parliamentary systems are a type of democratic governance where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from, and is directly accountable to, the legislature (parliament). In these systems, the head of government, usually called the prime minister, is typically a member of the parliament and is selected by fellow members, emphasizing a close relationship between the legislative and executive branches. This structure promotes cooperation and can lead to more stable governance when compared to other systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In parliamentary systems, the executive is dependent on the confidence of the legislature, meaning that if the parliament does not support the prime minister, they can be removed from office.
2. This system often leads to coalition governments, especially in multi-party contexts, where no single party holds an outright majority.
3. Parliamentary systems can encourage quicker decision-making since the executive and legislative branches are closely linked, facilitating the passage of laws.
4. Countries with parliamentary systems include the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Australia, showcasing a variety of political cultures under this framework.
5. The effectiveness of parliamentary systems can be influenced by factors such as party discipline and the electoral system used to elect members of parliament.

Review Questions

• How does the relationship between the executive and legislative branches in parliamentary systems influence governance?
  • In parliamentary systems, the executive branch is closely tied to the legislative branch since the prime minister is typically a member of parliament. This relationship encourages collaboration and consensus-building between the two branches, leading to more cohesive policy-making. However, it also means that if there is a loss of confidence in the government, it can quickly lead to instability and potential changes in leadership through votes of no confidence.
• What are some advantages and disadvantages of parliamentary systems compared to presidential systems?
  • One advantage of parliamentary systems is that they can foster greater cooperation between branches of government since they share members. This can lead to more efficient legislation. However, a disadvantage may include instability due to coalition governments or frequent changes in leadership if no party holds a clear majority. In contrast, presidential systems often provide stronger separation of powers but can lead to gridlock when different parties control different branches.
• Evaluate how parliamentary systems adapt to changing political climates and what mechanisms are in place to ensure accountability.
  • Parliamentary systems adapt to changing political climates through mechanisms like votes of no confidence and regular elections that allow for quick changes in leadership if public support wanes. The prime minister must maintain the confidence of parliament to stay in power, which creates a continuous feedback loop between elected officials and constituents. This accountability mechanism helps ensure that governments remain responsive to public needs and concerns, fostering a dynamic political environment.

Related terms

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

Cabinet: A group of high-ranking officials, typically consisting of heads of government departments, chosen by the prime minister to advise on policy and administration.

Vote of No Confidence: A parliamentary procedure that allows members of the parliament to remove the prime minister or government from power if they no longer have support.