Parliament

Definition

Parliament is the legislative body in a parliamentary system of government, responsible for making laws and overseeing the executive branch. It serves as the central institution of political power, representing the will of the people through elected representatives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a parliamentary system, the parliament is the primary source of political authority, with the ability to appoint and dismiss the executive branch.
2. Parliaments are often bicameral, consisting of an upper house (e.g., Senate) and a lower house (e.g., House of Commons), with different roles and powers.
3. The government, led by the prime minister, must maintain the confidence of the parliament through regular votes, known as confidence votes.
4. Parliaments have the power to pass legislation, approve the government's budget, and hold the executive branch accountable through mechanisms like question time and parliamentary committees.
5. The composition of parliament, including the relative strength of political parties, can have a significant impact on the stability and direction of the government.

Review Questions

• Explain the key differences between a parliamentary system and a presidential system of government.
  • In a parliamentary system, the executive branch (the prime minister and cabinet) is dependent on the direct or indirect support of the parliament, which is the legislative body. The prime minister and cabinet can be dismissed by the parliament through a confidence vote. In contrast, in a presidential system, the executive branch (the president) is directly elected and serves a fixed term, independent of the legislative branch. The president appoints the cabinet, and the legislature cannot easily remove the executive from power. This fundamental difference in the relationship between the executive and legislative branches is a key distinction between parliamentary and presidential systems.
• Describe the role and composition of a typical bicameral parliament.
  • Many parliamentary systems have a bicameral legislature, meaning it is divided into two chambers or houses. The upper house, often called the Senate, is typically composed of members who are either appointed or elected through a different process than the lower house. The lower house, such as the House of Commons, is usually the primary legislative chamber and is elected directly by the people. The two houses often have distinct powers and responsibilities, with the lower house typically having more influence over legislation and the government's agenda. The composition of the parliament, including the relative strength of political parties in each chamber, can have a significant impact on the stability and direction of the government.
• Analyze the importance of the confidence vote in a parliamentary system and its implications for the relationship between the executive and legislative branches.
  • In a parliamentary system, the government led by the prime minister must maintain the confidence of the parliament through regular confidence votes. If the government loses a confidence vote, it is typically required to resign, and a new government must be formed. This close relationship between the executive and legislative branches is a defining feature of parliamentary systems. The confidence vote gives the parliament significant power to hold the government accountable and influence its policies. It also means that the government must work closely with the parliament to maintain its grip on power, leading to a more collaborative, but potentially less stable, relationship between the branches compared to a presidential system.

Related terms

Parliamentary System: A system of government where the executive branch is dependent on the direct or indirect support of the parliament, often including the prime minister and cabinet.

Bicameral Legislature: A legislature that is divided into two chambers or houses, typically an upper house and a lower house, with distinct powers and responsibilities.

Confidence Vote: A vote in parliament that determines whether the government retains the support of the legislative body, often leading to the resignation of the government if it loses the vote.