Parliamentarism

Definition

Parliamentarism is a system of government where the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch, typically the parliament. It is characterized by a close relationship between the legislative and executive powers, with the government being formed from and dependent on the support of the parliament.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a parliamentary system, the executive branch (the cabinet and the prime minister) is dependent on the confidence of the legislative branch (the parliament) and can be dismissed by a no-confidence vote.
2. The head of government in a parliamentary system is the prime minister, who leads the cabinet and is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the parliament.
3. Parliamentarism allows for greater flexibility in forming and maintaining governments, as the executive branch can be more easily replaced compared to a presidential system.
4. Parliamentary systems often have a multi-party system, where coalition governments are common, leading to a more collaborative approach to policymaking.
5. The fusion of powers between the legislative and executive branches in a parliamentary system can lead to a more efficient decision-making process, but also raises concerns about the concentration of power.

Review Questions

• Explain how the relationship between the legislative and executive branches in a parliamentary system differs from a presidential system.
  • In a parliamentary system, the executive branch (the cabinet and prime minister) is directly accountable to the legislative branch (the parliament) and can be dismissed by a no-confidence vote. This close relationship and fusion of powers contrasts with the separation of powers in a presidential system, where the executive (the president) is independently elected and the legislative and executive branches have distinct and independent roles.
• Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the parliamentary system's flexibility in forming and maintaining governments compared to the more rigid presidential system.
  • The parliamentary system's flexibility allows for more fluid transitions of power and the ability to form coalition governments, which can lead to a more collaborative approach to policymaking. However, this flexibility can also result in political instability, as governments can be more easily dismissed by a no-confidence vote. In contrast, the presidential system's separation of powers and fixed terms of office can provide more stability, but may also lead to gridlock and a less responsive government to changing political dynamics.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of the fusion of powers between the legislative and executive branches in a parliamentary system, and how this differs from the separation of powers in a presidential system.
  • The fusion of powers in a parliamentary system can lead to a more efficient decision-making process, as the executive branch is directly accountable to the legislative branch. However, this concentration of power also raises concerns about the potential for abuse and the concentration of power in the hands of the ruling party or coalition. In contrast, the separation of powers in a presidential system is designed to prevent the concentration of power and provide a system of checks and balances, but this can also lead to gridlock and a less responsive government.

Related terms

Parliamentary System: A system of government where the executive branch is formed from and accountable to the legislative branch, with the head of government (Prime Minister) leading a cabinet of ministers.

Confidence Vote: A vote in the parliament to express confidence or no-confidence in the government, which can lead to the resignation of the government if it loses the vote.

Separation of Powers: The division of government into distinct branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) with separate and independent powers, as opposed to the fusion of powers in a parliamentary system.