Parliamentarism

Definition

Parliamentarism is a democratic governance system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature and is accountable to it. In this system, the prime minister and their cabinet are members of the parliament, leading to a close relationship between legislative and executive functions, which enhances political stability and responsiveness to the electorate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a parliamentary system, the prime minister can be removed by a vote of no confidence, reflecting the accountability of the executive to the legislature.
2. Parliamentarism often leads to coalition governments, particularly in systems with multiple political parties, necessitating negotiation and compromise.
3. The close relationship between the executive and legislative branches in parliamentarism can lead to more efficient law-making processes compared to presidential systems.
4. Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany are examples of successful parliamentary systems that exemplify how parliamentarism functions.
5. In a parliamentary system, the government’s stability is often linked to public support; if the government loses popular support, it can lead to elections or changes in leadership.

Review Questions

• How does the relationship between the executive and legislative branches function in a parliamentary system?
  • In a parliamentary system, the executive branch is derived from the legislature, meaning that the prime minister and their cabinet are also members of parliament. This creates a dynamic where the government must maintain the confidence of parliament to remain in power. If they lose that confidence, they may face a vote of no confidence, which could lead to their removal from office. This interdependence fosters collaboration between branches but also holds the government accountable for its actions.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of coalition governments commonly seen in parliamentary systems.
  • Coalition governments in parliamentary systems can foster collaboration among different political parties, leading to more representative governance and inclusive policymaking. However, they can also lead to instability if parties struggle to reach agreements or if disagreements arise within the coalition. This can result in frequent changes in leadership or even early elections if the coalition cannot maintain majority support. Balancing diverse interests can be challenging but is essential for effective governance.
• Evaluate how parliamentarism contributes to political stability and responsiveness in democratic systems.
  • Parliamentarism promotes political stability through its mechanisms that link the executive's survival to legislative support. This ensures that governments remain attentive to public opinion since losing support can lead to their downfall. Additionally, the need for coalitions encourages negotiation and compromise among parties, making it easier for various interests to be represented. This responsiveness can enhance democratic legitimacy as citizens see their concerns addressed through cooperative governance rather than conflict-driven deadlock.

Related terms

Prime Minister: The head of government in a parliamentary system, responsible for leading the executive branch and making policy decisions while being accountable to the parliament.

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

Coalition Government: A government formed by multiple political parties that cooperate to achieve a majority in parliament, often necessary in a multi-party system.