Parliamentary Democracy

Definition

A parliamentary democracy is a system of government in which the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the confidence of the legislative branch, typically a parliament. In this system, the head of government, known as the prime minister, is accountable to the parliament and can be removed from office by a vote of no confidence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a parliamentary democracy, the prime minister is the head of government and is typically the leader of the political party or coalition with the most seats in the parliament.
2. The parliament in a parliamentary democracy is the primary legislative body, responsible for passing laws, approving the government's budget, and holding the executive branch accountable.
3. Parliamentary democracies often have a ceremonial head of state, such as a monarch or president, who serves as the symbolic head of the country but has limited political power.
4. Votes of no confidence are a key feature of parliamentary democracies, allowing the legislature to remove the prime minister and the government from power if they lose the confidence of the parliament.
5. Many parliamentary democracies have a multi-party system, with multiple political parties competing for seats in the parliament, which can lead to coalition governments.

Review Questions

• Describe the role of the prime minister in a parliamentary democracy.
  • In a parliamentary democracy, the prime minister is the head of government and the leader of the political party or coalition with the most seats in the parliament. The prime minister is responsible for forming and leading the government, setting the policy agenda, and commanding the confidence of the legislative branch. The prime minister can be removed from office through a vote of no confidence if they lose the support of the parliament.
• Explain how the separation of powers is implemented in a parliamentary democracy.
  • In a parliamentary democracy, the separation of powers is implemented differently than in a presidential system. The executive branch, led by the prime minister, is accountable to the legislative branch (the parliament) and can be removed from power if it loses the confidence of the parliament. The judiciary is independent and serves as a check on the power of the executive and legislative branches. However, the prime minister and their cabinet, who are members of the parliament, play a significant role in the legislative process, blurring the traditional separation of powers.
• Analyze the role of political parties in a parliamentary democracy and how they influence the formation of governments.
  • In a parliamentary democracy, political parties play a crucial role in the formation and stability of governments. Typically, the party or coalition of parties that wins the most seats in the parliament will form the government, with the party leader becoming the prime minister. The composition of the parliament, whether it is a single-party majority, a minority government, or a coalition, can significantly impact the policymaking process and the government's ability to implement its agenda. The need for parties to cooperate and form coalitions in order to maintain a parliamentary majority can also lead to compromise and negotiation, shaping the final policies and legislation.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature: A bicameral legislature is a legislative body that consists of two chambers or houses, typically an upper house and a lower house, which work together to pass laws and govern.

Separation of Powers:

The separation of powers is a model of government in which the state's power is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial, each with separate and independent powers.

Responsible Government: Responsible government is a principle in which the executive branch of government is accountable to the elected legislative branch and can be removed from power if it loses the confidence of the legislature.