Parliamentary System

Parliamentary System

a form of government where the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (Parliament). The government must maintain the confidence of the parliamentary majority to remain in power.

Main features id a Parliamentary System

Fusion of power (executive and legislative), head of government vs. head of state, government accountable to the Parliament (can be dissolved by a vote of no confidence), flexibility in elections (head of state or government can dissolve Parliament and call for early elections), the ruling party or coalition must have a majority support of the lower house of Parliament (House of Lords in the UK).

Parliamentary Monarchy

the head of State is a hereditary monarch

Parliamentary Republic

the head of State is a President, usually elected

Advantages

greater government accountability, easier removal of ineffective leaders, more cooperation between branches of government

Disadvantages

unstable if no majority present, leading to frequent elections and can lead to excessive legislative influence on government actions