Introduction to Malaysian Premiership Studies: The Concept of Prime Minister

These vocabulary flashcards define the role, historical origins, and structural characteristics of the Prime Minister position and parliamentary systems as compared to presidential systems.

Prime Minister

The head of an elected government and chief of cabinet who leads the ministers in the executive branch and typically represents the party with the most seats after a general election.

Privy Council

The medieval English monarchy's advisory council from which the role of the Prime Minister gradually emerged.

Glorious Revolution of 1688

A key historical milestone that established parliamentary supremacy over the monarchy in the United Kingdom.

Parliamentary System

A system of government where the Prime Minister is the head of government, featuring majority rule, collective responsibility, non-fixed terms, and a fusion of powers.

Presidential System

A system of government where the President is the head of government, featuring a fixed-term, separation of powers between executive and legislative bodies, and single executive authority.

Fusion of Powers

A characteristic of the parliamentary system representing a close relationship between the executive and legislative branches.

Separation of Powers

A characteristic of the presidential system where the executive and legislative bodies operate independently of each other.

Dual Executive

A structure in a parliamentary system consisting of a nominal executive (head of state) and a real executive (head of government).

Nominal Executive

The head of state in a parliamentary system who serves as a symbolic or ceremonial leader.

Real Executive

The head of government, specifically the Prime Minister, who holds the actual governing power in a parliamentary system.

Chief Legislator

A role of the Prime Minister involved in leading the development of policies and laws that affect the country.

Collective Responsibility

A principle in the parliamentary system where the executive branch acts as a unified body under majority rule.

Chief Executive

The role of the leader responsible for government administration and making major decisions regarding national policies.

Dissolve Parliament

The power of a Prime Minister in a parliamentary system to end the term of the current legislative body, typically leading to a general election.