Parlamentarism

Parlamentarism is a system of democratic governance where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is held accountable to the legislature, also known as the parliament. In a parliamentary system, the head of government, typically a prime minister or premier, is a member of the parliament and is usually the leader of the majority party or coalition. The government, consisting of ministers, is formed from the ranks of parliament and remains in power as long as it commands the confidence of the majority of parliament. If the government loses a vote of no confidence, it is typically expected to resign, which may lead to the formation of a new government or a general election.

Key characteristics of parlamentarism include the fusion of powers between the executive and legislative branches, in contrast to presidential systems where these branches are largely separate. The head of state, who may be a monarch or a president, often holds a largely ceremonial role and is distinct from the head of government. The prime minister and their cabinet are collectively responsible to the parliament for their actions and policies. This accountability mechanism ensures that the government is responsive to the will of the elected representatives. Parliamentary systems are prevalent in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Japan, and are often associated with a multi-party system where coalition governments are common.