Parlementarisme

Parlementarisme is a system of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature. The government, usually headed by a prime minister or equivalent, remains in office only while it commands the confidence of the elected parliament. The head of state is typically separate from the head of government and may be a largely ceremonial monarch or a president.

In a parliamentary system, the cabinet is collectively responsible to the parliament. The legislature approves legislation and controls the budget, while the government proposes policy. If the parliament passes a vote of no confidence or otherwise withdraws confidence, the government must resign, possibly triggering new elections or the formation of a new coalition. Some systems also require ongoing confidence for key policies or the budget (supply).

There are variations. The Westminster or Anglo-Saxon model, seen in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, features strong party discipline, relatively flexible terms, and formal dissolution powers. Continental European systems, such as Germany and the Netherlands, emphasize collective responsibility and may introduce mechanisms like a constructive vote of no confidence or enduring coalition governance, with more constraints on immediate dissolution. In all cases, the division of powers is arranged so that executive action depends on legislative support, not a separate electoral mandate for the president or monarch.

Some contexts use parlementarisme alongside constitutional monarchies or republics, and its practice reflects a balance between government effectiveness and parliamentary accountability. Historical roots lie in British constitutional development from the 17th century onward and have since spread globally.