Parliamentarianism

Parliamentarianism, or parliamentary government, is a constitutional form of government in which the government derives its legitimacy from and is dependent on the confidence of the legislature. The executive is typically headed by a prime minister or equivalent as head of government and a cabinet, both of whom are collectively responsible to the parliament.

In this system, the parliament's confidence determines the government's ability to govern. If the parliament passes a vote of no confidence or withdraws its support, the government is obliged to resign, and elections or a new government may be formed. The cabinet administers government policy and proposes legislation, while the legislature debates and passes laws. The executive and legislative branches are not strictly separated; there is a fusion of powers.

Parliamentary systems vary in form. Some operate within a constitutional framework and a ceremonial president, others within a constitutional monarchy where a monarch is the largely symbolic head of state. Most modern democracies with parliamentarianism have constitutional provisions that constrain the government's powers, define the prime minister's appointment, and outline procedures for dissolving the legislature or forming a new government. Elections often occur within fixed terms or when a government loses a confidence vote.

Common examples include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as Sweden and Germany, where the chancellor is elected by the parliament. The term emphasizes the central role of the parliament in selecting and disciplining the executive and the absence of a separately elected head of government.