parlamentariske

Parlamentariske is a Danish adjective meaning “parliamentary.” It is used to describe political systems, processes, and institutions that are based on or closely connected to a parliament. The term appears in phrases such as parlamentariske systemer, parlamentarisk demokrati, and parlamentariske styreformer, and is common in political science and constitutional discussions in Danish, Norwegian, and related Nordic contexts.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from parliament, with the Danish suffix -iske forming adjectives. In practice, parlamentariske concepts emphasize the role of the legislature as the central arena for political legitimacy and decision-making, and the close relationship between parliament and the executive.

Core characteristics: In parliamentary systems, the government (often led by a prime minister or equivalent) derives its legitimacy from the confidence of the parliament. The cabinet is typically drawn from members of the parliament, and the government must maintain parliamentary support to stay in office. The legislature can hold the government to account through votes of confidence or motions of censure. Elections can lead to a new government, and coalitions are common, including the possibility of minority governments relying on outside support.

Relation to other terms: Parliamentary systems are often contrasted with presidential systems, where the executive is independently elected and separate from the legislature. In a parliamentary democracy, the head of state may be a ceremonial monarch or a largely symbolic president, while the head of government wields executive power subject to parliamentary confidence.

Examples: Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other democracies employ parliamentary mechanisms to varying degrees, including constitutional monarchies and parliamentary republics.