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Class Notes on the Parliamentary System of Government

A parliamentary system of government features a fusion of powers where the executive derives authority from the legislature and is accountable to it. Key characteristics include dual leadership, collective responsibility, and the ability for parliament to remove the government through a vote of no confidence. While it offers benefits like accountability and quick decision-making, it also faces challenges such as instability and the risk of executive dominance.

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Class Notes on the Parliamentary System of Government

A parliamentary system of government features a fusion of powers where the executive derives authority from the legislature and is accountable to it. Key characteristics include dual leadership, collective responsibility, and the ability for parliament to remove the government through a vote of no confidence. While it offers benefits like accountability and quick decision-making, it also faces challenges such as instability and the risk of executive dominance.

Uploaded by

oyinlolaabbey99
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Class Notes on the Parliamentary System of Government

Definition

A parliamentary system of government is a system where the executive branch derives its
legitimacy and authority from the legislative branch (parliament) and is accountable to it. In this
system, the head of government is distinct from the head of state, and governance depends on the
confidence of the legislature.

Key Features of a Parliamentary System

1. Fusion of Powers
o The executive and legislative branches are interconnected. Members of the
executive (Prime Minister and Ministers) are usually drawn from the parliament.
2. Dual Leadership
o Head of State: A ceremonial figurehead (e.g., a monarch or president).
o Head of Government: The Prime Minister or equivalent who handles the day-to-
day administration.
3. Collective Responsibility
o The cabinet functions as a team and is collectively responsible to the parliament
for its decisions and policies.
4. Majority Rule
o The government is formed by the political party (or coalition) that has the
majority in the parliament.
5. Vote of No Confidence
o The parliament can remove the government through a vote of no confidence,
necessitating the resignation of the Prime Minister or the dissolution of
parliament.
6. Flexible Tenure
o There is no fixed term for the government. The Prime Minister can dissolve
parliament and call for fresh elections at any time, though this often follows legal
or customary practices.
7. Bicameral Legislature (in many cases)
o Many parliamentary systems have two houses: an upper house (e.g., Senate,
House of Lords) and a lower house (e.g., House of Commons).
How It Works

1. Formation of Government
o After general elections, the political party or coalition with the majority in the
parliament forms the government.
o The head of state formally invites the leader of the majority party to become the
Prime Minister.
2. Roles and Responsibilities
o Parliament: Enacts laws, debates policies, and holds the executive accountable.
o Prime Minister: Appoints ministers, sets policy direction, and oversees
government operations.
o Cabinet: Comprised of ministers who manage specific portfolios (e.g., finance,
education) and work under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
3. Legislative Oversight
o Parliament scrutinizes government actions through debates, question sessions, and
committees.
4. Decision-Making Process
o The Prime Minister and cabinet formulate policies, which are debated and
approved by parliament before implementation.

Examples of Parliamentary Systems

1. United Kingdom: A classic example with a constitutional monarchy where the Prime
Minister is the head of government, and the monarch is the head of state.
2. India: A parliamentary democracy with the President as the ceremonial head of state and
the Prime Minister as the head of government.
3. Canada: A parliamentary system within a constitutional monarchy, with a Governor-
General representing the monarch.

Merits of a Parliamentary System

1. Accountability
1. The executive is directly accountable to the legislature, ensuring checks
and balances.
2. Flexibility
o The Prime Minister can be replaced without a full-blown election if they lose
parliamentary confidence.
3. Cooperation Between Branches
o The fusion of powers fosters close collaboration between the executive and
legislative branches.
4. Quick Decision-Making
oThe government can often enact laws and implement policies more swiftly due to
majority support in parliament.
5. Representation
o The system allows diverse representation through coalition governments in cases
of no clear majority.

Demerits of a Parliamentary System

1. Instability
o Coalition governments or frequent votes of no confidence can lead to instability.
2. Lack of Clear Separation of Powers
o The overlap between the executive and legislative branches can reduce the
effectiveness of checks and balances.
3. Risk of Executive Dominance
o A majority government can dominate the parliament, reducing scrutiny of
executive actions.
4. Frequent Elections
o Governments can fall, leading to frequent and expensive elections.
5. Influence of Political Parties
o Party loyalty often supersedes individual decision-making, which can hinder
robust debates.

Differences Between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems

Feature Parliamentary System Presidential System


Separation of Fusion of powers between executive Clear separation between executive and
Powers and legislature legislature
Flexible, based on confidence of
Tenure Fixed tenure for the President
parliament
Dual: Head of State and Head of Single: The President is both head of
Leadership
Government state and government
President not directly accountable to
Accountability Executive accountable to parliament
legislature

Conclusion

The parliamentary system of government is characterized by its emphasis on collaboration and


accountability between the executive and legislative branches. While it has its merits, such as
flexibility and responsiveness, it also faces challenges like instability and the potential for
executive dominance. Understanding its workings, particularly in countries like the UK and
India, provides insights into how governance structures can adapt to cultural and historical
contexts.

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