parliamentarism
- Noun:
- System of government: "Parliamentarism" refers to a political system in which the executive branch (the government) derives its legitimacy from, and is accountable to, the legislature (parliament). In this system, the head of government (often a prime minister) is typically a member of parliament and is chosen by the parliamentary majority.
- Noun:
- Many European countries, such as the United Kingdom and Germany, practice parliamentarism. (They have a system where the government is responsible to the parliament.)
- The shift from absolute monarchy to parliamentarism took centuries in some nations. (The transition to a system where a parliament holds significant power.)
"The principles of parliamentarism": The core ideas that define this system, including collective responsibility, confidence votes, and the fusion of powers between the executive and legislative branches.
- A key principle of parliamentarism is that the prime minister and cabinet must maintain the confidence of the lower house. (The government must have the support of a majority in parliament to stay in power.)
"Parliamentarism vs. presidentialism": A common comparison in political science, contrasting systems where the executive is fused with the legislature (parliamentarism) versus systems where the executive is separately elected (presidentialism).
- Scholars often debate the stability of parliamentarism compared to presidentialism in new democracies. (Experts discuss which system is more effective for political stability.)
Parliamentary (adj): relating to, enacted by, or suitable for a parliament.
- The parliamentary system requires regular elections. (The system involving a parliament.)
Parliamentarian (n): a member of a parliament, especially one who is skilled in parliamentary procedure.
- She is a seasoned parliamentarian, known for her mastery of debate rules. (A skilled member of parliament.)
Parliament (n): the supreme legislative body of a country, typically consisting of elected representatives.
- The parliament passed a new law on education. (The legislative body approved new legislation.)
Parliamentary system: a direct synonym for the form of government.
- Canada operates under a parliamentary system. (A system of parliamentarism.)
Cabinet government: a term emphasizing the role of the cabinet within parliamentarism.
- In cabinet government, ministers are collectively responsible to the legislature. (A synonym for parliamentarism focusing on the executive.)
"Westminster system": A specific model of parliamentarism originating in the United Kingdom, characterized by a bicameral legislature, a prime minister, and an opposition.
- Australia and New Zealand follow the Westminster system of parliamentarism. (They use a variant of the British parliamentary model.)
"Confidence and supply": An arrangement in parliamentarism where a smaller party supports the government in votes of confidence and budget bills.
- The minority government survived through a confidence and supply agreement with the Green Party. (An arrangement ensuring the government's survival on key votes.)