Definition

1. Noun:
   • A democratic system of government where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (parliament): A form of democracy in which citizens elect representatives to a legislative parliament, and the government (typically a prime minister and cabinet) is formed from and must maintain the confidence of that parliament.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The country transitioned from a monarchy to a parliamentary democracy.
  • In a stable parliamentary democracy, the ruling party must answer to the elected parliament.
  • The principles of a parliamentary democracy include collective cabinet responsibility and the possibility of a vote of no confidence.

Advanced Usage

• "to function as a parliamentary democracy": to operate according to the principles of this system.
  • Despite challenges, the nation continues to function as a parliamentary democracy.
• "the foundations of parliamentary democracy": the fundamental principles or institutions that support this system.
  • An independent judiciary is one of the foundations of parliamentary democracy.

Variants and Related Words

• Parliamentarianism (n): The principles or system of parliamentary government.
  • He is a strong advocate for parliamentarianism.
• Parliamentary (adj): Relating to, enacted by, or suitable for a parliament.
  • They are following parliamentary procedure.
• Democracy (n): A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.
  • Democracy requires active citizen participation.

Synonyms

• Representative democracy: A type of democracy where elected officials represent a group of people.
• Westminster-style democracy: A democratic system modeled on the politics of the United Kingdom.

Related Phrases

• Vote of confidence/no confidence: A key mechanism in a parliamentary democracy where the legislature tests the executive's support.
  • The government fell after losing a vote of no confidence.
• Coalition government: A common feature in parliamentary democracies where multiple parties form a government together.
  • The election resulted in a coalition government.

Noun

1. a democracy having a parliament