Constitutional lawLesson 3 of 4 in the course Separation of powers

Parliamentary Government: Institutions, Procedures, and Accountability

5 flashcards · 4 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

A parliamentary system links the executive branch to the confidence and support of the legislature. This lesson introduces the system’s defining ideas and traces important stages in the development of parliaments.

In a parliamentary system, the head of government must be able to command the support, or confidence, of a majority in parliament. The government is politically accountable to the legislature. If it loses confidence, it may have to resign, be replaced, or seek an election, depending on the country’s rules.

All flashcards

What is parliamentary confidence?
It is the legislature’s support for a government to remain in office. A government that loses confidence may have to resign, be replaced, or seek an election under the country’s rules.
What does the head of government do?
The head of government leads the government and its political program. The office is commonly called prime minister in parliamentary systems.
How does a head of state differ from a head of government?
The head of state represents the state and may perform ceremonial or constitutional functions; the head of government leads the government. The roles are often separate, but some systems combine them.
Why is the Althing historically significant?
The Icelandic Althing first met around 930 and is often cited as an early parliament, although that status depends on how parliament is defined.
What was the significance of the Great Reform Act 1832?
It formed part of the expansion of political participation and strengthened Parliament’s role in determining who governed.

Quiz questions

  1. Which feature is commonly associated with the Westminster model of parliamentary government?Answer: Adversarial debate and a government-led parliamentary agenda.
  2. Which combination is commonly associated with consensus models of parliamentary government?Answer: Committee work, proportional representation, and negotiated decision-making.
  3. What distinguishes a semi-presidential system from a standard parliamentary system?Answer: It combines a president with a prime minister and cabinet politically responsible to parliament.
  4. What is unusual about the Norwegian Storting’s term?Answer: It serves its full four-year term and cannot be dissolved early.

Based on the Wikipedia article Parliamentary system, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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