Glossary / Political Systems
Parliamentary System
A system where the executive (prime minister and cabinet) is drawn from and accountable to the legislature.
Explanation
In a parliamentary system, the government is formed by the party or coalition that commands a majority in parliament. The prime minister is not directly elected by the public but emerges from parliamentary politics. The government can be removed by a vote of no confidence at any time, making it continuously accountable to the legislature. This is the most common form of democratic government globally, used in the UK, Germany, Japan, India, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. It tends to produce coalition governments in proportional representation systems.
Related Countries, Leaders, and Institutions
Browse this term through connected entities in the knowledge graph.