Question Time
A parliamentary procedure in which government ministers — including the prime minister — must answer questions from opposition legislators.
Explanation
Question Time is a formal accountability mechanism in Westminster-derived parliaments. Ministers face oral questions from legislators, with the Prime Minister typically facing a dedicated "Prime Minister's Questions" (PMQs) session weekly when parliament is sitting. The session forces the government to publicly defend its record and is broadcast widely, making it a key democratic spectacle. PMQs in the UK is famous for its combative nature. Equivalent mechanisms exist in France (séance de questions), Germany (Fragestunde), and most parliamentary democracies. Presidential systems typically lack a direct equivalent, though committee hearings serve a similar oversight function.
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