The power of a head of state to dissolve the legislature and order a general election is usually associated with the

The power of a head of state to dissolve the legislature and order a general election is usually associated with the parliamentary system of government. In a parliamentary system, the head of state (usually a ceremonial figurehead) is separate from the head of government (the prime minister or premier), who is responsible for leading the legislature and forming a government. The head of government can request that the head of state dissolve the legislature and call for a general election, which is a way to refresh the political system and give the electorate an opportunity to select new representatives.