Identify six features of a parliamentary system of government.

Answer Details

Six features of a parliamentary system of government

1. Dual executive: There are two heads, a ceremonial head of state (a monarch or president) who reigns but does not rule, and a head of government (the Prime Minister) who exercises real executive power.
2. Fusion of powers: There is no strict separation between the executive and the legislature; members of the executive (the Cabinet) are drawn from and remain members of the legislature.
3. Collective responsibility: The Prime Minister and the members of the Cabinet are jointly and collectively responsible to the parliament for their actions and stand or fall together.
4. Supremacy of parliament: The parliament is supreme; the government is accountable to it and can be removed through a vote of no confidence.
5. The Prime Minister as head of government: Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister, who is usually the leader of the majority party in parliament and appoints the Cabinet from among its members.
6. Party discipline and majority rule: The government is formed by the party (or coalition) with a majority of seats, and strong party discipline binds members to support their party's policies.

A further feature is the existence of an official opposition and the power of the executive to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections.