Parliamentarianism or Parliamentary System of Government and its Features

The Parliamentary system of government is a system of government in which the Head of State is different from the Head of Government. The Head of State performs ceremonial functions and the Head of Government performs ExecutiveThe executive, also referred to as the executive branch or executive power, is the term commonly used to describe that part of government which enforces the law and has overall responsibility... More Functions.

The Head of State can be an elected president (Republics) or a Monarch (Monarchical state) while the Head of Government is Prime Minister. Other names for the parliamentary system of government are the Cabinet system or the Westminster system.

Britain operates a Cabinet or Parliamentary system of government. The Queen’s eldest son, King Charles III, was confirmed to be the new reigning British Monarch immediately following his mother’s death on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96.

The First Republic in Nigeria under the 1960 and 1963 constitutions operated a Parliamentary system It was practiced until the collapse of the First Republic on January 15, 1966

Features of Parliamentary System:

(i) Head of State is different from Head of Government.

(ii) There is a fusion of power as members of the executive are part of the legislatureThe legislative branch of government is responsible for making laws within a country. Legislatures are made up of people called legislators who, in democracies, are elected by the country’s population More.

(iii) The Prime Minister appoints his ministers only from the legislature.

(iv) The Head of Government is appointed by the Head of State.

(v) There is the supremacy of the legislature.

(vi) There is a collective responsibility of the cabinet to the legislature.

(vii) Parliamentary system of government permits the existence of official opposition.

(viii) The cabinet (including the prime minister) can be removed on a vote of no confidencea vote showing that a majority does not support the policy of a leader or governing body. More by parliament at any time.

(ix) There is strict party discipline and allegiance.

(x) There is provision for an official opposition with an opposition leader.

(xi) In a bicameralBicameralism or Bicameral Legislature is a legislative system where two legislative chambers exist to carry out legislative functions in a state, the lower chamber and the upper chamber. Countries that operate... More parliament, all bills are first introduced in the second chamber.

(xii) Carpet-crossingThis is an act of swapping political parties. It is an act of changing party allegiance or moving from one party to another. It is a term commonly used in Nigeria. More is allowed.