1. Chapter 14 Parliamentary Government

2.  Form of govt. found in most countries  The only votes that people vote are for members of parliament  The executive is chosen and set up by parliament Parliamentary Govt.

3.  Characteristics: 1.Parliament of representatives chosen by electorate; often 200-several hundred in size; only elected body; bills passed in parliament are law (no one has veto power) Parliamentary System

4. 2. Executive part of government (similar to US’s presidential branch) is made up of a cabinet of men and women who are selected by parliament; take on executive powers in addition to legislative responsibilities; often in majority political party Characteristics of Parliamentary System

5. 3. Executive members only stay in positions while have the “confidence” (support) of the Parliament majority; a vote of no confidence can lead to the fall of the government and a new election Characteristics of Parliamentary System

6. 4. The Executive leader can dissolve parliament and call for new elections just as the parliament can call no confidence and remove the executive; a new election can lead to a new distribution of power, Characteristics of Parliamentary System

7.  Purely symbolic figure  Often a monarch (example: England)  Ceremonial and symbolic leader  Usually only occurs with Parliamentary systems Heads of State

8.  Leaders chosen by majority party  If not clear majority party, a coalition is formed and a compromise reached to choose the leaders  Cabinet must be able to control what is going on in Parliament. The Cabinet

9. 1.Public Debate 2.Face Scrutiny 3.Oversight of policy 4.Source of the executive What Parliament Does

10.  Weaker and less assertive than in United States Congress  Majority party sets tone and is a source of decisions instead of committees  However, all Parliaments have committees to consider all the bills introduced. Parliamentary Committees

11. 1.Power is unified under a majority party so government can respond quickly and decisively. 2.The lines of responsibility and accountability very clear. Advantages of Parliamentary System

12. 1.Few protections for a minority who feels wronged 2.May produce a very unstable government Disadvantages of Parliamentary System