The Parliamentary System

Question 1

Define the constitutional monarchy

Answer 1

A form of monarchy in which the Monarch is head of state but in which power is exercised by Parliament and by ministers

Question 2

What does the fusion of powers mean?

Answer 2

The intermingling of personnel in executive and legislative branches found in Parliamentary systems

Question 3

What is the head of state

Answer 3

The chief public representative of a country such as Monarch or President

Question 4

Define the separation of powers

Answer 4

The principle that the legislative, executive and the judicial branches of government should be independent of each other

Question 5

The Constitution establishes a Parliamentary system of government. What are the key features of a Parliamentary system?

Answer 5

• The executive and legislative branches are fused
• The legislature can dismiss the executive
• Parliamentary elections decide the government
• The head of state is separate

Question 6

What key features distinguish between Parliamentary and presidential governments?

Answer 6

Parliamentary Gov -
• The executive and legislative branches are fused - Government ministers must be members of the legislature and are responsible to it
Presidential Gov -
• There is a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches - members of the executive cannot be members of the legislature
Parliamentary Gov -
• Parliament can dismiss the government through it out of confidence; the government can dissolve parliament by calling a general election
Presidential Gov -
• Legislature cannot dismiss the president, except in special circumstances, and the executive cannot dissolve the legislature
Parliamentary Gov -
• Power is exercised collectively within the executive branch, the Prime Minister is the head of the cabinet
Presidential Gov -
• Executive power is concentrated in the office of the President

Question 7

The executive is…

Answer 7

the branch of government concerned with the formulation and implementation of policy

Question 8

What does the PMs role entail?

Answer 8

• Political leadership - PM decides the political direction taken by the government
• National leadership - PM is communicator in chief for the gov
• Appointing the government - PM appoints/dismisses ministers
• Chairing the cabinet - PM chairs cabinet and steers it’s decisions. Creates cabinet committees and holds bilateral meetings with ministers
• Managing the executive - PM can restructure gov departments and civil service

Question 9

What are the key elements or the primacy of the Commons include?

Answer 9

• Legitimacy - Commons has greater legitimacy than the Lords as it is directly elected and accountable to voters
• Exclusive powers - Commons can insist on its legislation but Lords delay bills for 1 year can’t delay or amend bills
• Conventions - The Lords should not oppose bills implementing manifesto commitments

Question 10

What is the judiciary?

Answer 10

It is independent of the executive and legislature.