A parliamentary system is a type of government system, which divided the power between two bodies: The Council of Ministers (Cabinet) and the Parliament, which is by the people, furthermore, the system is a balance between power and the government's responsibility before the legislature.
The Emergence and Development of the Parliamentary System
The parliamentary system appeared in Britain for the first time. The British legislator defined its foundations, characteristics, and features therein. Also, it went through many revolutions, and it took a long time before it stabilized in the way it is today.
The same case happened with the countries that adopted the parliamentary system. Moreover, we see the variation in the applications of this model.The system experienced many changes that were in harmony with the development of the political history of Britain.
From an absolute monarchy in the Middle Ages to a limited monarchy, then the parliamentary system. After the kings in the middle Ages enjoyed absolute powers, powers began to decrease until they dwindled. And the last development was the result of the determination of ministerial responsibility in front of the legislature.
Types of Parliamentary Systems
- The Dual-Responsibility System: The government in this system is responsible in front of the legislature and the head of state. This system prevailed in European monarchies in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, As it knew first by Britain, France, and then Belgium. This model expressed the transition from absolute rule to parliamentary monarchy in Europe, yet we find some third-world countries adopting it in our time.
- The Unitary Responsibility System: It's the prevailing system in most European democracies since the twentieth century. When the government is responsible only for the legislature, the head of state enjoys limited powers and mostly honorary ones. This model is prevalent in Britain, Germany, and Spain now.
Pros and Cons
The parliamentary system is characterizing by flexibility in the relationship between the authorities. As (the government) emanates from the legislature and thus needs its reliance. But at the same time, it works independently of it. Although the legislature can overthrow the government by blocking Confidence, the government can dissolve it and call new elections.
The coherence of the authorities and their independence is one of the most significant features of the legislature system, a source of strength and weakness at the same time, guarantees a degree of the sovereignty of the authorities, how each has tools to defend itself and protect the powers entrusted to it under the constitution.
Even though this system's coexistence marked between the authorities and their independence, it isn't without shortcomings. Perhaps the most vital part the government's control of the legislature, as (the government) emanates from a party or party coalition that controls it, which makes it serve the government's political agenda and weaken its capacity.
People criticized the parliamentary system for linking too much political instability in the absence of an ideological or partisan binary that allows a party circle. In Britain - the cradle of the parliamentary system - the workers' and conservative parties controlled the political scene for decades, which achieved a measure of political stability.
And the difference between the two parties in the election results was usually not huge, which means - on the other hand - the presence of opposition is Powerful in the legislature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in talking about the legislature system, there are many experiences in many countries. For example, India adopted the British system and made vital adjustments like France, where it's as a semi-presidential or quasi-parliamentary system. On the other hand, they took the principle of choosing the head of state through direct general elections by the people.
Written By - Shahd Aladwan
Edited By - Susan Ismail
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