Introduction to

Parliamentary Government
Date: 2025.05.24
CONTENTS
1. Exploring its Definition, Origins, and Key 2. Working of the Parliamentary System
Features

3. Demerits of the Parliamentary 4. Key Features of Parliamentary

System – Overview Government

5. Parliamentary Government in the 6. Parliamentary Government in India

United Kingdom

7. Parliamentary Government in 8. Conclusion – Comparing

Pakistan Parliamentary Systems
01
Exploring its Definition, Origins, and
Key Features
Definition of
Parliamentary
Government
A parliamentary form of government is a system in
which the executive branch derives its democratic
legitimacy from, and is held accountable to, the
legislature (parliament).
The executive and legislative branches are thus interconnected.
Origin of Parliamentary
Government
It evolved from the
The parliamentary
medieval English
system originated in the
parliament, which
United Kingdom, often
started as a council of
referred to as the
advisors to the king and
"Mother of Parliaments."
developed into a
representative
legislative body.
Key Differences – Parliamentary vs.
Presidential Systems
Parliamentary System:

Legislative Role Prime Minister's Role Parliament Confidence

The executive is part of the The Prime Minister is usually the The executive must maintain
legislature. leader of the majority party or the confidence of the
coalition. parliament to stay in power.
 Key Differences –
Parliamentary vs.
Presidential Systems
Presidential System:

Separation of Powers
The executive is separate from the legislature.

President's Role
The President is independently elected and serves as both
head of state and government.

Checks and Balances

A system of checks and balances exists between branches.
What is a
Parliamentary
Government?
1 Parliament Accountability
Executive is part of and accountable to Parliament.

2 Fused Power
Power is fused: PM + Cabinet come from legislature.

3 Common Countries
Common in UK, India, etc.
Main Components
Prime Minister Cabinet Parliament Head of State
Head of government, Ministers who Makes laws, controls Ceremonial role
must have majority implement policies; executive (Lower + (President/Monarch).
support. collectively Upper House).
responsible.
Structure & Key Insights

Structure: Scholars:
•Head of State → Prime Minister → Cabinet → •Rod Hague: Fusion of powers, executive from
Parliament legislature.
•Britannica: UK widely adopted.
02
Working of the Parliamentary System
Introduction
Parliamentary System Electing Role of Representatives
The parliamentary system is a
Representatives These representatives make
democratic form of People elect representatives laws, discuss issues, and
government. through general elections. check the government’s work.
General Elections & Formation of
Government
1 2 3 4 5

Prime
Frequency Voting Government Example
Minister
Process Formation
Held every 5 People vote to Appointmen Example:
years. choose MNAs The majority t •In 2018, PTI
(Members of party forms the The party leader won the majority.
National government. becomes Prime •Imran Khan
Assembly). Minister. became Prime
Minister.
Importance of Political
Parties
Public Opinions Candidate Selection
Represent public opinions Select candidates for
and ideas. elections.

Voting Choices Governance Structure

Help people understand Ruling party governs;
voting choices. opposition checks its actions.
 Important
Parliamentary
Processes
1 Vote of Confidence
PM proves he has majority support.
•If not, he must resign.

2 Question Hour
Members ask ministers about their work.
•Keeps the government accountable.

3 Debates and Discussions

Discuss laws, budgets, and national problems.
•Ensures different views are heard.
 Real-Life Example
Debate on Electricity Prices:
•In a recent National Assembly session:
•The Energy Minister was questioned.
•Opposition asked about load-shedding and high electricity
bills.
•Shows how ministers are held accountable.
Conclusion of this part:
A good parliamentary system needs:
•Free elections
•Strong political parties
•Active participation in the assembly
•Processes like Question Hour and debates keep the
government answerable to the people.
03
Merits of the
Parliamentary system
The parliamentary system's merits include
accountability, stability, representation, checks
and balances, and efficient decision-making.
 Accountability &
Coordination
1 Strong Accountability:
•Government answers to Parliament.
•PM/ministers can be removed by no-confidence vote.
•MPs ask questions and demand explanations.
•Example: India (2021) – Minister resigned after policy
failure.

2 Smooth Coordination:
•Executive and legislature work together.
•Faster law-making and decision implementation.
•Example: UK – Emergency COVID-19 laws passed quickly.
 Representation &
Leadership
People’s Representation: Flexible Leadership:
•PM and ministers are •PM can be replaced
elected. without full elections.
•Reflects public opinion •Prevents power monopoly.
and control. •Example: UK – Liz Truss
•Example: Pakistan – MNAs resigned, replaced within
elected, Imran Khan days (2022).
became PM (2018).
 Cost & Power Balance

Cost Effective: Prevents Dictatorship:

•No need for separate presidential elections. •PM needs Parliament’s approval.
•Ministers from elected MPs. •Promotes checks and balances.
•Example: India & Pakistan – Only parliamentary •Example: India – Opposition keeps ruling party in
elections held. check.
04
Demerits of the Parliamentary System
– Overview
 Demerits of the
Parliamentary System –
Overview
• Parliamentary systems ensure democratic
accountability but also face challenges that can
hinder effective governance, especially in unstable
political environments.
Political Instability & Power Imbalance
Government Instability Executive Term Separation of Powers
Frequent collapses due to
Flexibility Executive is part of the
internal conflicts (e.g., Italy’s PM’s term depends on legislature (e.g., India’s ruling
60+ governments since WWII). parliamentary support (e.g., party dominance).
Theresa May, Boris Johnson
resignations).
 Coalition Politics & Horse-Trading

Risk of Coalition Politics: Ideologically diverse Frequent Political Horse-Trading: Small parties
coalitions are unstable (e.g., frequent collapses in demand favors for support (e.g., shifting alliances
Israel). in Pakistan).
 Party Domination &
Bureaucratic Overlap
Domination by Party Leadership: MPs often vote along
party lines (e.g., strict discipline in Canada).
Bureaucratic and Legislative Overlap: Ministers as MPs
focus more on politics than administration (e.g., in
Bangladesh).
Conclusion – Evaluating
the Drawbacks
1 Despite offering accountability, parliamentary systems can
suffer from instability, weak oversight, and excessive party
control.

2 Strengthening democratic institutions and enforcing checks

and balances is essential.
 05
Key Features of Parliamentary Government
Key Features of Parliamentary Government

Government Executive Branch Source Vote of No Confidence

Accountability The executive branch is drawn
The government can be
removed through a vote of no
The head of government (Prime from the legislative branch.
confidence.
Minister or Premier) is
accountable to the legislature.
06
Parliamentary Government in the
United Kingdom
 Parliamentary
Government in the
United Kingdom
1 Government Structure
Prime Minister-led government: Head of government
responsible for appointing ministers.

2 Executive Power
Strong executive: PM has significant powers but remains
accountable to Parliament.

3 Transparency
Accountability: Weekly question periods ensure ministerial
transparency.
07
Parliamentary Government in India
Parliamentary Government in India

Opposition Role Sovereignty Government

Strong opposition role: Parliamentary sovereignty:
Accountability
Scrutinizes government policies. Parliament holds supreme Accountability: Government is
legislative authority. answerable to the Lok Sabha
(lower house).
08
Parliamentary Government in Pakistan
 Parliamentary
Government in Pakistan
1 Hybrid system
President is head of state; Prime Minister is head of
government.

2 Complex history
Influenced by military rule and constitutional evolution.

3 Legislative framework
Bicameral legislature—National Assembly and Senate.
09
Conclusion – Comparing Parliamentary
Systems
Conclusion – Comparing Parliamentary
Systems

The UK, India, and Pakistan each offer

While all follow the basic structure of
unique examples of parliamentary
executive accountability to the legislature,
government.
historical and political contexts shape how
these systems function in practice.
Thank You