Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

parliamentary-democracy

Noun

/ˌpɑːlɪˈmɛntəri ˌdɛmɒkrəsi/

Definition

A system of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is directly accountable to the parliament (the legislature) and the head of state is usually a different person from the head of government.

Examples

Countries like the United Kingdom and Canada operate under a parliamentary democracy.
In a parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister is typically a member of parliament.

Meaning

Parliamentary democracy is a political framework where the government is elected by the parliament and is dependent on its support to govern effectively, ensuring that executives remain accountable to the electorate through their representatives.