The parliamentary system of government

Meaning of Parliamentary System

Cabinet or parliamentary system of government may be defined as one in which the Head of State is different from the Head of Government and where there is no strict separation of powers between the executive and the legislature. The main executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The other part of the executive power is ceremonial and it is exercised by a President or Monarch (King or Queen) which is the head of state. Britain is a very good example of a cabinet system of government. Nigeria practiced the system between 1960 and 1966. Parliamentary filibuster refers to a delay method of prolonging debates in parliament. The prime minister and his cabinet can be removed from office through a vote of no confidence by members of the parliament.

Major Characteristics of Parliamentary System of Government

The following are the major characteristics of the parliamentary system of government:

1. The head of state is different from the head of government.
2. There is no strict separation of powers.
3. The prime minister is the head of government while the Queen or the King or the President is the head of state.
4. The prime minister exercise real executive powers.
5. The Head of State performs ceremonial functions.
6. The Prime Minister and all cabinet ministers are chosen from the legislature and they form what is called parliamentary executive.
7. The Prime Minister and all cabinet ministers are also members of the parliament.
8. The Prime Minister is also the parliamentary leader of the party in power.
9. The Prime Minister has the power to dismiss any minister in his cabinet.
10. The system operates on collective responsibility.
11. A vote of ‘no confidence’ by the parliament can force the Prime Minister and his cabinet minister to resign.

EVALUATION

1. What is parliamentary system of government?
2. State seven characteristics of parliamentary system of government.

Merits or Advantages and Demerits or Disadvantages of Parliamentary System of Government

Merits or Advantages of Parliamentary System of Government

1. It Foster Cooperation: Parliamentary system of government foster cooperation between the executive and the legislative arms of government as a result of their fusion.
2. The System is Less Expensive: In parliamentary system of government members of the executive and the legislative arms are elected in one election and also few people are involve since members of the executive are also member of the legislature.
3. Collective Responsibility: This makes all hands to be on deck to steer the ship of the state successfully together since any mistake by anyone might affect others.
4. Absence of Frequent Friction: There is less friction between the executive and the legislature because the two arms of government are fused.
5. The Executive is Closely Checked: The fact that members of the executive are also members of the parliament, gives the parliament the opportunity to check the activities of the executive closely.
6. Quick Policies are Made:In the cabinet system, the legislature and the executive are fused which makes for faster policies to be made.
7. There is Free Flow of Information:This free flow of information is as a result of the fact that members of the executive are equally member of the legislature; information gap is therefore bridged
8. There is a cordial relationship between the Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers because the Prime Minister is regarded as primus inter pares; that is first among equals.

Demerits or Disadvantages of Parliamentary System of Government

1. Fusion of Power: This does not encourage specialization in the art of governance thereby leading to inefficiency and ineffectiveness in administration.
2. No Personal Accountability:Collective responsibility make ministers behave anyhow since they cannot be judged individually.
3. It is Less Democratic: The Prime Minister who rules the country is not elected directly by the electorate and therefore is not responsible to the people.
4. Encouragement of Dictatorship: The system encourages the Prime Minister to become a dictator because of the enormous power vested in him.
5. Members of the Executive are Prone to Distraction: This is as a result of their parliamentary commitments and will therefore be distracted from executive assignment.
6. Arbitrary Dismissal: The uncontrollable powers of the Prime Minister in dismissing any minister he wishes to dismiss can lead to arbitrary dismissal of ministers.

EVALUATION

1. Give five merits of parliamentary system of government.
2. State five demerits of parliamentary system of government.

The Principle of Collective Responsibility in the Parliamentary System of Government

This is a major feature in parliamentary system of government. This principle emphasizes that the policies of every department affects one another. Any member opposing government policy is expected to either withdraw what he has said or resign.

The decisions of the government is binding on all. Thus, all members of the cabinet (the council of ministers) are jointly responsible and accountable to the parliament for every decision that is made. The principle also stipulates that no minister can criticize any decisions of the cabinet without first resigning from the council. If any major policy or cabinet decision suffers defeat in the parliament, a vote of no confidence is passed on the council of ministers which leads to the resignation of all members, including the prime minister. Credit for good performance is also shared collectively.

Differences between Presidential and Parliamentary Systems of Government

EVALUATION

1. Enumerate five differences between presidential system of government and parliamentary system of government.
2. Discuss fusion of power in parliamentary system of government.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Define parliamentary system of government.
2. Outline five characteristics of parliamentary system of government.
3. State five advantages of parliamentary system.
4. Give five demerits of parliamentary system.
5. Highlight five differences between parliamentary and presidential system of government.