Parliament

Overview of Parliamentarism

A parliamentary system, or parliamentarism, is distinguished by the executive branch of government being dependent on the direct or indirect support of the parliament, often expressed through a vote of confidence. Hence, there is no clear-cut separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government. Parliamentary systems usually have a clear differentiation between the head of government and the head of state.

This section will look at parliamentary systems in general, and at the Canadian parliamentary system in particular, beginning with an overview of key concepts such as parliamentary democracy, responsible government, and the Westminister System. It will also look at the differences between parliament and government, minority government, and more.

• Parliamentary Democracy
• Responsible Government
• Westminster System
• The Difference between the Parliament and the Government
• Minority Government
• Coalition Government
• Crossing the Floor
• An Overview of the Federal Parliament
• Parliamentary Leaders of Political Parties
• The Use of Right Honourable and The Honourable in Canadian Politics
• Precedence and Line of Succession
• Governments since Confederation