Westminster system: Difference between revisions

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The Westminster system is a form of government that originated in [[Great Britain|Britain]]. It is a type of parliamentary democracy with elected representatives. Its major characteristics are:
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The '''Westminster system''' is a form of [[representative government]] that originated in the [[United Kingdom]]. Its distinguishing characteristics are:


* the collective and individual responsibility of ministers to Parliament (hence the term ''responsible government''), from which they are drawn
* the collective and individual responsibility of the [[executive]] to an elected [[legislature]], from which they are drawn;<ref>WT Stanbury: "Accountability to Citizens in the Westminster Model of Government", Fraser Institute 2003</ref>
* a ceremonial head of state ([[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]]), distinct from the effective head of government (the prime minister)
* a ceremonial [[Head of State]] whose functions are  distinct from those of the head of government;
* a judiciary independent of the executive and legislature
* a [[judiciary]] that is  independent of the executive and the legislature.


The Westminster system is so named because the British Houses of Parliament are situated in the borough of [[Westminster]].
It is so named because the premises of the United Kingdom Parliament are in London's  Palace of Westminster.


===References===
{{reflist}}
"Democracy: Key Terms &ndash; Westminster System", accessed 14 August 2008 from http://australianpolitics.com/democracy/terms/westminster-system.shtml

Latest revision as of 15:45, 10 February 2024

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The Westminster system is a form of representative government that originated in the United Kingdom. Its distinguishing characteristics are:

  • the collective and individual responsibility of the executive to an elected legislature, from which they are drawn;[1]
  • a ceremonial Head of State whose functions are distinct from those of the head of government;
  • a judiciary that is independent of the executive and the legislature.

It is so named because the premises of the United Kingdom Parliament are in London's Palace of Westminster.

  1. WT Stanbury: "Accountability to Citizens in the Westminster Model of Government", Fraser Institute 2003