PARLIAMENTARIANISM Meaning and
Definition
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Parliamentarianism refers to a political system or ideology wherein a country's governance is primarily based on a parliamentary system. It is characterized by the establishment of a parliament as the central legislative body, consisting of elected representatives who make decisions and pass laws on behalf of the general population. The core principle of parliamentarianism involves the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, which ensures a system of checks and balances.
In a parliamentarian system, the head of government, such as a prime minister, is usually chosen from within the parliament and is accountable to its members. This differs from a presidential system, where the head of government is independently elected. Parliamentarians are responsible for proposing, debating, and voting on legislation, holding the executive branch accountable, and representing the interests of their constituents.
Parliamentarianism emphasizes democratic governance and encourages open dialogue, negotiation, and consensus-building among diverse political parties or factions. It presupposes a multiparty system where different ideological perspectives are represented, often resulting in coalition governments. This inclusivity allows for a wider range of voices, perspectives, and interests in the decision-making process.
Parliamentarianism originated in 19th-century Europe and has since become a widely adopted form of governance worldwide. It is associated with democratic values, transparency, and accountability, as parliaments are expected to uphold these principles when making legislative decisions and overseeing the executive branch's actions. Overall, parliamentarianism serves as a fundamental element in democratic societies, promoting representative governance and protecting the rights and interests of citizens.
Etymology of PARLIAMENTARIANISM
The word "parliamentarianism" originates from the noun "parliamentarian" combined with the suffix "-ism".
The noun "parliamentarian" refers to a person who is skilled in the practices and procedures of a parliament or legislative body, or someone who is a member of a parliament. This word comes from the more general term "parliament", which can be traced back to the Old French "parlement" and the Latin "parlamentum".
The suffix "-ism" is commonly used to form nouns denoting a distinctive system, practice, or ideology. It stems from the Ancient Greek "-ismos" and the Latin "-ismus".
Therefore, the word "parliamentarianism" refers to the system or ideology associated with parliamentary government or the principles and practices of parliamentarians.
