Parliamentary is a term used to describe the activities and procedures of a parliament or legislative body. The word is spelled with three syllables: par-li-a-men-ta-ry. It starts with a stressed syllable, "par," which is pronounced with an open front vowel /a/. The second and third syllables are pronounced with a neutral schwa /ə/. The word ends with the suffix -ary, pronounced /əri/, which is commonly used to form adjectives or nouns indicating association or belonging to something, such as military or library.
Parliamentary is an adjective used to describe a system of government or a political assembly that operates based on the principle of democracy through representative decision-making. It pertains to the structure and practices associated with parliamentary systems.
In a parliamentary system of government, the legislative branch is composed of elected representatives who form a parliament. This assembly holds the power to make laws, debate policy issues, and oversee the executive branch. Parliamentary systems generally feature a separation of powers between the legislature and the executive, where the head of government, usually referred to as the prime minister or premier, is responsible for implementing and executing laws. The leader of the executive branch is accountable to the parliament and may be replaced through votes of no confidence or other parliamentary procedures.
Parliamentary procedures and practices involve formal rules and conventions that govern the way debate, voting, and decision-making occur within the parliamentary assembly. These procedures aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the legislative process, and may include rules for questioning, deliberation, committee work, and voting.
The term "parliamentary" can also refer to behavior or practices that are characteristic of or associated with parliamentary systems. This may include open and inclusive dialogue, respect for differing opinions, adherence to procedural norms, and a focus on seeking consensus or majority agreement. Overall, parliamentary embodies the essence of democratic governance through representative institutions and inclusive decision-making procedures.
Enacted or done by Parliament; pert. to it; according to its rules and usages.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "parliamentary" ultimately derives from the French term "parlement", which originated in the 12th century. It can be traced back to the Old French verb "parler" meaning "to speak". In medieval France, parlements were the high courts where judicial, legislative, and administrative matters were discussed and decided upon. The term "parliament" was adopted in English during the 13th century, referring to a representative assembly of the king's councilors and religious leaders. Over time, "parliamentary" came to describe anything relating to or characteristic of a parliament, its procedures, or its system of government.