Westminster system: Difference between revisions
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The '''Westminster system''' is a system of government that originated in the [[United Kingdom]]. It is a type of parliamentary democracy with elected representatives. Its major characteristics are: | The '''[[Westminster]] system''' is a system of [[government]] that originated in the [[United Kingdom]]. It is a type of [[parliamentary democracy]] with elected representatives. Its major 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 ministers to Parliament (hence the term ''responsible government''), from which they are drawn; | ||
* a ceremonial head of state (in | * a ceremonial [[head of state]] (in the UK, Queen [[Elizabeth II|Elizabeth II]]), distinct from the effective head of government (the [[prime minister]]); | ||
* a judiciary independent of the executive and legislature | * a [[judiciary]] independent of the [[executive]] and [[legislature]]. | ||
The Westminster system is so named because the | The Westminster system is so named because the UK [[Houses of Parliament]] are situated in the borough of Westminster in [[London]]. | ||
===References=== | ===References=== | ||
"Democracy: Key Terms – Westminster System", accessed 14 August 2008 from http://australianpolitics.com/ | "Democracy: Key Terms – Westminster System", accessed 14 August 2008 from http://http://australianpolitics.com/key-terms/westminster-system | ||
Revision as of 08:39, 12 January 2011
The Westminster system is a system of government that originated in the United Kingdom. It is a type of parliamentary democracy with elected representatives. Its major characteristics are:
- the collective and individual responsibility of ministers to Parliament (hence the term responsible government), from which they are drawn;
- a ceremonial head of state (in the UK, Queen Elizabeth II), distinct from the effective head of government (the prime minister);
- a judiciary independent of the executive and legislature.
The Westminster system is so named because the UK Houses of Parliament are situated in the borough of Westminster in London.
References
"Democracy: Key Terms – Westminster System", accessed 14 August 2008 from http://http://australianpolitics.com/key-terms/westminster-system