Westminster system: Difference between revisions
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The '''Westminster system''' is a form of [[representative government]] that originated in the [[United Kingdom]]. Its distinguishing characteristics are: | 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; | * 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]] whose functions are distinct from those of the head of government; | * 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 | * 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. | It is so named because the premises of the United Kingdom Parliament are in London's Palace of Westminster. | ||
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Revision as of 01:04, 11 February 2012
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.
- ↑ WT Stanbury: "Accountability to Citizens in the Westminster Model of Government", Fraser Institute 2003