McGraw-Hill OnlineMcGraw-Hill Higher EducationLearning Center
Student View | Instructor View | information Center | Home
News Sources
Chapter Overview
Chapter Outline
True or False
Web Links
Feedback
Help Center


Power & Choice, 8/e
W. Phillips Shively, University of Minnesota---Minneapolis
National Decision-making Institutions: Parliamentary Government

Chapter Outline


I. Explanation/Definition of Parliamentary systems--four key features
  1. Parliament only elected body in state
  2. Executive power of state lodged in cabinet
  3. Cabinet retains executive power only if it has confidence of parliament
  4. Leader of cabinet usually has right to have parliament disbanded

II. Advantages
  1. Power unified--government can respond directly to changed circumstances
  2. Lines of responsibility for policy making clear

III. Disadvantages
  1. Few protections for a minority that feels it is being wronged due to efficiency of system
  2. May produce unstable government if the numerical strength of parties and relationship with each other make it difficult to keep coalition together

IV. Cabinet control--must be able to control parliament to run smoothly

V. What does parliament do?
  1. Box: "Delegate" vs. "Trustee" models of representation

VI. The life of a Member of Parliament

VII. Parliamentary committees

VIII. Exceptions to parliamentary supremacy
  1. Federal states such as Canada, Germany and India
  2. Germany's strong committees
  3. Austria and Germany's strong courts

IX. Parliaments in autocratic systems

X. Conclusion
  1. Ex: Parliamentary Government in India
  2. Ex: Parliamentary Government in Germany








Copyright2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.