Westminster system: Difference between revisions
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* 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 ([[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]]), distinct from the effective head of government (the prime minister) | * a ceremonial head of state (in Britain, [[Elizabeth II|Queen 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 | ||
Revision as of 16:46, 18 July 2009
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 Britain, 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 British Houses of Parliament are situated in the borough of Westminster.
References
"Democracy: Key Terms – Westminster System", accessed 14 August 2008 from http://australianpolitics.com/democracy/terms/westminster-system.shtml