A parliamentary democracy is a form of government in which the executive branch is accountable to the legislature. It derives its legitimacy from its ability to command the confidence of the parliament. In other words, the head of government and the cabinet are appointed (elected) and dismissed by the parliament and must resign if they lose a vote of no confidence or a motion of censure. In this type of government, the presidency is a dull position. The prime minister is the most powerful official, if the parliament is satisfied with his/her work in the government.
Parliamentarian democracy has several advantages over other systems of government, such as presidentialism or semi-presidentialism. First, it ensures a close alignment between the executive and legislative powers, reducing the risk of deadlock or gridlock. Second, it allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness, as the government can be changed or reshuffled without having to wait for fixed-term elections. Third, it fosters a culture of compromise and consensus-building, as the government must seek the support of multiple parties or factions within the parliament. Fourth, it enhances accountability and transparency, as the government is subject to regular scrutiny and questioning by parliament and the public.
However, parliamentarian democracy also has some drawbacks and challenges that need to be addressed. For instance, it may create instability and uncertainty, as the government can be toppled or dissolved at any time by parliament or by external events. It may also weaken the separation of powers and checks and balances, as the executive branch is dependent on the legislature and may have limited autonomy or authority. It may also dilute the representation and participation of the people, as they do not directly elect the head of government or have an obvious choice between competing candidates or platforms. It may also increase the influence of smaller parties or interest groups, as they may hold the balance of power or demand concessions from the government in exchange for their support.
Therefore, parliamentarian democracy is not a perfect system, but rather a complex and dynamic one that requires constant adaptation and innovation. It is important to recognize its strengths and weaknesses, and to seek ways to improve its performance and legitimacy. Some possible reforms include strengthening the role and independence of the judiciary, enhancing the quality and diversity of representation in the parliament, increasing the transparency and accountability of the government, promoting civic education and engagement among the citizens, and fostering dialogue and cooperation among different political actors and stakeholders.
In addition to these reforms, it is also useful to consider what are the alternatives to parliamentarian democracy. Are there other forms of government that can better address the challenges and needs of modern societies? How do they compare to parliamentarian democracy in terms of advantages and disadvantages? What are their main features and principles? How are they implemented in different countries and contexts? These are some of the questions that can help us evaluate parliamentarian democracy critically and constructively.