Westminster system

London Parlament-20090730-RM-110352

Westminster system is a parliamentary system of government that was developed in England, which is now considered a model for countries around the world. The system is named after the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the British Parliament. The Westminster system is a series of procedures for operating a legislature that is based on the principles of parliamentary democracy, where the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is accountable to, the legislature (parliament); the executive and legislative branches are thus interconnected.

Characteristics

The key characteristics of the Westminster system include a sovereign or head of state who acts as a figurehead and a head of government (usually called the Prime Minister) who is drawn from and accountable to the parliament. This system ensures that the government has the confidence of the parliamentary majority and must resign if it loses a confidence vote. Other features include a bicameral parliament with an upper house and a lower house (though some Westminster-derived systems have a unicameral system), and a cabinet composed of members of the parliament chosen by the Prime Minister.

Operation

In the Westminster system, the majority party or coalition in the lower house forms the government. The Prime Minister is typically the leader of the majority party and appoints other ministers from among the members of the lower and, occasionally, upper houses. The government is responsible for proposing legislation and administering the day-to-day affairs of the state, while the parliament scrutinizes the government's actions, debates, and votes on legislation.

Separation of Powers

While the Westminster system embodies a degree of separation of powers, it is not as strict as in a presidential system. The executive is drawn from the legislature and is dependent on its support, blurring the separation between the legislative and executive branches. However, an independent judiciary is maintained to ensure the rule of law.

Global Influence

The Westminster system has been adopted in various forms around the world, especially in countries that were once part of the British Empire. Each country has adapted the system to its own needs and context, leading to significant variations. For example, some countries have a ceremonial President as the head of state instead of a monarch, but still operate under the principles of the Westminster system.

Criticism and Challenges

Critics of the Westminster system argue that it can lead to excessive concentration of power in the executive branch, especially if the party in power has a large majority in the lower house. There is also concern about the system's adaptability to modern, multi-party politics, where coalition governments may become more common.

Conclusion

The Westminster system remains a widely used model of governance, known for its ability to balance democratic accountability with effective governance. Its adaptability has allowed it to survive and thrive in a variety of political and cultural contexts around the world.