Which one of the following is the defining feature of a Parliamentary System of Government?

Question

Accepted Answer

B. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to, and removable by, the legislature. The core, defining feature of a Parliamentary System is that the Council of Ministers, the real executive, is collectively responsible to the legislature and can be removed by it through a vote of no confidence, which is exactly what makes the system parliamentary rather than presidential. A directly elected head of state, strict separation of powers, and a fixed executive term regardless of legislative confidence are all instead characteristic of presidential systems, ruling out the other options. Hence option B correctly captures the defining feature.

Answer

A. The head of state is directly elected by the people

Answer

B. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to, and removable by, the legislature

Answer

C. There is a strict separation of powers between the executive and the legislature

Answer

D. The executive holds office for a fixed term regardless of legislative confidence