
Parliamentary Democracy (Canada, Australia, New Zealand)
Political systemAbout
Parliamentary democracy in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand is characterized by a system where the executive branch derives its authority from the legislature. In these countries, the head of government (Prime Minister) is accountable to the elected parliament. Canada and Australia are constitutional monarchies, with a monarch as the head of state, while New Zealand also has a monarch but is moving towards a republic. The legislative branch in these countries is bicameral in Canada and Australia, and unicameral in New Zealand, ensuring laws are made through a collaborative process. These systems emphasize representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. They also incorporate elements of federalism and the rule of law, ensuring that power is distributed among different levels of government. The separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches ensures accountability and checks on power. This system allows for efficient decision-making while maintaining democratic principles and protecting individual rights.