parliamentary system

Cultural  

1. A system of government in which the power to make and execute laws is held by a parliament. Britain has a parliamentary system of government, one of the oldest in the world. The United States does not; its legislature, the Congress, passes the laws, and a separate part of government, the executive branch, carries them out.

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Example Sentences

He disappointed Francoists by supporting a parliamentary system within a constitutional monarchy.

From Barron's • Nov. 8, 2025

Hitler argued that the economic interests of capitalism were best served by the destruction of Germany's parliamentary system: "Private enterprise cannot be maintained in the age of democracy."

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2025

In South Africa’s parliamentary system, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the leader of the African National Congress, would need the support of members of the opposition in order to serve a second term.

From New York Times • May 30, 2024

"We find ourselves in a parliamentary system which operates well, in my judgement, and any next step should be considered carefully and considered collectively."

From BBC • May 14, 2024

This was an unparalleled situation in the country’s history: in the South African parliamentary system, the leader of the majority party becomes the head of state.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela