Summary
Join Tim and Moby as they explore the ins and outs of the parliamentary system, the most common form of government in the world. They are democracies, like our own, with members of parliament (MPs) elected by the people to represent different parts of a country. But while this legislative body is similar to the U.S. Congress, it's much more powerful. The party that controls parliament usually picks the prime minister, their chief executive. Unlike our President, prime ministers in most countries must answer to their legislature. They can even be removed from office if they lose the support of MPs. Parliaments also tend to be more politically diverse. Unlike our two-party system, parliaments usually have many smaller parties, with a greater influence on decision-making. At times, MPs from different parties will even band together to take the reins in parliament. Such coalitions are another way parliamentary systems differ from the American form of government. Which one is more efficient? More effective? More democratic? Only you can decide, so press "Play" and come join the (political) party!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Parliamentary System:
- What is one new thing you learned about parliamentary system?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining parliamentary system.
- Draw or give one example of your own.