In Parliamentary governments, is the Prime Minister actually considered a chief executive?

Question

As someone accustomed to the American system of government, I'm having trouble grasping some of the finer points of Parliamentary governments. In particular, I'm a bit confused by the fact that the Prime Minister seems to be a member of both the legislative and the executive branches of government. How is a conflict of interest avoided?

Answer 1

Yes, in parliamentary systems the PM is the "executive" and is nominated from and elected by the legislature. Once elected, his executive duties replace his legislative function. In the U.S., that would be like a congressman giving up his congressional seat to take on a cabinet position.

Conflict of interest is avoided by means of the "confidence vote." Unlike the set terms in our (U.S.) system, most parliamentary systems allow the legislature to remove the executive from office during the term if an overwhelming majority votes that they no longer have confidence in his/her leadership.

Also unlike the U.S., parliamentary systems usually seperate the "Head of Government" and "Head of State" functions. The "Head of State" is the one with the actual political power while the "Head of Government" is usually ceremonial. ,The Emperor of Japan and Queen of England are two well-known Heads of State, although not all of them are monarchs. Countries like Poland, for example, have BOTH a "President" and a "Prime Minister," while Germany has a "Chancellor" and a "President."

Answer 2

In Australia the PM is voted as the leader by his or her party, that is if they are in government. He or She can also be challenged for the position by anyone else in his or party during the governments term. The PM is NOT the head of state, that position is held by the Queen, which is often executed by the Governor General (Queens Representative), who under some circumstances can over rule the PM. Any person voted into the lower house, and belongs to the party in power can be considered a candidate for PM.

Answer 3

Currently Canada's head of State is Her Excellancy Michelle Jean, who was born in Haiti and came to Canada as a refugee when she was a child. In my opinion she is doing a great job. The position is appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Canadian Privy Council , She remains non-political and therefore represents all Canadians. The "Head of Government" is Stephen Harper, who has aquired the nickname "Schrub" because of his kissing up to George W. It is a minority government so hopefully he will be history shortly after The House reconvenes following the summer break. They take more vacations than Bush.

Answer 4

Yes. The PM runs the executive branch. Just chosen by the legislative brach, rather than being elected directly (or indirectly) by the people.

Answer 5

the PM is not the chief executive in the British and Canadian systems - the executive is the Queen (or whomever the reigning monarch is). Their post is ceremonial, no actual power.