According to Wikipedia the term parliament: “[…] is derived from French parlement, the action of parler (to speak). A parlement is a talk, a discussion, hence a meeting ( an assembly, a court ) where people discuss matters. The British Parliament is often referred to as the “Mother of Parliaments” because it has been a model for most other parliamentary systems”. Political systems can be distinguished into three different kinds. Presidential systems as in the United States, parliamentary systems as in the United Kingdom and Germany and semi-presidential systems as in France. The different systems have many similarities and are based on democracy. Although the political system of the United Kingdom and Germany both have a parliamentary system, they vary in many ways. This essay aims to show some of the significant differences between the German and British Parliament. First, the two parliamentary systems will be presented in terms of composition, function and tasks. Second, the consequences resulting in the difference in aforementioned properties will be considered. Undoubtedly, there is more to consider when discussing political systems and the point of view regarding to the task of this essay just allows a narrow consideration. [...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The German government system
- Parliament
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the significant differences between the German and British parliamentary systems. It aims to highlight the contrasting compositions, functions, and tasks of each parliament. The essay explores the consequences of these differences and examines how they impact the political systems of both countries. While focusing on the parliamentary systems, the essay acknowledges the broader context of political systems and recognizes the limitations of its scope.
- Comparison of German and British parliamentary systems
- Analysis of composition, functions, and tasks of the parliaments
- Examination of the consequences arising from differences in parliamentary structure
- Focus on the role of the Bundestag and the Houses of Parliament
- Understanding the impact of parliamentary systems on democratic governance
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The essay introduces the concept of parliamentary systems, distinguishing between presidential, parliamentary, and semi-presidential systems. It highlights the shared democratic foundations of these systems while emphasizing the unique characteristics of the British and German parliamentary models.
- The German government system: This chapter delves into the structure of the German government, outlining its federal nature and the roles of the Bundeskanzler (Federal Chancellor) and the Bundespräsident (Federal President). It also discusses the importance of the Bundesländer (federal states) and their respective parliaments.
- Parliament: This chapter focuses specifically on the German parliament, outlining the roles of the Bundestag (lower house) and the Bundesrat (upper house). It describes the composition, functions, and tasks of these bodies, including the election process and the influence of parliamentary groups. The chapter also examines the importance of committees and the executive bodies of the Bundestag.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay focuses on the German and British parliamentary systems, analyzing their structures, functions, and differences. Key topics include the composition of the Bundestag and the Houses of Parliament, the roles of the Federal Chancellor and the Prime Minister, the impact of parliamentary structure on government operations, and the influence of political parties in shaping national policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the British and German parliaments?
The differences lie in their composition, functions, and tasks. For example, the German system is federal with a Bundestag and Bundesrat, while the British system consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Why is the British Parliament called the "Mother of Parliaments"?
The term reflects its historical role as a model for many other parliamentary systems worldwide.
What is the role of the German Bundestag?
The Bundestag is the lower house of the German parliament, responsible for legislation, electing the Federal Chancellor, and overseeing the government's work.
How does the German federal structure affect its parliament?
The federal structure gives significant power to the Bundesländer (states), which are represented in the Bundesrat, the upper house that participates in the legislative process.
What are the three types of political systems mentioned?
The essay distinguishes between presidential systems (like the US), parliamentary systems (like the UK and Germany), and semi-presidential systems (like France).
Who are the key executive figures in the German system?
The key figures are the Bundeskanzler (Federal Chancellor), who leads the government, and the Bundespräsident (Federal President), who serves as the head of state.
- Quote paper
- Sonja Sickert (Author), 2005, What is the role the of Parliament in the British System of Government? What significant differences are there to the Government in Germany?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/62734
