Module Guide
This parliamentary democracy module is made up of eleven units
as outlined below. Each unit contains an Overview, Learning Objectives, Commentary,
Recommended Reading, Study Questions, and Internet Resources.
Introduction: Principles of the Westminster Model
Parliaments and Legislatures
Representative Government and Responsible Government
Shared Power and Parliamentary Sovereignty
The Westminster Model of Parliamentary Democracy:
A Millennium of Evolution
The Development of Responsible Government
Broadening the Right to Vote
20th Century Reforms
The Crown's Role
Other Democratic Models of Governance
The American Presidential Model
The Mixed French System
Parliamentary Modifications in New Zealand, Israel and South Africa
Federalism and Charters of Rights
Legal Basis of Parliament
Constitutional Conventions and Written Constitutions
Upper Houses
Functions of Parliament
Relations between Legislatures in the Same State
The Executive and Legislative Branches of Government
under the Westminster Model
The Functions of the Cabinet
The Responsibilities of Cabinet Ministers
Prime Ministerial Dominance
The Decline of the Power of Legislative Assemblies
Privileges and Immunities of Members
What Are the Privileges and Immunities of Members?
Why Do these Privileges and Immunities Exist?
Limits to Privileges and Immunities
Roles of Members
Constituency Service
Who Are the Representatives?
Agency Representation
Role of Parties
Candidates
Leaders
Party Discipline
Parties and Legislative Leadership
Electoral Process
Free and Fair Elections
Electoral Boundaries
Electoral Systems
Majoritarian or Proportional?
Electoral Systems in Action
Proportional Systems
Future of Parliamentary Democracy
Direct Democracy
Globalisation
Technology and the Future: e-democracy?
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