Final answer:
A parliamentary system combines the executive and legislative branches, where the legislature elects the government head, usually a prime minister, from its members. The system functions with a dual responsibility to the people and parliament and requires party or coalition control for government stability. Prime ministers have significant executive powers and are 'first among equals' within their cabinets.
Step-by-step explanation:
A parliamentary system is a political system in which the legislature selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections by the people. In this system, the government has a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament. The executive and legislative branches are combined, and the political head of the state, often a prime minister, is chosen from within the legislature by the majority party or coalition.
In a parliamentary system, there is an interdependence of legislative and executive decision-making. This structure facilitates the passing of legislation but also requires stability in party or coalition control to maintain the government. If internal conflicts arise, this can lead to a vote of no confidence, possibly resulting in new elections and government. Cabinet members, in parliamentary systems, tend to belong to the same party as the prime minister and have significant roles in policy formation; the prime minister is often considered 'first among equals'.
Unlike presidential systems, where there is a clear separation of powers and the president is outside the legislature, the prime minister is a part of the legislature in parliamentary systems, ensuring a close alignment between the legislative agenda and the chief executive's policy goals. Party discipline is typically stronger in parliamentary systems, and legislators are accountable to their constituents, who can vote them out if they are perceived as not acting in the constituents' interests.