Government vs. Parliament: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 16, 2023
Government is the ruling body or administration of a state; parliament is the legislative body in a parliamentary system.
Key Differences
Government encompasses the institutions, officials, and processes that make and implement decisions for a community or society. Parliament, on the other hand, is a specific legislative body that exists primarily in parliamentary democracies.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
In the structure of a nation, the government can include multiple branches such as executive, legislative, and judicial. Parliament typically refers to the legislative branch where representatives are elected to make laws.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
While the government has a broader role that includes enforcing laws, maintaining order, and protecting the nation, the parliament's primary function is to discuss, amend, and enact laws.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Members of the government might hold executive positions, manage departments, and have specific administrative roles. Members of the parliament, known as parliamentarians or MPs, participate in debates and vote on legislation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Often, in a parliamentary system, the executive branch (the main part of the government) emerges from the majority party or coalition in the parliament. This illustrates the interconnected yet distinct roles of government and parliament.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Ruling body or administration of a state
Legislative body in a parliamentary system
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Components
Can include executive, legislative, judicial
Primarily legislative representatives
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Relationship to Each Other
Can emerge from or be overseen by parliament
Can give rise to or oversee the government
Harlon Moss
Oct 16, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Government and Parliament Definitions
Government
The organization of officials directing a political unit.
The local government is handling the crisis efficiently.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Parliament
The period during which such an assembly is in session.
The parliament lasted for five years.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Government
The manner or system of rule.
A democratic government respects its citizens' rights.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Parliament
A formal conference for discussing public affairs.
The parliament addressed the nation's pressing issues.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Government
The group of individuals holding the authority to govern.
The current government was elected last year.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Parliament
The supreme legislative body in a parliamentary system.
The parliament will debate the bill next week.
Huma Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Government
The body that governs a nation or state.
The government announced new tax reforms.
Huma Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Parliament
An assembly of representatives elected by the public.
Members of parliament voiced their concerns.
Harlon Moss
Oct 16, 2023
Government
The act or process of governing.
The government of the city was exemplary.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Parliament
A conference or consultation.
The two groups had a parliament to discuss terms.
Harlon Moss
Oct 16, 2023
Government
The act or process of governing, especially the control and administration of public policy in a political unit.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 12, 2015
Parliament
A representative body having supreme legislative powers within a state or multinational organization.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 12, 2015
Government
The office, function, or authority of a governing individual or body.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 12, 2015
Parliament
Parliament The national legislature of the United Kingdom, made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Sumera Saeed
Mar 12, 2015
FAQs
What role does parliament play?
Parliament is the legislative body in a parliamentary system, responsible for making laws.
Huma Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Can a government function without a parliament?
In some systems, yes, but in parliamentary democracies, the government emerges from parliament.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Who are members of a parliament called?
They are often called parliamentarians or MPs.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Who makes the laws in a parliamentary system?
The parliament, consisting of elected representatives, makes the laws.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
What is a government?
A government is the ruling body or administration of a state or community.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Can members of the government be part of the parliament?
In parliamentary systems, often the executive branch or government officials are also members of the parliament.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
What's the primary function of the government?
To implement and enforce laws, maintain order, and protect the nation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
How do the government and parliament interact?
They collaborate on legislation, with the government proposing laws and the parliament reviewing, amending, and passing them.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
How does the government enforce laws?
Through its executive and judicial branches and various agencies.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
What happens when there's conflict between government and parliament?
It varies by country, but can lead to political stalemates, elections, or changes in leadership.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Can the parliament remove members of the government?
In many parliamentary systems, yes, through processes like votes of no confidence.
Harlon Moss
Oct 16, 2023
Who is the representative of the state: the government or parliament?
the government in administration and execution, the parliament in legislation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
How often does the parliament meet?
It varies by country, but parliaments typically have regular sessions throughout the year.
Harlon Moss
Oct 16, 2023
Who oversees the actions of the government?
In many parliamentary systems, the parliament oversees the government's actions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
What's the relationship between government and parliament in a democracy?
In a parliamentary democracy, the government often emerges from the majority in the parliament and is accountable to it.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
How are members of the parliament chosen?
They are typically elected by the public in democratic systems.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Why is the separation of powers important?
It ensures checks and balances, preventing any one branch (like government or parliament) from gaining too much power.
Harlon Moss
Oct 16, 2023
What's the difference between government officials and MPs?
Government officials hold administrative roles, while MPs are elected representatives in the parliament.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Who heads the government in a parliamentary system?
Often a prime minister, who is typically the leader of the majority party or coalition in the parliament.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Is the president part of the parliament?
No, the president is typically part of the executive branch, separate from the parliament.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
