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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Government and Parliament?

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The difference between government and parliament lies in their roles, composition, and responsibilities. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Composition: Parliament comprises all the members elected to both houses (e.g., the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the UK). The government, on the other hand, is made up of the political party with the majority of MPs in the House of Commons and is headed by the Prime Minister.
  • Function: Parliament represents the interests of the people and ensures those interests are taken into account. It is responsible for debating, amending, and passing laws. The government, however, administers government policy, the legislative agenda, taxes, and the delivery of public services. It also manages the running of public services, such as health, education, police, and courts.
  • Role: Parliament is the legislative or law-making body that keeps the government accountable to the electorate. The government is responsible for managing the country and its resources, including the collection and allocation of taxes.

In summary, parliament is the legislative body responsible for representing the people and passing laws, while the government is the executive body responsible for managing the country and its resources. The government comes from within parliament, and parliament holds the government accountable to the electorate.

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  • What is the Difference Between Government and Parliament?
  • Comparative Table: Government vs Parliament

    • Comparative Table: Government vs Parliament

    The difference between government and parliament can be understood through their roles and functions within a democratic system. Here is a table highlighting the key differences:

    Feature Government Parliament
    Role Executive branch, responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, and overseeing the administration of the country. Legislative branch, responsible for making laws and overseeing the government.
    Membership Headed by a Prime Minister or President, and consists of various ministers and departments. Comprises elected representatives from different political parties, who debate and vote on proposed laws and policies.
    Responsibility Implements and enforces laws, manages the country's affairs, and ensures the welfare of its citizens. Passes laws, oversees the government's actions, and holds the government accountable for its policies and decisions.
    Example Congress in the United States, which is a parliament, oversees the government and the President, who is the head of the executive branch. The UK Parliament, where the government is formed in the House of Commons and members of the government are in the House of Lords (Upper House).

    In summary, the government is the executive branch responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and managing the country's administration, while the parliament is the legislative branch responsible for making laws and overseeing the government's actions.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.