Almost all nations in the world use some form of parliamentary vote, or a system whereby citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Each system has its own unique features that shape the way countries function and develop. Depending on how independent they are, parliaments can be divided into four types: 1) rubber-stamp legislatures that merely endorse decisions made elsewhere; 2) informed legislatures that provide platforms for articulation of differences through speeches and debate; 3) transformative legislatures that represent diverse interests and shape independent policies; or 4) emerging legislatures, found in developing countries, that are transitioning from one model to another.
In a parliamentary system, the legislative branch (Parliament) votes for laws and the executive branch (the Prime Minister and Cabinet) implements those laws. The head of state typically signs or returns legislation, showing their agreement or disagreement with the law, but may not veto it like the president can in a presidential system. The legislative branch of a parliamentary democracy is usually more powerful than the executive branch, but the head of state often has the power to call elections.
The Westminster model parliaments, found in countries that were influenced by the British political tradition, tend to have a more adversarial debating style and consider their plenary sessions to be more important than committees. In contrast, most other parliamentary systems employ proportional representation with open party lists and allow extra-parliamentary ministers.
A key feature of a parliamentary system is the ability to form coalitions to ensure that all parties are represented and their concerns heard. This prevents the emergence of a ruling party that ignores minority groups and causes social and political tensions. The most successful parliamentary democracies conduct outreach with citizens on an ongoing basis, broadcasting their sessions via television or radio and providing information through publications to encourage citizen participation in the policy process.