A parliamentary system is the form of government that shapes most nations around the world. While most people associate the United States with its presidential system, the majority of countries use a parliamentary model. The key features of this system are a supremacy of the legislative branch and the head of state’s limited power to block legislation. Parliamentary systems generally have unicameral or bicameral legislatures and laws are made through majority vote in the legislative body. The head of state can return bills to the legislative body to signify disagreement, but parliament can override this veto with a simple majority vote.
Laws can be amended through a procedure called “calling for amendments”. The amendments must relate to the main intent of the motion and can only be debated after it has been passed. Two amendments can be on the table at one time, and both must have the same intention to qualify for debate.
Some parliamentary systems allow elections to be called at will, but others require a vote of no confidence against the government or a prolonged deadlock in parliament to trigger an election. For example, in Norway, the Storting (parliament) is only dissolved by the Monarch on the recommendation of the Prime Minister candidate approved by Folketinget and the Royal Council. In Greece, a snap election may only be called by the head of state and not the ruling party. This provision was exploited by Syriza in January 2015 to win a snap election and oust the New Democracy party from office.