Glossary of Parliamentary Terms and Language
The regular terms and vocabulary associated with parliamentary practices

Search Help
Click on a letter of the alphabet to see the terms.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Westminster system -a system of government originating in Britain, the main features of which are a head of state, who is not the head of government, and an executive which is drawn from and which is directly responsible to the Parliament.
Westminster -1. the Houses of Parliament in London. 2. the city of Westminster in London where the Houses of Parliament (the place of Westminster) are located.
Whip -a party manager in Parliament who is responsible for organising members of his or her party to take part in debates and votes.
White Paper -a policy document usually issued by the Government to explain or discuss matters on which the Government is desiring community discussion or reaction. A White Paper is regarded as a more definite statement of policy than a Green Paper.
writs -formal orders, issued by the Governor, requiring that an election be held.