Curiosities Of The 10 Oldest Democratic Governments

The House OF Parliament. Photo by Russellstreet.

Since 1857, New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy.

The New Zealand Parliament has legislative power and is made up of the Queen and the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives is democratically elected and a government is formed from the party or coalition with the majority of seats. If a majority is not formed, a minority government can be formed if the support of other parties is secured during the votes of confidence and supply.

The governor-general appoints ministers on the advice of the prime minister, who is by convention the parliamentary leader of the ruling party or coalition. The cabinet, made up of ministers and led by the prime minister, is the highest policy-making body in the government and is responsible for deciding important government actions. Cabinet members make important decisions collectively and are therefore collectively responsible for the consequences of these decisions.