The Westminster Model Abroad

The 'Westminster model' describes British-style parliamentary government: a prime minister and cabinet drawn from an elected lower house, strong party discipline, a loyal opposition, a ceremonial head of state and, often, first-past-the-post elections. Through the British Empire it spread to Canada (1867), Australia (1901), New Zealand, India (1950), Jamaica and many other countries. Each adapted it.

Canada and Australia combined it with federalism; Australia added an elected Senate with real power; India added a written constitution, federalism and judicial review; New Zealand later moved to proportional representation. Some newly independent states, particularly in Africa, abandoned Westminster systems within a few years for presidential or one-party rule, partly because the model's winner-takes-all features fit poorly with divided societies. The model's travels show how institutions change when transplanted into different histories and societies.