Dissolution of parliament - Definition and Overview

In parliamentary systems, a dissolution of parliament is the dispersal of a legislature at the call of an election.

Usually there is a maximum length of a legislature, and a dissolution must happen after that time. Early dissolutions are allowed in many jurisdictions. In the United Kingdom the Prime Minister may ask the Queen for a dissolution of Parliament at any time, though it must be dissolved five years after the last general election as that is the maximum term a parliament may sit.

In the Republic of Ireland, the Oireachtas can be dissolved by the President if there is a vote of no confidence in the Taoiseach.

In Germany, a dissolution can only happen if the Chancellor loses a vote of confidence, although in 1982, Helmut Kohl deliberately lost one in order that there could be fresh elections.

In Canada a Parliament can be dissolved at any time by the Governor-General of Canada on the advice of the Prime Minister. It can also be dissolved automatically after the expiration of the maximum five year term, but this has never happened.