Characteristics of a parliamentary democracy include a fusion of powers between the executive and the legislative branches. In this system, the Prime Minister is typically the leader of the majority party in parliament, and the executive is accountable to the legislature. This structure allows for more efficient governance as the government can implement policies without facing significant opposition. Additionally, parliamentary democracies often feature proportional representation, enhancing voter representation. Political parties play a crucial role in determining government formation and can lead to coalition governments. This system encourages collaboration but can also result in instability if no clear majority is established.