A foundational principle of Australian democracy whereby the executive government (the Prime Minister and ministers) must maintain the confidence of the elected lower house of parliament in order to govern. If the government loses a vote of no confidence, it is expected to resign or call an election. Responsible government also requires that ministers be accountable to parliament for the actions of their departments, and that they answer questions and provide information to parliament on those matters. The principle was inherited from the Westminster system of government practised in the United Kingdom and underpins the relationship between the parliament and the executive in all Australian jurisdictions.