Legal Definitions - go to the country

In legal terms, "go to the country" means to submit a case to a jury for their decision. This phrase signifies the point at which a legal dispute is referred to a jury for a verdict, rather than being decided solely by a judge.

To go to the country is a political and constitutional term, primarily used in parliamentary systems, that refers to the act of dissolving the legislature (parliament) and holding a general election. When a government 'goes to the country,' it is essentially asking the electorate (the voters) to decide who should form the next government, often to seek a fresh mandate or resolve a political deadlock.

Here are some examples of how this term applies:

• Example 1: Loss of Confidence

  Imagine a scenario where the ruling party in a parliamentary democracy loses a crucial vote of no confidence in the legislature. This indicates they no longer command the support of the majority of elected representatives. In response, the Prime Minister might advise the Head of State to go to the country, meaning they would dissolve parliament and call a general election. This allows the voters to decide which party or coalition should form the next government, thereby resolving the parliamentary deadlock.

• Example 2: Seeking a Stronger Mandate

  A government might have a slim majority in parliament and be struggling to pass significant, but potentially controversial, legislation, such as a major overhaul of the national healthcare system or a new international trade agreement. Even without facing an immediate threat of defeat, the Prime Minister might decide to go to the country by calling a snap election. Their aim would be to secure a larger majority and a clearer mandate from the public specifically for their proposed reforms, making it easier to implement their agenda.

• Example 3: Resolving a Minority Government Stalemate

  Consider a situation where the most recent general election resulted in a minority government, meaning no single party won enough seats to govern alone, and forming a stable coalition has proven difficult. After a period of legislative gridlock and inability to pass key budgets or policies, the Prime Minister of the minority government might choose to go to the country. By calling another election, they are asking the voters to reconsider their choices and hopefully provide a clear majority to one party or a more stable coalition, allowing for more effective governance.