Dissolution of parliament
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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.
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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.
The Republic of Ireland
The Oireachtas can be dissolved by the President if there is a vote of no confidence in the Taoiseach.
The Federal Republic of 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.
Canada
The parliament can be dissolved at any time by the Governor-General of Canada on the advice of the Prime Minister. If it sits for a full 5 years it is automatically dissolved.