2.1 | Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems

Parliamentary System

A system of democratic governance where the executive derives legitimacy from the legislature and is accountable to it.

• No one single person monopolizes power

• FUSION of Executive and legislative

Presidential System

A system of democratic governance where a head of government leads an executive branch that is separate from the legislative branch.

Semi-Presidential System

A system of governance where a president exists alongside a prime minister, both of whom are accountable to the legislature.

• President picks prime minister

Legislative

The branch of government responsible for making laws.

Executive

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws.

Judicial

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws.

Vote of No Confidence

A vote where MPs decide whether the government should continue.

Impeachment

The process by which the legislative branch charges and tries an executive branch official.

Prime Minister

The head of government in a parliamentary system.

Members of Parliament (MPs)

Elected officials who represent the public in the legislative branch.

Cabinet

A group of officials in the executive branch, typically composed of heads of departments.

Question Time

A parliamentary session where MPs question the Prime Minister.

Veto Power

The power of an executive to reject a decision or proposal made by the legislature.

Collective Responsibility

A convention in parliamentary systems where the cabinet must agree on decisions or resign.

Fusion of Powers

A principle where the executive and legislative branches are interconnected, as seen in parliamentary systems.

Direct Elections

Elections in which voters directly choose their representatives or officials.

Fixed-term Elections

Elections held at regular intervals, established by law.

Political Legitimacy

The right and acceptance of an authority, usually a governing law or regime.