Parliamentary vs. Presidential System (Government)

presidential government

-features a separation of powers between the executive and the legislative branches of the government

-the two branches are independent of one another and coequal

-the chief executive (the President) is chosen by the people, independently of the legislature

-he or she holds office for a fixed term and has a number of significant powers that are not subject to the direct control of the legislative branch

parliamentary government

-the executive branch is made up of the prime minister or premier, and that official’s cabinet

-the prime minister and cabinet are themselves members of the legislative branch, the parliament

-The prime minister is the leader of the majority party or of a like-minded group of parties (a coalition) in parliament and is chosen by that body

-with parliament’s approval, the prime minister selects the members of the cabinet from among the members of parliament.

the executive is thus chosen by the legislature, is a part of it, and is subject to its direct control

-the prime minister and the cabinet (often called “the government”) remain in office only as long as their policies and administration have the support of a majority in parliament

prime minister

the leader of the majority party or of a like-minded group of parties (a coalition) in parliament and is chosen by that body

vote of no confidence

a vote showing that a majority does not support the policy of a leader or governing body

prime minister and his cabinet must resign from office after receiving a vote of no confidence

monarch

solely head of state

president

head of state and head of government

president is elected directly by the citizens, while aprime minister is elected by the legislature

What is the main difference between a parliamentary system and a presidential system?

president’s role as head of government

 -oversees the operations of the government

appoints officials and advisers to help run the government

-signs or vetos laws passed by the legislature

-establishes an annual budget

president’s role as head of state

-making speeches

-epresenting the country at public events

-hosting or visiting diplomats from other countries

-presenting prestigious national awards