2.2 | Comparing Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems

The Executive

1. Propose Law

2. Enforce Law

3. Bureaucratic implementation

Impeachment

A process through which a legislative body can remove a sitting president or other official from office.

Question Time

A period during which government officials, particularly ministers, are questioned by the parliament.

Party Leadership Vote

A vote to determine the leadership of a political party, often influencing the selection of the head of government.

Veto Power

The authority of a president or governor to reject legislation passed by the legislature.

Log Rolling

The practice of negotiating and agreement between legislators to pass laws by mutual support.

Scrutiny

The examination and evaluation of government actions by the legislative branch.

Legislative Limits on Executive

• Refusal to pass proposed legislation

• Removal of the executive (Impeachment or party leadership vote/vote of no confidence)

Cabinet Selections: Presidential VS Parliamentary

• Presidential system

  • Selected by president

    • Nigeria: 1 cabinet post per state

  • Subject-matter expert or experienced in that subject

  • May or may not have held office, but must give up a current position

• Parliamentary system

  • Current MP

  • Experienced party leaders