Question

Explain two differences between Parliamentary and Presidential forms of government.

Hint:

In the Parliamentary system, the executive is accountable to the legislature, while in the Presidential system, they are separate.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition of Parliamentary form.
In a Parliamentary system, the executive is directly responsible to the legislature, and the head of the government (Prime Minister) is elected from the legislature.


Step 2: Definition of Presidential form.
In a Presidential system, the executive (President) is elected separately and is independent of the legislature. The President does not need to be a member of the legislature.


Step 3: Key difference 1.
In the Parliamentary system, the executive is a collective body (Prime Minister and Cabinet), while in the Presidential system, the President is the sole head of the executive.


Step 4: Key difference 2.
In the Parliamentary system, the legislature can dissolve the government and call for new elections, whereas in the Presidential system, the President cannot be dismissed by the legislature during their term.


Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, the key differences lie in the relationship between the executive and the legislature and the method of selecting the head of the government.