Classifications of Governments-
Parliamentary, Presidential, Unitary and Federal.
1)Parliamentary Form of Government
The parliamentary system is a form of democratic government where the executive derives
its legitimacy from the legislature and is accountable to it. It is also known as the
Westminster model, as it originated in the United Kingdom. This form of government
emphasizes collective responsibility, cooperation between the executive and legislature, and
daily accountability.
The features that includes in a Parliamentary Form of Government are-
1. Dual Executive:
There is a nominal executive known as the Head of State (President/Monarch) and a real
executive called the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. The nominal head
performs ceremonial functions, while real powers lie with the Prime Minister and cabinet.
2. Collective Responsibility:
The Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the lower house of the legislature
(eg- Lok Sabha in India).If the lower house passes a no-confidence motion, the government
must resign.
3. Fusion of Powers:
There is a fusion of the legislative and executive [Link] are drawn from the
legislature and participate in its functioning.
4. Leadership of Prime Minister:
The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the legislature and acts
as the real head of the [Link] Prime Minister coordinates the work of the cabinet
and represents the country in international affairs.
5. Dissolution of Lower House:
The legislature can be dissolved before its term ends to seek a fresh [Link] ensures
flexibility and adaptability in governance.
6. Accountability to Parliament:
Ministers answer daily questions and debates in Parliament and this leads to constant
monitoring and control of executive actions by the legislature.
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2) Presidential Form of Government
The presidential form of government is a democratic system in which the executive is
independent of the legislature. It is characterized by the separation of powers, where the
President is both the head of state and the head of [Link] United States is a
classic example of this system.
The features of Presidential Government are:
1. Single Executive:
The President is the real executive and holds both ceremonial and administrative powers.
There is no distinction between the nominal and real head, unlike in the parliamentary
system.
2. Fixed Tenure:
The President is elected for a fixed term (e.g., four years in the U.S.) and he cannot be
removed by the legislature through a vote of no-confidence, except by the process of
impeachment for grave misconduct.
[Link] of Powers:
There is a strict separation between the executive, legislature, and [Link] President is
not a member of the legislature and does not attend legislative sessions.
4. Checks and Balances:
A system of checks and balances prevents any one organ of government from becoming too
[Link] legislature can check the President through budgetary control and
impeachment; the judiciary can review executive actions.
5. Independent Executive:
The President has an independent authority in administration and policy [Link]
appoints his cabinet or advisors, who are not members of the legislature and are responsible
only to him.
6. Direct Election:
The President is usually elected directly by the people or through an electoral [Link]
gives the President popular legitimacy and authority.
