Presidential and Parliamentary Systems of Government

The ultimate goal of any country is the social welfare of its citizens. The specific socio-political context and the distinct requirements of a country influence the choice between a parliamentary and presidential form of government. There are essentially two types of democratic government systems. Democracy serves as the foundation for effective governance and administration in every nation. There are two types of democracies: representative and direct.

Today, the majority of countries around the globe operate under a system of representative democracy. In a presidential form of government, the executive power is vested in a single individual who serves as the head of the executive branch. This individual, known as the president, operates independently from the legislature. The parliamentary form of government is a democracy where the executive gains political legitimacy by being accountable to the legislative. In addition to the presidential and parliamentary form of government, there is also the possibility of a hybrid system that combines elements from both.

Presidential System of Government

In this form of government, there is only one executive – the president. Thus, it is commonly referred to as the single executive system. The president serves as the head and chief executive of both the state and the government, being elected directly by the people. The head of the government and the head of the state hold the same position. In addition, the executive is not accountable to the legislature.

The legislature operates autonomously from the executive branch in a presidential form of government. The three organs of the government – the legislative, executive, and judiciary – operate autonomously from one another. The legislature is tasked with formulating laws, while the executive, led by the president, ensures their enforcement. The judiciary, on the other hand, carries out judicial duties.

Several countries have a presidential form of government, including the United States, Brazil, South Korea, Turkey, the Philippines, Indonesia, and more.

Features of the Presidential System

• The executive (President) has the power to veto acts passed by the legislature.
• The President’s tenure is fixed and cannot be affected by a vote of no-confidence in the legislature.
• In general, the President has the authority to grant pardons or reduce sentences for individuals convicted of crimes.
• The President is elected either through a direct vote by the people or by an electoral college.

Merits of the Presidential System

Here are some advantages of the presidential system;

Separation of Powers

Administration efficiency is significantly improved as the three branches of government operate independently. Despite the clear division of powers, the executive and legislature closely monitor each other.

Selection of Experts

Given that the executive does not have to be a legislator, the President has the flexibility to appoint individuals who are experts in their respective fields to lead relevant departments or ministries. This ensures that individuals who are capable and well-informed are included in the government.

Stability

This form of government demonstrates a high level of stability. Given the president’s fixed term and the lack of dependence on majority support in the legislative, there is no need for concern about losing the government. There is no immediate risk of the government collapsing. There isn’t any political pressure influencing the president’s decision-making.

Reduced Threats of the Party System

Political parties generally refrain from trying to remove the government due to the fixed tenure.

Demerits of the Presidential System

Here are certain disadvantages of the presidential system:

Less Accountable Executive

Given the lack of legislative oversight over the executive branch, there is a risk of the head of government becoming authoritarian.

Conflict between the Executive and Legislature

Given the distinct separation of powers, conflicts can arise between different branches of the government, particularly if the president’s political party does not have a majority in the legislature. This can result in a decrease in efficiency due to time being wasted. However, a difference in political affiliation between the president and the legislature can lead to disagreements and clashes.

Inflexible Government

Some people criticize presidential systems for being inflexible. There is a lack of flexibility. Removing a president who lacks popularity among the people can be incredibly challenging.

Patronage System

The system grants the president extensive powers of patronage. Here, he has the freedom to select executives according to his preferences. This leads to the spoils system, where individuals with close ties to the president, such as relatives or business associates, are appointed to government positions.

Parliamentary System of Government

In this particular system of governance, two houses hold executive positions. The president serves as the executive and leader of the state. The president’s role is mainly ceremonial. The prime minister holds significant authority as the chief executive and leader of the government, working closely with the cabinet to exercise their extensive powers. So, it is commonly called the “cabinet form of government.” Given that the Parliament is directly accountable to the people, it is commonly referred to as the “responsible government.” The executive has a responsibility to the legislature. Therefore, there needs to be a more distinct division of powers, unlike in a presidential form of government.

Pakistan preferred a parliamentary form of government primarily due to the strong influence of the English system on the constitution-makers. Another reason was that the parliamentary model would effectively address the needs of the diverse groups within our population. In addition, the rigid division of powers within the presidential system may lead to clashes between the executive and legislative branches, posing a significant challenge for our recently established nation.

Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Portugal, and many other countries have a parliamentary system of government.

Features of the Parliamentary System

Following are the key features of the Parliamentary system of government;

Harmony Between the Legislature and the Executive

In this system, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers comprise the executive branch, while the Parliament serves as the legislature. The Prime Minister and the ministers are elected by the members of Parliament, which shows that the executive branch is derived from the legislative branch.

Executive Accountable to the Legislature

The executive is accountable to the legislature. There is a shared responsibility, meaning that each minister’s duty is the duty of the entire Council.

Dual Executive

There are two executives – one is a real executive, and the other is a nominal executive. The nominal executive holds the position of head of state, such as a president or monarch, while the real executive is the Prime Minister, who serves as the head of government.

Confidentiality of Process

It is essential for this type of government that cabinet proceedings remain confidential and are not intended to be disclosed to the public.

The Prime Minister’s Leadership

The head of this type of government is the Prime Minister. Typically, the individual who leads the party that secures a majority in the lower house is designated as the Prime Minister.

Bicameral Legislature

Many parliamentary democracies have a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and a National Assembly.

Dependency of the Government

The duration of a government is dependent on the level of support it receives in the lower house. If the government fails to secure a vote of confidence, the Council of Ministers is required to step down. A new government will be formed through new elections.

Merits of Parliamentary System

Here are some advantages of the parliamentary system:

Legislative Support

As the executive is a part of the legislature, and generally, the majority of the legislature supports the government, it is easier to pass laws and implement them.

Promotes a Democratic Environment

Given the interdependence between the executive and the legislature and the ability to remove the executive through a motion of no confidence, there is no room for authoritarianism. Additionally, power is not centralized in one hand, unlike in a presidential system.

Accountable Governance

Members of the legislature have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions on matters of public interest, and exert pressure on the government. The parliament has the authority to oversee the actions of the executive branch.

Represents Diverse Communities

In this system, the parliament ensures that a wide range of groups in the country are represented. This is particularly significant for a nation like Pakistan.

Flexible System

There is a level of flexibility in the system, allowing for easy changes to the Prime Minister if necessary. During the turmoil of the Second World War, Neville Chamberlain was succeeded by the resilient Winston Churchill as the Prime Minister of Britain. In contrast to the presidential system, where a leader can only be replaced after completing their entire term or in the event of impeachment or incapacity, this situation is different.

Demerits of the Parliamentary System

Here are some disadvantages of the parliamentary system:

Lack of Power Separation

Given the lack of a true separation of powers, it can be challenging for the legislature to hold the executive accountable. This holds particularly true if the government enjoys a strong majority in the House. In addition, legislators are restricted from exercising their own judgment and voting based on their personal understanding and opinions due to anti-defection rules. The party whip binds them and are unable to express their own willpower and ideas in decision-making.

Inexperienced Lawmakers

The system produces legislators who are solely focused on pursuing executive positions. They lack the necessary qualifications to make legislative decisions.

A State of Instability

Given that governments rely on demonstrating a majority in the house, the absence of a single-largest party following elections can lead to instability. Coalition governments often face challenges in maintaining stability and a long life. Due to these circumstances, the executives’ priorities lie more on maintaining their position of authority rather than concerning themselves with the well-being of the people.

Incompetent Ministers

The executive should be affiliated with the ruling party. This eliminates the possibility of hiring industry experts for this position.

Lack of Prompt Decision-making

Due to the absence of a fixed tenure for the Council of Ministers, it frequently refrains from making courageous and long-term policy choices.

Party Politics

Political dynamics are particularly pronounced in the parliamentary system, where politicians are often motivated by partisan concerns rather than the broader national welfare.

Excessive Bureaucratic Control

Civil servants have significant influence. They guide the ministers on various issues and are not liable to the legislature.

Difference Between Presidential and Parliamentary Form of Government