Comparison Between Parliamentary And Presidential Governments
Governments are divided into parliamentary and presidential governments on the basis of the nature of relations between executive and legislature. Garner defined parliamentary government as one in which the real executive is immediately responsible to the legislature for its acts. He defined presidential government as one in which the executive is independent of the legislature in respect of its dua=ration of office. Parliamentary government is prevalent in countries such as England, India, Australia, Canada, etc. Presidential government is in existence in some countries like America, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Etc.
The following differences exist between the two systems.
1. There exist two types of Executives namely nominal and real executive heads. | There exists only one executive head namely President having both nominal and real powers in himself.
2. The nominal and real executive heads The President assumes his office through direct assume office through indirect and election direct elections.
3. The executive has no definite duration. It retains the confidence of the legislature.| The President and legislators continue in their office. It continues in office until for a fixed period prescribed as in the constitution.
4. The ministers enjoy equal status with the Prime Minister. They exercise independent powers in their functions. | The ministers are subordinate to the President. They depend on the President for their powers and functions
5. The executive is responsible for its acts. | The executive is not responsible to the legislature for acts to the legislature.
6. It is based on the fusion of powers. | It is based on the separation of powers.
7. Ministers belong to a single political party.| Ministers need not belong to one party. They profess and share selects them from different spheres. common political views.
8. Ministers form a part of the legislature. | They enjoy membership in neither possess membership in legislature nor legislature. They attend and actively participate in its meetings. participate in the meetings of the legislature.
9. The President can dissolve the legislature. | The President has no such power on the advice of the Prime Minister.
10. Political parties play a significant role. | Political parties have a relatively less role in this system.
11. It is suitable for large states having heterogeneous populations. | It is suitable for moderately populous states.
12. It is both responsive and representative. | It is representative without having responsibility, tentative in nature.
13. Legislature has the guidance of the executive. | Legislature lacks such guidance,
14. Quick decisions are not possible in this system. | Prompt and proper decisions are possible in this System.
Know about the features of parliamentary democracy of India.