Difference Between Presidential and Parliamentary Form of Government UPSC Notes

Difference Between Presidential and Parliamentary Form of Government: In a representative democracy , there are two forms of government: presidential and parliamentary. These democratic systems differ in many ways such as the structure, election processes, and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches.

What is the Parliamentary Form of Government?

Features of Parliamentary Government:

• Collective Responsibility: The executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is collectively responsible to the legislature (parliament). If the parliament passes a vote of no confidence against the government, it must resign.
• Dual Leadership: The system involves a Head of State (usually a monarch or president) and a Head of Government (the Prime Minister). The Head of State is typically a ceremonial role, while the Prime Minister is the actual leader of the government.
• Majority Rule: The government is formed by the political party or coalition that has the majority in the lower house of parliament (e.g., the Lok Sabha in India). The leader of the majority party is appointed as Prime Minister.
• Dissolution of the Lower House: The lower house of parliament can be dissolved by the Head of State on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Also Read: List of Cabinet Ministers

What is the Presidential Form of Government?

Characteristics of Presidential Type of Government:

• Separation of Powers: The executive, legislature, and judiciary are separate entities, each with distinct powers and responsibilities. This ensures a system of checks and balances.
• No Fusion of Powers: Unlike a parliamentary system, there is no fusion of powers between the executive and the legislature. The President does not sit in the legislature.
• Head of State and Government: The President serves as both the Head of State and Head of Government, combining ceremonial and executive powers.
• Fixed Tenure: The President serves a fixed term (usually 4 or 6 years), and cannot be removed by a vote of no confidence from the legislature.

Key Difference Between Presidential and Parliamentary Form of Government

Parliamentary Vs Presidential Form of Government