Core structural differences between parliamentary and presidential systems of government, with real-country examples.
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- What is a parliamentary system of government?
- A system where the executive (prime minister and cabinet) depends on the confidence of the legislature (parliament) to remain in power.
- What is a presidential system of government?
- A system where the executive (president) and legislative (congress) branches are separately elected and serve fixed terms, each with independent power.
- How is a prime minister selected in a parliamentary system?
- The prime minister is elected by members of parliament, typically the leader of the majority party or a party coalition with majority support.
- How is a president elected in a presidential system?
- The president is directly elected by voters in a separate election from the legislature, independent of how parliament is composed.
- What is a confidence vote in a parliamentary system?
- A parliamentary vote on whether the government retains support; if the government loses, it must resign or parliament is dissolved for new elections.
- Is a prime minister accountable to parliament?
- Yes, the prime minister is a member of parliament and must answer questions, justify policies, and maintain parliament's confidence continuously.
- Can a president be removed from office by a legislative no-confidence vote?
- No, a president cannot be removed by a confidence vote; only through impeachment by the legislature for serious crimes can a president be removed.
- What is the dissolution of parliament?
- The early termination of a parliament's term, followed by new elections; usually called by the prime minister or head of state to break a government deadlock.
- What does separation of powers mean in a presidential system?
- The division of government authority into executive, legislative, and judicial branches that operate independently with checks on each other's power.
- Who forms the cabinet in a parliamentary system?
- The prime minister forms the cabinet from members of parliament, almost always from the majority party or coalition partners.
- Who forms the cabinet in a presidential system?
- The president appoints cabinet members, typically from outside parliament, with senate confirmation required in many systems.
- What is a minority government in a parliamentary system?
- A government with fewer than half the parliamentary seats that must negotiate support from other parties on each legislative vote.
- What is a coalition government?
- A government formed when two or more parties combine their seats to achieve a parliamentary majority and share cabinet posts.
- What is impeachment in a presidential system?
- A formal charge by the legislature against the president for serious misconduct (not just policy disagreement), followed by trial and possible removal from office.
- How can a prime minister be removed from office?
- By losing a parliamentary confidence vote, resigning voluntarily, or being replaced when parliament elects a new prime minister with majority support.
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