Types of executive in government - SS1 Government Lesson Note

There are two main types of executive in government: the presidential system and the parliamentary system.

Presidential System

In a presidential system, the head of state (usually called the president) is separate from the head of government (usually called the prime minister). The president is elected by the people and serves as both the ceremonial figurehead and the chief executive. The president is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, as well as managing the daily operations of the government. The president's power is balanced by a separate legislative branch, which is responsible for making laws.

Parliamentary System

In a parliamentary system, the head of state is usually a ceremonial figurehead (such as a monarch or president) and the head of government is the prime minister. The prime minister is elected by the legislative branch and serves as the chief executive. The prime minister is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, as well as managing the daily operations of the government. In a parliamentary system, the legislative branch is the primary source of power, and the prime minister must have the support of the legislative branch to remain in power.

Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The presidential system provides for a clear separation of powers and allows the president to act independently of the legislative branch. However, it can lead to gridlock if the president and the legislative branch are in opposition. The parliamentary system allows for a more direct link between the executive and legislative branches and can be more efficient, but it can also lead to instability if the government loses the support of the legislative branch.