Presidential System Vs Parliamentary System
There are two forms of government, presidential and parliamentary, in any democratic state. What are the differences between them and which one is better?
Introduction
We live in the world where around 194 countries exist. To run a country, democracy is the most popular government system around the globe in which almost the whole population participates. And in any democratic state, the government structure is further divided into presidential system and parliamentary system. These structures can be classified on multiple-basis. However, I have shed light upon some fundamental differences that are directly link with the citizens of the state. For better understanding, the UK and the USA is taken as example.
Moreover, before understanding presidential and parliamentary forms of government, if you are new to this, it is necessary to know about what the democratic state is and what the prerequisites for democratic government are. So I am going to tell you briefly about these. In this way you will then be able to find the better form.
Democratic State and Pre-Conditions for Democratic Government
Abraham Lincoln said, “Democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people”.
A democratic state means the modes of appointing, controlling and dismissing the government. So there must be political, economic and social awareness and freedom among the masses that are the ultimate sovereignty.
In this regard, the United Nation and Its commission on human rights have declared following elements of democracy that are actually the prerequisites for the government to be run democratically in true spirit.
- Protection and guarantee of basic human and fundamental rights without any distinction
- Freedom of association, expression and opinion
3. Free and independent media
4. Freedom to make a political party
5. Free and fair elections
6. The independent Judiciary and Rule of law
While understanding the differences between presidential and parliamentary government structures, you will be able to finalize the form which suits your democratic approach and that you want in your country.
Differences between Presidential and Parliamentary Forms
Both democratic government structures have their own pros and cons; however, I have discussed fundamental and functional differences taking the USA and the UK as example.
1. Electoral Method
Electoral method varies in either structure. In both governmental forms, there is indirect democracy based on representation.
In American presidential system, citizens do not vote the president directly, but they actually vote for electors who then choose the president through the process named Electoral College. There are total 538 electors (Senate and House) of fifty states including Washington D.C.
In British parliamentary system, the Parliament is consists of two houses. Only the members of House of Common (lower house), who are elected in their demographic constituencies by adult franchise, participate in the selection of prime minister. The party which may have more seats in the lower house will then be able to make its prime minister.
2. State and Executive Head
Who will be state and executive head, either the same person or two different personalities?
In presidential system, like in the USA, president is the state head as well as the executive head. He is commander-in-chief and also the chief executive, who selects and supervises the cabinet.
In the UK parliamentary system, Monarch heads the state while PM is the executive head. Monarch’s role is ceremonial who acts upon the advice of PM. In this system, the PM, being member of legislative branch, is also the chief legislative.
3. Relationship between Government Organs
The relationship between Governmental organs, the legislative and the executive, in any form of government can be explained on the principle of separation of powers.
In presidential system, because of the principle of power separation, both the organs work independently. However, there are some provisions in the constitution that allow the organs to have checks and balances on each other so that neither can be autocrat.
In parliamentary system, Interdependency exists between the organs. The chief executive, the PM and his/her cabinet are answerable to the legislative for their actions. And similarly the cabinet approval is required for many legislative proceedings.
4. Final Authority in Law Making
In both the systems, the final authority in making law is different. So who is authorized to make law by the constitution?
In the USA presidential system, Clause 2 of section 7 in Article 1 clearly states that any legislation or bill passed by both the houses shall be presented before the president before becoming a law. He, anyhow, can veto it for reconsidering purpose. After reconsideration by both the houses, it will directly become a law. So this law making process actually gives a bird’s-eye-view to the system of checks and balances, as mentioned above, in presidential system.
In parliamentary system, depending on the nature of the constitution rigid or flexible, majority is required in both the house for law enactment. The political party which makes the cabinet will then be able to influence the law making process.
5. Impeachment or Vote of No Confidence
If there is any unconstitutional action done or unpopularity faced by the president or the prime minister, how they can be removed from the office before their defined term?
In the USA presidential system, the house can impeach the president for treason, bribery or other high crimes. The house judiciary committee oversees the impeachment proceedings, and simple majority of full house is required to approve it. Then two-thirds vote of senate in its favor results into the removal of president from the office.
In the UK parliamentary system, the PM, because of his/her policy failure, faces the vote of no confidence motion in the house. Majority in the house is required for this motion to succeed by the opposition. However, he himself can resign or dissolve the parliament in such scenario.
Conclusion
In my opinion, both the presidential and the parliamentary government forms are recommendable if there is democracy in the state in true sense. However, you can choose any of these depending on what type of connection and involvement you prefer between the citizens and the government.
