Theoretical overview
Presidential form of government
It is a system in which the president heads an executive branch that is independent of the legislative branch. It is also known as a single executive system. In a presidential system, the head of government is directly or indirectly chosen by a group of voters and is not accountable to the legislature, except in exceptional circumstances. A presidential system differs from a parliamentary system in which the head of government is elected by an elected legislature. Example: the United States.
Feature of presidential form of government:
- Real head of the state: in this system the head of the state is the real executive head.
- Separation of powers: the presidential form of government is based on the principle of separation of power among the three organs of the government. The executive is not responsible to legislature. The executive cannot dissolve the legislature. And the judiciary is independent from executive and legislature.
- Principle of checks and balances: All the three organs of the government is separated from each other but all are checking each other and restraining each other from any type of transgression of their power and functions.
- Superior position of president: the president occupies a superior position because all the power of the government are concentrated with him.
- Political homogeneity not necessary: it is not necessary that all cabinet should belong to same political party.
Merits of presidential form of government
- Stable government: president is elected for fixed tenure of four years. His fixed tenure brings stability and efficiency in the administration.
- Separation of power: This checks the despotism of any branch of the government and ensures citizens rights and liberties.
- Suitable in emergency: Since the president is head of the state and government, he can take important decisions promptly and effectively.
- Government by able men: the president generally makes the appointment of experts to head the portfolios without any consideration of party affinity.
Demerits of presidential form of government
- Executive may become despotic: President enjoy vast power and his tenure is fixed. So there is every possibility that he may act like despot.
- Deadlocks between the organs: there is every possibility of deadlock between executive and legislature.
- The checks and balance is antithetical to economic planning.
- Rigidity of constitution is also criticized because flexibility is required to cope with the changing circumstances.
- Less possibility of enactment of good laws as there is less harmony between executive and legislature.
Points to remember
- In UK presidential form of gov is followed.
- In this system president is the head.
- the presidential form of government is based on the principle of separation of power among the three organs of the government.
- the president occupies a superior position because all the power of the government are concentrated with him
