Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems: A Comparative Analysis

Presidential System

Originating from limited monarchies, where the monarch's power is constrained by objective rules, the presidential system maintains a similar structure.

To preserve the framework of a limited monarchy, the legislative and executive branches operate independently, without any hierarchical dependencies. Each branch fulfills its constitutional role without needing to consider the other.

Features

• Monistic Executive Power: The president, directly elected by the people, embodies both the head of state and government. They appoint and dismiss cabinet members, known as secretaries.
• Absence of a Confidence Relationship: The president's direct popular legitimacy eliminates the need for a vote of confidence or censure motion from parliament.
• Fixed Parliamentary Term: Parliament cannot be dissolved, and elections occur at constitutionally designated times. Parliament operates independently of the president.

The president's influence derives from popular sovereignty, shared with parliament. However, the president is a single entity, while parliament is a collective body.

Parliamentary System

Features (Flexible Separation of Powers)

• Parliament's Role: Representing popular sovereignty, parliament exercises legislative power and holds the government politically accountable through:
  • Investiture: Parliament's majority approves the head of government, legitimizing their authority.
  • Vote of Confidence: The government must maintain parliament's majority support, demonstrated through direct votes or approval of government proposals.
  • Censure Motion: Parliament can dismiss the government, leading to the head of government's resignation.
• Dualistic Executive: The executive branch comprises:
  • Head of State (King or President): A largely symbolic role with limited political power, often acting as a moderator or arbitrator.
  • Head of Government (Prime Minister): Exercises effective power, leading domestic and foreign policy and public administration, while remaining accountable to parliament.