Session 9: The Two Systems of Government

The two systems of governance that are in place today differ largely in terms of the electorate and the role of the chief executive. 

The executive head of the Parliamentary system, the Prime Minister in this case, is appointed by the members of an elected assembly. The legislature thus holds the power as a vote of no confidence can oust the Prime Minister.

In the Presidential system, the executive and legislative functions are distinct. The President is directly voted for and thus determined by the people or a body elected specifically for the purpose of the particular election. 

Passing laws of their own choosing becomes harder for the legislators in the Presidential system in case the president holds views different from those of the assembly. This is a result of the president not being held accountable to the assembly but to the people directly. Power is thus more diffused in this system.