Key Differences between Parliamentary and Presidential form of Government
The points presented below are important so far as the differences between parliamentary and presidential form of government is concerned:
• The Parliamentary system of government is one in which there exists a harmonious relationship between the legislative and executive body, while the judiciary body works independently. As against this, in Presidential form of government, the three organs of the government work independently of each other.
• In Parliamentary form of government, the executive is divided into two parts, i.e. the Head of the State (President) and the Head of the Government (Prime Minister). On the contrary, the President is the chief executive of the Presidential form of Government.
• In the Parliamentary form of government, the executive body, i.e. the Council of Ministers is accountable to the Parliament for its acts. Conversely, in the Presidential form of Government, there is no such accountability, i.e. the executive body is not accountable to the Parliament for its acts.
• Fusion of powers exists in the Parliamentary system, whereas the powers are separated in Presidential system.
• In Parliamentary form, only those persons are appointed as ministers in the executive body who are the members of Parliament. Unlike, in Presidential form, persons other than those working in the legislature can be appointed as secretaries.
• In Parliamentary government, the Prime Minister has the power to dissolve the lower house before the completion of its term. As opposed, the President cannot dissolve the lower house, in Presidential government.
• The tenure of the executive is not fixed in Parliamentary government, as in, if a no-confidence motion is passed in the Parliament, the Council of Ministers is dismissed. Contrary to this, the executive has a fixed term in the Presidential government.
Now, let’s see which form of government is a better one?
According to my view Parliamentary form of government is better.
1. Symbol of unity – The parliamentary form of government is a symbol of unity as it binds all the people together. People from different religions or various walks of life can be a part of this government system. People have the authority to question the government if the members misuse the power.
2. No single boss – Parliamentary form of government gives an equal opportunity and representation to all. It does not follow the concept of a single boss government. People have an equally important to role to play in this form of government. They have the right to elect their representatives during the election and also possess the right to vote.
3. Group decisions – The decisions taken in a parliamentary form of government are with the consent of each and every member. At times, the decisions are taken very slowly due to a difference in opinion among the members of the parliament. But, usually, the group decisions are taken after a deep scrutiny of the whole issue.
4. Collective responsibility – The members of the parliament have a collective responsibility towards the people of the country. India is a country which follows diversity in religion. Hence, while taking decisions, the government keeps in mind the views of various communities. The entire government has to take the responsibility if something goes wrong in the system.
5. More accountable – In this system, the government is directly accountable to the legislator (parliament). The power and legal authority of the government is derived from the parliament. It can help to scrutinize the actions of the government in a better way and thus, can provide the citizens with a good and efficient government.
however, there is no utopian system whatsoever, for example the recent news lies as proof to the fact that parliamentary processes tend to slow down passing of laws. The Canadian economic development minister Melanie joy said recently related to the outbreak of the deadly virus that parliamentary system tends to be a longer process as compared to other forms that can act comparatively quicker.
Presidential form of government
Avoids misuse of power – The presidential form of government avoids the misuse of power and thus, the country can be run in a better way. It is a stable form of government and is free from political evils such as corruption etc. President has the supreme power and there is no distribution of power. More the distribution of power, more the misuse of it.
Quick decisions – The decisions are made quickly in a presidential form of government as the president does not have to consult with too many members or people. It is a one man
government. Delayed decision making is a major setback for the parliamentary form of government. Decisions made on war policies etc are made quickly in presidential form of system.
No party influence – In presidential form of government, the executive is free from the evils of part influence in his daily administration. He does not lead a political party in legislature. This allows him to carry his responsibilities without any obstacles.
Conclusion
The members of the cabinet possess double membership, i.e. of legislative and executive organ of government. Contrary to this, in the presidential form of government, the members of the cabinet possess the membership of executive organ only.
When it comes to dominance, in the Parliamentary System, the President is only the titorial head, while the real powers lie in the hands of the Prime Minister. On the contrary, in the Presidential System, the President has got supreme power.
REFRENCES
Parliamentary or Presidential – Which form of government is better?, careerride.com,
https://www.careerride.com/view/parliamentary-or-presidential-which-form-of-government- is-better-23146.aspx
Surbhi S, June 25, 2019, Difference Between Parliamentary and Presidential Form of Government,
https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-parliamentary-and-presidential-form-of- government.html
The Canadian Parliamentary System, the parliament of Canada,
https://www.ourcommons.ca/About/OurProcedure/ParliamentaryFramework/c_g_parliamenta ryframework-e.htm
Nathaniel D. (march 24, 2020), article Economic Development minister Says parliamentary Process Too Slow for Corona virus Response,
Bhanu D., (2016),WHAT Is The Presidential System,
John Patrick, Understanding Democracy, A Hip Pocket Guide (Oxford University Press),
https://www.annenbergclassroom.org/glossary_term/presidential-system/
https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/globalnews.ca/news/6724846/economic-development-
minister-parliament-coronavirus-response/amp/
https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/presidentialsystem.org/2016/04/30/what-is-the-presidential-