Parliamentary Systems

• In Parliamentary Systems, the executive power is held by a Cabinet of ministers, led by a Prime Minister or Chancellor.
• This system distinguishes between the roles of head of state and head of government - the former typically carries out ceremonial duties, while the latter handles the day-to-day operations of government.
• The executive branch (comprising the Prime Minister and Cabinet) is selected directly by the parliament and can be ousted via a vote of no confidence.
• The nature of parliamentary systems fosters the formation of coalition governments, thanks to its inherent multi-party structure.
• Countries such as the United Kingdom, India, and Japan operate under parliamentary systems.

Presidential Systems

• In Presidential Systems, the President functions as the chief executive, possessing significant authority.
• The roles of head of state and head of government are united into one position - the President.
• The legislature and the executive are distinct and equal entities, with a system of checks and balances in place.
• The President is elected directly by the citizens and does not answer directly to the legislative branch.
• Strong executive authority coupled with direct public election often encourages a two-party system in presidential systems.
• Countries such as the USA and Mexico are examples of nations operating under presidential systems.

Semi-Presidential Systems

• In Semi-Presidential Systems, political power is divided between the President and a Prime Minister.
• The President, elected directly by the populace, serves as head of state, while the Prime Minister, who manages the nation's daily affairs, acts as head of government.
• Foreign policy matters are commonly handled by the President, leaving domestic issues to the Prime Minister.
• Nations with varied ethnic or ideological demographics often favour semi-presidential systems, as these allow a prime minister representing the majority and a president symbolising the nation as a whole.
• Countries like France, Russia, and Sri Lanka fall under the classification of semi-presidential systems.

Comparing Systems

• Comparisons between these systems should take into account the balance of power and mechanisms for accountability. Parliamentary systems are typically characterised by an equal power distribution between the legislative and executive branches, whereas presidential systems tend to be executive-heavy.
• Accountability methods differ; in parliamentary systems, Prime Ministers are accountable to parliament and can be removed through a vote of no confidence. On the other hand, Presidents, elected by the public, do not directly answer to the legislature.
• The type of party system is also a determinant; multiple parties and coalitional governance are often seen in parliamentary systems, while two-party configurations are more common in presidential settings.
• Semi-presidential systems incorporate elements of both, maintaining a publicly elected President and a Prime Minister who is accountable to the parliament.