Presidential vs Parliamentary Democracies

Government

Systems

Notes

SS7CG1, SS7CG3, SS7CG4

I can:
●

I can explain what autocratic and
democratic governments are and the
difference between them.

●

I can explain a citizen’s role in
autocratic and democratic
governments.

●

I can describe parliamentary and
presidential governments.

Two Types of Democracy

The two most common systems of
democracy are presidential democracy
and parliamentary democracy. Major
differences between these two forms of
democracy include how leaders are elected
and the relationship between the legislative
and the executive branches.

Multiple Choice

Citizens elect which branch in a parliamentary democracy?

• executive

• legislative

• both

Multiple Choice

Citizens elect which branch in a presidential democracy?

• executive

• legislative

• both

​

Fusion of Powers

In a parliamentary democracy, the powers of the executive and legislative branches are fused together. The chief executive and the executive cabinet are members of the legislative branch, not separate from it.

This fusion of powers means that the chief executive works directly with Parliament to make, pass, and enforce the laws. Because the chief executive is chosen by Parliament and not elected by the people, he or she answers to the legislature. Members of Parliament, however, answer to the people.

​

Separation of Powers

In the presidential system of democracy, the powers of the executive and legislative branches are separate from one another. The president, who serves as the chief executive, and his or her cabinet are independent from the legislature. Because the president is elected by the voters, he or she answers to the people, not to the legislature. Legislators also answer to the people.

This separation of powers creates a system of checks and balances in the government, where each branch can check the power of the other.

Presidential vs. Parliamentary

Parliamentary Democracy

(Fused Powers)

Presidential Democracy

(Separation of Powers)

Strength

Because the chief executive
is a member of the
legislature, he or she works
directly with the legislature to
pass and enforce laws. This
system makes it easier for
the government to work
swiftly to resolve important
issues.

Strength

The executive and
legislative branches are
separate, leading to a
system of checks and
balances. This system
ensures neither branch
oversteps its authority and
becomes too powerful.

Weakness

The fusion of powers means
there are fewer checks and
balances in government. It
is possible for the prime
minister and Parliament to
overstep their authority.

Weakness

The system of checks and
balances can make passing
and enforcing laws an
extremely SLOW process,
especially when the president
and Congress disagree.
Important issues are often left
unresolved.

Multiple Select

What two branches of government did we talk about it both forms of democratic government? Choose 2!

• legislative

• judicial

• executive

Multiple Choice

Which type of government has a fusion of powers?

• parliamentary

• presidential

• both

Multiple Choice

Which type of government has separation of powers?

• parliamentary

• presidential

• both

Multiple Choice

Which type of government includes checks and balances?

• parliamentary

• presidential

• both

Multiple Choice

In which type of government do citizens elect members of the legislature?

• parliamentary

• presidential

• both

Multiple Choice

Chief executive is called the prime minister

• parliamentary

• presidential

• both

Multiple Choice

Chief executive is called the president

• parliamentary

• presidential

• both

Multiple Choice

In which type of government do citizens have many rights and freedoms?

• parliamentary

• presidential

• both