Presidential vs Parliamentary Democracy

Executive and Legislative branch are both part of Parliament. (Executive and Legislative branch combined.)

• Presidential

• Parliamentary

• Both

Has a "head of state" as a separate office with only ceremonial power. Is often a king or queen who's family gave the power over to the people.

• Presidential

• Parliamentary

• Both

Citizens are guaranteed many rights and freedoms

• Presidential

• Parliamentary

• Both

Citizens vote to elect the leader directly.

• Presidential

• Parliamentary

• Both

Has a legislative branch for making laws, an executive branch for enforcing laws, and a judicial branch for interpreting laws.

• Prsidential

• Parliamentary

• Both

The leader of the executive branch is the chief executive of government (responsible for the daily running of the country)

• Presidential

• Parliamentary

• Both

There are checks and balances between the 3 branches.

• Presidential

• Parliamentary

• Both

All 3 branches of government are separate

• Presidential

• Parliamentary

• Both

The leader of government is typically called the prime minister

• Presidential

• Parliamentary

• Both

Citizens DO NOT directly elect the leader. They elect a member of the legislative body who then will help to choose the leader.

• Presidential

• Parliamentary

• Both