Difference between Parliamentary & Presidential system of government

Aspect

Parliamentary System

Presidential System

Head of State

Dual executive. Separate head of state and the government.

Single executive as the head of state and the government is the same.

Head of Government

Prime Minister elected by the legislature (parliament).

President elected separately from the legislature.

Executive Branch

Led by the Prime Minister who is a member of the legislature (parliament).

Led by the President who is not a member of the legislature.

Separation of Powers

Fused executive-legislative branches; ministers are also members of parliament.

Clear separation of executive and legislative branches.

Cabinet Formation

Prime Minister selects ministers from the majority party or coalition in parliament.

President appoints cabinet members independently.

Term Length

Prime Minister’s term depends on parliamentary confidence; no fixed term.

President’s term is fixed (e.g., 4 or 5 years) and independent of legislative terms.

Removal of Executive

Prime Minister can be removed by a vote of no confidence in parliament.

President usually serves full term unless impeached for serious misconduct.

Legislative Function

Parliament holds significant legislative powers; prime minister accountable to parliament.

Legislature can override presidential veto with a supermajority vote.

Stability

Governments may be more stable due to the requirement of majority support in parliament.

Governments may face more gridlock or instability due to divided government.

Examples

United Kingdom, India, Canada, Australia, Japan.

United States, Brazil, France, Mexico, Russia.