Pakistan Competitive Exam
CSS Competitive Exam Preparation
if you like to recive comprehencive and detail note on the topic of css and solutiona for three papers. We will ensure you recive the necessary information promptly to aid your understanding.
Parliamentary Form of Government
A parliamentary system of government is a democratic system where the Parliament is the supreme legislative body. In this system, the government is typically led by a Prime Minister or a Premier, who is the head of the ruling party or coalition. The Parliament is responsible for making laws and overseeing the government's actions. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are accountable to the Parliament, and they are usually members of the Parliament themselves.The key features of a parliamentary system include: Fusion of powers: The executive and legislative branches are intertwined, with the executive drawn from the legislative majority. The head of state and the head of government roles may be separate, as in a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch is the ceremonial head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
Confidence of the legislature: The government must maintain the confidence of the Parliament. If the government loses a vote of no confidence or fails to pass key legislation, it may be forced to resign or call for new elections.
Collective responsibility: The members of the Cabinet are collectively responsible for government decisions. This principle ensures that all members support the government's policies, and if they disagree, they may resign from their positions.
Role of the opposition: The parliamentary system allows for an official opposition party or parties that critique the government's policies, hold it accountable, and propose alternative policies.
Regular elections: Parliamentary systems typically have regular elections to ensure accountability and allow citizens to choose their representatives.
Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Australia, and many others have parliamentary systems of government, each with its own variations and adaptations to suit their specific political contexts and historical backgrounds.
back to top
Presidential Form of Government
A presidential form of government is a democratic system where the president is the head of the state and the government. In this system, the executive branch operates separately from the legislative branch, which is typically a Congress or a Parliament. The president is elected directly by the people or an electoral college for a fixed term, and they hold significant powers to execute and enforce laws, as well as to shape government policies.Key features of a presidential system include: Separation of powers: The executive, legislative, and judicial branches are distinct from one another, and each branch has its own powers and responsibilities. The president is usually independent of the legislature and is not accountable to it.
Fixed term: The president serves a fixed term and cannot be easily removed from office through a vote of no confidence or a parliamentary majority.
Direct election: The president is often elected by the people or an electoral college, rather than being appointed by the legislature.
Checks and balances: The branches of government provide checks and balances on one another's powers to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch. The judiciary, for example, can review the constitutionality of the actions of both the executive and the legislative branches.
Countries such as the United States, Brazil, and many others have adopted presidential systems, each with its own unique structures and variations. This system allows for a clear separation of powers, ensuring that the branches of government remain independent and can act as checks on one another to prevent any abuse of power.
back to top
Quasi-Democracy
The term "quasi-democracy" refers to a political system that incorporates elements of both democracy and authoritarianism. In such a system, there might be regular elections and the existence of democratic institutions, but they may be constrained by various factors such as limited political freedoms, restricted civil liberties, or an uneven playing field for opposition parties. This results in a situation where the appearance of democracy exists, but the reality is more restrictive and less transparent than in a fully functioning democratic system.Some characteristics commonly associated with a quasi-democracy include: Limited political competition: While elections may take place regularly, the ruling party or individual might have a significant advantage over opposition parties, which may face obstacles or restrictions in their ability to campaign or participate in the political process.
Restricted civil liberties: The government may impose constraints on freedom of speech, assembly, and association, limiting the ability of citizens to express dissent or organize politically.
Manipulation of the media: State control or influence over the media can result in biased coverage, censorship, or propaganda that favors the ruling party or government.
Concentration of power: The central authority may wield significant control over the decision-making process, with limited checks and balances, and may use its authority to stifle dissent or suppress opposition.
Countries often described as quasi-democratic might have certain democratic structures in place, such as elections, political parties, and legislative bodies, but the lack of genuine political pluralism, free and fair elections, and respect for individual rights and freedoms can raise concerns about the true democratic nature of the system.
back to top