Presidential form of government:
In presidential government, the head (President) of the executive is the real administrator. He is the elected representative of the people. His tenure is fixed by the constitution. In this form of government, there is a council of ministers for his help in work, which is selected by President. They are called secretaries. They remain in office at the discretion of the president and they are responsible towards the President for their works.
Features of presidential form of government:
1. Separation of powers:
Presidential form of government is based on the principle of separation of powers. In it, there are separate fields of all the three – executive, legislature and judiciary. None inference in the work of others. All three function independently.
2. Definite tenure:
In presidential form of government, Executive is elected for a fixed duration of time and its tenure cannot be reduced by any means, except bringing impeachment motion against it.
3. Theory of checks and balances:
In presidential form of government, if the theory (principle) of separation of powers is adopted, there develops hindrance in governance, because there is need of freedom and cooperation for working in every field. Therefore, the practice of checks and balances is adopted, so that each organ of government has a ‘connect’ with the others, but with due restrictions.
4. Real executive:
In presidential form of government, the executive is singular. President is the real administrator. In it, both the powers of ‘Head of State’ and ‘Head’ of governance, are embedded. He is the head of state as that well as of governance.
5. Political uniformity – not required:
In presidential form of government, political uniformity is not necessary, because there is nothing like ‘council of ministers’ in this system, and the president, perse, is absolutely independent to elect or expel his aides (secretaries).
