State the characteristic features of the cabinet system that distinguish it from the presidential system.

Answer Details

The cabinet (parliamentary) system has distinctive features that clearly separate it from the presidential system. The following are its characteristic features:

1. Fusion of powers: The executive and legislative arms are fused rather than separated. Ministers are drawn from and remain members of the legislature (parliament), unlike the presidential system where strict separation of powers exists.
2. Dual executive: There is a distinction between the Head of State (a ceremonial monarch or president) and the Head of Government (the Prime Minister who wields real executive authority). In the presidential system a single person, the President, combines both roles.
3. Collective responsibility: The cabinet is collectively responsible to the legislature. If a vote of no confidence is passed, the entire government resigns. Presidential systems have no such doctrine.
4. The Prime Minister is first among equals: The head of government is not elected directly by the people but emerges as leader of the majority party in parliament, whereas the President is directly elected by the electorate.
5. No fixed tenure of office: The government stays in power only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature and can be removed at any time. The President enjoys a fixed term.
6. Presence of an official opposition: There is a recognised shadow cabinet formed by the minority party ready to take over government. This is not a feature of the presidential system.
7. Power to dissolve parliament: The Prime Minister can advise the Head of State to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections, a power the President does not possess.