SS1 Second Term Government Lesson Note – Parliamentary or Cabinet System of Government

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WEEK:  4                                              

TOPIC: TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF GOVERNMENT (cont.)

CONTENT: (4) Parliamentary or Cabinet System of Government:

(a) Meaning of Parliamentary System.

(b) Major Characteristics.

(c) Merits and demerits.

(d) Differences between presidential and parliamentary systems of government.

Sub-Topic 1: MEANING OF PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM AND MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS.

Meaning of Parliamentary System

Cabinet or parliamentary system of government may be defined as one in which the Head of State is different from the Head of Government and where there is no strict separation of powers between the executive and the legislature. The main executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The other part of the executive power is ceremonial and it is exercised by a President or Monarch (King or Queen) which is the head of state. Britain is a very good example of a cabinet system of government. Nigeria practiced the system between 1960 and 1966. Parliamentary filibuster refers to a delay method of prolonging debates in parliament. The prime minister and his cabinet can be removed from office through a vote of no confidence by members of the parliament.

Major Characteristics of Parliamentary System of Government

1. The head of state is different from the head of government.
2. There is no strict separation of powers.
3. The prime minister is the head of government while the Queen or the King or the President is the head of state.
4. The prime minister exercise real executive powers.
5. The Head of State performs ceremonial functions.
6. The Prime Minister and all cabinet ministers are chosen from the legislature and they form what is called parliamentary executive.
7. The Prime Minister and all cabinet ministers are also members of the parliament.
8. The Prime Minister is also the parliamentary leader of the party in power.

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