Question

In a parliamentary system, who is considered the nominal head of state with ceremonial roles?

• A. Prime Minister
• B. President
• C. Chief Minister
• D. Governor

Answer 1

Answer:

B. President

Executive

• (Articles 52-78): Outlines the roles and powers of the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Attorney General of India. 

• The executive is the organ of government responsible for implementing laws and policies framed by the legislature. It includes both political executives (e.g., Prime Minister, ministers) and permanent executives (e.g., civil servants/bureaucracy).

• The executive administers day-to-day governance, implements policies, and ensures coordination with the legislature and judiciary to maintain law, order, and public welfare

• Interdependence in Parliamentary Systems: In a parliamentary system, the executive and legislature are interdependent. The legislature controls the executive, while the executive influences legislative processes.

Types of Executives

Parliamentary Executive:

• Found in countries like India, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK.
  

• Features a nominal head of state (e.g., President or monarch) with ceremonial roles and a Prime Minister as the head of government with effective power.
  

• The executive is accountable to the legislature and depends on its majority support.

Presidential Executive:

• Seen in countries like the USA and Brazil.
  

• The President is both head of state and head of government, holding significant powers in theory and practice.
  

• The executive is not directly accountable to the legislature.

Semi-Presidential Executive:

• Exists in countries like France, Russia, and Sri Lanka.
  

• Combines elements of both systems, with a President and Prime Minister sharing powers. The President may have significant day-to-day powers, and conflicts can arise if they belong to different parties.