Question

Which of the following countries is cited as an example of a Presidential System?

• A. United Kingdom
• B. India
• C. Brazil
• D. Canada

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Brazil

Presidential System 

• In a presidential system, the President is both the head of government and head of state.

• The executive branch (led by the President) is separate from the legislature (law-making body), and the President is not accountable to the legislature

Key Features of the Presidential System

• Separation of Powers: The executive (President), legislature (Congress/Parliament), and judiciary are independent of each other.

• Example: In the United States, the President (executive) cannot be a member of Congress (legislature).

• Fixed Tenure: The President serves a fixed term and cannot be easily removed by the legislature.

• Example: In the U.S., the President serves a 4-year term and cannot be removed by a vote of no-confidence.

• Veto Power: The President can block laws passed by the legislature.

• Example: If the U.S. Congress passes a bill, the President can veto it, though Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority.
  

• Power to Pardon: The President can forgive or reduce punishments for crimes.

• Example: In 1974, U.S. President Gerald Ford pardoned former President Richard Nixon for any crimes related to the Watergate scandal.
  

• Direct Election: The President is elected by the people or through an electoral college.

• Example: In Brazil, citizens directly vote for the President.

Example of a Presidential System

• United States: The President is elected through an electoral college, serves a 4-year term, and is separate from Congress.
  

• Brazil: The President is directly elected, serves a 4-year term, and has veto powers over legislation.
  

• Mexico: The President serves a single 6-year term, independent of the legislature, with no re-election.
  

• Nigeria: The President is directly elected, holds executive power, and is not accountable to the legislature.