Key Characteristics of Parliamentary and Presidential Systems of Government

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TERM: First Term

WEEK: 8

CLASS: SS1

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

TOPIC: Characteristics of Government — Parliamentary & Presidential Systems

SUBTOPICS:

1. Parliamentary system of government
2. Presidential system of government
3. Comparisons of Parliamentary and presidential system of governments

REFERENCE MATERIAL:

1. Government/Civic Education textbook (SS1).
2. The Internet.

BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define the concept of parliamentary and presidential systems of government.
2. Identify the characteristics of parliamentary and presidential systems of government.
3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of parliamentary and presidential systems of government.
4. Provide examples of countries that practice parliamentary and presidential systems of government.
5. Compare and contrast parliamentary and presidential systems of government.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS :

1. Whiteboard and markers.
2. Diagrams illustrating parliamentary and presidential systems of government.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: Students are expected to have a basic understanding of government and its functions.

CONTENT:

Characteristics of Government

I. Parliamentary System of Government

A parliamentary system of government is one in which the head of state is different from the head of government. The head of state is the ceremonial president, while the head of government is the Prime Minister. The parliamentary system is commonly practiced by Britain, Israel, and Italy.

Characteristics of Parliamentary System of Government:

1. The head of state is different from the head of government.
2. The head of state is the ceremonial president.
3. The head of government is the Prime Minister.
4. The Prime Minister performs executive functions.
5. There is fusion of powers, with members of parliament also being members of the executive.
6. Collective responsibility, with members of the cabinet being collectively responsible to the parliament.

Advantages of Parliamentary System of Government:

1. Mutual understanding between the executive and the legislature.
2. No delay in decision making.
3. Ministers can defend their policies in parliament.
4. Absence of conflict due to fusion of power.
5. Dedicated and efficient administration.

Disadvantages of Parliamentary System of Government:

1. The Prime Minister is not popularly elected.
2. Weak government, as it can lead to a coalition government.
3. Poor performance of a minister can lead to the breakdown of the government.
4. Restriction in ministerial appointment.

(The teacher will lead class discussions on the parliamentary system of government, and explain the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of the parliamentary system of government)

II. Presidential System of Government

A presidential system of government is one in which the head of state is also the head of government. All executive powers are vested in one individual, the executive president, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Some countries where the presidential system is practiced, include the USA, Nigeria, etc.

Characteristics of The Presidential System of Government:

1. The executive president is both the head of state and government.
2. The president performs both ceremonial and executive functions.
3. The executive president is popularly elected by the electorate.
4. The president has the constitutional power to appoint members of his cabinet.
5. The president has a fixed term of office.
6. Cabinet members are individually responsible to the president.
7. Strict separation of powers between the arms of government.

Advantages of The Presidential System of Government:

1. The constitution is supreme.
2. Separation of powers enhances effective performance.
3. Cabinet members are individually responsible to the president.
4. The president is popularly elected and responsible to the electorate.
5. Checks and balances are effective.

Disadvantages of The Presidential System of Government:

1. Delay in decision making.
2. Difficulty in impeaching the president.
3. The President can misuse power to veto a bill.
4. The President can remove ministers at will.
5. Corruption and lobbying are allowed.

(The teacher will lead class discussions on the presidential system of government and explain the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of the presidential system of government)

III. Comparisons of Parliamentary and Presidential Systems of Government

Similarities:

1. Both systems have a head of state and head of government
2. Both systems have a cabinet or council of ministers
3. Both systems have a legislature or parliament

Differences:

1. The head of state and head of government are separate in parliamentary systems, but combined in presidential systems
2. Parliamentary systems have a Prime Minister as head of government, while presidential systems have a President
3. Parliamentary systems have a fusion of powers, while presidential systems have a separation of powers

(The teacher encourages students to participate in a debate on which system is more effective)

EVALUATION: The teacher will ask students the following questions:

1. Define parliamentary and presidential systems of government
2. Identify the characteristics of parliamentary and presidential systems of government
3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of parliamentary and presidential systems of government
4. Provide examples of countries that practice parliamentary and presidential systems of government
5. Compare and contrast parliamentary and presidential systems of government

• Students will be evaluated through a debate and/or class work at the end of the lesson.
• Participation in class discussions will also be assessed.

SUMMARY: The teacher will give a brief recap and revision of the lesson and respond to pending questions, if any.

Final Thoughts: The teacher will guide students to copy and complete lesson notes where necessary, correct errors and mark complete notes.

ASSIGNMENT/PROJECT: Write a short essay comparing and contrasting parliamentary and presidential systems of government.

SUGGESTED TEXTBOOKS FOR FURTHER READING:

1. “Government for Senior Secondary Schools” by E.O. Ojo and O.A. Oyedele
2. “A History of Government” by S.E. Finer

REMARKS:

• The teacher should encourage students to participate in class discussions, ask questions, debate and conduct research.
• The teacher should provide feedback to students on their performance in the debate and areas for improvement.

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