What are the differences between a Prime Minister and President?

Hi,

The two positions are representative of two different political systems: Parliamentary (Prime Minister) and Presidential (President).

The office of President characterizes the presidential system. The President is both the chief executive and the head of state.

The President is unique in that he or she is elected independently of the legislature. The powers invested in the President are usually balanced against those vested in the legislature. In the American presidential system, the legislature must debate and pass various bills. The President has the power to veto the bill, preventing its adoption. However, the legislature may override the President’s veto if they can muster enough votes.

The American President’s broadest powers rest in foreign affairs. The President has the right to deploy the military in most situations, but does not have the right to officially declare war. (This right belongs to Congress).

In parliamentary governments, the head of state and the chief executive are two separate offices. Many times the head of state functions in a primarily ceremonial role, while the chief executive (Prime Minister) is the head of the nation’s legislature.

The most striking difference between presidential and parliamentary systems is in the election of the chief executive. In parliament systems, the chief executive is not chosen by the people but by the legislature. Typically the majority party in the parliament chooses the chief executive, known as the Prime Minister.

However, in some parliaments there are so many parties represented that none hold a majority. Parliament members must decide among themselves whom to elect as Prime Minister.