Advantages Of A Presidential Government (Essay Sample)

There are many systems of government. One of the most common ones however, is the presidential system. This system involves the selection of a leader through popular vote, meaning that it is the people who have the power to choose. After electing the president as the head of the executive, the people also elect lawmakers as their representatives in the legislature. This system has various advantages that will be looked at shortly.

The first advantage of a presidential system is that the individual in office is usually given a direct appointment to power. As initially mentioned, it is the people within a given nation, who choose the president, through a democratic process of elections. In this manner, the president has the power and authority granted to him by the people, rather than by a select committee as is the case of indirect appointment.

Secondly, the presidential system brings more stability to the political system of a country compared to the other forms of government, since it has defined terms. As a result, there is little threat of political upheaval that might be caused maybe through threats or insubordination, as is often the case with other forms of government, such as ones led by a prime minister. The president is stable because he cannot be removed from office by means a no confidence vote. This however, is not an excuse for him or her, as an impeachment motion can have the president removed from power, but only if the president contravenes the constitution. There are processes that ensure impeachment isn’t used by the Congress as a weapon to target the president though. There is therefore a defined period of stability that is important for any nation, before the next election period comes.

Also, this form of government is usually important when it comes to handling of emergencies that face a country. While the normal processes concerning decision making are usually vested upon the Congress, much of these powers are delegated to the president in cases of emergencies, such as an attack or war. This therefore, helps in quick decisions in matters concerning national security, which would otherwise have delayed if taken the Congressional way.

There is also less political influence by parties and increased efficiency in government. The president usually appoints his own team of cabinet secretaries, who are usually vetted on ability rather than political affiliation. As a result, they are fully committed to administration, hence efficiency. There is less party politics compared to the parliamentary system, since the president doesn’t need the support of these political parties after assuming office. The president was elected by the will of the people, to represent them and not the selfish interests of political parties. On a further view, therefore, this system of government eliminates bias in leadership. In a country with numerous political parties, the presidential system becomes very important and effective. He or she, is fully in charge of the government and hence, the administration.

Finally, a presidential system is fast and decisive when it comes to decision making because there is separation of powers. There exists the legislature as well as the executive, which are absolutely independent of each other. As a result, they monitor on the functioning of each other as well as the president, resulting in a system of checks and balances. Such a system is important, since it prevents abuse of power by either arm of government or even the president. One can imagine what can happen if the president had all the power vested upon him abused in any way. It therefore results in proper representation and administration.

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