Understanding the Presidential System of Government is essential for aspirants preparing for UPSC CSE, State PCS, and various other competitive examinations. While India follows the Parliamentary system, questions related to the Presidential model—especially as seen in countries like the USA—frequently appear to test comparative polity understanding.
This blog post presents a carefully selected set of MCQs on the Presidential System, complete with detailed explanations. These questions aim to help you grasp key features, differences from the Parliamentary system, constitutional roles, and theoretical underpinnings—boosting your preparation with a concept-driven approach.
Presidential System MCQs and Answers
1. Which of the following is the most fundamental characteristic distinguishing a Presidential system from a Parliamentary system of government?
(a) The presence of a written constitution.
(b) The principle of separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
(c) Regular elections for the head of the legislature.
(d) The fusion of powers between the executive and the legislature.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The defining feature of a Presidential system is the strict separation of powers among the three branches of government: the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. Each branch operates independently with its own distinct powers and responsibilities.
2. In a Presidential system, the head of the executive branch is:
(a) The Prime Minister, who is also a member of the legislature.
(b) The President, who is typically elected independently of the legislature.
(c) A Chancellor, appointed by the legislature.
(d) A Monarch, whose position is hereditary.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The President in a Presidential system serves as both the head of state and the head of government. They are usually elected directly or indirectly by the people for a fixed term and are not a member of the legislature.
3. Which of the following features is NOT typically associated with a Presidential form of government?
(a) A fixed term for the head of the executive.
(b) The absence of the principle of collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature.
(c) The possibility of the legislature removing the head of the executive through a vote of no confidence.
(d) The appointment of cabinet members by the President who are not necessarily members of the legislature.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A key characteristic of a Presidential system is the fixed term of the President. The legislature cannot typically remove the President through a simple vote of no confidence. Impeachment is usually the mechanism for removing a President for grave misconduct.
4. Consider the following statements regarding the role of the President in a Presidential system:
- They are both the head of state and the head of government.
- They are directly responsible to the legislature for their policies and actions.
- They appoint and can dismiss cabinet members.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The President in a Presidential system holds both roles (Statement 1) and has the authority to appoint and dismiss cabinet members (Statement 3). However, they are not directly responsible to the legislature in the same way as in a Parliamentary system (Statement 2 is incorrect).
5. The “cabinet” in a Presidential system is typically composed of:
(a) Members of the legislature chosen by the President.
(b) Individuals appointed by the President who may or may not be members of the legislature.
(c) Senior members of the judiciary.
(d) Leaders of the majority party in the legislature.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: In a Presidential system, the President appoints the heads of the executive departments (the cabinet). These individuals serve at the pleasure of the President and are not necessarily drawn from the legislature. This reinforces the separation of powers.
6. The impeachment process in a Presidential system is a mechanism for:
(a) The legislature to express its lack of confidence in the President’s policies.
(b) The judiciary to review the legality of the President’s actions.
(c) The legislature to remove the President from office for grave misconduct.
(d) The people to recall the President before the end of their term.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Impeachment is a formal process by which the legislature can bring charges against the President (or other high officials) for serious offenses, which, if proven, can lead to their removal from office.
7. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the executive and the legislature in the United States’ Presidential system?
(a) Fusion of powers with executive dominance.
(b) Close cooperation and interdependence.
(c) Strict separation with a system of checks and balances.
(d) Subordination of the executive to the legislature.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The US system is a prime example of a Presidential system with a strong emphasis on the separation of powers. Each branch (executive, legislative, judicial) has distinct powers and can check the actions of the other branches, creating a balance of power.
8. A key feature of the Presidential system that can lead to governmental gridlock is:
(a) The absence of political parties.
(b) The strict separation of powers, where the executive and legislature may have different political majorities.
(c) The concentration of power in the hands of the President.
(d) The frequent use of votes of no confidence.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: When the President and the majority in one or both houses of the legislature belong to different political parties, it can lead to disagreements and difficulties in passing legislation or approving presidential initiatives, resulting in governmental gridlock.
9. Which of the following is a potential advantage of a Presidential system?
(a) Greater flexibility and adaptability of the executive.
(b) Clearer lines of authority and responsibility within the executive branch.
(c) Increased responsiveness of the executive to the legislature.
(d) Reduced risk of executive overreach due to the fusion of powers.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The distinct and fixed tenure of the President and their direct control over the executive branch can lead to clearer lines of authority and responsibility, potentially making the executive more decisive within its sphere of competence.
10. In a Presidential system, the President’s cabinet members are primarily responsible to:
(a) The legislature.
(b) The judiciary.
(c) The President.
(d) The people directly.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Cabinet members in a Presidential system serve at the pleasure of the President and are primarily accountable to the President, who appoints and can dismiss them. Their tenure is tied to that of the President.
11. Which of the following is NOT a typical power of the President in a Presidential system?
(a) To veto legislation passed by the legislature.
(b) To dissolve the legislature and call for new elections.
(c) To appoint and remove executive officials.
(d) To act as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The power to dissolve the legislature and call for new elections is a characteristic feature of a Parliamentary system, where the executive is closely tied to the legislature. In a Presidential system with a separation of powers, the President typically does not have this power.
12. Consider the following features:
- A head of the executive who is also the head of state.
- The executive is directly elected by the people for a fixed term.
- The executive is responsible to the legislature and can be removed by a vote of no confidence.
Which of these features are characteristic of a Presidential system?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Features 1 and 2 (President as both head of state and government, directly elected for a fixed term) are hallmarks of a Presidential system. Feature 3 describes a key aspect of a Parliamentary system.
13. In a Presidential system, the tenure of the President is:
(a) Dependent on maintaining the confidence of the legislature.
(b) Fixed and determined by the constitution.
(c) Indefinite, until they choose to resign.
(d) Subject to recall by the legislature at any time.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A defining characteristic of a Presidential system is that the President serves for a fixed term as specified in the constitution. Their tenure is not typically dependent on the ongoing confidence of the legislature.
14. The principle of “checks and balances” in a Presidential system aims to:
(a) Ensure the dominance of the executive branch.
(b) Prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful.
(c) Facilitate a fusion of powers between the executive and legislature.
(d) Guarantee the absolute sovereignty of the legislature.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The system of checks and balances is crucial in a Presidential system with separation of powers. It provides each branch of government with certain powers to limit the actions of the other two branches, thereby preventing the concentration of excessive power in any one branch.
15. Which of the following scenarios could potentially lead to the impeachment of a President in a Presidential system?
- Disagreement with the legislature on policy matters.
- Commission of “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
- Loss of popularity among the electorate.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Impeachment is a serious process typically reserved for grave misconduct, often described as “high crimes and misdemeanors” or similar serious offenses as defined in the constitution. Policy disagreements or loss of popularity are not usually grounds for impeachment.
16. In a Presidential system, the role of political parties is primarily to:
(a) Form the government and hold it accountable in the legislature.
(b) Nominate candidates for elections and mobilize voter support.
(c) Directly control the appointment of cabinet members.
(d) Serve as advisory bodies to the President.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: While political parties play a role in governance, their primary function in a Presidential system is often centered around nominating candidates for the Presidency and other elected offices and mobilizing support for their campaigns. The formation and accountability of the government operate differently due to the separation of powers.
17. Which of the following is NOT a typical power of the legislature in a Presidential system?
(a) To pass laws.
(b) To approve treaties negotiated by the President.
(c) To remove the President through a vote of no confidence.
(d) To control the budget and appropriations.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The power to remove the head of the executive through a vote of no confidence is a hallmark of a Parliamentary system, where the executive is responsible to the legislature. In a Presidential system, the legislature’s power to remove the President is usually limited to the impeachment process for specific offenses.
18. The “separation of powers” in a Presidential system means that:
(a) The judiciary has the power to review legislative and executive actions.
(b) The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government are distinct and independent in their functions and personnel.
(c) The powers of the central government are divided between different levels of government (federalism).
(d) Different branches of the government operate with a fusion of authority to ensure efficiency.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The core of the separation of powers in a Presidential system is that the three branches of government are distinct entities with their own specific powers and that individuals typically do not serve in more than one branch simultaneously.
19. Which of the following is a potential disadvantage often cited against a Presidential system?
(a) Instability of the executive due to the lack of a fixed term.
(b) Potential for executive tyranny due to the concentration of power in one individual.
(c) Difficulty in achieving cooperation and coordination between the executive and legislature.
(d) Slow decision-making due to the fusion of powers.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The very separation of powers that is a defining feature of the Presidential system can sometimes lead to difficulties in achieving cooperation and coordination between the executive and the legislature, especially when they are controlled by different political parties.
20. In the context of a Presidential system, what is a “veto”?
(a) The power of the legislature to override a judicial decision.
(b) The power of the President to reject a bill passed by the legislature.
(c) A vote of no confidence in the President.
(d) A formal agreement between the President and the head of another country.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A veto is a power held by the President in many Presidential systems to reject a bill that has been passed by the legislature, preventing it from becoming law unless the legislature can override the veto by a supermajority.
21. Consider the following statements about the US Presidential system:
- The President is elected indirectly through an Electoral College.
- Cabinet members are typically drawn from the Congress.
- The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review over presidential actions and laws passed by Congress.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct; the US President is elected through the Electoral College. Statement 3 is also correct; judicial review by the Supreme Court is a key aspect of the US system. Statement 2 is incorrect; cabinet members in the US are typically not members of Congress, reinforcing the separation of powers.
22. Which of the following is a key difference between the impeachment process in the US and a vote of no confidence in a Parliamentary system?
(a) Impeachment is a more frequent and less serious process than a vote of no confidence.
(b) A vote of no confidence can remove the entire government, while impeachment targets a specific official for grave misconduct.
(c) Impeachment requires a simple majority in the legislature, while a vote of no confidence needs a supermajority.
(d) A vote of no confidence is a judicial process, while impeachment is a legislative one.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A vote of no confidence is a regular mechanism in Parliamentary systems to remove a government that has lost the support of the legislature. Impeachment, on the other hand, is a far more serious and less frequent process in Presidential systems, targeting specific high officials (like the President) for grave offenses.
23. The concept of “executive privilege” in a Presidential system refers to:
(a) The President’s right to dissolve the legislature under certain circumstances.
(b) The President’s power to appoint judges to the Supreme Court without legislative approval.
(c) The President’s right to withhold certain information from the legislature and the judiciary.
(d) The President’s immunity from legal prosecution while in office.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Executive privilege is the asserted right of the President to keep certain communications within the executive branch confidential, particularly in areas of national security or sensitive policy deliberations. This can sometimes lead to clashes with the legislature or judiciary seeking information.
24. Which of the following is a characteristic of a Presidential system that can sometimes lead to a situation where the President faces a hostile legislature?
(a) The fusion of powers ensuring alignment between the executive and legislature.
(b) The fixed terms of both the President and legislators, which may result in different political majorities.
(c) The absence of political parties, leading to fragmented loyalties.
(d) The power of the President to appoint and dismiss legislators.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Because both the President and members of the legislature are elected for fixed terms and through potentially different electoral cycles, it is possible for different political parties to control the Presidency and one or both houses of the legislature, leading to a hostile legislative environment for the President.
25. In a Presidential system, the President’s legislative powers typically include:
(a) The power to introduce all legislation in the legislature.
(b) The power to directly enact laws without legislative approval.
(c) The power to veto legislation passed by the legislature.
(d) The power to dissolve the legislature and call for new elections.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: While the President in a Presidential system does not usually have the power to introduce all legislation or directly enact laws, the power to veto legislation passed by the legislature is a significant legislative power, allowing the President to influence the law-making process.
26. Which of the following is NOT a typical method by which the legislature can check the power of the executive in a Presidential system?
(a) Impeachment of the President.
(b) Controlling the budget and appropriations.
(c) Passing a vote of no confidence to remove the President.
(d) Ratifying treaties and confirming presidential appointments.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The power to remove the President through a vote of no confidence is a feature of Parliamentary systems. In Presidential systems, the legislature’s power to remove the President is generally limited to the impeachment process for specific offenses.
27. A “lame-duck” President in a Presidential system refers to a President who:
(a) Has been impeached by the legislature.
(b) Is serving their first term and is eligible for re-election.
(c) Is serving the period after their successor has been elected but before they have taken office.
(d) Has lost the confidence of their own political party.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A lame-duck President is in the final period of their term after their successor has been elected. During this time, their influence and effectiveness may be diminished as attention shifts to the incoming administration.
28. The principle of “Presidential prerogative” refers to:
(a) The President’s obligation to seek legislative approval for all executive actions.
(b) The inherent powers claimed by the President that are not explicitly mentioned in the constitution.
(c) The President’s role as the ceremonial head of state.
(d) The President’s power to appoint members of the judiciary with legislative consent.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Presidential prerogative refers to the inherent powers that Presidents may claim are necessary for them to effectively carry out their duties, even if these powers are not explicitly listed in the constitution. The scope of these prerogatives is often a subject of debate.
29. Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the Vice President in the US Presidential system?
(a) They are primarily the ceremonial head of state.
(b) They serve as the presiding officer of the Senate and assume the Presidency upon the President’s death, resignation or removal.
(c) They are the head of the judiciary and interpret constitutional law.
(d) They lead the opposition party in the legislature.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The US Vice President’s main roles are to serve as the President of the Senate (with the power to cast tie-breaking votes) and to succeed the President if the latter is unable to continue in office.
30. In a Presidential system, the executive branch’s structure is typically:
(a) Hierarchical, with the President at the top, exercising direct control over the administration.
(b) Collegial, with cabinet members having equal power and collective decision-making.
(c) Subordinate to the legislature in terms of policy formulation and execution.
(d) Largely independent of the President, with heads of departments directly accountable to the legislature.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The executive branch in a Presidential system is usually structured hierarchically, with the President at the apex. Cabinet members and other executive officials serve at the President’s pleasure and are under their direct authority.
31. Which of the following is a potential drawback of the fixed term of the President in a Presidential system?
(a) It can lead to instability and frequent changes in government.
(b) A President who has lost public confidence or is ineffective may remain in office for their entire term.
(c) It reduces the President’s accountability to the legislature.
(d) It makes long-term policy planning difficult.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: While a fixed term provides stability, it also means that even if a President becomes unpopular or ineffective, they generally cannot be removed from office before the end of their term through a simple vote of no confidence, as would be possible in a Parliamentary system.
32. The concept of “divided government” in a Presidential system refers to a situation where:
(a) The powers of the federal government are divided between the national and state levels.
(b) The executive branch is controlled by one political party, while one or both houses of the legislature are controlled by another party.
(c) The judiciary is split in its ideological leanings.
(d) There is a coalition government formed by multiple parties in the executive branch.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Divided government is a common phenomenon in Presidential systems with strong party systems. It occurs when different political parties control the Presidency and one or both chambers of the legislature, often leading to political gridlock and increased partisan conflict.
33. Which of the following is NOT a typical function of the judiciary in a Presidential system?
(a) Interpreting laws passed by the legislature.
(b) Adjudicating disputes between different branches of government.
(c) Appointing members to the President’s cabinet.
(d) Reviewing the constitutionality of laws and executive actions (judicial review).
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Appointing cabinet members is a function of the executive branch, specifically the President. The judiciary’s role is primarily in interpreting and applying the law, resolving disputes, and ensuring the constitutionality of governmental actions.
34. In a Presidential system, the head of government and the head of state are:
(a) Two distinct individuals elected separately.
(b) The same individual, holding both roles.
(c) Positions that rotate between the leaders of the major political parties.
(d) Largely symbolic roles with limited executive power.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A defining characteristic of a Presidential system is the fusion of the roles of head of government (responsible for the day-to-day administration of the executive branch) and head of state (the symbolic representative of the nation) in the office of the President.
35. Consider the following features:
- A President elected for a fixed term.
- Cabinet members who are also members of the legislature.
- A system of checks and balances among the three branches of government.
Which of these are defining characteristics of a typical Presidential democracy?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b) Explanation: Features 1 (fixed presidential term) and 3 (checks and balances) are key aspects of a Presidential system. Feature 2 (cabinet members from the legislature) is more characteristic of a Parliamentary system, reflecting a fusion of powers.
36. Which of the following can be a consequence of a strong executive in a Presidential system?
(a) Increased responsiveness to the legislature.
(b) Greater efficiency and decisiveness in policy-making and implementation.
(c) Reduced accountability and potential for authoritarian tendencies if checks and balances are weak.
(d) Frequent changes in government due to legislative interference.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: While a strong executive can lead to efficiency, if not adequately checked by the other branches of government, it can also lead to a concentration of power and a potential for abuse or authoritarian tendencies.
37. The “spoils system,” historically associated with the US Presidential system, refers to:
(a) A system of civil service based on merit and qualifications.
(b) The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs.
(c) The process of impeaching corrupt government officials.
(d) The campaign finance regulations in presidential elections.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The spoils system was a practice where the winning political party in an election would reward its supporters by giving them government jobs, regardless of their qualifications. While efforts have been made to move towards a merit-based civil service, elements of political patronage can still exist.
38. Which of the following is a key advantage often cited in favor of a Presidential system over a Parliamentary system?
(a) Greater flexibility and quicker adaptation to changing political circumstances.
(b) A more stable and predictable executive due to the fixed term.
(c) Increased accountability of the executive to the legislature through mechanisms like votes of no confidence.
(d) A reduced likelihood of governmental gridlock due to the fusion of powers.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The fixed term of the President in a Presidential system provides a degree of stability and predictability to the executive branch, as the head of government cannot be easily removed by the legislature through a vote of no confidence.
39. In a Presidential system, the President’s role as “Chief Diplomat” involves:
(a) Presiding over legislative sessions.
(b) Appointing judges to the federal courts.
(c) Negotiating treaties and conducting foreign policy.
(d) Overseeing the implementation of domestic laws.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: As Chief Diplomat, the President is the primary actor in US foreign policy, responsible for negotiating treaties, appointing ambassadors, and representing the country in international affairs.
40. Which of the following is a scenario where the President in a Presidential system might exercise significant unilateral power?
(a) Declaring war with legislative approval.
(b) Appointing cabinet secretaries with Senate confirmation.
(c) Issuing executive orders within the scope of their constitutional authority.
(d) Ratifying treaties with the consent of the Senate.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Executive orders are directives issued by the President that have the force of law, often within the executive branch. While their scope is subject to constitutional and legal limitations, they represent a significant area where the President can act unilaterally.
41. The concept of “judicial review” in a Presidential system implies the power of the judiciary to:
- Interpret laws passed by the legislature.
- Review the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.
- Initiate impeachment proceedings against the President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Judicial review is the power of the judiciary to examine laws passed by the legislature and actions taken by the executive to determine if they are consistent with the constitution. Initiating impeachment is a legislative function.
42. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the President and the bureaucracy in a Presidential system?
(a) The bureaucracy is entirely independent of presidential control.
(b) The President, as the head of the executive branch, has significant authority over the bureaucracy.
(c) The bureaucracy is primarily accountable to the legislature through oversight committees.
(d) Bureaucratic appointments are solely based on merit and civil service examinations, with no presidential influence.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: As the head of the executive branch, the President has the authority to appoint many key officials within the bureaucracy and to influence its direction and policies, although civil service regulations and legislative oversight also play a role.
43. A “pocket veto” is a special power available to the President of the United States when:
(a) Congress is in session and the President fails to act on a bill within ten days.
(b) Congress adjourns within ten days of sending a bill to the President, and the President takes no action.
(c) The President issues a statement disagreeing with certain provisions of a bill while signing it into law.
(d) The President vetoes a bill related to the budget.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A pocket veto can only be used when Congress adjourns within ten days of sending a bill to the President. If the President takes no action, the bill does not become law and Congress cannot override the veto.
44. Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of Presidential elections?
(a) Fixed election cycles.
(b) Direct election of the President by the legislature.
(c) Popular campaigning and voter mobilization.
(d) Potential for an electoral college system (in some countries like the US).
Answer: (b)
Explanation: In a Presidential system, the President is typically elected directly or indirectly by the people, not by the legislature. Election by the legislature is more common in Parliamentary systems for the head of government (in some instances) or the head of state.
45. The concept of “executive agreement” in a Presidential system refers to:
(a) A formal treaty ratified by the legislature.
(b) An agreement between the President and the head of another foreign government that does not require legislative ratification.
(c) An internal administrative order issued by the President.
(d) A joint resolution passed by both houses of the legislature.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Executive agreements are international agreements entered into by the President that do not require the formal ratification by the legislature (like the Senate in the US for treaties). Their legal standing and scope can sometimes be debated.
46. Which of the following is a potential challenge associated with a Presidential system during times of national crisis?
(a) Difficulty in achieving swift and decisive action due to the separation of powers and potential for gridlock.
(b) Overly rapid and unchecked executive action due to the concentration of power.
(c) Lack of clear leadership if the President’s party does not control the legislature.
(d) Frequent changes in leadership due to votes of no confidence.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The separation of powers, while intended to prevent tyranny, can sometimes hinder quick and decisive action during a national crisis if the executive and legislative branches are not in agreement or if there is significant political polarization.
47. In a Presidential system, the President’s power to appoint judges is often subject to:
(a) Approval by the executive branch itself.
(b) Ratification by the legislature (e.g., Senate confirmation in the US).
(c) A national referendum.
(d) Consultation with the judiciary.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: In many Presidential systems, the President’s power to appoint judges, particularly to the highest courts, is subject to the approval or confirmation by the legislative branch, serving as a check on the executive’s power over the judiciary.
48. Which of the following principles is fundamental to the functioning of a Presidential system?
(a) The fusion of executive and legislative powers.
(b) The sovereignty of the legislature.
(c) The separation of powers with checks and balances.
(d) The collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, along with a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too dominant, is a core principle of the Presidential system.
49. Consider a Presidential system where the legislature has the power to override a President’s veto by a two-thirds majority in both houses. This is an example of:
(a) Presidential prerogative.
(b) A check on executive power.
(c) The principle of legislative supremacy.
(d) The concept of executive privilege.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The power of the legislature to override a presidential veto is a crucial check on the President’s legislative power. It prevents the President from having the final say on all legislation and ensures that the legislature can still enact laws even without the President’s support if there is sufficient consensus.
50. In a Presidential system, if there is a prolonged deadlock between the President and the legislature on key policy issues, what are the potential consequences?
(a) The legislature can force the President to resign through a vote of no confidence.
(b) The President can dissolve the legislature and call for new elections.
(c) Government functioning may be significantly hampered, leading to policy paralysis.
(d) The judiciary will typically intervene to resolve the political impasse.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: In a Presidential system, the fixed terms and separation of powers mean that a prolonged deadlock between the President and the legislature can lead to significant difficulties in passing legislation, approving budgets, and generally governing effectively, resulting in policy paralysis. The other options are not typical mechanisms in a Presidential system to resolve such deadlocks.
The Presidential System, though not adopted in India, remains a key part of comparative political studies in the UPSC syllabus. By practicing these MCQs with clear explanations, you’re reinforcing critical concepts that could make a difference in your prelims and mains answers.
Stay consistent with your practice, and explore our other MCQ sets on Indian and world political systems to deepen your preparation. Smart study starts here!