Which of the following features distinguish the Parliamentary system of government from the Presidential system? 1. Dual executive 2. Collective responsibility 3. Fixed tenure for executive 4. Fusion of powers Select the correct answer using the code below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1, 2 and 3 only

[B] 1, 2 and 4 only

[C] 2, 3 and 4 only

[D] 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanation:

In a Parliamentary system, there is a dual executive: Nominal Executive (e.g., President in India or Monarch in the UK) and Real Executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers)
In a Presidential system, there is a single executive — the President holds both ceremonial and executive power. This is a distinguishing feature of the Parliamentary system.
In the Parliamentary system, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the lower house (e.g., Lok Sabha).
In a Presidential system, the executive is not responsible to the legislature.This feature exists only in Parliamentary systems, making it a distinguishing factor.
A fixed tenure is a feature of the Presidential system (e.g., 4-year term for US President).
In a Parliamentary system, the tenure is not fixed — it depends on majority support in the legislature.
In the Parliamentary system, the executive is drawn from the legislature (i.e., ministers are also MPs) → fusion of powers.
In the Presidential system, there is a strict separation of powers between executive, legislature, and judiciary.
Fusion of powers is unique to the Parliamentary system, making it a distinguishing feature.

Source: Laxmikant (Polity)