In a democracy, those who are accountable to the people for what is done in their name. Which form of government, presidential or parliamentary, comes closer to this idela? why?

To determine which form of government, presidential or parliamentary, comes closer to the ideal of accountability to the people, we need to understand the characteristics of both systems.

In a presidential system, the head of state (president) is directly elected by the people and holds significant executive powers. The president is separate from the legislative branch and acts as a check on its authority. The president remains in office for a fixed term and is not accountable to the legislature during that period.

In a parliamentary system, the head of state (often a ceremonial role) is separate from the head of government (prime minister) who is a member of the legislature. The prime minister is chosen from the majority or coalition in the parliament and must maintain the confidence of the legislature to stay in office. This means the prime minister is accountable to the parliament on an ongoing basis.

Now let's analyze which system comes closer to the idea of accountability:

1. Presidential system: Direct elections of the president allow for a clear and direct link between the people and the head of state. The president is accountable to the people, as they have the power to elect or remove the president. However, once elected, the president maintains considerable autonomy from the legislature, potentially limiting their accountability to the legislative branch.

2. Parliamentary system: In a parliamentary system, the prime minister, as the head of government, is directly accountable to the parliament. They rely on the support of the majority or coalition in parliament to govern effectively. This continuous accountability allows the legislature to scrutinize the government's actions, decisions, and policies more directly and frequently.

Considering these factors, the parliamentary system often comes closer to the ideal of accountability to the people. The prime minister, as the head of government, needs to maintain the confidence of the parliament, which represents the will of the people. Regular debates, question times, and votes provide opportunities for parliamentarians to hold the government accountable, making the system more responsive to the people's needs.

In contrast, while presidential systems provide direct accountability through elections, the separation of powers may limit the ongoing accountability to the legislative branch. The president may face fewer opportunities for direct scrutiny and questioning compared to a prime minister in a parliamentary system.

It's important to note that the actual level of accountability can vary within each system based on various factors, such as constitutional provisions, political culture, and the engagement of citizens in the political process.