Question

Discuss the features of Presidential Executive in the USA.

Answer 1

1. No difference between nominal and real executive: The US President is both the Head of State and Head of Government. He is the real and legal custodian of all executive powers.
2. Single executive: All executive powers are vested in the President, making it a single executive system.
3. Institution of presidential cabinet: The President appoints a Cabinet of secretaries (heads of departments) to assist in administration. These secretaries are responsible to the President, not the legislature.
4. Master of the cabinet: The Cabinet functions under the President’s leadership. All decisions are made by him and implemented by the secretaries.
5. Separation of powers: The US Constitution ensures a clear separation between the executive and legislature. Cabinet members cannot be members of Congress.
6. Non-responsibility to Congress: The President and his Cabinet are not accountable to the US Congress. Congress cannot remove the President except by impeachment, and the President cannot dissolve Congress.
7. No Political homogeneity required: The President can appoint people from different political parties to the Cabinet. Loyalty is to the President, not the party.
8. Fixed and stable tenure: The President is elected for a fixed term of four years, renewable once.
9. System of checks and balances: There exists a mutual system of control between the President and Congress, ensuring no branch overpowers the other.