The Presidential Form of Government

This study offers a comparative examination of the presidential form of government, tracing its historical foundations, institutional features, and global challenges. It analyses the defining attributes of presidentialism – separation of powers, fixed executive tenure, and direct mandate – alongside jurisprudential milestones such as Marbury v. Madison and United States v. Nixon. The paper evaluates how presidential systems respond to crises of legitimacy, accountability, and executive dominance, drawing lessons from diverse jurisdictions. In dialogue with India’s constitutional experience, the research highlights why the parliamentary framework was adopted, while reflecting on what presidentialism reveals about safeguarding constitutionalism, limited government, and institutional balance. The study concludes that while presidentialism promises stability, its vulnerabilities underscore the importance of political culture and checks on executive power.