What distinguishes a parliamentary system of government from a presidential system?

A parliamentary system of government is characterized primarily by the merging of the executive and legislative branches. In this system, the head of government, usually called the prime minister, is not separately elected by the public but is typically the leader of the majority party in the legislature. This close relationship allows for greater cooperation and less conflict between the branches, as the executive is directly accountable to the legislature.

In contrast, a presidential system features a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, with an independently elected president serving as the head of state and government. This separation often leads to a system of checks and balances, where the president and the legislature can operate independently of each other.

The other options do not directly address the fundamental difference between the two systems. For example, separation of church and state is a principle that can apply in various types of government regardless of their structure. Public referendum on laws is a mechanism that can be used in both parliamentary and presidential systems, reflecting public opinion on specific issues rather than a distinction between the two systems. Finally, fixed terms for leaders are more associated with presidential systems, where leaders serve set terms, unlike the variable tenure of prime ministers in parliamentary systems, who may remain in office as long as they have the support of