The major difference between the system of government of the United States and Britain is their form of executive-legislative relation. The difference in the structure and function of the legislative and executive body results to the difference in policy making and implementation.
The system of government in the United States is presidential government. In this type, the legislative body is separated from the executive body. The citizen could elect both of the chief executive which is usually referred to as the president and the members of the legislative body (Danziger 179). In most cases, the length of term of the chief executive and the members of the legislature is set or written in their constitution. The main function of the legislature is the policy making. The policies which are agreed upon in the legislature could be vetoed by the chief executive. However, legislature could pass the policy vetoed by the chief executive into law if they are agreed upon by the majority of the legislative body (Danziger 179). The chief executive who holds the cabinet is responsible for the implementation of the policy. The separated legislature and executive body could allow check and balance between the two sectors.
On the other hand, the system of government of Britain is parliamentary government. In this type, the structure and function of the executive body and the legislative body is combined (Danziger 180). The citizens elect the legislative body in which some of them will represent the cabinet. They will also choose the chief executive from the members. The cabinet will be responsible for the policy making while the implementation lies from the majority of the legislature (Danziger 180). The cabinet has the authority to dissolve the legislature resulting into new election. On the other hand, the legislature could also use their vote to pressure the cabinet resulting to their resignation. The same goes with the relationship of the chief executive, which is usually the prime minister, and the legislature. The balance of power of the chief executive and the cabinet relies on the support of the legislature.
Works Cited
Danziger, James. Understanding Political World: A Comparative Introduction to Political Science. 11th Ed. 2013. Pearson. Print.
