CEVAP:

There are four main characteristics of a presidential system:

• The executive branch can veto legislature acts and similarly a supermajority of lawmakers can override such a veto.

• Presidential systems have fixed terms of office. Elections are held regularly and cannot be triggered by a vote of no confidence or a parliamentary procedure except the president has broken the law.

• The executive branch is one individual. Members of cabinet are answerable to the president. In case of nominations to cabinet, the judiciary and lower positions in government, approval is required from the legislative branch. The president is expected to direct members of cabinet and the military but cannot dismiss judges at random.

• Presidents can often forgive or commute sentences of convicted criminals.