Main Characteristics of Presidential Government: 

In the present democratic era, the second most popular form of government is presidential government. In this system of governance, the legislature and the executive are quite distinct and independent from each other. The basis of presidential government is the principle of separation of powers.

The main characteristics of presidential government are as follows:

1. Separation of Powers:

In presidential system, the legislature and the executive do not form a new institution as it is done in parliamentary system, that is, the executive is absolutely ‘separate’ from the legislature. The members of the executive are not the members of the legislature, nor are they responsible towards it. In this way, in presidential government, the executive and the legislature are mutually separate and independent in respect of their tenure, powers, and functions and judiciary is also independent and supreme.

2. Real Executive:

In presidential government, the executive is singular. Unlike parliamentary government, there is no distinction between the nominal and the real executive. The president is real administrator. He is the head of both, the state and the government, and uses all the powers given to the executive by the constitution in real terms.

3. Definite tenure: 

In presidential government, both the legislature and the executive are elected for a definite of time period. In this, the tenure of both – the executive and the legislature – is decided (fixed) by the constitution. In it, the head (president) of the executive is elected for a definite duration. This duration is of four years in United States of America. Before the completion of this duration, the legislature cannot oust it. Before the duration, the president can be ousted by impeachment only. But the process to initiate and implement impeachment is a very complex exercise.

4. The principle of checks and balances: 

If in the system of governance, the principle of separation of powers is adopted, them there develops hindrance in administration, because there is a need of cooperation besides independence to work in every field. And as such, the principle of checks and balances is adopted, so that there is a relation as well as restriction of one part (organ) onto the other one.

5. Political uniformity not necessary:

In presidential Rom of government, political uniformity is not necessary because there is nothing like council of ministers in the system and the president is absolutely independent in selection and expulsion of his secretaries.