In a parliamentary system of government, the head of government is typically ___________.

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks how the head of government (the Prime Minister) is typically chosen in a parliamentary system.

Step 2: Explain the concept In a parliamentary system, the executive and legislature are fused. The executive draws its authority from the legislature.

• Head of state: a ceremonial figure (e.g. a monarch or a largely ceremonial president).
• Head of government: the Prime Minister, who runs the day-to-day business of government.

The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the party (or coalition) that holds a majority of seats in the legislature. Because the Prime Minister stays in office only while they have the legislature's confidence, the position is tied to the majority party.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Elected directly by the people: Incorrect. This describes a presidential system. In a parliamentary system, voters elect legislators, not the Prime Minister directly.
• B. The leader of the majority party in the legislature: Correct. This is the standard rule, as in the UK, Canada, and Nigeria's First Republic (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa).
• C. Appointed by the judiciary: Incorrect. The judiciary does not appoint the executive in any standard system.
• D. Chosen by the head of state: This is partly tricky. The head of state formally appoints the Prime Minister, but it is a ceremonial act. The head of state must invite the leader of the majority party, so the real determining factor is the majority party leadership, not the head of state's choice.

Step 4: Answer The head of government is typically the leader of the majority party in the legislature.

Exam tip: Remember "Parliamentary = Prime Minister from Parliament." If the question says head of government in a parliamentary system, think of the majority party leader. Watch out for option D: the formal appointment by the head of state is only a ceremony.