Lack of separation of power is a feature of

1. Analyze the question The question asks which system of government lacks separation of powers, meaning the legislative, executive and judicial functions are not kept in separate hands.

2. Explain the concept Separation of powers (Montesquieu) divides government into three arms:

• Legislature: makes laws
• Executive: implements laws
• Judiciary: interprets laws

This prevents any one person or group from holding too much power.

3. Evaluate each option

• A. Presidential system: This is the classic example of separation of powers. The President (executive) is separate from the National Assembly (legislature) and the courts (judiciary), as in Nigeria's 1999 Constitution. Not the answer.
• B. Cabinet (parliamentary) system: This has a fusion of powers, since ministers are also members of the legislature. Powers are not strictly separated, but they are not wholly absent either. Judicial independence is still kept. This is a weaker fit than D.
• C. Democratic government: Democracies generally uphold separation of powers and the rule of law. Not the answer.
• D. Military government: The ruling council (e.g. the Supreme Military Council) makes decrees (legislative), enforces them (executive), and often limits or overrides the courts (judicial). The constitution is suspended and power is concentrated in a few hands. This is the best answer.

4. Answer Military government is where power is most concentrated, with legislative and executive functions fused in one body.

5. Exam tip Remember: Military = Monopoly of power (decrees, no legislature, suspended constitution). Presidential = separation; Parliamentary = fusion (but still has an independent judiciary).