The fusion of executive and legislative powers is a core feature of

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which system of government has a fusion (merging or overlap) of executive and legislative powers.

Step 2: Explain the concept

• Fusion of powers means the executive and legislature are not strictly separate. The same people serve in both arms.
• Separation of powers is the opposite. Each arm (executive, legislature, judiciary) has its own personnel and functions.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Presidential system: This is built on separation of powers. The President is elected separately from the legislature, and ministers or secretaries usually cannot sit in the legislature. Nigeria's 1979 and 1999 Constitutions are examples. So A is wrong.
• B. Autocracy: This is rule by one person with absolute power. It describes who holds power, not a formal system of fused powers. It is not the standard answer.
• C. Parliamentary system: The Prime Minister and Cabinet are drawn from the legislature. Ministers are members of parliament and also head government departments. They make laws and execute them, which is a clear fusion of powers. Nigeria's First Republic (1960-1966) worked this way.
• D. Monarchy: This is a form of government where a hereditary ruler is head of state. It is not defined by fusion of executive and legislative powers. A monarchy can be absolute or constitutional, and a constitutional monarchy usually operates through a parliamentary system anyway.

Step 4: Answer The parliamentary system is the one where the executive is formed from and accountable to the legislature, so the two arms are fused.

Correct answer: C. parliamentary system

Exam tip: Remember it this way: Parliamentary = Powers Plus (fused), while Presidential = Powers Parted (separated). If a question mentions ministers who are also lawmakers, think parliamentary system.