The system of government in which the sole executive is NOT obliged to accept the advice of his cabinet is known as

Analyze the question: The question asks for the system in which one sole executive (a single person who holds executive power) is not bound to accept the advice of his cabinet.

Explain the concept:

• Presidential system: The president is both head of state and head of government. He is the sole executive. The cabinet members are his appointees (in Nigeria, ministers are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate). They only advise him, so he can accept or reject their advice. Executive power is vested in him alone by the constitution.
• Parliamentary system: The executive is collective. The Prime Minister and cabinet share responsibility, and the cabinet is drawn from the legislature. This is called collective responsibility, so the PM is generally bound by cabinet decisions.
• Cabinet system: This is another name for the parliamentary arrangement, where decisions are taken collectively.
• Military system: Rule is by a body such as a Supreme Military Council or Armed Forces Ruling Council. It is not defined by how the executive treats cabinet advice.
• Unitary system: This describes how power is distributed (centralised in one government) and has nothing to do with the relationship between the executive and the cabinet.

Solution:

1. "Sole executive" points to one person holding executive power. This is the presidential system.
2. "Not obliged to accept the advice of his cabinet" means the cabinet is only advisory. This also fits the presidential system.
3. Options A and C involve collective responsibility, so they are eliminated. Options B and E do not address the executive-cabinet relationship, so they are eliminated.

**Correct answer: D. presidential.

Exam tip: Remember the key phrases:

• Sole executive and cabinet only advises → Presidential
• Collective responsibility and fusion of powers → Parliamentary/Cabinet

Whenever you see "sole executive," think of the President.