In which system of government does the legislature pass a vote of no confidence in the government?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which system of government allows the legislature to pass a vote of no confidence in the government. That is, the legislature can force the government out of office.

Step 2: Explain the concept A vote of no confidence is a parliamentary tool. It happens when the majority of legislators declare that they no longer support the Prime Minister and the cabinet. The government must then resign, or parliament may be dissolved and fresh elections held.

This is a feature of the cabinet (parliamentary) system, where:

• The executive (Prime Minister and cabinet) is drawn from the legislature.
• The executive is collectively responsible to the legislature.
• The government stays in office only as long as it keeps the confidence of the majority of the legislature.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Federal: This describes the division of power between central and regional governments. It says nothing about the relationship between executive and legislature.
• B. Cabinet: Correct. The cabinet is collectively responsible to parliament and can be removed by a vote of no confidence (e.g., the United Kingdom, or Nigeria's First Republic, 1960-1966).
• C. De jure: This means "by law" or legally recognised government, which is not a system of government.
• D. Monarchical: This is rule by a king or queen. The head of state's position is hereditary, and it is not tied to votes of no confidence.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B. Cabinet.

Tip: Link "no confidence" with "parliamentary/cabinet system". In a presidential system (like Nigeria today), the legislature cannot use a no-confidence vote. It can only remove the president through impeachment, which is a different and more difficult process.