An executive president is one who wields the powers of a

Analyze the question: It asks what powers an executive president holds. The word "executive" is the key.

Explain the concept: In a presidential system of government, such as Nigeria's, the United States', or Ghana's, the president fuses two roles in one person:

• Head of State: the symbolic and constitutional representative of the nation.
• Head of Government: the person who runs the day-to-day administration, appoints ministers, and directs policy.

A ceremonial president (as in Germany, or Nigeria's First Republic under Azikiwe) is only head of state. Real executive power is with the Prime Minister, who is head of government.

Solution (checking each option):

• A. Head of state and government: Correct. This is the defining feature of an executive president.
• B. Ceremonial president only: Wrong. This is the opposite of an executive president, since a ceremonial president has little real power.
• C. Leader of government business only: Wrong. This describes a role in a legislature (e.g., the Leader of the House) or a prime minister's function. It leaves out the head-of-state role.
• D. Despot and benevolent dictator: Wrong. An executive president can be constitutionally limited by the legislature and judiciary (checks and balances). Being executive does not make one a dictator.

Answer: A

Tip: Remember "Executive = Two hats in one." Executive president means head of state plus head of government. Ceremonial president or monarch means head of state only. Prime minister means head of government only.