Which of the following systems of government does not practice collective responsibility?

Analyze the question: We need the system of government in which ministers or executives do NOT share collective responsibility for decisions.

Explain the concept: Collective responsibility means all members of the cabinet or executive share responsibility for decisions made by the government. If one minister disagrees, they must either publicly support the decision or resign. It is a feature of the parliamentary (cabinet) system, such as in the UK.

Work through the options:

• A. Communalism system: This is a social and economic arrangement in which the community owns property and shares responsibility. It is not a system of executive government, so the concept of collective cabinet responsibility doesn't apply in the same way.
• B. Non-centralised system: Power is spread across different levels or units. It is a structure of power distribution and does not define how the executive is held accountable.
• C. Executive system (presidential system): The President is both head of state and head of government. Ministers or secretaries are appointed by the President and answer individually to the President, not collectively to the legislature. The President carries the ultimate responsibility, so there is no collective responsibility. This fits the question.
• D. Cabinet system: This is the classic home of collective responsibility. Ministers sit together, decide together, and stand or fall together.

Answer: The executive (presidential) system is the one where ministers are individually responsible to the President, so collective responsibility is not practised.

Exam tip:

• Cabinet/parliamentary system → collective responsibility, fusion of powers.
• Presidential/executive system → individual responsibility to the President, separation of powers.

When you see "does not practice collective responsibility," think presidential.