Which criticism highlights the parliamentary system’s departure from the principle of separation of powers?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) The President has absolute control over the Prime Minister.

Explanation:

• The parliamentary system involves a fusion of powers between the executive (Prime Minister and the Cabinet) and the legislature (Parliament), which is a departure from the principle of separation of powers.
• The criticism here is about the centralization of power, where the President (or head of state) is perceived to have absolute control over the Prime Minister, even though the Prime Minister should ideally be the leader of the government. This is more of a theoretical criticism, as in some systems, the President's powers can affect the working of the executive.

Information Booster:

• In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the head of government, but the President may have formal powers like appointing the Prime Minister. This perceived control over the Prime Minister is seen as undermining the principle of separation of powers.

Additional Information:

• Option A (Incorrect): The appointment of ministers based on political affiliation does not relate to the separation of powers issue in the parliamentary system.
• Option B (Incorrect): In a parliamentary system, the executive and legislature are interdependent, not independent.
• Option C (Incorrect): The fusion of powers between the executive and legislature is a feature, not a criticism, of the parliamentary system.