Write a short note on single and plural executive.

Single executive consist of a person who does not share power with others. The USA President is an example of the single executive. In the UK and other Parliamentary Governments, however, the executive authority is vested in the Cabinet, obviously a plural body but in fact constituting a singular executive. The British Cabinet acts as a unit and goes out of office together. It functions under the leadership of Prime Minister who is said to the linchpin of the Cabinet, or the key-stone of the cabinet into a well knit term.

When the directing authority is exercised not by one single individual for a term but a group of persons having co-equal authority, it is known as ‘Plural’ executive.The best modern example of the plural executive is the Swiss Federal Council which consists of seven councillors who are almost at par as far as executive powers are concerned. The Chairman of the Council is selected only for a term of one year and is merely the first among equals.

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M. Imp.