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Correct Answer: a parliamentary system.
when a country’s head of government is an elected member of the legislature, this country’s type of government is typically called a parliamentary system. this structure contrasts with other forms of governance such as presidential systems, absolute monarchies, and constitutional monarchies, each of which features a different relationship between the branches of government and the head of government.
in a **presidential system**, the head of government, who is also the head of state, is elected independently of the legislature. this individual leads the executive branch separately from the legislative branch. the united states is a prime example of a presidential system where the president is elected through an electoral process separate from the congressional elections and operates independently from congress in many executive functions.
an **absolute monarchy** is a form of government where the monarch holds supreme authority, often for life and by hereditary right, and is not restricted by written laws, legislature, or customs. in such a system, there is typically no concept of an elected legislative body, and the monarch’s word acts as law. saudi arabia and brunei are examples of modern-day absolute monarchies.
a **constitutional monarchy** differs from an absolute monarchy in that the monarch’s powers are restricted by a constitution or legislative body. in this system, the monarch usually serves a ceremonial role, with the real political power being held by other elected officials. the united kingdom is an example of a constitutional monarchy. here, the monarch is the head of state, while the head of government — the prime minister — is a member of the legislature.
in a **parliamentary system**, which can exist within a constitutional monarchy or a republic, the head of government, typically known as the prime minister, is elected from the legislative branch. this system features a fusion of powers between the legislative and executive branches, where the executive derives its legitimacy from, and is accountable to, the legislature; the government can be dismissed by the legislature. countries like the uk, canada, and india utilize this system where the prime minister is chosen from the majority party in the parliament and must maintain the confidence of that parliament to remain in office.
thus, when the head of government is an elected member of the legislature, it is indicative of a parliamentary system. this arrangement allows for a unique interplay between the executive and legislative branches, promoting a form of governance where executive accountability to the legislature is a fundamental principle.
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