Chapter 3: Comparing executives: presidential and parliamentary systems Flashcards
What are the origins of presidentialism?
Presidentialism originated as an adaptation of the British monarchical system of the late eighteenth century in the United States.
What are the basic principles of presidentialism?
The basic principles include separation of powers, checks and balances, and decentralization of governance.
What is the key feature of US-style presidentialism?
US-style presidentialism features direct election of the president, strong separation of powers, and limited presidential authority over Congress.
What challenges are associated with Latin American presidentialism?
Latin American presidentialism faces challenges such as instability, conflict between the president and congress, and occasional military intervention.
How does European semi-presidentialism differ from US-style presidentialism?
European semi-presidentialism, exemplified by France, involves separate elections for the president and parliament but features overlapping roles between the two branches of government.
What are some strengths of presidentialism?
Presidentialism can provide stability, clear lines of authority, strong executive leadership, and direct accountability through popular elections.
What are potential weaknesses of presidentialism?
Weaknesses include gridlock, polarization, instability, and potential abuses of power due to conflicts between the president and congress
What is parliamentarianism?
Parliamentarianism is a system of government where the executive branch (government) is chosen by and accountable to an elected parliament.
What is the role of political parties in a parliamentary system?
Political parties play a crucial role in parliamentary systems by providing a means for electors to vote for parties, which are then represented in the legislature and ultimately select the government.
How does a parliamentary system ensure stable government?.
Stable government in a parliamentary system relies on the ability of the executive to control the legislature. If the government loses the confidence of parliament, new elections may be held
What is the significance of party discipline in parliamentary systems?
Party discipline is essential for the functioning of parliamentary systems as it ensures that members of the governing party support the government’s agenda. Lack of party discipline can lead to legislative paralysis and frequent changes of government.
How does parliamentarianism differ from presidentialism?
In parliamentarianism, the executive branch emerges from and is accountable to an elected parliament, whereas in presidentialism, the executive branch (president) is elected separately from the legislature and operates independently from it.
What are the key differences between presidential and parliamentary systems?
Presidential systems are characterized by a separation of powers between the executive and the legislature, whereas parliamentary systems have a fusion of powers where the executive emerges from and is accountable to an elected parliament.
How do presidential and parliamentary systems differ in terms of party systems?
In parliamentary systems, party systems are more critical to the functioning of the government compared to presidential systems. Parliamentary systems rely on strong party discipline, whereas members of congress in presidential systems are not expected to have a unified view to the same extent.
What are some advantages of parliamentary systems over presidential systems?
One advantage of parliamentary systems is the ease of removing a prime minister through a vote of no-confidence or a successful challenge from within the ruling party. Additionally, parliamentary systems typically allow the government to dissolve parliament and call new elections if problems of governability arise.
