Lecture 8: Presidentialism Flashcards
What is the difference between power-sharing and power-concentrating systems?
Power-sharing: More inclusive but less decisive (e.g., coalition governments, proportional representation).
Power-concentrating: More decisive but less inclusive (e.g., majoritarian rule, presidentialism).
Both have advantages and risks.
(Lijphart, 1999)
What are the three main types of electoral systems?
1) Plurality/Majority (First Past the Post, runoff elections).
2) Proportional Representation (PR) (Netherlands, Turkey).
3) Mixed Systems (Germany, Japan).
How does the choice of electoral system affect democratization?
PR systems are more inclusive but can lead to fragmentation. Majoritarian systems are more decisive but may exclude minorities.
(Lijphart, 1999; Mainwaring & Shugart, 1997)
What is presidentialism?
(Cheibub, 2010)
A system where the president is directly elected, serves as both head of state and government, and has a fixed term. The executive is separate from the legislature.
What is parliamentarism?
(Lijphart, 1992)
A system where the executive (prime minister) is accountable to parliament, is selected by parliament, and can be removed by a no-confidence vote. The head of state is usually separate (monarchy or ceremonial president).
What is semi-presidentialism?
A system where both a directly elected president and a prime minister share executive power (e.g., France, Russia).
What are the key sources of power for presidents?
1) De jure power (constitutional authority: veto power, executive orders, military command).
2) De facto power (legislative support, party strength, public mandate).
(Samuels & Shugart, 2003)
What is executive dominance?
The degree to which the executive (president or prime minister) can dominate the legislative branch. Executive dominance is often higher in majoritarian systems.
(Shugart & Mainwaring, 1999)
Why is presidentialism considered risky for democracy?
1) Dual legitimacy can cause gridlock.
2) Fixed terms reduce flexibility.
3) Personalism increases authoritarian risks.
4) Rigid system prevents crisis resolution.
5) Zero-sum politics intensifies competition.
(Linz, 1990)
What is Linz’s main argument against presidentialism?
- Presidentialism creates dual legitimacy (conflict between president and parliament),
- zero-sum competition,
- rigidity (fixed terms prevent early resolution of crises).
(Linz, 1990)
What are Horowitz’s objections to Linz’s critique of presidentialism?
1) Linz focuses too much on Latin America.
2) Majoritarian parliamentary systems can also create winner-takes-all politics.
3) Presidentialism can allow for consensus-building in some cases.
(Horowitz, 1996)
What are Lipset’s objections to Linz?
1) Some parliamentary systems have collapsed (e.g., interwar Europe).
2) Prime ministers with majority support can be stronger than presidents.
3) Presidentialism can encourage broad coalitions.
(Lipset, 1994)
What are the key weaknesses of parliamentarism?
1) Indecisiveness (fragmented parliaments can lead to gridlock).
2) Instability (frequent government collapses).
3) Backroom politics (leadership changes without elections).
(Linz, 1990)
What is an example of presidentialism leading to authoritarianism?
Russia (Putin), Venezuela (Chávez), Turkey (Erdoğan) – presidents used their position to extend term limits, increase executive power, and undermine checks and balances.
(Svolik, 2012)
What is an example of parliamentary instability?
Belgium – fragmented parliament led to over 500 days without a government.
Italy – frequent cabinet collapses and elections.
(Linz, 1990)
What are the main takeaways on presidentialism vs. parliamentarism?
1) The distinction is overstated – strong and weak versions exist in both systems.
2) Too much power concentration is dangerous for democracy.
3) Political leaders may consolidate power for ‘good reasons’ but end up eroding democracy.
(Przeworski et al., 2000; Svolik, 2012)
