![Page 1: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Dr. Eric Langenbacher February 24th, 2004](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022083006/56649f305503460f94c4b8d7/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Presidential and Parliamentary Presidential and Parliamentary SystemsSystems
Dr. Eric LangenbacherDr. Eric Langenbacher
February 24th, 2004February 24th, 2004
![Page 2: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Dr. Eric Langenbacher February 24th, 2004](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022083006/56649f305503460f94c4b8d7/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
The ExecutiveThe Executive
Fundamental institutional choice between a Parliamentary and Presidential system
branches of government– Executive—branch of government that
proposes legislation—it initiates– Legislature—debates and passes laws– Judiciary—interprets laws– Bureaucracy—implements laws
![Page 3: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Dr. Eric Langenbacher February 24th, 2004](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022083006/56649f305503460f94c4b8d7/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Basic distinctionsBasic distinctions
1)Accountability/Reponsibility—executive directly accountable in Parl. system– In Presidential system, executive branch in
separately elected—no direct responsibility
2)Collegial v. appointed cabinets– Presidential systems based on separation on
powers; Parliamentary--fusion
![Page 4: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Dr. Eric Langenbacher February 24th, 2004](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022083006/56649f305503460f94c4b8d7/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Basic Distinctions (cont’d)Basic Distinctions (cont’d)
3) Term flexibility—fixed terms in Pres.; variable terms in parl. due to Prime Minister’s right of dissolution
4) Executive role differentiation—two roles—head of government and head of state—combined in Pres.; separate in Parl.
![Page 5: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Dr. Eric Langenbacher February 24th, 2004](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022083006/56649f305503460f94c4b8d7/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Advantages of Parliamentary Advantages of Parliamentary SystemsSystemsflexibilityclear lines of accountabilityclear majority ruleefficient, streamlined decision making
![Page 6: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Dr. Eric Langenbacher February 24th, 2004](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022083006/56649f305503460f94c4b8d7/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Advantages of Presidential SystemsAdvantages of Presidential Systems
decisive leadershipchecking/balancing of powernecessarily cumbersome legislative
proceduresstability, personalized leadershipease to pinpoint responsibility
![Page 7: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Dr. Eric Langenbacher February 24th, 2004](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022083006/56649f305503460f94c4b8d7/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Disadvantages of Parliamentary Disadvantages of Parliamentary SystemsSystems1) instability2) numerous, fragmented party system3) fusion of powers4) dangerous for young democracies
![Page 8: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Dr. Eric Langenbacher February 24th, 2004](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022083006/56649f305503460f94c4b8d7/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Disadvantages of Presidential Disadvantages of Presidential SystemSystem1) Inflexibility2) Effects on Party System3) zero-sum, majoritarian politics4) personalism, corruption5) dual legitimacy6) lack of role differentiation
![Page 9: Presidential and Parliamentary Systems Dr. Eric Langenbacher February 24th, 2004](https://reader036.vdocuments.us/reader036/viewer/2022083006/56649f305503460f94c4b8d7/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
ConclusionConclusion
Arguments against Presidential systems are more compelling
Negative characteristics of Parl. systems cannot be avoided—but institutional remedies exist
Almost impossible to rectify shortcomings of Pres. system within own logic