Chapter 15Presidential Government

Democratic system in which the legislative and executive bodies are elected and exist separately.

Both have legislative responsibilities Do not have to have a consensus as with

Parliament Often roles, accountability hard to pinpoint

Presidential Govt.

1. Party ties looser than in Parliamentary system b/c party does not choose executive

2. No guarantee that party that holds the executive will also have a majority in the legislative branch

Parties in Pres. Govt.

May have no pre-existing relationship with legislative branch

Leaders can be largely unknown to many in party

Can bring varied talents and backgrounds Selection can be haphazard

Executive Leaders

Operate in relative separation from legislative branch (separation of powers)

Makes accountability difficult Lack of regular means of review

Executive Branch

System where a president with more than ceremonial power co-exists with a premier and cabinet who are responsible to a parliament.

Executive decisions are shared by two bodies

President often has more power in defense and foreign policy

Hybrid Presidential Govt.

System where a judicial (or quasi-judicial) body of government can annul acts of other parts of government if those acts are contrary to the state’s constitution.

Constitutional Review