Presidential and Parliamentary Presidential and Parliamentary SystemsSystems

Dr. Eric LangenbacherDr. Eric Langenbacher

February 24th, 2004February 24th, 2004

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

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

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.

Advantages of Parliamentary Advantages of Parliamentary SystemsSystemsflexibilityclear lines of accountabilityclear majority ruleefficient, streamlined decision making

Advantages of Presidential SystemsAdvantages of Presidential Systems

decisive leadershipchecking/balancing of powernecessarily cumbersome legislative

proceduresstability, personalized leadershipease to pinpoint responsibility

Disadvantages of Parliamentary Disadvantages of Parliamentary SystemsSystems1) instability2) numerous, fragmented party system3) fusion of powers4) dangerous for young democracies

Disadvantages of Presidential Disadvantages of Presidential SystemSystem1) Inflexibility2) Effects on Party System3) zero-sum, majoritarian politics4) personalism, corruption5) dual legitimacy6) lack of role differentiation

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