Executives & Legislatures The Concentration of Power in Democratic Systems January 23, 2003

Prime Ministerial vs. Presidential Systems differences fusion vs. separation of powers responsible government control over elections distinct vs. combined heads of state and government

Prime Ministerial vs. Presidential Systems world governments 38% parliamentary model e.g. Canada/UK/Australia/New Zealand/Israel/Germany/Japan 54% presidential systems e.g. US mixed parliamentary and presidential systems France

Prime Ministers and Presidents – Relationship with Legislature fusion of power (executive & legislature PM must be a member of legislature and command support of majority of seats in parliament under majority – strong control over legislature President separation of powers (executive & legislature) president does not control legislature

Legislates, Controls Budget, Approves Nominations and Treaties, Override Veto, Impeach Declare Laws Unconstitutional Declare Acts Unconstitutional Confirms Nominations, Impeach Nominates Judges

PMs and Presidents – Selection & Tenure Prime Ministerial selection must command support of majority of seats in parliament implications? can be PM without being elected PM PM can be forced out of office by internal challenger no direct/independent “mandate” from the people Prime Ministerial tenure maximum time limit on Parliament chooses timing of election (or forced into election)

PMs and Presidents – Selection & Tenure Presidential elections direct fixed term guaranteed tenure can’t pick and choose election timing term limits one term (Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay) two-terms (US, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala)

Prime Ministers and Presidents – Relationship with Head of State head of government but not head of state President simultaneously head of government and head of state

Prime Ministerial vs. Presidential Systems differences fusion vs. separation of powers responsible government control over elections distinct vs. combined heads of state and government

France – The Hybrid System France and West Africa (Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Mali, Senegal), Eastern European (Poland, Bulgaria) executive power shared between elected President and Prime Minister semi-presidential President nominates the PM President typically appoints leader of ruling coalition to post of PM

Conclusion how concentrated/fragmented should power be? question of limited government & protection of individual rights how important is representation? question of enhancing mass participation which system you prefer will depend on the model of democracy you prefer