10.1 Democracies: Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Regimes
5 min read•june 18, 2024
Democratic regimes come in various forms, each with unique structures and power dynamics. fuse executive and legislative branches, while keep them separate. blend elements of both, creating a structure.
Heads of state and government play crucial roles in democratic systems, with responsibilities varying based on regime type. The selection and duties of executive leaders differ across systems, impacting how power is exercised and national legitimacy is maintained.
Democratic Regime Types
Parliamentary vs presidential democratic regimes
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- Parliamentary systems
- Executive and legislative branches are fused, with the and being members of the
- is the , chosen by the legislature (usually the leader of the majority party or coalition)
- Must maintain the confidence of the legislature to remain in power, facing removal through a
- is typically a monarch () or a president with mostly ceremonial powers ()
- Presidential systems
- Executive and legislative branches are separate, with a clear division of powers ()
- President is both the and , directly elected by the people for a fixed term
- Cannot be removed by the legislature except through for serious misconduct
- Cabinet members are appointed by the president and do not need legislative approval, serving at the president's discretion
-
- Combination of parliamentary and presidential features, with a dual executive structure
- Dual executive: both a president (head of state) and a prime minister (head of government)
- President is directly elected by the people and has significant political powers
- Prime minister is chosen by the legislature and is responsible for the day-to-day governance
- Power-sharing between the president and prime minister varies depending on the country and political circumstances (France, Russia)
Roles of heads of state and government
- Head of state
- Represents the nation in international affairs, conducting state visits and signing treaties
- Performs ceremonial functions, such as opening parliament sessions and presenting awards
- In parliamentary systems
- Typically a monarch (United Kingdom, Japan) or a president with limited political power (Germany, India)
- Selected through hereditary succession (monarchies) or elected by the legislature (parliamentary republics)
- In presidential systems
- The president serves as both head of state and head of government (United States, Brazil)
- Directly elected by the people, often through an system
- In semi-presidential systems
- The president is directly elected and serves as the head of state, with varying degrees of political power
- Head of government
- Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the government and implementing policies
- In parliamentary systems
- The prime minister serves as the head of government, leading the cabinet and setting the legislative agenda
- Chosen by the legislature and must maintain its confidence to remain in power
- In presidential systems
- The president serves as both head of state and head of government, directing the
- In semi-presidential systems
- The prime minister serves as the head of government, appointed by the president with the approval of the legislature
- Must maintain the confidence of both the president and the legislature to remain in power
Selection and duties of executive leaders
- In parliamentary systems
- Prime minister is usually the leader of the majority party or coalition in the legislature
- Elected members of the legislature vote to select the prime minister
- Prime minister appoints cabinet members from the legislature and directs the executive branch
- Prime minister is responsible for implementing policies and managing the government
- In presidential systems
- President is directly elected by the people, often through a two-round system or an electoral college
- President appoints cabinet members and other high-level officials, subject to legislative confirmation
- President directs the executive branch, signs or vetoes legislation, and conducts foreign policy
- In semi-presidential systems
- President is directly elected by the people and appoints the prime minister with legislative approval
- Prime minister is usually the leader of the majority party or coalition in the legislature
- President and prime minister share executive powers, with the balance varying by country and political context
- Prime minister manages the government and is responsible to both the president and the legislature
Head of state in national legitimacy
- In parliamentary systems
- The head of state, often a monarch or a president, serves as a symbol of national unity and continuity
- Provides a sense of stability and tradition, especially during times of political uncertainty or transition
- Acts as a neutral arbiter in political disputes, ensuring the smooth functioning of the government ()
- In presidential systems
- The president, as both head of state and head of government, embodies the nation's political leadership
- Directly elected by the people, providing a strong mandate and legitimacy to govern
- Serves as a unifying figure, especially during times of crisis or national emergency (President Kennedy's leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis)
- In semi-presidential systems
- The president, as the head of state, represents the nation and provides a sense of stability
- Directly elected by the people, the president enjoys a strong mandate and contributes to the legitimacy of the government
- Power-sharing between the president and prime minister can help balance competing political interests and maintain national unity (French periods)
Institutional Structures in Democratic Regimes
- : Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent concentration of power
- : System where each branch of government has some oversight over the actions of other branches
- : Authority vested in the head of government to implement and enforce laws
- : Authority of the legislature to make, amend, and repeal laws
- : Power of courts to examine the constitutionality of laws and government actions
- : System of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units
- : Legislative system with two chambers, often used to represent different constituencies or interests
Key Terms to Review (49)
9/11: 9/11 refers to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, when hijackers took control of four commercial airplanes, crashing two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and one into the Pentagon; the fourth plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers. This event significantly impacted global politics, leading to changes in security policies and international relations, especially within democracies.
Bicameralism: Bicameralism is a system of government in which a legislative body is divided into two chambers or houses. This structure is commonly found in democratic countries and is a key feature of the legislative process.
Bormann: Coalition governments are formed when two or more political parties join together to form a majority in a parliamentary system, allowing them to establish a government. This often occurs in democracies with multiple parties where no single party has won an absolute majority of seats.
Cabinet: The cabinet is the group of senior ministers and advisors who assist and support the head of government, such as the president or prime minister, in the executive branch of government. It serves as the core decision-making body that helps shape and implement the government's policies and agenda.
Cabinets: Cabinets are groups of senior officials, typically consisting of the top leaders of the executive branch in a government, who advise the head of state (such as a president or prime minister) and help implement government policies and decisions. In both presidential and parliamentary regimes, cabinets play crucial roles in shaping national policies and managing government operations.
Checks and Balances: Checks and balances is a fundamental principle of government that establishes a system of mutual control and oversight among the different branches of government, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. It is a crucial component of the separation of powers doctrine that aims to maintain a balance of authority and prevent the abuse of power.
Cohabitation: Cohabitation refers to the living arrangement where two unmarried individuals, typically a couple, reside together in a romantic or domestic partnership without being legally married. This term is particularly relevant in the context of understanding the decline of legislative influence, the different types of democratic regimes, and the characteristics of semi-presidential systems.
Constitutional Monarchy: A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch (a king or queen) serves as the head of state, but their powers are limited by a constitution and they are not an absolute ruler. The monarch's role is primarily ceremonial, with real political power resting in the hands of an elected parliament or similar legislative body.
Dual Executive: The dual executive refers to a system of government where power is shared between a president and a prime minister, often found in semi-presidential regimes. This arrangement creates a division of executive authority, with the president and prime minister sharing responsibilities and powers.
Electoral College: The Electoral College is the group of electors who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States. It is a process established in the U.S. Constitution, where each state is allocated a number of electors based on its representation in Congress, and voters in each state choose which candidate will receive that state's electoral votes.
Executive Branch: The executive branch is the branch of government responsible for the enforcement and administration of laws and policies. It is typically led by a president or prime minister, who serves as the head of state and head of government, and is supported by a cabinet or council of ministers.
Executive Power: Executive power refers to the authority and responsibilities granted to the executive branch of government, which is typically headed by a president or prime minister. This power encompasses the ability to enforce and administer the laws, as well as to make certain decisions and take actions on behalf of the state.
Federalism: Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) authority and various constituent units, such as states or provinces. This division of power allows for a balance that enables different regions with diverse needs to govern themselves while still being part of a larger political framework.
Federalism: Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. It allows for shared sovereignty and a balance of power between the national and subnational governments.
Fifth Republic: The Fifth Republic is the current and longest-lasting system of government in France, established in 1958. It is a semi-presidential system that combines elements of both parliamentary and presidential regimes, with a strong executive branch led by the President.
Fisher: In the context of political science, particularly within the study of democracies and governmental structures, "Fisher" refers to the theory proposed by political scientist Samuel H. Fisher regarding the convergence of parliamentary and presidential systems, especially in terms of how executive roles are selected and function. This theory suggests that despite their differences, parliamentary and presidential systems show tendencies towards a semi-presidential regime, blending elements of both systems.
Formal executive power: Formal executive power is the legal authority given to government officials, particularly the president or prime minister, to make decisions and enforce laws that can bring about civil rights changes. It includes issuing executive orders, directing national policy, and overseeing government operations within a constitutional or legal framework.
Golder: A coalition government is formed when two or more political parties join together to form a majority in the parliament or legislative body, enabling them to establish a functioning government. This is often necessary in parliamentary systems where no single party has won an absolute majority of seats.
Head of government: The head of government is the individual who oversees the executive branch of a country, responsible for implementing laws and running the day-to-day operations of the government. In different political systems, this role might be fulfilled by a Prime Minister, Chancellor, or President, depending on whether the system is parliamentary, presidential, or semi-presidential.
Head of Government: The head of government is the highest-ranking official in the executive branch of a country's government, responsible for leading the administration and implementing policies. This term is particularly relevant in the context of understanding the differences between parliamentary and presidential systems, as well as the role of the executive in various democratic regimes.
Head of state: The head of state is the individual serving as the chief public representative of a country, embodying its continuity and legitimacy, often holding ceremonial duties. In different political systems, their role varies from being purely symbolic to having significant executive powers.
Head of State: The head of state is the individual who serves as the ceremonial or symbolic leader of a country or sovereign state. They represent the nation and its people, and often hold significant political, diplomatic, and ceremonial powers.
House of Commons: The House of Commons is the lower house of the bicameral Parliament of the United Kingdom, which also includes the House of Lords as the upper house. It is the primary legislative body responsible for making laws and holding the government accountable.
Impeachment: Impeachment is a formal process by which a public official, especially in high governmental positions such as the president or a judge, is accused of unlawful activity, potentially leading to their removal from office. It serves as an essential check by the legislature on the executive and judicial branches of government.
Impeachment: Impeachment is the process by which a legislative body (usually a parliament or congress) brings charges against a civil officer of government for crimes and misdemeanors committed while in office. It serves as a check on the power of the executive branch by allowing the legislative branch to hold the president or other high-ranking officials accountable for their actions.
Judicial Review: Judicial review is the power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive decisions. This process allows the judiciary to check the other branches of government and ensure that laws and actions align with the constitution, thus protecting individual rights and maintaining a balance of power.
Legislative Branch: The legislative branch is one of the three branches of government responsible for creating and enacting laws. It is the branch that drafts, debates, and passes legislation, serving as a check on the power of the executive and judicial branches.
Legislative Power: Legislative power refers to the authority and ability of a governing body to make, amend, and repeal laws. This power is central to democratic governance and is typically vested in a legislature, which can take various forms depending on the type of political system, influencing how laws are created and enacted.
Legislature: The legislature is the branch of government responsible for making laws and overseeing the executive branch. It is a critical component of a country's political system, serving as the primary lawmaking body.
Merkel: Angela Merkel served as the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021, making her one of the most prominent figures in European politics during her tenure. Her leadership role exemplifies the executive function within a parliamentary democracy, where the chancellor is elected by the legislature and heads the government.
Montesquieu: Montesquieu was a French Enlightenment philosopher who is best known for his influential work on the theory of separation of powers within a government. His ideas had a significant impact on the development of democratic political systems.
Naruhito: Naruhito is the current Emperor of Japan, ascending to the throne on May 1, 2019, after the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito. His role is largely ceremonial under Japan's constitutional monarchy, which separates him from political power in a parliamentary democracy.
Parliamentary regimes: A parliamentary regime is a form of government where the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is accountable to, the legislature (parliament); the head of government is usually a prime minister. In this system, the separation of powers between executive and legislative branches is less pronounced than in presidential systems.
Parliamentary Republic: A parliamentary republic is a form of government in which the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from the legislature (parliament), and is held accountable to that parliament. The head of state is usually a ceremonial president or monarch, while the head of government is the prime minister.
Parliamentary Systems: A parliamentary system is a form of government in which the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from the legislative branch, known as the parliament, and is held accountable to that parliament. In a parliamentary system, the head of government, usually called the prime minister, is the leader of the political party or coalition of parties that holds a majority in the parliament.
Presidential regimes: A presidential regime is a form of government where the president serves as both the head of state and the head of government, separate from the legislative body. The president is elected independently from the legislature, often with considerable powers in policy making and administration.
Presidential Systems: A presidential system is a form of government where the executive branch is led by a president who is directly elected by the people, rather than being appointed by the legislative branch. This system is characterized by a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with each branch serving as a check on the others.
Prime minister: A prime minister is the head of government in a parliamentary democracy, responsible for running the country's administration and leading the executive branch. Unlike a president in a presidential system, a prime minister usually must maintain the support of the legislature and their political party to stay in office.
Prime Minister: The prime minister is the head of government and the leader of the cabinet in a parliamentary system. They are typically the leader of the political party or coalition with the most seats in the legislature and are responsible for forming and leading the government, as well as coordinating the executive branch's activities.
Professional legislatures: Professional legislatures are legislative bodies where the members consider their legislative duties as a full-time occupation and receive a salary that allows them to dedicate themselves entirely to these duties. Members of professional legislatures often have staff and resources that assist them in their legislative work.
Queen Elizabeth II: Queen Elizabeth II served as the constitutional monarch of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death in 2022. Her role was largely ceremonial, embodying the continuity and unity of the state, with limited political power in a parliamentary democracy.
Semi-presidential regimes: Semi-presidential regimes are systems of government where a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet, with the executive power being divided between them. The president is usually elected by the populace and holds significant authority, while the prime minister, who is often appointed by the president, may be responsible for running the government's day-to-day operations.
Semi-presidential systems: A semi-presidential system is a form of government where a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet, with the dual executive roles being divided between them. The president, typically elected by the public, shares executive powers with the prime minister who usually has the support of the parliamentary majority.
Semi-Presidential Systems: A semi-presidential system is a system of government in which a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet, with the latter two being responsible to the legislature. This type of system combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems, creating a unique form of democratic governance.
Separation of powers: Separation of powers is a principle in political science that divides the responsibilities and powers of a government into distinct branches to prevent any one group or individual from gaining too much control. Typically, these branches are the legislative (makes laws), executive (implements laws), and judicial (interprets laws).
Separation of Powers: Separation of powers is a fundamental principle of government that divides the functions of the state into distinct branches, each with separate duties and areas of responsibility. This principle aims to prevent the concentration of power in a single authority and promote a system of checks and balances between the different branches of government.
Vote of no confidence: A vote of no confidence is a formal vote by which the members of a legislature express their lack of trust in a leader, often leading to the leader's resignation. It serves as a critical tool in parliamentary systems for holding leaders accountable and can prompt the dissolution of the current government or leadership change.
Vote of No Confidence: A vote of no confidence is a parliamentary procedure in which a legislative body, such as a parliament or council, withdraws support for the government's leadership, effectively dismissing the incumbent head of government from office. This term is particularly relevant in the context of parliamentary systems, where the executive branch is dependent on the confidence of the legislative branch.
Watts: In the context of political science, especially within discussions on executive power and governance structures in democracies, "Watts" does not directly apply as it is a unit of measurement for electrical power. However, if we metaphorically relate it to political power, it can represent the rate at which political energy or influence is exercised within a governmental system.