Module 8: Parliamentary vs Presidential Systems | June 1-3

Parliamentary System

A system of government where the legislature and executive are fused together

Westminster System

A type of parliamentary system which traces its origins to Great Britain

Presidential System

A system of government where the executive is separate from the legislature

Governor General

The person who represents the Crown when the monarch is not in country. In Canada that essentially means the Governor General acts as head of state

Checks and balances

system of inspection and evaluation of different levels and branches of governments by others within government and by the public and a free press

Impeachment

The process by which a president in the United States can be removed from office.

Cheibub, Elkins & Ginsburg – Beyond Presidentialism and Parliamentarism Summary

The authors argue that simply classifying governments as presidential or parliamentary is too simplistic. Political systems vary widely, and understanding government performance requires examining specific institutional arrangements.

Cheibub, Elkins & Ginsburg – Beyond Presidentialism and Parliamentarism

Main Argument

The traditional presidential-versus-parliamentary distinction does not fully explain how governments function.

What is the main argument of the article?

The presidential/parliamentary distinction is too simplistic.

What is presidentialism?

A system where the executive is separately elected from the legislature.

What do the authors propose?

Looking at specific institutional features rather than broad categories.

Why is this important?

Different political systems can function similarly despite being classified differently.