2.1 & 2.2 - Parliamentary, Presidential & Semi-Presidential Systems

Parliamentary System

• A system where voters select the parliament, which in turn selects the prime minister, who then selects the cabinet to make policies.

• The legislative and executive branches are intertwined.

Presidential System

• A system where voters directly select the president and the legislature.

• The president then selects the cabinet, and the cabinet enacts the president's agenda, confirmed by the legislature.

• The legislative and executive branches are separate but equal.

Semi-Presidential Systems

• A system where voters select the legislature and the president separately.

• The president selects the prime minister, who is approved by the legislature, and both control the cabinet.

• It features dual executives - the prime minister and president.

Legislative Limits on the Executive

• Both presidents and prime ministers must negotiate with party members and opposition to pass laws.

• The legislature can reject proposed legislation, require explanations from officials, and even remove the executive from office.

Role of the Executives

• In parliamentary systems, the executive and legislature are one, while in presidential systems, they are separate.

• Executives propose laws, gain party support, enforce laws, and in parliamentary systems, they are part of the legislature.

Differences in Systems

• Presidential systems offer voter accountability through direct elections, while parliamentary systems have MPs directly elected.

• Cabinet selection differs, with presidential systems not requiring political experience.

• Efficiency and stability also vary between the systems.

Comparison of Systems

• Parliamentary systems lack separation of branches, while presidential and semi-presidential systems have a separation of powers.

• Each system has specific powers within each branch, with the executive and legislative branches elected differently.

You vote for the party in a. . .

Parliamentary System

United Kingdom is an example of a. . .

Parliamentary System

You vote for the person in a. . .

Presidential System

Mexico and Nigeria is an example of a. . .

Presidential System

Russia is an example of a. . .

Semi-Presidential System