Presidential Democracy: Rule by representatives of the people

Where does it exist

U.S.

Indonesia

And most countries in Latin America

Advantages vs. a parliamentary democracy

-Presidents are directly elected by the people, they may be more responsive to the public than to their party

-Enjoy more legitimacy and public support than a prime minister chosen by parliament

- The presidential system separates executive and legislative powers which allows each branch to watch over the other to prevent abuse of power

Disadvantages vs. a parliamentary democracy

-Almost impossible to remove presidents from power before their term ends

-when presidents are not from the politicaltheir party that controls the legislature the result can be gridlock

-In some countries, presidents have used their power to establish authoritarian regime

Gridlock

Situation in which little or no progress is made on pressing issues