In-depth Notes on Legislatures

Overview of Legislatures

• Originated from efforts to limit royal power.

• Types of government include:

  • Presidential systems: Power is separated.

  • Parliamentary systems: Power is fused.

• Bicameral legislatures spread power and represent various units.

• Legislatures' role has diminished; they are now secondary to executive branches in legislation initiation.

Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems

Presidential Systems

• Less common; minority of global systems.

• Characterized by a strict separation of powers between legislative and executive branches:

  • The president serves as both the head of state and head of government.

  • Elected directly or indirectly (e.g., via the Electoral College in the U.S.).

• Presidents typically have significant power and are not directly accountable to the legislature:

  • Removal is challenging and requires impeachment.

  • Presidents appoint cabinet ministers from outside the legislature; confirmed by the Senate in the U.S.

• Stability arises since neither branch can dissolve or control the other.

Parliamentary Systems

• A weak head of state exists (symbolic role), distinct from the active head of government (prime minister).

• Citizens vote for the legislature; the legislature elects the prime minister from its members, usually from the majority party.

• In cases of no majority:

  • Coalition agreements must be formed.

• Responsibilities:

  • Prime ministers must maintain majority support, can be removed through a vote of no confidence if policies don't align with majority preferences.

Separation and Fusion of Powers

• U.S. System: Emphasizes separation; useful for preventing tyranny but can cause inefficiency.

• European Systems: Fusion of powers where the executive arises from the legislature, facilitating a more efficient law-making process but lacking checks and balances.

Advantages of Parliamentary Systems

• Predictability in voting due to high party discipline.

• Reduced chance of political deadlock:

  • Same party controls both branches under normal circumstances.

• Easier processes for removing executives through votes of no confidence, reducing lengthy political crises.

• If government falls, formations can be negotiated or new elections held.

Bicameral vs. Unicameral Legislatures

• Bicameral Systems: Two-thirds of global legislatures; typically more powerful lower houses.

  • In the U.S., both houses exhibit co-equal power, though the Senate may be perceived as more influential.

• Derived from federalism: upper houses represent regional components (states/provinces), lower houses reflect population.

• Unicameral Systems: Fewer exist; some countries have effectively abolished upper houses due to inefficacy.

• States with multi-ethnic populations sometimes experiment with multi-chamber legislatures (e.g., South Africa with three houses).

Role of Legislatures

• Lawmaking: Mostly passive, reacting to executive initiatives; e.g., budget proposals initiated by the president rather than Congress.

• Committee System: Core of legislative power; committees oversee legislation, conduct public hearings for input and screen bills.

• In parliamentary systems, government bills bypass extensive committee review, considered automatically significant.

• Government Supervision: Legislatures critique government performance, shaping policy through questioning (e.g., Britain's Question Hour).

• Constituency Work: Legislators aid constituents in issues affecting them, such as social security or benefits.

• Education: Hearings and public broadcasts enhance citizen engagement and awareness regarding governance.

• Citizens often hold a bias toward executives (presidents/prime ministers) as more impactful political figures than legislatures, fostering perceptions of strong leadership over collective legislative action.

I completely agree with your perspective on the advantages of a presidential system. The clear separation of powers in a presidential system, as highlighted in our course materials, is indeed crucial for preventing tyranny and ensuring that no single branch holds unchecked authority. This separation enhances political stability by embedding checks and balances, which are essential in a world where human flaws can lead to chaotic governance. Additionally, by allowing citizens to directly elect their executive leaders, a presidential system fosters a strong connection between the electorate and the head of state.

On the other hand, parliamentary systems may appear efficient due to their fused powers, but this can lead to instability when public sentiment shifts rapidly, as you mentioned. The potential for sudden political swings raises concerns about accountability and long-term stability. Ultimately, as you rightly stated, a presidential system promotes principled and deliberate governance, establishing a framework necessary for a flourishing society, even in the context of human imperfection. Thank you for sharing your insights!