Parliamentary vs Presidential

The following two forms of democracy will be discussed in this paper, the Parliamentary system in Canada and the Presidential system in the United States of America (USA). The strengths and weaknesses of each system of government will be discussed. Which one is more democratic? Are the strengths of one the weaknesses of the other? Which one represents the people the best?

By definition, a parliament is the supreme legislative body of a major political unit that is a continuing institution comprising a series of individual gathering (Margach, 1972 p.23). The term parliament is also derived from the French adjective parle, which is to speak. Parliamentary governments originated in Great Britain in the 18th century. It is a form of government that is widely found today in countries such as Canada, Aust

Both systems have advantages and disadvantages. However, there are some other characteristics. Compromise, negotiation, moderation and inclusion are prerequisites to a stable democratic state (Democracy and its two Forms). The status of the President is laid out in the constitution. No matter which way the votes go there is nothing compared to the vote of non-confidence or right to dissolution held in a Parliamentary system. Having the legislative not be responsible to the executive there is much less use for party discipline. If you have a member who votes against a bill they will not be disciplined. In this system the individuals’ first loyalty can be to the people rather than the party (Dickerson, 1998 p.287). Democracy is obvious in both countries. The differences are found in how each government was formed and what exactly each of their constitutions spells out. It appears in the end, that the USA has a more stable and efficient form of democracy as we know it today.

Presidential systems may have more checks and balances, or accountability. The separation of powers with the provision for mutual checks is the legacy of the system (Tatalovich, 2003 p.63). This prevents too much power being given to any one part of the government. But on the other hand, with the executive and legislative branches being separate decision making can become slow and sometimes each part of the government assert their superiority. The American presidential election system, as with the presidency itself; is a work in progress. In what appears to be a well established presidential election system, the year 2000 raised question. It was neither the first nor the last presidential issue. The system showed instability and inefficient ways of governing but in the end a President was finally selected (The changing Presidential System).

These two forms of government have advantages and disadvantages. Parliamentarism has the combination of the legislature and the executive as branches of government. It is easier to speak out on issues as MPs, who represent the people. On the other hand it is slower and not as efficient as the presidential system. Parliamentarism can be a weak or more scattered government.

The Presidential system of government in the USA originated in the 1780’s and is still the most widely used form of government in the world. It was designed to avoid a concentration of power. Presidency of the USa is unique in that it is the highest elective office in a free land, clothed with vast powers (Bell, 1967 p.iii). The concept the separation of powers between the legislative judiciary and executive branches of government is a feature of a Presidential system. All the executive functions are found within the President, who is not only the head of state, but also the head of government. The Executive branch carries out the law and is made up of the President, the Vice President and the Cabinet. The Cabinet, in the end, is likely to be one of politicians and policy-makers, rather than experts (Bell, 1967 p.12). The President can be in office for a maximum of two, four-year terms. The President is not elected directly by the people, but is elected by the Electoral College who is elected by the people. When the American people vote on Election Day they are voting for a group of persons called Electors. Their vote is called the electoral vote. This group of electors is known as

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