POLB50Y3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Presidential System, Party System, Proportional Representation
5 Aug 2018
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As opposed to parliamentary systems, the presidential system is not characterized by a close relationship between the political executive and the legislative branch. Is not selected by the party - the president is elected by voters (via electoral college) The president is not a member of the legislature. Does not govern in the confidence of the party in power. This can create an antagonistic atmosphere between the president and congress. The president"s powers are considerably weaker than a pm. Cannot declare war (though the office has claimed such powers) Legislative agenda requires robust approval of both houses of congress. Both head of state and of government. Common powers as head of government include: Plays a key role in shaping domestic policy. The president can circumvent congress via executive order. But executive orders can be reviewed and overturned by courts (trump"s travel ban) They cannot cover issues of taxing and spending.
