Presidential system
Originating in the US Constitution of 1787, it makes the president both head of state and head of government with a fixed term; the legislature cannot remove the president for political reasons. The president's veto and Congress's impeachment, budget and confirmation powers check each other.
- Strengths: stability, consistent policy over the term, checks on majority power
- Weaknesses: gridlock under divided government, risk of personalised power, blurred accountability
Parliamentary system
Developed in Britain, it forms the prime minister and cabinet from the parliamentary majority or coalition. Parliament can pass a vote of no confidence and the government can dissolve parliament; the head of state is usually ceremonial.
- Strengths: cooperation between legislature and executive, quick accountability
- Weaknesses: unstable coalitions and frequent cabinet changes in fragmented party systems
Debate and hybrids
Juan Linz argued that presidentialism's dual democratic legitimacy and rigid terms make democratic breakdown more likely. Semi-presidential systems such as France split power between a president and prime minister. Korea is presidential but includes a prime minister, a State Council and government-initiated bills.
References
- Linz, J. J. (1990). The perils of presidentialism. Journal of Democracy, 1(1), 51-69.
- Lijphart, A. (Ed.). (1992). Parliamentary versus Presidential Government. Oxford University Press.
- Shugart, M. S., & Carey, J. M. (1992). Presidents and Assemblies. Cambridge University Press.