Three Models of Democracy

What two basic element comprise a parliamentary system?

• 1.) Prime ministers and their cabinets

  2.) Legislature

• 1.) Presidents

  2.) Parliaments

• 1.) Legislature

  2.) Monarchs

• 1.) Presidents

  2.) Monarchs

True or False: In parliamentary systems, the head of state’s power are typically a little more than ceremonial, particularly in the case of monarchs

• True

• False

In a parliamentary system, the power resides with the...

• The judicial system and laws

• The head of government (the prime minister)

• The monarch (king of queen)

• The Upper Parliamentary House

True or False:

In a Parliamentary system, the people vote directly for its prime minister

• True

• False

What is a benefit of a parliamentary system?

• Conflict possible between prime minister and president over powers and responsibilities

• President is directly elected and can draw on a national mandate to create and enact legislation

• Greater power is in the hands of the people

• Prime minister may also be more easily removed by the legislature through a vote of no confidence

What two offices are fused together in a presidential system?

• President and monarch

• Head of state and head of government

• Head of state and legislative institutions

• Prime Minister and monarch

True or False:

 The president serves as an important national symbol as well as the overseer of policy

• True

• False

True or False:

Presidents can be easily removed from power

• True

• False

What is a drawback of presidential systems?

• Conflict possible between prime minister and president over powers and responsibilities

• More direct representation of the electorate.
• Greater accountability of the executive branch.
• President and legislature may be controlled by different parties, leading to divided government

What is a benefit of a presidential system?

• President is directly elected and can draw on a the public to create legislation

• More direct control over the military
• President may be more easily removed by the legislature through a vote of no confidence

• Greater public participation in decision-making