What are differences between a Presidential Republics and Parliamentary Democracy | Casual Historian

Summary

The video provides an engaging overview of different democratic systems, comparing presidential and parliamentary democracies, as well as briefly mentioning semi-presidential systems. It explains how governments are structured with legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, highlighting key differences in executive power, selection, and removal processes. In presidential systems, presidents hold significant power and are elected separately from the legislature, while in parliamentary systems, prime ministers lead the government and presidents serve largely ceremonial roles. The video also contrasts cabinet selection and election timing between the systems, using humor and pop culture references to make complex political concepts accessible and entertaining.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Governments can be based on various principles like military force, divine right, or even fantastical elements, but democracy is the most common in many regions today.
• 🟥 Presidential republics dominate former colonies in the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa, while 🟦 parliamentary democracies are mostly found in Western Europe and former British territories.
• ⚖️ Both presidential and parliamentary systems feature three branches: legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judiciary (interprets laws).
• 🏛️ In presidential systems, the separation of powers between branches is strong and well-defined, while in parliamentary systems the lines are more blurred.
• 👤 The executive in a presidential system is the president, holding most powers, whereas in a parliamentary system, the prime minister holds executive power and the president (or monarch) is mostly ceremonial.
• 🗳️ Selection processes differ: prime ministers are chosen by parliamentary majority coalitions and can be removed by a vote of no confidence, while presidents are elected separately and can only be removed via impeachment.
• 🛡️ Cabinets assist executives in both systems. In presidential systems, the president selects cabinet members subject to legislative approval; in parliamentary systems, the prime minister selects cabinet members who are expected to seek parliamentary seats.
• 📅 Elections differ: presidential elections are on fixed dates, whereas parliamentary elections can be called at the prime minister’s discretion with consultation from the monarch or executive.
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• 👑 In parliamentary systems with a monarchy, the head of state is the king, queen, or governor-general, while in non-monarchies the president often serves a ceremonial role.
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• ⚡ Overall, presidential systems centralize power in one individual, whereas parliamentary systems distribute power between the prime minister and the legislative body, allowing for more flexible governance.

Q & A

What are some principles that governments can be based on according to the script?

Governments can be based on military force, divine right, distribution of magical swords, or democratic principles.

What are the two main systems of democracy discussed in the script?

The two main systems are presidential republics, common in former colonies in the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa, and parliamentary democracies, mostly in Western Europe and countries influenced by Britain.

What is a semi-presidential system and where is it popular?

A semi-presidential system is a hybrid system with elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems, and it is popular in countries like France and Russia.

How are government branches structured differently in presidential and parliamentary systems?

In presidential systems, the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches are clearly separated, whereas in parliamentary systems, these lines are more blurred.

Who holds executive power in presidential versus parliamentary systems?

In presidential systems, the president holds most of the executive power. In parliamentary systems, the prime minister holds executive power, while the president or monarch is largely ceremonial.

How are prime ministers and presidents selected?

Prime ministers are usually selected by a parliamentary majority coalition and are expected to become members of parliament. Presidents are typically elected independently of the legislature and can only be removed through impeachment.

What is the difference between removing a prime minister and a president from office?

A prime minister can be removed by a vote of no confidence in parliament, whereas a president requires a more complex impeachment process involving a trial.

How are cabinet members chosen in both systems?

In presidential systems, the president can choose any citizen for the cabinet, subject to legislative approval. In parliamentary systems, the prime minister selects cabinet members, who are expected to seek a parliamentary seat.

How do elections differ between presidential and parliamentary systems?

Presidential elections occur on fixed dates, while parliamentary elections can be held at the discretion of the prime minister, often with consultation from the monarch or executive.

What role does the head of state play in a parliamentary system?

The head of state, often a president or monarch, primarily serves a ceremonial role but may possess reserve powers to act if the prime minister fails in their duties.