...features of both Presidentialism and Parliamentarism, thus distinguish between their most contrasting features. I will be tackling this paper from different perspectives, in order to ultimately to suggest a better structure of government. Features such as the efficiency of each system in implementing government policies needs to be considered. Furthermore, factors such as political stability and order needs to be considered in suggesting a better form of government. Political stability refers to the frequency at which the government changes, where as political order refers to level of civil obedience every time there is a change to the political system. Parliamentary system In a political system run by a parliamentary system, the executive power of the government resides with the Prime Minster and her/her cabinet, which is voted by a democratically voted legislature. The party which holds the majority of the support, is said to have the 'confidence' of the cabinet. In the case where there is no majority party in the cabinet, decisions and actions of the government are decided through a series of bargains and debates between the different parties in the cabinet (British parliament backs hybrid embryos, 2008). There isn't a fixed term for a party to be in charge of a parliament; the prime minister and his political party hold office as long as they command the majority of the confidence in the legislature. As soon as the Parliament loses confidence in the legislature, there is an...
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... 2011 US Politics POLISCI 101.08 Theories of Presidential Power Under Article II of the Constitution When first researching the topic for this paper, I found many interesting theories about implied presidential powers. There are many people out there with interesting theories, but I will summarize only three that I found fascinating to me. The first is a theory by Richard Neustadt who believes that Presidents have the power to persuade. The next, a theory by Samuel Kernell, theorizes the presidential powers in terms of “going pubic.” The last theory I will summarize, a theory by Stephen Skowronek, theorizes the president’s implied powers in terms of political time. Richard Neustadt’s theory of power to persuade is an interesting one. His theory serves as one of the most documented well-known theories of presidential power. As well as being a political scientist, he also served as an advisor for many United States Presidents. In his theory, he states that presidents cannot lead directly. If they really want something done, they cannot do it by themselves the power of the United States government is vastly dispersed and the president cannot, by himself, command and receive. Its much more complicated than that. Other levels of government have different constituencies and different sources of power and interest. The president is one individual and needs others to get things done. Neustadt states that presidential power is a “function of his or her ability to persuade relevant...
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...LPS Midterm Introduction Kerr (51) reveals that a legal opinion is very important in any judicial system. In the event that there are conflicts between two individuals which lead to a court case, the lawyers for both the defendant and the complainant are allowed to interpret some laws that are oftentimes unclear and ambiguous in a manner that suit their arguments. The judges that presiding over the court cases are, thus, expected to have great discernment and an in-depth understanding of the US Constitution. This is so as to assess who, between the two lawyers, is right and, consequently, make a ruling that is as fair as possible. The Constitution of the United States of America is comprised of a set of legal decrees with different geneses. Some of the laws therein were passed by the American parliamentary body while others came to be as a result of the establishment by elected representatives in the different American states. In addition to these two sources of laws and constitutional interpretation, there are others that are also applied by judges. These include the natural law, the implications of alternate interpretations, as well as the text and structure of the American Constitution. As will be indicated in this paper, the manner by which the US Constitution is interpreted has undergone transformation over the years. This is a normal occurrence since public policies are always being altered, modified, changed or completely abandoned for fresh ones perceived to be more...
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...and traditions. In this class I have learned a lot about American government and how it works. I have been surprised at how much power the government has and the way the government works. There have also been a lot I have already known about the way the government works. I will discuses some of the ways they work and how I think they can improve so areas. I have found in doing this class that there are many ways I think they can improve. Consider the challenges to democracy I think the challenge that poses a particular threat to our current system of government is lack of separation. The lack of separation between parliament and the executive is a particular threat to our current system of government. According to (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011) “Such a separation limits the possibility of arbitrary excesses by government, since the sanction of all three branches is required for the making, executing, and administering of laws”(para 1). In America the discloser of separation of powers is more a name than a description. None of these three branches of the national government are separate from one another. A crucial problem is that split power inevitably entails split accountability. No wonder then that so many difficulties in American government spring ultimately from its divided power system. We have a lot of civic power groups that have powers in today’s society. The American civic values and what I appreciate most about our democracy is that country is running. They all...
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...War Powers Resolution which they believe would prevent further executive abuses. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 has been an ineffective piece of legislation as it contains far too few restrictions and no attainable consequences for not following the resolution. Failures range from in 2011 when President Barack Obama sent troops to Libya, overstayed the 60 day restriction, and then simply transferred leadership over to the United Nations; to President Bill Clinton bombing Kosovo without a declaration of war from congress. Failing to appeal up to the supreme court, the appellate court ruling stood, deemed the 31 congressmen who sued Clinton had no legal standings, as Congress had not demanded an immediate end of US...
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...Limits of Power The president of the United States is often referred to as the most powerful man in the world – and with good reason. As a global hegemon, the decisions made by the U.S. executive are under a constant spotlight, and are often scrutinized. With so much power entrusted in one man, things are bound to go wrong. The president is simply too powerful, and the American people would be better suited with a less-dominant office. Since not all powers of the president are created equal, it is imperative to first distinguish between certain functions, in order to get a better sense of the broad, main areas a president is actually dealing with on a day-to-day basis. A more practical approach to identifying presidential powers is by breaking them up into five key duties: (1) head of state, (2) chief diplomat, (3) chief legislator, (4) chief executive, and (5) commander in chief. Although the five functions mentioned above do not cover everything a president is required to do, it is relatively easy to place both expressed and inherent powers within each subcategory, which allows for greater in-depth analysis. To begin, we’ll dive into one of the president’s more ceremonial powers – as the head of state. Head of State The president is required to act in a formal role as head of state. This role is often referred to as being ceremonial,...
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...ranked third because of his lesser political skills. It is the general opinion of pollsters, moreover, that the average American would probably put Lincoln at the top as well. In other words, the judgment of historians and the public tells us that Abraham Lincoln was the nation's greatest President by every measure applied. Interestingly, had the average Union citizen been asked the same question in the spring of 1863, there can be no doubt but that Lincoln would have fared poorly. Not much more could have been said for him even a year later, when Lincoln thought that he would lose his bid for reelection. It would take Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse and his own death a week later to propel Lincoln into the pantheon of presidential greatness. And Lincoln's canonization began almost immediately. Within days of his death, his life was being compared to Jesus Christ. Lincoln was portrayed to a worshipping public as a self-made man, the liberator of the slaves, and the savior of the Union who had given his life so that others could be free. President Lincoln became Father Abraham, a near mythological hero, "lawgiver" to African Americans, and a "Masterpiece of God" sent. to save the Union....
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...Republican Sen. James Jeffords quit his party, the economy slipped into recession, and Bush's popularity began to fall. All this changed dramatically after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S.A. With great skill and determination, Bush rallied the nation together, taking swift action against perceived terrorist threats, building an international coalition against terrorism, and taking the war to the perpetrators of the acts in Afghanistan. His job approval ratings soared to record levels, and he gained new respect from leaders and the public. The opening vignette thus illustrates how external events influence the presidential office. Especially during times of war and national crisis, the natural capacities of the institution are enhanced, as the public looks to the President during emergencies, and the person holding it has their power increased, more easily overcoming the constraints placed upon it by the Constitution and other structural and political factors. In wartime, presidents generally have their way with Congress on defense and foreign policy matters, and are tempted to govern by executive orders and agreements, with minimal...
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...choices we make. The right to vote gives individuals an identity that extends beyond themselves. Because discourse is a consequence of voting rights, voting rights in turn, respond to discourse. Examining the process of suffrage reveals a unique pattern. Using the elements found in Tulis, Robertson, and Lakoff, evidence and patterns in Presidential inaugural addresses suggest that discursive...
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...negotiated with both main parties for a coalition * Labour and LibDem did not make an overall majority * Gordon Brown later resigned and advised the Queen to ask Cameron to form a government either as a minority or in coalition with LibDems. * Cameron accepted and formed coalition with LibDem ‘The Government’ 25 members are members of the HoL and 90 are MPs. MPs that are from the party that is in government ate not members of government! They are known as backbenchers and the members of government are known as frontbenchers. All members of government are appointed by the PM. The cabinet (22-23 members) meet regularly. Ministerial selection The PM must weigh up the qualities of individuals against the political consequences of appointing them. Qualities that ideal ministers should possess: * Must be politically reliable * Must have potential * Should share their views * Managerial skills needed Under coalition * How many cabinet posts do they have each? * Must discuss whom to elect together Other forms of government * Minority government – party forms a government without a parliamentary majority. Can never rely on getting legislation/financial budgets passed. It must therefore try to build a coalition of...
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...Assistant to the President , MELQUIADES P. DE LA CRUZ, in his capacity as Director, Malacañang Records Office, and FLORENDO S. PABLO, in his capacity as Director, Bureau of Printing, respondents. ESCOLIN, J.: Invoking the people's right to be informed on matters of public concern, a right recognized in Section 6, Article IV of the 1973 Philippine Constitution, 1 as well as the principle that laws to be valid and enforceable must be published in the Official Gazette or otherwise effectively promulgated, petitioners seek a writ of mandamus to compel respondent public officials to publish, and/or cause the publication in the Official Gazette of various presidential decrees, letters of instructions, general orders, proclamations, executive orders, letter of implementation and administrative orders. Specifically, the publication of the following presidential issuances is sought: a] Presidential Decrees Nos. 12, 22, 37, 38, 59, 64, 103, 171, 179, 184, 197, 200, 234, 265, 286, 298, 303, 312, 324, 325, 326, 337, 355, 358, 359, 360, 361, 368, 404, 406, 415, 427, 429, 445, 447, 473, 486, 491, 503, 504, 521, 528, 551, 566, 573, 574, 594, 599, 644, 658, 661, 718, 731, 733, 793, 800, 802, 835, 836, 923, 935, 961, 1017-1030, 1050, 1060-1061, 1085, 1143, 1165, 1166, 1242, 1246, 1250, 1278, 1279, 1300, 1644, 1772, 1808, 1810, 1813-1817, 1819-1826, 18291840, 1842-1847. b] Letter of Instructions Nos.: 10, 39, 49, 72, 107, 108, 116, 130, 136, 141, 150, 153, 155, 161, 173, 180, 187,...
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...behind, ranked third because of his lesser political skills. It is the general opinion of pollsters, moreover, that the average American would probably put Lincoln at the top as well. In other words, the judgment of historians and the public tells us that Abraham Lincoln was the nation's greatest President by every measure applied. Interestingly, had the average Union citizen been asked the same question in the spring of 1863, there can be no doubt but that Lincoln would have fared poorly. Not much more could have been said for him even a year later, when Lincoln thought that he would lose his bid for reelection. It would take Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse and his own death a week later to propel Lincoln into the pantheon of presidential greatness. And Lincoln's canonization began almost immediately. Within days of his death, his life was being compared to Jesus Christ. Lincoln was portrayed to a worshipping public as a self-made man, the liberator of the slaves, and the savior of the Union who had given his life so that others could be free. President Lincoln became Father Abraham, a near mythological hero, "lawgiver" to African Americans, and a "Masterpiece of God" sent to save the Union. His humor was...
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...monarchies of Europe. 2. Liberal: mostly middle-class business leaders and merchants. c. They wanted to give more power to elected parliaments d. but only the educated and the landowners would vote 3. Radical: favored drastic change to extend democracy to all people. e. They believed that governments should practice the ideals of the French Revolution f. Liberty, equality, and brotherhood. 4. Nationalism: the belief that people should be loyal. g. loyal mainly to their nation h. That is, to the people with whom they share a culture and history—rather than to a king or empire. 5. nation-state: an independent i. geopolitical unit of people j. Having a common culture and identity. 6. the Balkans: the region of southeastern Europe k. Now occupied by Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania. l. The European part of Turkey, and the former republics of Yugoslavia. 7. Louis-Napoleon: the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte m. Won the presidential election. n. Louis Napoleon Bonaparte took the title of Emperor Napoleon III. 8. Alexander II: Nicholas’s son o. decided to move Russia toward modernization and social change p. Alexander and his advisers believed that his reforms would q. Allow Russia to compete with Western Europe for world power. Questions:- 2. European governments used the army to suppress them by force. European governments used the army to suppress...
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...cynicism, humor, and intelligence by Barry Levinson, Wag the Dog thus begins with these opening credits, an early indication of a dark socio-political satire that would unfold to criticize mass media and indecisive public opinion, but most importantly, the abuse of power by political leaders. Wag the Dog also satirizes the immaturity of the society and how people's unquestioning absorption of propaganda only encourages the media to exploit them on a higher level. Conrad Brean (Robert De Niro) is a retired political consultant, a spin doctor who resurrects the support for the US President's after his disastrous scandal with a teenage girl just eleven days before the election. In order to smother the sparks of rumor ignited by the media, Brean invents an international crisis to sway the people's vote he fakes a war on Albania. The president heroically ends the war and his compassion and exceptional 2/11 leadership qualities are presented through the mass media to the people, winning back their faith. (Lu, 2007) The movie is basically about a fraud of the American public conspired by the incumbent president’s White House staffers. This was done through fabrication of a war in attempt to cover up a presidential sex scandal with a teenage girl. This movie received a lot of different feedbacks from the audiences and one of them elucidated: Right from the opening scene, Wag the Dog...
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...evaluate the abuse of the public power. The index is measured by numerous institutions from a variety of assessment and surveys of corruption. The scale of scores is from 0 to 100, to be specific, 0 means a country has a high level of corruption and 100 means a country is very clean. Both Australia and Chile have a steady ranking between 2010 and 2012. In 2012, Australia scores 85 and ranks 7th; Chile scores 72 and ranks 20th. The two countries both have a higher CPI; however, the CPI of Australia is higher than that of Chile obviously. There are some reasons related to the different ranking. The Australian government provides essential and adequate training to officers and officials about the severe consequences of corruption, which is an effective measure to prevent corruption. In addition, Australia established Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) which is the leading anti-corruption body in Australia. CCC supervises public sector agencies and officials to comply rules and laws, thus avoid corruption. Chile has a better reputation of transparency and higher CPI than any other countries in Latin America. This because Chilean government attempts to improve anti-corruption and transparency. In 2009, Chilean transparency law goes into effect, and it requires all public sectors to publish information on incomes and expenditures timely. However, it still needs to strength and complete the related laws and regulations. The lower CPI may cause lower long-term economic growth and...
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