Presidential vs Parliamentary Form of Government

Presidential vs. Parliamentary Form of Government

 By: Dean Pacifico Agabin

 

Presidential Parliamentary

I.

 

Advantaged of the Presidential Form1.

 

Since the President is directlyelected by the people, he has astrong claim to democraticlegitimacy.2.

 

Direct election by the people giveshim the resolve to governindependently and to disregard pressures from vested interests.3.

 

The President’s fixed term of office makes for stability andstrength to push even unpopular  but necessary programs of government and to accelerateeconomic development4.

 

The presidential system accordswith personalistic culture of theFilipinosII.

 

Advantages of the ParliamentaryForm1.

 

The parliamentary form is moresuited for countries with deepideological or religious cleavagesor numerous political parties or sectoral factions2.

 

Parliamentary democracy providesopportunity for the people to makea clear choice of politicalalternatives.3.

 

The parliamentary form makes for stability in mature democracies asexecutive power depends onlegislative majorities constitutedafter parliamentary election.III.

 

Disadvantages of the PresidentialForm1.

 

The presidential systemconcentrates too much power inthe hands of one man, and sets thestage for personalistic rule.2.

 

This personalistic culture impingesadversely on the quality of other  political leaders.3.

 

A strongman rule undermines political programs and weakens political parties based on ideology.4.

 

The President is under thestrongest temptation to usurp powers of the other maindepartments of government.IV.

 

Disadvantages of the ParliamentaryForm1.

 

The political development of thecountry has not yet reached thatlevel of maturity where political parties have been strengthenedaround clear-cut nationalalternatives and ideologies.2.

 

In the parliamentary form, therepresentatives of the people aresometime weakened as against thecabinet, which can threaten tomake issues matters of “confidence”. This can lead to paralyzation of governmentalfunctions.3.

 

Since the parliamentary form is based on compromises and horse-trading, collective responsibilityleads to a weak government.