A parliamentary system, where the head of government is elected or nominated by and accountable to the legislature or a presidential system, where the head of government (president) is popularly elected and independent of the legislature. In your opinion, which system does a better job in terms of stability, governance and overall effectiveness?
So DLers, which type of democratic system is better?
by Anonymous | reply 5 | July 15, 2025 6:21 PM |
Used to be a huge champion of the parliamentary system, but I've completely changed my mind about this over the past year or so. I now think it doesn't matter one bit, they're both about equally flawed. Other factors are a lot more important and if the population wants fascism, they'll work around any system in order to make it happen.
I also now believe it doesn't matter how difficult you make it to change the constitution, it's all about who you install in the courts to interpret said constitution. Partisanship bulldozes everything in its path.
by Anonymous | reply 1 | July 15, 2025 5:12 PM |
R1 - what caused your change of thinking?
I honestly don't feel qualified to judge as an American - there are too many parliamentary governments around the world to consider and each country has its own issues and problems - a lot of which are nuanced and not easily understood by outsiders.
by Anonymous | reply 2 | July 15, 2025 6:15 PM |
OP, the problem in the US lies in the fact that the president isn't elected by popular vote, but rather electors.
by Anonymous | reply 3 | July 15, 2025 6:18 PM |
The kind where stupid people aren't allowed to vote.
by Anonymous | reply 4 | July 15, 2025 6:18 PM |
I've been saying we need a parliamentary system for 20+ years. It may have its faults, but it sure as hell beats the fuck out of ours.
by Anonymous | reply 5 | July 15, 2025 6:21 PM |