10.5 Semi-Presidential Regimes

Semi-presidential regimes blend elements of presidential and parliamentary systems, creating a unique power-sharing structure. With a directly elected president and a prime minister responsible to the legislature, this system aims to balance stability and flexibility in governance.

These regimes offer a middle ground between presidential and parliamentary models. While they can foster compromise and adaptability, they also risk power struggles during cohabitation. Understanding semi-presidential systems is crucial for grasping the diversity of democratic governance structures.

Semi-Presidential Regimes

Features of semi-presidential systems

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• Dual executive branch combines elements of presidential and parliamentary systems
  • Directly elected president serves a fixed term in office and holds significant constitutional powers (France)
    • Fixed term provides stability and independence from the legislature
    • Possesses powers such as veto authority, appointment of key officials, and foreign policy leadership
  • Prime minister heads the government and is responsible to the legislature
    • Appointed by the president but requires support of the legislative majority
    • Leads the cabinet and sets the domestic policy agenda (Russia)
• Power-sharing arrangement between president and prime minister
  • President typically focuses on foreign policy, national security, and long-term strategic vision
  • Prime minister handles domestic policy, economic management, and day-to-day governance responsibilities
• Potential for cohabitation arises when president and prime minister are from different political parties
  • Can lead to power struggles, policy deadlock, and reduced government effectiveness
  • Requires compromise and coordination to maintain stable governance (Poland)

Semi-presidential vs other regime types

• Similarities to presidential systems include directly elected president with fixed term and separation of powers
  • President serves as head of state and holds independent constitutional authority
  • Executive branch is distinct from the legislative branch, providing checks and balances
• Similarities to parliamentary systems include prime minister and cabinet responsible to the legislature
  • Prime minister can be removed through a vote of no confidence by the parliament
  • Legislature can be dissolved by the president, triggering new elections (Ukraine)
• Unique features of semi-presidential systems combine elements of both presidential and parliamentary models
  • Dual executive structure allows for power-sharing and flexibility in responding to political challenges
  • Potential for cohabitation creates a balance of power and encourages compromise
  • Adaptability to different political contexts and transitions (e.g., post-communist countries)

Democratic regimes and political freedom

• Presidential systems tend to prioritize individual rights and checks and balances
  • Separation of powers limits the concentration of authority in a single branch
  • Potential for gridlock and reduced government efficiency due to divided government (United States)
• Parliamentary systems emphasize majority rule and government efficiency
  • Fusion of executive and legislative powers enables swift policy implementation
  • Potential for reduced checks and balances and weaker protection of individual rights (United Kingdom)
• Semi-presidential systems seek to balance the features of presidential and parliamentary models
  • Combination of directly elected president and responsible prime minister provides stability and flexibility
  • Potential for greater political stability and adaptability to changing circumstances
  • Risk of power struggles and reduced effectiveness during periods of cohabitation (Sri Lanka)
• Factors influencing political freedom extend beyond the choice of democratic regime type
  • Constitutional design and the distribution of powers among branches of government
  • Electoral systems, party structures, and the competitiveness of elections
  • Political culture, civil society, and the historical context of democratic development (South Korea)

Executive Power and Institutional Dynamics

• Distribution of executive power between president and prime minister
  • Constitutional powers define the formal authority of each executive
  • Dual legitimacy arises from the president's direct election and the prime minister's parliamentary support
• Impact of electoral system on executive dynamics
  • Influences the formation of political parties and coalitions
  • Affects the likelihood of cohabitation and power-sharing arrangements