USA vs Canada: Political Systems
Today, the two most prominent forms of government are the Parliamentary form of government, often known as the Westminster system seen in the commonwealth nations; and the Presidential form of government seen in the United States. Throughout the years, many debates have been discussed over the question of which form is better; no definitive answer has ever come forward, for the exception that they are both quite different in theory and in practice. Principally, the difference among them is the separation power seen in the Presidential system, and the coexistence of power seen in the Parliamentary system; represented chiefly by party discipline. However, more than this difference alone separates the two. Both forms of government are characterized by how their power is distributed, how laws are created and chosen, party discipline and also the responsibility of each Head of State. Each system has its own dynamic and ever-changing functionality, creating advantages and disadvantages for each system.1
It is important to note that in a Parliamentary system, the Head of Government and Head of State are not the same person. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government, and is given this position when he or she has confidence of the house.2 This is conducted by having a general election, in which after, the Head of State, the Governor General, asks a Member of Parliament if he or she can form a government. He or she would then need to keep what is known as confidence of the house, in order to maintain his or her position.3 In theory, this would be the Governor Generals decision. However, in practice this is typically the most favored person among the majority political party.4 At the same time, there is no process of impeachment in the Parliamentary system. The process of removing or changing Prime Ministers is through a non-confidence vote. A process in which the members of parliament vote to see if the current Prime Minster can keep his or her title as Head of
It is important to note that in a Parliamentary system, the Head of Government and Head of State are not the same person. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government, and is given this position when he or she has confidence of the house.2 This is conducted by having a general election, in which after, the Head of State, the Governor General, asks a Member of Parliament if he or she can form a government. He or she would then need to keep what is known as confidence of the house, in order to maintain his or her position.3 In theory, this would be the Governor Generals decision. However, in practice this is typically the most favored person among the majority political party.4 At the same time, there is no process of impeachment in the Parliamentary system. The process of removing or changing Prime Ministers is through a non-confidence vote. A process in which the members of parliament vote to see if the current Prime Minster can keep his or her title as Head of