Question

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.

Imagine that a large earthquake hits North America. The earthquake’s epicenter is exactly on the border between the United States and Canada between Seattle and Vancouver. The towns and cities closest to the epicenter and in both countries are severely damaged.

Based on what you have learned in this class and any additional research made, which country (the United States with its presidential system of democracy or Canada with its parliamentary system of democracy) will be more effective at addressing the crisis? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

In the event of a natural catastrophe of this magnitude, the American presidential system would be more effective than the Canadian parliamentary system in resolving the issues quickly and efficiently. This is due to the fact that in presidential systems the president has a greater margin of action to, through Executive Orders, promptly promote government actions. Although these must then be approved by Congress, at first they serve to overcome the initial crisis and allow a rapid response to the emergency. On the other hand, parliamentary systems require the agreement of parliament, which can in certain cases slow down the possibility of action by the Prime Minister, who must wait for the authorization of the parliament to carry out any type of action.