Question

Which political system, parliamentary or presidential, is more majoritarian (i.e., responsive to majority will) and hence allows for more sweeping reform? Why? Be sure to discuss the United Kingdom’s parliamentary system, particularly how power is organized and structured, in your answer.

A) Parliamentary system
B) Presidential system
C) Both systems are equally majoritarian
D) It depends on contextual factors

Answer 1

The parliamentary system is more majoritarian and allows for more sweeping reform compared to the presidential system. The executive and legislative branches are combined in a parliamentary system, making the prime minister accountable to the majority party in parliament.

Step-by-step explanation:

The parliamentary system, such as the one in the United Kingdom, is more majoritarian and allows for more sweeping reform compared to the presidential system. In a parliamentary system, the executive and legislative branches are combined, and the head of state, often the prime minister, is chosen from within the legislature. This means that the prime minister is directly accountable to the majority party in parliament and can easily pass reforms. In contrast, the presidential system has a separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, making it more difficult to pass sweeping reforms.