Parliamentary vs. Presidential Democracy

Republic of Ireland: Parliamentary Democracy, Dublin

Northern Ireland: Parliamentary Democracy, Belfast

United States: Presidential Democracy, Washington, D.C.

Donal and Genevieve at Stormont

            From the beginning of civilization, nations have organized a governing body to avoid anarchy and proclaim power over its people. One of the eldest forms of government is a monarchy, however, modern day politics have moved toward a more democratic form of government. A democracy gives the nation’s citizens permission to manage their government either directly or through elected representatives. There are several different types of democracy, such as the Presidential democracy in the United States and the Parliamentary Democracy in Ireland.

Stormont, Belfast

         Though parliament and presidency are both true democracies, their differences lie mostly in the structure of the legislative offices. The office of the President characterizes the presidential system in that he/she is both the chief executive and the head of state. In parliamentary governments, the head of state and chief executive are two separate offices; the head of state or President functions as a primarily ceremonial role while the chief executive is the head of legislature. Perhaps the most significant difference between presidential and parliamentary systems is that presidents are elected independently of the legislature, where as the parliamentary chief executive is chosen by the legislature. The people elect the parliament, the parliament elects the government, including the chief executive, and the government runs the country. A United States president’s power is balanced with the legislative branch of government. Contrarily, the majority party or a joint decision among majority parties in parliament chooses a Prime Minister. 

President's House, Dublin

            The United States Presidency is based primarily on the principles stated previously. The island of Ireland, however, is divided into two different nations, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Each state has its own distinct parliament, separated by Northern Irelands allegiance to the parliamentary system of the UK. The Republic of Ireland’s exclusive power of law making is placed in the Houses of the Oireachtas in Leinster House, Dublin.  Northern Ireland’s parliament’s power is divided into Ministers and their councils that report to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, situated in the Stormont building in Belfast. 

        What I found most interesting about the differences in Ireland's Parliament and the United States' government is the term length and election process. The President of Ireland can hold the position for seven years and up to two terms. A U.S. president is also allowed two terms, but for only four years each. In Ireland, the Prime Minister or Taoiseach, has more power than the President and can hold the position for a five year term. The interesting part in my opinion is that in the United States, elections of Congress and the President are permanently set to every two years and four years respectively. However, in Ireland, though the Taoiseach holds his/her position for five years, there can be one or many elections within those five years depending on the majority party. If a majority party becomes a minority party, then there is a re-election at that time even if the five year term is not finished.