Presidential system

A presidential system is a system of government where an executive branch exists and presides (hence the name) separately from the legislature, to which it is not responsible and which cannot, in normal circumstances, dismiss it.

The concept of separate spheres of influence of the executive and legislature is specified in the Constitution of the United States, with the creation of the office of President of the United States elected separately from Congress.

Although not exclusive to republics, and applied in the case of semi-constitutional monarchies where a monarch exercises power (both as head of state and chief of the executive branch of government) alongside a legislature, the term is often associated with republican systems in the Americas.

Advantages of presidential systems

Supporters generally claim four basic advantages for presidential systems:
1. Direct mandate — in a presidential system, the president is often elected directly by the people. To some, this makes the president's power more legitimate than that of a leader appointed indirectly. However, in the United States, the president is elected neither directly nor through the legislature, but by an electoral college.
2. Separation of powers — a presidential system establishes the presidency and the legislature as two parallel structures. Supporters say that this arrangement allows each structure to monitor and check the other, preventing abuses.
3. Speed and decisiveness — some argue that a president with strong powers can usually enact changes quickly. However, others argue that the separation of powers slows the system down.
4. Stability — a president, by virtue of a fixed term, may provide more stability than a prime minister who can be dismissed at any time.