The United States and Canada: how two democracies differ and why it matters

This edited volume compares the political systems of the United States and Canada, focusing on the effects of political institutions, and their interaction with political values and other factors, in policymaking. It explores the differences between the American presidential (or separation-of-powers) system and the Canadian parliamentary system. It also considers institutional differences such as federalism, bureaucratic leadership, and judicial definitions of citizens' rights. It deals mainly with the period from the mid-20th century to the present but also discusses recent developments-especially the Trump presidency.

Introduction / Paul J. Quirk -- An undivided continent? : re-examining the political culture of Canadians and Americans / Russell Dalton -- Electoral and party systems / Andre Blais, Shaun Bowler, Bernard Grofman -- Executive leadership and the legislative process / Jonathan Malloy, Paul Quirk -- Bureaucratic influence and policymaking / John McAndrews, Bert Rockman, Colin Campbell -- Federalism / Richard Simeon, Beryl Radin -- Economic policy : growth, stabilization and distribution / William Keech, William Scarth -- Environmental policy : climate change / Kathryn Harrison -- Morality issues : abortion and gay rights / Gary Mucciaroni, Francesca Scala -- Health care in Canada and the United States / Theodore Marmor, Antonia Maioni -- Managing diversity : civil rights and immigration / Irene Bloemraad, Doris Marie Provine -- National and regional outcomes : violence, inequality, and participation / Keith Banting, Jack Nagel, Chelsea Schafer, Daniel Westlake -- Lessons of comparison : institutions and governance / Paul Quirk.

This edited volume presents an integrated comparative examination of the political systems of the United States and Canada-with special attention to the effects of political institutions, and their interaction with political values and other factors, in policymaking. It explores, in particular, the differences between the American presidential (or separation-of-powers) system and the Canadian parliamentary system. It also considers a number of further institutional differences-concerning federalism, bureaucratic leadership, judicial definitions of citizens' rights, and others.