Suchergebnisse

Describes Italy as an "ideal type" for the presidentialization of a political system. Although the changing role of the state has contributed to the presidentialization of Italy's political system, greater attention is given to the crucial role played by the deterioration of traditional social cleavage politics & the media's proactive campaign for institutional reform. Although these elements came to a head during the 1990s, the process toward presidentialization has been under way in the executive arena for more than 20 years. The gradual strengthening of the executive; the emergence of prime ministerial dominance; the movement for electoral reform; & the shift from a partified to a presidentialized polity are described. A stronger executive, together with a media-dominated political arena & the new electoral law, resulted in a majoritarian form of politics that was unlike anything the reformers expected. However, it is concluded that the trend towards presidentialization in Italy does not necessarily indicate that a definite regime change has occurred. Prospects for the future are discussed. 40 References. J. Lindroth

An examination of the extent to which Portuguese democracy has become presidentialized focuses on executive, party, & electoral faces of presidentialization. The nature of Portugal's semi-presidential regime is described, noting that presidentialization refers to increased power & autonomy on the part of the prime minister rather than the president. Although intra-party occurrences & an increasing concentration of executive power around the prime minister indicate definite movement toward presidentialization, the evidence is not unequivocal. The historically turbulent nature of electoral politics has enhanced the personalization & autonomy of the leaders of the two main political parties. Financial & organizational steps that have been taken since 1985 to increase the prime minister's ability to control & coordinate government decision-making are pointed out, along with such mitigating factors as the continuing centrality of parties to key governmental processes. Special attention is given to both the impact of European integration & constitutional, party system, & media changes that have served to strengthen the prime minister's position. 1 Table, 36 References. J. Lindroth

An examination of presidentialization in Canada notes that, although the prime minister's power is greater than in other Westminster systems, it is offset by a similar concentration of power in the 10 provincial government premiers. Canada's parliamentary institutions & party system are described, along with executive powers; limitations/constraints imposed on that power by the Westminster-style adversarial system; & the leader-centered character of elections. It is noted that the Canadian executive dominates the legislature to a much greater degree than is the case in the UK & election outcomes are more dependent on the perceived quality & performance of a leader as well as his/her ability to form a credible government. In addition, the prime minister dominates the cabinet even though the latter is formally responsible to parliament. It is concluded that presidentialization of the Canadian system is based on the prime minister's control over the Commons & the cabinet. The evolution of the presidentialization of politics is traced from the Diefenbaker & Trudeau eras. 1 Figure, 27 References. J. Lindroth

Examines the degree to which presidentialization has occurred in Denmark's consensual democracy to argue that presidential trends are apparent but limited in both the electoral & party faces of politics. Denmark's multiparty system, "negative parliamentarism," & factors that have increased the powers of prime ministers & party leaders are described. Other issues discussed include the crucial importance of changes in the Danish media environment; the greater media focus on political party leaders; & the impact of these changes on the electorate. Although party leaders have more available resources & are better able to influence the candidate-nomination process, these changes have not been formalized in party statutes. The presidentialization process appears stronger for prime ministers in light of their growing longevity; the more frequent reshuffling of cabinets; the increasing use of cabinet committees for executive coordination; & the more active role played by prime ministers in international affairs. However, consensus politics still keeps prime ministerial power in check & has prevented Danish domestic politics from becoming heavily presidentialized. 23 References. J. Lindroth