Western democracies are referred to as representative democracies. They share a common ideology. However, when they transform theory into practice, differences occur. One important difference is a matter of emphasis. Should a system emphasize liberal or responsible principles? The United States, like most presidential systems, emphasizes liberal ideals. Their system has more checks on government power based on fear of excessive government control of society. Canada, like most parliamentary systems, emphasizes the principles of responsible government. The Canadian system is more effective in expressing the will of the people by allowing government (especially majority government) to govern with relatively fewer checks or hindrance from balancing power.

Question

Western democracies are referred to as representative democracies. They share a common ideology. However, when they transform theory into practice, differences occur. One important difference is a matter of emphasis. Should a system emphasize liberal or responsible principles? The United States, like most presidential systems, emphasizes liberal ideals. Their system has more checks on government power based on fear of excessive government control of society. Canada, like most parliamentary systems, emphasizes the principles of responsible government.  The Canadian system is more effective in expressing the will of the people by allowing government (especially majority government) to govern with relatively fewer checks or hindrance from balancing power.

Are they asking which is better Canada or the US? Because Canada has a parliamentary government and US has a presidential so there is always the chance of a dicatorship occuring in the US?

Angie · Answer

Well we do not have dictatorship because the president can't do anything unless congress votes a yes. We don't have just one ruler. We have many.

Ms. Sue · Answer

Ashley, I disagree with the statement that a liberal government is not a responsible government.

Also -- there is no chance of a dictatorship occurring in the U.S. because our legislative branch makes the laws, the executive branch carries them out, and the judicial branch determines if questionable laws are constitutional. This called the separation of powers.

Ashley · Answer

The United States, like most presidential systems, emphasizes liberal ideals. Their system has more checks on government power based on fear of excessive government control of society.

Doesnt government control mean the same kind of thing as a dictatorship? I know the US isnt going to become a dictatorship but i thought that the president ultimately makes most of the decisions.

Ms. Sue · Answer

Government control is not a dictatorship. A dictatorship has only one person at its head. Here in the States, we have an elected president, vice president, 50 senators, and 435 representatives in our national government. In addition, we have 9 appointed Supreme Court.

Our president, despite some current news and commentary, does not make most of the decisions. Please see my last statement about our separation (and balance) of powers.

Actually, Canada has more government controls than does the U.S., primarily government-provided health care. Our health care is controlled and financed by private individuals and companies.