S/P/59. Does it matter whether a system is parliamentary or presidential?

This essay examines the debate over executive structures, and whether any actual practical differences exist. It argues that the apparent theoretical differences that do exist in the executive types (term lengths, election of figurehead) are not in fact genuinely reflective of actual variation in executive capacity and behaviour. There is discussion of executive definitions and what factors do affect the capacity of an executive to lead (i.e. party systems), as well as mention of semi-presidential systems and the specific problems associated with them.