How has the nature of executive rule changed over time? What variables and governing trends have affected this shift?
In what ways does the American political executive differ from other systems that you are aware of? Is this a reflection of American institutions, history and culture, or some combination of both?
How does presidential rule differ when the legislative branch contains more than two political parties? When multi-partism exists in a parliamentary system?
Discuss three main differences between the composition and functioning of a presidential and parliamentary cabinet. How do these structural difference affect the nature of counsel provided to the executive?
Can too many political parties exist in a system? What are the drawbacks to extreme multi-partism, as identified in the Italian case study, and what steps might be taken to limit the number of parties present in the system?
