GS 2 > Polity >> Comparison of World Constitutions
REFERENCE NEWS:
In fresh comments that have sparked fears about the future of American democracy, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may never hold elections again if he wins 2024 election. With Kamala Harris and Donald Trump race for the White House, the new leadership will decide the fate of US Democracy and Global geopolitics.
HISTORY OF US PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM:
The United States presidential system, established by the U.S. Constitution in 1787, is a model of democratic governance characterized by a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The philosophical ideas of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Montesquieu influenced the framers of the Constitution
Locke’s theories on Natural rights and Government by consent
Montesquieu’s advocacy for separation of powers
The grievances against the British monarchy’s arbitrary powers, shaped the desire for a strong but accountable executive.
The Articles of Confederation (1781-1789) served as the first governing document but lacked a strong central executive, leading to inefficiencies and weaknesses which highlighted the need for a federal government.
At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, delegates debated various forms of government. The Virginia Plan proposed a strong national government with a president, while the New Jersey Plan favoured a more modest executive.
The Great Compromise led to the creation of a single executive, the President, elected through an Electoral College system.
The President was given specific powers and responsibilities, including being the commander-in-chief, veto power, and the authority to make treaties and appoint officials, subject to Senate approval.
George Washington, the very first US President, set many precedents for the office including the two-term tradition.
Thomas Jefferson’s election in 1800 marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties, reinforcing the stability of the system.
The presidency evolved with the expansion of executive power, particularly under presidents like Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln.
The New Deal era under Franklin D. Roosevelt saw a significant increase in the federal government’s role and presidential authority in response to the Great Depression.
The modern presidency is characterized by a powerful executive branch with significant influence over domestic and foreign policy.
The use of executive orders, increased media presence, and the President’s role as a global leader are notable features of the contemporary presidency.
The U.S. model of the presidential system has influenced many other countries seeking to establish democratic governance. It serves as an example of how a strong executive can coexist with legislative and judicial oversight to create a balanced and effective government.
PROCESS OF THE ELECTION:
Step 1: Primaries and Caucuses
The main voting events — Primaries and Caucuses — help in the selection of delegates who will represent the people at the upcoming conventions. These are simply two ways that people help states and political parties choose presidential nominees.
Caucuses: It's a stage at which party members select the best candidate through a series of discussions and votes. It's a meeting of local members of a political party to select delegates to the national party convention. A caucus is said to be a substitute for primary elections
Primary: In this, party members vote for the best candidate that will represent them in the general election. Most states hold primaries six to nine months before a presidential election. Primary voters choose their preferred candidate anonymously by casting secret ballots.
Step 2: National Conventions
To become the presidential nominee, a candidate has to win a majority of delegates. Each party then holds a national convention to select a final presidential nominee. At this stage, delegates selected during the primaries and caucuses "to represent the people" will "endorse" their favourite candidates. Simply put, state delegates go to the national convention to vote to confirm their choice of candidates. The final presidential nominee from each party will be officially announced at the end of the conventions.
It is at the convention that the presidential candidate chooses a running mate- a Vice Presidential candidate. The presidential candidates campaign throughout the country to win the support of the general public.
Step 3: Presidential General Election
In general elections, people in every state across the US vote for one President and Vice President. The candidates’ names will be listed on the general election ballot. Notably, candidates from minor political parties and independent candidates might not have a national convention. But they may be on the ballot on a state-by-state basis if they meet the eligibility requirements. The elections take place on the first Tuesday of November.
When people cast their vote, they are actually voting for a group of people known as electors. Each candidate running for President in your State has their own group of electors (known as a slate). When you vote for a Presidential candidate you are actually voting for your candidate's preferred electors.
Step 4: Electoral College
The president and vice president are not elected directly by citizens in the US. Instead, they are chosen by "electors" through a process called the Electoral College. The Electoral College is a process in which electors or representatives from each state cast their vote and determine who will be president. Each state is given a number of electors based roughly on its size of population.
There are a total of 538 electors selected according to each state’s policy. Each state gets a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress. Each elector casts one vote following the general election, and the candidate, who gets more than half (270), wins.
That's why, the general elections in November don't tell who is actually going to win. And this is why there are times when a candidate wins the presidency (electoral votes) but not the popular votes (voted by people during the general election).
Donald Trump’s past victory. He did not win the popular votes but won the electoral votes.
COMPARISON BETWEEN INDIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION:
PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Discuss the process of presidential elections in the United States and compare it with the presidential election process in India. Highlight the major differences between the two systems. (15 marks,250 words)
