"Political Harmony and Discord: US Presidential System vs. French Semi-Presidential System"

Although the formation and functioning of the government system are determined by the relations between the legislative and executive organs, the influence of the judiciary is also very strong during this period. Additionally, the broad social, political, and administrative structures are also affected by the functioning and relations of these three organs. In this article, I would like to talk about the changes and innovations that have developed from the past to the present and have been experienced until today. Undoubtedly, the most well-known and successful country under the presidential system is the United States of America. It is known as a representative democracy regime, which is formed by the influence of the federal system that has developed with its own dynamics in the historical process and is accepted as the best-functioning presidential system in the world. . Based on the principle of the system (que le pouvoir arrête le pouvoir) created by John Locke and Montesquieu, who are considered to be the founding fathers of the United States, and inspired by the principles of the separation of powers, it was shaped by the formation of a system of checks and balances by dividing the legislature and the executive. . Many of the features of this system are quite distinctive from the others, appearing as important differences in the practice of federalism in the USA. Another important point is that the success of the French semi-presidential system depends on the individual's perspective and success criteria. The success of the French semi-presidential system may vary according to perspectives and success criteria. While many observers emphasize that the system has been successful in providing political stability and developing it in the field of democracy in France since 1958, when it came into effect, some observers claim the opposite. They argue that the French semi-presidential system created a confused and, moreover, inefficient atmosphere in governance, and they criticize this situation.

First, the presidential system represents a system of government in which the head of state and the head of government are different individuals. At this point, the head of state is the president, who is the head of the executive, usually elected by the people for a certain period, and has important and critical powers to run the country. The president holds the title of chief executive, whose duties include appointing and dismissing senior officials as well as negotiating treaties, and coordinating the military. Additionally, in a presidential system, the legislature is usually separate from the executive and is the parliamentary or unicameral legislature that makes laws and oversees the executive branch. The judiciary also typically functions as a separate and distinct body of government that interprets laws and resolves disputes. . In general, the US presidential system is designed to maintain a balance of power between branches of government and protect individual liberties while allowing democratic elections through federalism and local control of certain issues. A semi-presidential system is generally considered one where the president and prime minister share executive power. In this system, the president is the head of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. At this point, in the semi-presidential system, the president has many important powers, such as appointing or dismissing the prime minister, dissolving the parliament, and issuing a decree that has the force of law. In general, France's semi-presidential system is designed to maintain a balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, with each body acting as a check and balance over the other. However, a dual executive system can also lead to potential power struggles and instability, especially when cohabitation is required. There are many commonalities and differences between the presidential system in the USA and the semi-presidential system in France. Elections and term limits differ, as the American president is elected by an electoral college, while the French president is directly elected by popular vote. In addition, in the American system, the legislative legislature, the president has the power to veto legislation, but Congress can override this veto with a two-thirds vote in either house. In the French system, the president can veto legislation, but the National Assembly can override that veto with a simple majority vote. On the other hand, the system of checks and balances has significant and critical points in both America and France.

1. Separation of powers: Both the United States and France have a system of separation of powers in which the government is divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The "legislative" branch makes laws, the "executive" branch implements them, and the "judiciary" interprets them.
2. Executive power: In the American system, the president is the head of the executive; in France, executive power is shared between the president and the prime minister.
3. Legislative power: Legislative power in America belongs to Congress, which is divided into two chambers, the "House of Representatives" and the Senate. Legislative power in France is shared between the National Assembly and the Senate.
4. Appointment of Judges: In the United States, federal judges are appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate. In France, the president appoints judges based on recommendations from the Supreme Council of Justice.
5. Power of Veto: In America, the President has the right to veto laws passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto by a two-thirds majority. In France, the president has the right to return a bill to parliament for reconsideration, but parliament can override this veto with a three-fifths majority.
6. Impeachment Process: In America, the President, Vice President, and federal judges can be impeached and removed from office by Congress. In France, the president can be removed from office by the National Assembly if found guilty of violating the Constitution.

In general, both America and France have a system of "checks and balances" that limits the power of both governments and prevents the overpowering of either branch. However, the efforts to achieve this balance may differ from country to country.

1. COMMON POINTS

Both systems have an independent judiciary that has the power to interpret laws and resolve disputes. Both systems are based on a written constitution that outlines the basic principles of government and the rights of citizens. Both systems have built-in controls in government structures to ensure that no branch becomes too powerful and maintains a balance. In France and America, a president can serve a maximum of two terms, which plays an important role in the constitution, mainly because, as the British historian Barton put it, "absolute power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely."

2. KEY DIFFERENCES

In the American system, the president serves as the head of both the state and the government, whereas in the French system, the president serves as the head of the state and the prime minister as the head of the government. While the French president is chosen by a direct popular vote, the American president is chosen by electoral colleges. The American system does not permit this due to uniform execution, whereas the French system permits a period of "cohabitation" during which the president and prime minister are from different political parties. The French president has significant authority to name the prime minister, dissolve the National Assembly, and issue decrees, but the American president has slightly more constrained authority subject to congressional approval. The president is the head of the state and government in the American system. The House of Representatives and the Senate make up the bicameral Congress in the American system, whereas the Parliament in the French system is a unicameral institution.

CONCLUSION

The 1958 Constitution, which is still valid in France today, is a reactionary result of what happened between 1946 and 1958, when these volatile political experiences peaked. Over the years, France's semi-presidential system has undergone changes, including the powers of the president and prime minister, and the electoral system. But the basic structure of the system remains the same, with the president and prime minister sharing executive power and working together to run the country. Separation of powers, flexibility, and stability are the most significant keywords for the French semi-presidential system. These keywords represent advantageous and positive situations. However, there are also a few negative situations; these are; "Uncertainty," "Gridlock," and finally "Concentration of power." Overall, France's semi-presidential system has been the subject of constant debate and criticism, and its supporters and critics point to various strengths and weaknesses of the system. On the other hand, the American presidential system has many positive consequences. The United States has become one of the most powerful and influential countries in the world. The presidential system has strengthened leadership and quick decision-making, and this has made America a "superpower" today. However, there are also negative situations where the presidential system can lead to political instability. For example, the Watergate scandal shook faith in the American government and caused criticism of the presidential system. In conclusion, the presidential system provides a strong and independent executive body that can act quickly in times of crisis, but it also risks creating situations of uncontrollable power. A semi-presidential system, on the other hand, provides a balance of power between the president and the prime minister but can destabilize if the two leaders clash.