Can multiparty presidentialism revitalize U.S. democracy?
Nov 27, 2024
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Scott Mainwaring, the Eugene and Helen Conley Professor of Political Science at Notre Dame, dives into the concept of multiparty presidentialism and its potential to revitalize U.S. democracy. He discusses how coalition fluidity can enhance representation and critiques current dysfunction in American politics. By comparing the U.S. with Latin American political systems, he reveals lessons on diversity and governance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of populism and the interplay between presidentialism and racial polarization, emphasizing the need for inclusive politics.
The podcast discusses how implementing proportional representation in the U.S. could alleviate hyper-polarization and support diverse political coalitions.
It emphasizes that while institutional reforms are vital, the actions and attitudes of political actors play a crucial role in shaping democratic stability.
Deep dives
The Impact of Presidentialism and Multi-Party Systems
Presidentialism combined with multi-party systems can lead to instability, a point emphasized by political scientists like Juan Linz and Scott Mainwaring. The historical perspective noted that countries with this combination often faced challenges, especially when presidents lacked clear mechanisms to address unpopularity, which in Latin America frequently led to military coups. Yet, the landscape shifted post-1978, revealing examples of stable multi-party presidential systems in countries like Costa Rica and Colombia, where two or two-and-a-half party frameworks dominated. This shift in understanding highlights that stability is possible, prompting scholars to explore the concept of coalition presidentialism, where governing coalitions play a significant role in ensuring the system functions effectively.
Reforming the U.S. Political System
The increasing dysfunction in U.S. democracy has prompted discussions about necessary reforms, such as implementing proportional representation in the House of Representatives. Advocates argue this reform could mitigate the hyper-polarization seen within the two-party system, making space for smaller parties that represent diverse viewpoints. For instance, under a proportional representation system, traditionally marginalized factions within the Republican and Democratic parties could gain traction, allowing for more fluid coalitions on various issues. Such a change might help foster negotiations across party lines and reduce the rigidity of current partisan divides.
Actors vs. Institutions in Democracy
While institutional incentives are crucial, the agency of political actors significantly influences the state of democracy. Mainwaring notes that the shift toward dysfunctionality in U.S. democracy is largely driven by the actions and attitudes of political parties and social movements rather than substantial changes in formal institutions. For example, the Republican Party's drift toward authoritarianism, as evidenced by its refusal to accept electoral losses, showcases how actor behavior can undermine democratic norms. In contrast, various Latin American countries demonstrate that while formal institutions may remain constant, fluctuations in political actors can lead to significant changes in democratic stability.
Comparative Insights from Political Systems
Countries like France and those in Latin America offer valuable lessons for stabilizing presidential systems through multi-party governance. The French experience demonstrates how diverse political factions can unite against perceived anti-democratic movements, facilitating a coalition that strengthens democratic norms. Meanwhile, successful Latin American democracies like Uruguay, Chile, and Costa Rica illustrate that multi-party presidentialism can remain viable even amidst governance challenges. These international perspectives stress the importance of inclusive electoral frameworks that amplify various political voices and facilitate grassroots movements, fostering a more representative democracy.
In this week’s episode of Politics In Question, Julia talks with Scott Mainwaring about multipartism and presidentialism. Mainwaring is the Eugene and Helen Conley Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame. He is the co-author, alongside Lee Drutman, of The Case for Multiparty Presidentialism in the U.S. (Protect Democracy, 2023).
How do institutions impact coalition fluidity? What is the role of actors within formal institutions? What can we learn about multipartism from Latin America? These are some of the questions Lee and Julia explore in this week’s episode.
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