Comparing executives in UK and US
Similarities
- Represent their country in international affairs and foreign policy
- Depend on the support of the legislature
- Take the role of the commander in chief
- Relay on their charismatic ability
- Take a role in leading the legislative agenda
Differences
- UK PM cannot enact laws as they are not head of state, US president can
- President is directly elected, PM is not
- PM is not bound by a written constitution so is less limited
- President is the executive, cabinet advises, while PM is part of the executive and cabinet is collective
- PM effectively controls the legislature, president does not (due to Seperation of powers in the US)
- President can be held to account by both houses, only real threat to the PM is by losing control of Commons
- Easier for president to lose control over the legislature and easier for the legislature to challenge them on foreign policy and disrupt legislation