nsidering policy issues. This tendency is likely strengthened by the first-past-the-post electoral system that the American presidential system also employs. Because they are usually directly elected and identifiable with particular districts or regions, many members see a duty to their constituents (in a district or state) as the first priority, with allegiance to a party and its platform as secondary. While the legislators are under some pressure to vote with their party, particularly on important votes, the consequences of not doing so are not as serious to the individual legislator and to the system. Because legislatures and executives are elected separately and often for different terms, it is not uncommon for them to be controlled by different parties.In parliament systems, party discipline is typically stronger because the “executive” government requires majority party cohesiveness for its own survival. In fact, it has been said that the disciplined parties are “the independent variable that explains virtually every aspect of Parliament”. Parties in presidential systems tend to be less structured than parties in parliamentary systems. Parties that are highly structured and tend toward unified action, bloc voting and distinct party platforms characterize parliamentary systems in developed countries. This party discipline is required in parliamentary systems because deviation from the party line could result in bringing down the government. Parliamentary systems require that the “executive” and legislative members come to agreement upon issues, lest it force the dissolution of the government. In addition, majority parties in parliamentary systems are perceived by voters to have a mandate to run the country. Therefore, each party may develop a system of punishments and rewards. Individual members of the legislature who deviate from a party vote may be punished by exclusion from their party within...
