PoliticsAugust 28, 2026

presidentialism

prez-ih-DEN-shuh-lih-zum

Definition

A system of government characterized by an increasingly powerful executive branch that often overrides checks, balances, and constitutional norms.

Etymology

Derived from the English 'presidential,' which traces back to the Latin 'praesidere' (to sit before or preside), combined with the suffix '-ism' to denote a specific political system or ideology.

In the news

The article references the 'perils of presidentialism' to describe the trend of presidents, particularly Donald Trump, expanding their power beyond constitutional limits and weakening democratic constraints.

Reconstructing the Executive Branch

Read the full article ↗

Liberal Currents

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