A Comparative Study of U.S. and Portuguese Political Systems

A Comparative Study of U.S. and Portuguese Political Systems

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Luana Teixeira N.º19 12º8

Elections Procedures in the USA

How is the president elected?

Step 2

Step 3

Step 1

National Conventions

Campaigning

Primaries and Caucuses

Step 6

Step 4

Step 5

Electoral College

Congressional Certification

General Election

Step 7

Inauguration

The Democratic Party

• Ideologies: Left-leaning, liberal, and progressive;

• Reduce inequality through economic intervention.
• Oppose government interference in private affairs.
• Strong support for minority rights.
• Endorse welfare programs for those in need.
• Progressive taxes to fund social programs.
• Advocate for environmental preservation.
• Favor stricter gun regulations.
• Support less restrictive immigration laws.
• Promote policies protecting workers' rights.

The Republican Party

• Ideologies: Right-leaning conservatism, social conservatism, and economic libertarianism.

• Advocacy for traditional values.
• Limited government interference.
• Strong support for the private sector.
• Lower taxes to promote economic freedom.
• Conservative values; limited social programs.
• Minimal regulation for businesses.

Parties

American Independent Party

Libertarian Party

Green Party

Constitution Party

Socialist Party USA

Working Families Party

Forward Party

how the Portuguese system differs from the U.S. system?

Political System & Structure

Political System & Structure

• Federal, presidential system.

• The President is the head of state and government, directly elected

• Congress: Bicameral (Senate and House of Representatives) with legislative power.

• Independent judiciary

• Semi-presidential republic.

• President: Head of state, oversees government stability.
• Prime Minister: Head of government, shares executive power.
• Unicameral parliament (Assembleia da República).
• Independent judiciary.

Party Systems & Dominant Ideologies

Party Systems & Dominant Ideologies

• Two-party system - Democrats (center-left) and Republicans (center-right).

• Polarized politics; minimal third-party influence (e.g., Libertarian, Green).

• Major parties: Partido Socialista (PS, center-left) and Partido Social Democrático (PSD, center-right).

• Influential others: BE, PCP, Chega

• Coalition governments are common.

Policy Focus: Social PolicieS

Policy Focus: Social PolicieS

Social policies are divided

• Democrats: Support progressive policies (e.g., expanded healthcare, abortion rights, gun control).

• Republicans: Advocate conservative policies (e.g., restricted abortion, gun rights).

Social policies align with a European social model.

• Universal healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and drug decriminalization widely supported.
• Broad political consensus on many social issues.

Policy Focus: Economic Policies

Policy Focus: Economic Policies

Economic policies differ drastically by party

• Democrats: Favor progressive taxation, social welfare, and corporate regulation.
• Republicans: Advocate tax cuts, deregulation, and market-driven solutions.

• PS and PSD: generally support a mixed economy with strong public services
• PSD: Favors more moderate economic policies.
• Consensus on higher social welfare than the U.S.

Policy Focus: Foreign Policy

Policy Focus: Foreign Policy

Interventionist approach.

• Prioritizes national security, economic interests, and global influence.
• Active involvement in international affairs.

Diplomacy-focused.

• Emphasizes cooperation within the EU and with Portuguese-speaking nations.
• Advocates multilateralism and human rights.
• Limited emphasis on military power.

Political Style and Public Image

Political Style and Public Image

Personality-driven politics

• High-profile public personas with emphasis on charisma and media presence.
• Campaigns are large, well-funded, and polarized.
• Focus often on individual leaders (e.g., Biden, Trump) over party ideology

Policy-focused politics

• Less emphasis on personal branding; focus on party platforms.
• Charisma matters but lacks celebrity-like appeal.
• Public discourse is more policy-driven, with smaller media spectacles.

Conclusion: how the U.S. system differs from the Portuguese system.

• Federal, presidential system with strong separation of powers.
• President is both head of state and government.
• Divided authority: executive, legislative (Congress), and judicial branches.
• Significant state autonomy.
• Promotes checks and balances but can lead to gridlock and short-term policy focus due to elections and two-party competition.

• Semi-presidential, unitary system.
• The president is head of state with limited powers; Prime Minister handles governance.
• Centralized governance and multi-party system.
• Encourages coalition-building and long-term planning but can slow decision-making.

Which system seems more effective, and why?

Campaign Preparations:

• Candidates from Democrats and Republicans begin their campaigns.
• Formation of campaign teams.

• Nationwide tours to rally support.
• Fundraising efforts.

One Year Before the Elections

At the Start of the Campaigns

• Frequency: Every four years.
• Timing: First Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

Presidential Election