Have you ever wondered why our government is so different from that of our southern neighbor and closest ally, the United States of America? Both the United States and Canada are considered democratic nations, but the United States follows a presidential system, while we here in the great white north follow a Westminster parliamentary system. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Each system has benefits for both the people and the government itself. One side ensures a more stable government, while the other offers more space for debate on controversial issues. All types of political democracy have a number of things in common, but most importantly, the government is elected by the people, for the people. In a parliamentary system like Canada's, the government is formed by the largest party in the legislature. In this type of structure, if necessary, the incumbent government and its prime minister can easily be ousted by parliament with a vote of no confidence. On the other hand, in a presidential system the head of government (who is also the head of state) can only be removed from office through impeachment, a harsh test compared to the forced resignation of a Prime Minister. This allows for much more effective government, since when a particular government is no longer able to pass legislation in a reasonable and timely manner, an election must be held. It will then be possible to establish new and effective leadership, with the overall and long-term result of a generally more stable government. In both systems, both being democratic, the members of the government are elected by the people, but in very different ways. One elects the president in one election and his representatives in another, while on the other... middle of the paper... Co-proration. What is the difference between a parliamentary and presidential system of government? December 11, 2013. Government of Canada. Canadian elections. 10 December 2013 .Parliamentary or presidential systems of government? 2007. 11 December 2013. farris3. Comparative politics: parliamentary democracy vs. presidential. December 11, 2013 .Reznick, Gabriel. The Canadian parliamentary system and the US presidential system. December 11th 2013 .