Practice question · Multiple choice
In a semi-presidential regime, the president and the prime minister can come from opposing parties, producing cohabitation. What underlying institutional feature makes this possible, and what does it expose about the distribution of authority?
Hints
- Where does each head of the executive derive their mandate to govern?
- Can the assembly dissolve an independently elected president at will?
Show the answer
C. A split executive origin produces competing bases of authority
Why
Cohabitation arises because the president and the assembly are elected independently, generating distinct sources of legitimacy. It shows that dual executives can fragment executive power when opposing coalitions control the presidency and the legislative majority.
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