Democracies exist in many forms around the world. While the United States and United Kingdom are often cited as examples, democracies vary between countries based on cultural norms. The US has a presidential system while the UK uses a parliamentary system, demonstrating different approaches to democratic governance. Comparing democratic systems can provide insight into how other governments function and perspective on one's own country.

1. Democracies Around the World
The United States does not have a monopoly on democracy.
Democratic governance is flourishing in other nations around
the world. Not all democracies are alike, however. Citizens
adapt democratic governance to meet their local needs and
conform to their cultural mores. The United Kingdom and the
United States are held up as leading examples of democratic
governance. Both nations are long established and robust, yet
each approaches democratic governance differently. The United
Kingdom has a parliamentary government, while the United
States has a presidential government. Comparing and
contrasting different approaches to democratic governance is an
excellent way for you to increase your knowledge of how other
governments work and at the same time gain new insights into
how you are governed in your own country.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the article “Duration of Party Control in Parliamentary
and Presidential Governments: A Study of 65 Democracies,
1950 to 1998” in this week’s Learning Resources. Take note of
similarities and differences between parliamentary and
presidential governments.
Review the article “Economic Development and Democracy” in
this week’s Learning Resources. Focus on the comparisons
made between development and democracy. Consider how the
information in this article might inform a comparison between
nations.
Peruse the Internet for official government websites of nations
around the world. Identify at least two nations, other than your
home nation, that have forms of democracy and browse the
website for each.
Focus on the specific form of democracy that exists in the
nations you identified.
Consider the similarities and differences between each of the
governments and with the United States, paying particular
attention to types of governing bodies (i.e., Senate, Parliament,

2. House of Lords) within each government, which bodies are
responsible for day-to-day government operations, and which
are involved in developing or implementing public policy.
Think about similarities and differences between the three
countries and then between them and the United States in terms
of governance and public policy.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 4
a brief description of democracy in the nations you selected.
Explain the similarities and differences of democracy in this
nation(s) with democracy in the United States in terms of
governance and public policy. Alternatively, you may explain
the similarities and differences of democracy in 2 of the 3
nations you studied. Also, share at least one insight you gained
and/or conclusion you drew based on your comparison.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific
references to the Learning Resources.