Hi Thomas.

Another part of the Canadian and British (unofficial) systems that I like is that the press have access to the politicians as they enter and exit the parliment chambers. In both places, it is referred to as a scrum for good reason. If a member of pariliment says something in the house that is interesting or controversal the reporters jump on them and bombard them with questions. If that can't back up their views or debate them intelligently, or think on their feet, they are quickly exposed as fools.The scrum isn't necessarily associated with a parlimentary system, but seems to be often associated with them.

A member of parilment can say whatever they want in parliment, and they can't be sued for slander (or is that libel?), but the speaker will request that they apologize if it was particularily offensive. If what a member said is quite obviously false, an opposing member will challenge them to repeat the statement outside of the chamber, where they can be sued. Reporter know this techique and will prode members to repeat any iffy statements outside of the house.

In the US style system, the White House (and the Pentagon) hold press conference, which is more of a lecture than a debate. Just my opinion though.

Another difference between our system is that the prime minister is the leader of the house and the party, so he is much more of a manager than a figure head and in a majority government is also a virtual dictator for X number of year. Having that much power means that he/she can accomplish a lot in a few short years.

>Interesting point!
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>You mean that except for major events and reelection speeches that the President should address questions? If that were the case with the present person residing at our nations highest office, I think you would soon get the impression we have the wrong person for the job! :)
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>Tom
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>>One reason I don't like republics is that you don't get to see the president debate much. In a parilmentary system a Prime Minister is out on floor of the house, debating and speaking off the cuff. You really get a sense of their polices and who they are. If you have to craft and win support for bills, there is little time for black and white politics.