Iran

[freediver]

In the US, isn't the leader of the lower house the head of government?

[Guest]

In the US, isn't the leader of the lower house the head of government?

No.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_ ... ted_States

[freediver]

How much power does the leader of the lower house really have in the US? Do potential candidates get any media time in the runup to elections, or do people focus on their local candidates?

[JW Frogen]

How much power does the leader of the lower house really have in the US?

Pelosi controls the legislative agenda in that house, where all spending bills originate.

Power of the purse.

But it all depends on her control of the comittee chairman, her ability to keep the Democratic caucus in line. Unlike parlimentary democracy, any politician in America can cross party lines on any vote at will, so it is a real balancing act.

Still, as a woman, Pelosi needs the lower house to find her pleasure.

[freediver]

Unlike parlimentary democracy, any politician in America can cross party lines on any vote at will, so it is a real balancing act.

Isn't it like that everywhere?

[JW Frogen]

In parliamentary democracy one is expected to vote with the party (if they do not grant a free vote) or pay consequences, if one breaks with them, they can even face deselection.

In the American system, the voters decide directly who is in the party, whether they constantly break with the party on votes or not.

There are all sorts of cross party coalitions in the American system, for instance Southern Democrats (blue dogs) routinely voted against their own party leadership and with Ronald Reagan during the Cold War on military spending issues.

[freediver]

In the American system, the voters decide directly who is in the party

Don't you have to be a party member to vote?

[JW Frogen Popping]

In the American system, the voters decide directly who is in the party

Don't you have to be a party member to vote?

No actually, not in all states, and it is the primary electorate that votes, not the party hiarchy that selects.

[freediver]

So it's sort of like having two elections? Is it only prediential candidates who get elected this way?

I've often wanted to turn up to a Liberal or Labor party meating and discuss some issues, but I can't bring myself to join any of them.

[JW Frogen]

So it's sort of like having two elections? Is it only prediential candidates who get elected this way?

I've often wanted to turn up to a Liberal or Labor party meating and discuss some issues, but I can't bring myself to join any of them.

No, all party members have to win a primary, though some are in such safe districts they might run unopposed.

And the opposite can happen too.

Look at Joe Leiberman, his support for the Iraq war cost him the Dem primary.

So he ran as an Independent in the general election and kicked ass.

Now the Dems have an independent Senator they need to pass legislation.