In the wake of the Arab Spring, this paper looks at the implications of choosing a semi-presidential system of government. The paper discusses the historical origins, structure, and corresponding distribution of power in a semi-presidential system. The paper then provides the pros and cons of adopting the semi-presidential system, and canvasses some of the conditions precedent for the success and/or failure of the semi-presidential system. The paper ends with a look at Portugal as a case study on the semi-presidential model.

The primer describes the nature and purpose of the presidential veto is and why it is frequently included as an executive power and important component of executive/legislative checks and balances. &nbspIt also describes drawbacks to the veto power and describes different design options and considerations.

This primer explores the ranges of roles and responsibilities that are sometimes assigned to a non-executive (symbolic) president in a parliamentary system.&ampnbsp This is different from a "hybrid" system of government where a president and prime-minister each have substantial power.&ampnbsp The primer also examines the election and tenure of non-executive presidents and provides examples of countries that incorporate a non-executive president.