Coalitional Dynamics in Presidential Systems

In contrast to initial expectations, a recent literature has identified coalition formation as being almost as common in presidential systems as in parliamentary systems. However, few studies have analyzed the dynamics of coalition governments in presidential democracies. In this dissertation, I address these dynamics, which include government formation, government breakdown, and policy monitoring between coalition partners. Three questions are answered in this dissertation: What explains the variation in the advantage of the president’s party with regards to the allocation of ministerial posts? Why and when do presidential coalition members monitor policies being implemented by their partners? Under what conditions are cabinet coalition terminations more likely to occur in presidential systems? My answers to these questions provide important insights into the fundamental differences between presidential and parliamentary forms of government