Systems of presidential elections. Some theoretical issues

The main purpose of the article was to present some remarks on various systems of presidential elections adopted by contemporary democracies. With some simplification, we can say there are three basic systems: 1) general election based on common electoral law, 2) election by chambers of a parliament, 3) election by a special organ. All the above-mentioned systems are deeply connected with political, social and historical circumstances and backgrounds proper to a particular country. They involve various consequences for political systems and perception of the office by a nation. However, it is supposed that general elections based on common law do lead to strong legal and political position of the president. There are also some other factors which cause that these relations are rather complex. The systems discussed are also analyzed in context of the principle of sovereignty of a nation and of the principle of separation of powers. Moreover, some remarks and comments related to the situation in Poland and in other countries of Central and Eastern Europe are presented.Digitalizacja i deponowanie archiwalnych zeszytów RPEiS sfinansowane przez MNiSW w ramach realizacji umowy nr 541/P-DUN/201