Systems of Government - Semi-Presidential Models

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.