Presidential Prime Ministers

In the past we have had Prime Ministers with many different styles of leadership; some have been criticised for surrounding themselves with "yes men" and steamrollering their colleagues. By appointing loyal and grateful politicians to cabinet positions, PMs can reinforce their own power, undermine collective cabinet government and become more presidential.

Interactive Democracy introduces a different power balance. This power is much more immediate than in a Parliamentary Democracy that is dominated by infrequent General Elections and it can be wielded precisely on specific issues. At any time the electorate will be able to call for a change of government, sack individual ministers or call for a change of government policy. This counter balances presidential power.

The ID system may be less appealing to egotistical Prime Ministers who want to exert their will, because much of Parliamentary business will be driven by voters. However, the public can still have a Presidential PM, if that is what the majority wants: they can vote in a Presidential figure and allow him or her to set the agenda.