ABSTRACT
The manner in which key governing institutions are organized and operate may be relevant for the creation of consolidated democracy. The main dividing lines in this respect are between presidential and parliamentary systems and between majoritarian and consensual forms of government. Here it is also contended that the clarity of powers and rules and procedures may be important as well – failure to specify these clearly in written, authoritative documents creates a situation in which it may be unclear regarding which governmental body has ultimate law-making ability. This situation can, in turn, produce at least three negative outcomes.
