The advantage of a parliamentary democracy

Lowering the Bar writes:

As many of you know, one of my chief focuses as an academic is the separation of powers and that I hold a robust view of legislative authority under Article I. Indeed, I view the erosion of legislative authority in the United States to be one of the most dangerous trends in our country. That is why I noticed a story out of New Zealand where the Prime Minister John Key was actually tossed out of Parliament for not adhering to the rules of the body. It was an incredible moment at a time where executive powers are being consolidated around the world. For those who still believe in equal legislative power in a tripartite system, it was a rare contemporary assertion of independent authority.

Further:

That is an important function, because Question Time can be a raucous affair. I think Americans find it very entertaining (I know I do) because we are saddled with a Congress that now debates almost nothing—mostly reading stuff into the record in an empty chamber—and the only time the President addresses Congress directly is the semi-regal and incredibly dull State of the Union Address. I personally think presidents shouldhave to go over there every so often and answer questions hurled at them by the opposition, complete with the jeering by both sides that punctuates Question Time

Question Time is imperfect but it is an opportunity for a good Opposition to hold the Government and Prime Minister to account.

That seems much healthier to me than a system where the president only shows up once a year, and then parades in and reads a speech like some monarch addressing subjects from a balcony.

I agree.