■ Indicators for legislative strength

One core decision while drafting the institutional part of a constitution focuses on the proper allocation of competences and powers between the three branches of government. Depending on the constitutional tradition of a country or its previous experiences, preferences might tend in the one or other direction. Depending on the system of government a rough decision is already made. Presidential systems tent to establish a strong executive whereas the parliamentary systems do so in favour of the legislature. After having introduced the various systems of government in the previous sub-chapter, this sub-chapter takes the perspective from the single branches of government: What characteristics typify the strength of the one or the other branches. The criteria listed are not meant to be exclusive; instead they should provide some input how the political decision of having a strong legislative / executive / judiciary might be supported. Again, the criteria are to be handled with caution: they are often interlinked with one another and dependent on additional factors.