Imagine that a large earthquake hits North America. The earthquake’s epicenter is exactly on the border between the United States and Canada between Seattle and Vancouver. The towns and cities closest to the epicenter and in both countries are severely damaged.
Based on what you have learned in this class and any additional research made, which country (the United States with its presidential system of democracy or Canada with its parliamentary system of democracy) will be more effective at addressing the crisis? Explain your answer.

In the event of an eventual natural catastrophe affecting both Canada and the United States, the American government would be more effective in its immediate response to the event. This is because America has a presidential system, where the President of the United States has the entire executive power under his command, which means that he has greater freedom of action than the Prime Minister of parliamentary governments such as Canada. Thus, for example, a President can issue executive orders to give quick responses to certain problematic situations, while a Prime Minister must have the support of Parliament, which requires more time.