This House Holds That . . .

Americans hold presidential elections on a specified date every four years. British national elections are held at least every five years, but at a time selected by the current Prime Minister. This go-around, elections for President and Prime Minister are likely to occur within months of each other and the impact on Anglo-American relations could be important. But timing is not the only difference. It takes nearly three months to seat the new President and even longer to fill his cabinet and hundreds of high-level posts. The Prime Minister takes office within weeks of the election fully staffed with an experienced "shadow cabinet". The people elect the President, the Parliamentary party chooses the Prime Minister. American elections take two years... British elections take two months. Campaign finance and funding also differ. Which system is most efficient? Which results in greater accountability? Does either system impact voter turnout or cynicism? Can we learn something from each other and, perhaps, improve both? This spirited debate is not only timely, but features experienced, truly informed and involved leaders who will inform, enlighten and entertain.