Pick one or more of the political leaders from the list below (if you are unfamiliar with them, you may want to read the Wikipedia page about them and skim a couple of news articles to familiarize yourself before you make your choice. Read the sources about this person that are available bellow. You are welcome to do additional reading if you choose, but it is not required.
Then answer ONE of the following questions:
- Would you describe this leader as a populist, and why? In what ways is this leader consistent with some of our course readings and discussions about populism? In what ways do they challenge or depart from these sources?
- Would you say that this leader—their behavior in office, their path to office, their personality—exemplifies some of the distinctive qualities of a presidential or parliamentary system? Do you see their presidency as consistent with the “perils of presidentialism”—and if so, why? If they are a prime minister, do you think that the parliamentary system successfully protects against the “perils of presidentialism” in this case? Why or why not?
