Many Americans are calling for major reform within the US government, prompting a look at how other countries handle their political systems. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a snap general election for July 4, giving political parties a short campaign period. British voters do not directly elect a prime minister but choose members of parliament, with the leader of the majority party automatically becoming prime minister.
India, another parliamentary system like the UK, conducts its elections over many weeks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term, transforming his reputation from reformer to divisive nationalist over the years. In Mexico, the president can only serve a single six-year term, leading to a new election where voters will choose between two younger women candidates rather than two older male candidates like in the US.
Mexico also has term limits for Supreme Court justices, unlike the US where justices serve for life without term limits. This difference allows for more turnover on the court and prevents justices from holding biased opinions that may influence their decisions. The US Supreme Court has been a topic of debate in recent years, with calls for term limits and changes to the number of justices to prevent any potential bias or undue influence.
In the US, there is a lack of political will to change the Supreme Court system, despite potential avenues for reform. Congress could impose term limits or change the number of justices on the court, as done in the UK in 2005. However, the current US system heavily favors Republicans, making any substantial changes unlikely in the near future. Other cautionary tales from countries like Russia, China, and El Salvador highlight the importance of protecting democratic processes and preventing leaders from consolidating power.
Despite the differences in political systems, all countries face challenges and opportunities for reform. While the US may not currently have major political momentum for changing its system, other countries have successfully implemented reforms to their political structures. As the world continues to evolve, it is essential for citizens to engage in the political process and advocate for changes that promote democracy and prevent abuses of power.
