Real-World Examples of Executive Power in Action

Executive power's true nature reveals itself during crises and decisive moments when leaders must act swiftly, sometimes pushing constitutional boundaries. Examining how different executives have wielded power in practice illuminates both the possibilities and perils of concentrated authority.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a global experiment in executive crisis management. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leveraged parliamentary system advantages to implement world-leading responses. With clear parliamentary majority, she imposed strict lockdowns, closed borders, and mobilized resources without legislative delays. Her daily press conferences built public trust through transparent communication. The fusion of executive and legislative power in Westminster systems enabled swift, coordinated action that eliminated community transmission for extended periods.

Contrast this with President Trump's pandemic response, constrained by American federalism and separation of powers. Trump couldn't order nationwide lockdowns—governors controlled state responses, creating a patchwork of policies. Congress had to approve economic relief measures, delaying and politicizing aid. When Trump claimed "total authority," governors correctly noted constitutional limits on presidential power. The decentralized system prevented unified response but also limited potential authoritarian overreach during crisis.

President Macron's handling of France's Yellow Vest protests demonstrated semi-presidential system dynamics. Facing massive demonstrations against fuel taxes and economic inequality, Macron initially stood firm, using republican guards to maintain order. When protests persisted, he pivoted to a "Grand National Debate," traveling the country for town halls while making economic concessions. His ability to act decisively as president while having Prime Minister Philippe absorb political damage showed how divided executives can manage crises.

Brazil's President Bolsonaro's COVID denialism illustrated executive power's dangers when misused. Despite state governors implementing restrictions, Bolsonaro undermined public health measures, fired health ministers who disagreed, and promoted unproven treatments. Presidential systems' fixed terms meant Brazilians couldn't remove him despite catastrophic death tolls. The episode demonstrated how executive independence designed to ensure stability can enable sustained harmful leadership.

Germany's Chancellor Merkel's 2015 refugee crisis decision exemplified executive leadership transcending normal politics. When millions of Syrian refugees reached Europe, Merkel unilaterally declared "Wir schaffen das" (We can do this), opening Germany's borders. This humanitarian decision, made without parliamentary debate or coalition consultation, transformed European politics. While she maintained power through political skill, the backlash strengthened far-right parties and constrained her successors' options.

The United Kingdom's Brexit process revealed parliamentary system complexities when executives lack clear mandates. Prime Minister Cameron called the referendum but resigned after losing. Successor May negotiated a withdrawal agreement but couldn't get parliamentary approval despite theoretically controlling the chamber. Her weakness forced unprecedented constitutional innovations—indicative votes, prorogation controversies, Supreme Court interventions. Only when Johnson won a decisive majority could the executive finally implement Brexit, demonstrating how parliamentary systems require genuine legislative support.

President Biden's use of executive orders showcased both presidential power and its limits. Facing a closely divided Congress, Biden signed numerous orders reversing Trump policies—rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, ending the Muslim travel ban, mandating masks on federal property. His attempt to forgive student loans by executive action demonstrated aggressive constitutional interpretation. Yet courts blocked some actions, Congress refused to codify others, and Republican states resisted implementation, showing how American federalism constrains even determined presidents.

India's Prime Minister Modi's 2016 demonetization decision demonstrated executive power in the world's largest democracy. Modi suddenly announced invalidation of large currency notes, affecting 86% of cash in circulation. This dramatic move, aimed at corruption and terrorism financing, wasn't debated in parliament or cabinet. The economic disruption was massive, but Modi's political strength let him weather criticism. The episode showed how even parliamentary systems can enable sudden executive action with profound consequences.

Turkey's President Erdoğan's transformation from prime minister to president illustrates how executives can reshape entire systems. Erdoğan used his popularity to change Turkey from a parliamentary to presidential system through a 2017 referendum. As president, he gained power to appoint ministers, issue decrees, and control the judiciary. His response to the 2016 coup attempt—declaring emergency rule, purging thousands of officials, and restricting media—showed how executives can use crises to consolidate authoritarian power within formally democratic systems.

Japan's Prime Minister Abe's collective self-defense reinterpretation demonstrated executive power's subtler forms. Rather than amend Japan's pacifist constitution—requiring difficult supermajorities—Abe simply reinterpreted Article 9 to allow military cooperation with allies. This constitutional change through executive declaration rather than formal amendment process sparked massive protests but proceeded anyway. The episode showed how executives can effectively change fundamental rules through creative interpretation.

South Korea's presidential impeachments revealed executive accountability mechanisms in action. President Park Geun-hye's 2017 removal after corruption revelations showed how presidential systems can remove leaders between elections when misconduct is severe. The process required National Assembly impeachment, Constitutional Court trial, and massive public protests. Yet the system worked—Park was removed, tried, and imprisoned, with peaceful transition to new leadership. This contrasted with failed impeachment attempts elsewhere that lacked similar institutional support and public mobilization.

These examples reveal patterns in executive power across systems. First, crises expand executive authority as publics demand action over deliberation. Second, institutional constraints matter but determined executives often find workarounds. Third, political culture shapes how formal powers are exercised. Fourth, executive success often depends on maintaining coalition support, whether parliamentary or public. Finally, the same executive powers enabling effective governance can facilitate democratic backsliding, making vigilance essential.