The second sentence

Last blog was about the first sentence in my quest to understand Ukranian politics. This one is about the second, and how the Ukranian system relates to our Canadian one.

These infamous sentences are found at http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/politics.htm

"Ukraine has a parliamentary-presidential system of government with separate executive, judicial, and legislative branches." (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/ukraine/politics.htm)

This contrasts Canada's monarchy parliament.

In both countries, the Prime Minister is responsible for the day-today workings of the country. In the Ukraine, these decisions can be vetoed by the President. However recently the supreme powers of Ukranian presidency have been shared with the Prime Minister. There is also a lot of Russian influence - exactly what or how is not clear.

In Canada, the Governor General (who represents the Queen), gives their opinion on some matters and it is in the best interest of our country to abide by what is suggested.

I would highly recommend you consult the following site about more details concerning Canadian politics:http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=ces&document=index&lang=e

It is a very useful aid for understanding how government works our own country and can better understand the differences faced in Ukraine.

To date, a few of the important differences I see between the two systems are the outside influence and the degree of transparency. In Canada, the leading party has the opposition and the Queen/Governor General to keep them acting in good faith. Transparency plays a huge role in this because, since the finances are available to the people and since the public is allowed a certain amount of time to oppose a bill, it allows the engagement of those who choose to be engaged. The Ukraine seems much more opaque in its inner workings and so it's inner working don't seem to be working - not to better the community or the public at least.

Today, I was speaking with a friend who is Ukranian. He came to Canada from the Ukraine when he was 3 and doesn't know much about it, except that it's not a happy place to grow up. (That seems to be the trend.) He mentioned that they finally had a good leader a few years ago but that the leader was poisoned and killed by a Russian opposition.

This and stories of war from other countries have made me wonder: What makes democracy work? Why are we doing okay in Canada while others are clearly not?

According to the government of Canada Website, democracy works when people believer it works. 

"Democracy does not implement itself, nor does it remain strong and healthy without underlying values and a firm will to apply and enforce them. Democracy is much more than holding elections. However, free and fair elections are one of its fundamental conditions.
Over time, Canadians have come to trust the outcome of elections as truly reflecting their collective will without political interference. Political parties and candidates entering the political arena have also learned they can respect the fairness of the electoral process. Together, these conditions contribute to a meaningful and peaceful environment for elections and a lively and long-lasting democracy."
http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=ces&document=index&lang=e

When all the players respect the system, and trust that the best (or at least the one that can best represent the public) will prevail. This must be a difficult concept to grasp in a culture that's used to a dictatorship (and for leaders who are used to dictating). They could make the argument that the public doesn’t know what's best and, based on that argument, it would be difficult to lay the power into the public's hands. According to the Canadian government, believing in the democratic model makes easier to risk and share the power.

Sometimes, I really just wish communism would work.

The reality is, though, that concrete examples of successful democracy are more apparent than other systems (eg. my family and I life in safe homes, receive good education, and have the resources they need). Hopefully Canada will continue in the right direction and Ukraine will follow suit.

Next up: a brief history of Ukranian politics. After all, it's difficult to tell where they're (I refuse to use the word "we" quite yet) headed when we don't know where they came from.