Presidential institutions and democracy : the political economy of succession and term limits

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the logic of succession and term limits in all presidential regimes (1975-2005). The aim is to describe presidential tenure institutions and succession strategies and outcomes, to explain these outcomes, and analyze their implications on democracy. The question of limited tenure is one of the oldest questions in political science, dating back to Hamilton and Jefferson. I evaluate their normative arguments by examining presidential succession, term limits and the observance using original data collected on 373 presidents from 1975-2005. I find that limited tenure is fundamentally important for the health of democracy becausc it prevents dictatorial takeover.