Syfy's Battlestar Galactica, the reboot of the original series of the same name, does not shy away from the complicated and controversial topics of politics, religion, and philosophy. Secretary of Education Laura Roslin is the 43rd person in line to assume the role of President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. It seems an unlikely possibility for her to assume that office until Cylons attack Kobol, kill sitting President Richard Adar, and force the survivors to flee into the outer reaches of space.
After she is sworn in, Roslin learns her new role in a heightened circumstance that only an apocalyptic attack can create. She makes plenty of good decisions, but she makes just as many mistakes that conflict with the principles of democracy.
Great: General Pardon for Cylon Collaborators on New Caprica
After the traitor Gaius Baltar disappears, political activist and terrorist Tom Zarek (played by the original series' Apollo, Richard Hatch) briefly serves as the president. He approves the creation of “The Circle,” a group that plays judge, jury, and executioner for anyone suspected of assisting the Cylon takeover of New Caprica, almost killing the Resistance's secret source Felix Gaeta in the process.
When President Roslin resumes the presidency, she pardons anyone that may have collaborated with the Cylons and establishes a truth commission to reconcile the fleet.
Bad: Using Religion to Determine Policy
Roslin's breast cancer treatment involves chamalla, a drug that appears to produce prophetic visions. This drives her to believe that the Gods are communicating with her to lead the Twelve Colonies to Earth. Commander William Adama questions this, unwilling to sacrifice valuable resources for a quixotic quest.
Roslin’s adamant belief that Earth exists causes her to go behind Adama’s back and ask Starbuck to return to Caprica and seek out the Arrow of Apollo. As soon as Adama learns this, he strips Roslin of her power and sends her to the brig.
Great: Listening to Medical and Military Experts
At the beginning of her presidency, Roslin relies on experts in their fields, albeit with moments of hypocrisy for the sake of television drama. Any time she has to make a decision regarding leadership or executive orders, Roslin consults with military and medical officials before determining a course of action.
One of her first acts as President is placing Adama in charge of military decisions as she focuses on civilian interests. This working relationship is constantly tested by both Adama and Roslin but also builds to mutual respect and an eventual romance.
Bad: Abolishing Pro-Choice Legislature
When a teenaged stowaway seeks out an abortion from Dr. Cottle, it stirs up controversy in the Gemanon community where the girl is from. Roslin herself believes that it should be a woman’s choice whether or not to have children. This is ironic, considering that she once wanted Athena’s half-Cylon/half-human fetus aborted despite Athena’s choice to carry the child to term.
Both Adama and Baltar suggest she rethink her position and issue a ban on abortion practices. If the survivors of the Cylon attack don’t have children, the human race will face extinction. Roslin issues an executive order banning abortion, which Baltar publicly denounces before announcing his presidential run.
Great: Allowing a Fair Trial for Gaius Baltar
After the events on New Caprica, Baltar is captured and imprisoned aboard Galactica. He demands a trial by jury, but instead, he experiences various intimidation and interrogation tactics. From threats of being airlocked to being drugged with a hallucinogenic to reveal any secrets he is hiding, Baltar is effectively tortured.
It’s only when Felix Gaeta attempts to murder Baltar that Roslin agrees a fair trial might be best after all. Whether or not she should have recused herself from the trial as a witness is a different conversation, but she does recognize the importance of the rule of law in a crisis.
Bad: Committing Voter Fraud
Roslin and Baltar go head-to-head in the presidential election, but there is one item list that puts Baltar ahead: a new planet that proves to be hospitable for humans. Roslin argues that this new planet, the future New Caprica, is not the clandestine Earth they’ve been searching for. At best, it would likely be habitable for only a short period of time before its resources are exhausted. Baltar, on the other hand, centers his campaign on settling on this new planet.
Sensing a possible loss, Roslin and her election team including Colonel Tigh, Anastasia Dualla, and Tory Foster falsify ballots that place her in the lead. She almost gets away with it until Gaeta notices inconsistencies in the ballots.
Great: Accepting Gaius Baltar’s Winning Election Results
Adama confronts Roslin about the fraudulent votes and she admits she knows about it. He convinces her that even if Baltar is working with the Cylons, rigging the election in her favor is illegal and she would have to carry the burden of knowing she broke the law. She might be right, but it does not change the fact that democracy favors Baltar.
So Roslin peacefully transfers power over to Gaius Baltar, and Adama quiets any hint of voter fraud. Their consciences remain intact and the people's decision is honored.
Bad: Conspiracy to Assassinate Admiral Cain
Admiral Helena Cain of the Battlestar Pegasus does not have any respect for Adama and Roslin’s leadership, resulting in a fierce standoff between the Pegasus and Galactica. While Cain plots to assassinate Adama during an impending Cylon attack, Roslin encourages Adama to assassinate Cain.
Adama doesn’t go through with it, but the Number Six copy called “Gina” absolves them of that responsibility. Gina murders Cain after suffering severe torture and abuse during her imprisonment. Upon her death, Roslin promotes Adama to the role of admiral.
Great: Stepping Back from Duties Due to Health
Like beloved TV President Jed Bartlett of The West Wing, Laura Roslin enters the office of president knowing that she has a medical condition. Despite a miracle remission through blood transfusion, her cancer returns in full force and her condition begins to deteriorate. This affects her mental and physical well-being, worsening when she discovers that Earth is uninhabitable.
After an attempted coup led by Zarek and Gaeta is squashed, Roslin informs Vice President Lee “Apollo” Adama that he will do most of the heavy lifting. For what time she has left, she's going to focus on living her life.
Bad: Faking the Death of a Child
Athena and Helo’s child, later named Hera, is a major point of contention throughout the series. After all, she is a human-Cylon hybrid, the only tangible plan the Cylons have.
When there's a Cylon threat to abduct the child, a simple solution would involve enhancing protections around Hera. Instead, Roslin insists that Dr. Cottle convince Helo and Athena that their daughter has died and she gives Hera to a childless woman to raise. Even if it was for the greater good, this marks Roslin’s lowest point as a moral and political authority figure.