Comp Gov: Chapter 4 - Political Institutions

Institutions

the executive and bureaucracy, legislature, and judiciary

Executive

The chief power in a state, usually the president or prime minister

Legislature

A group of lawmakers that passes laws and represents citizens

Judiciary

The system of courts that interpret the law and apply it to individual cases

Parliamentary system

A system in which the executive and legislature are fused

Prime Minister (PM)

The head of government in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system; in a parliamentary system, they are a member of the legislature and selected by the majority party

Coalition government

When two or more parties agree to work together to form a majority and select a prime minister

Member of Parliament (MP)

A representative in the legislature elected by citizens

Vote of No Confidence

A vote by parliament to remove a government (the prime minister and cabinet) from power

Presidential system

A system in which the executive and legislature are elected independently and have separate and independent powers

Separation of powers

A division of power among the major branches of government

Divided government

when one or both houses of the legislature are controlled by a political party other than the party of the president

Semi-presidential system

A system that divides executive power between a directly elected president and a prime minister; needs spelled-out power in order to work properly

Term limit

A restriction on the number of terms the executive may serve

Term of office

A specified number of years that an executive can serve

Impeachment

The process of removing a president from office before the end of his or her term

Cabinet

The heads of major departments, or ministries, in the bureaucracy

Legislative oversight

The power of the legislature to hold cabinet officials and members of the bureaucracy accountable for their actions and policies

Unicameral legislature

A legislature with one chamber

Common law

A legal system in which previous written opinions serve as precedents for future cases

Code law

A legal system in which judges follow the law written by the legislature, and previous court decisions do not serve as precedent

Judicial independence

The abilities of judges to decide cases according to the law, free of interference from politically powerful officials or other institutions

Jobs of the Head of State

Authorized to speak on behalf of their country and represent it; Serve as public face of the country; Negotiate treaties; Convey diplomatic recognition; Serve as commander-in-chief

Jobs of the Head of Government

Implement the nation's laws and policies; the power to submit a program of policies to the legislature, including the national budget

Advantages of term limits

Prevent an executive from consolidating too much power, personalizing rule, and becoming a dictator; when in their final term, they can focus on governing instead of campaigning; ensure that voters have an opportunity to elect a different executive with new policy goals; may prevent unrest

Disadvantages of term limits

They prevent popular executives from being reelected; reduce policy continuity; may rush to pass policies at the end of the term

Bureaucracy in parliamentary systems

Cabinet members hold seats in the legislature and are usually chosen from the leadership of the majority party coalition

Bureaucracy in presidential systems

The executive can appoint his/her own cabinet members or secretaries, subject to confirmation by the legislature; once appointed, cabinet heads serve at the president's pleasure, and the legislature can interfere only minimally with their daily activities

Advantages of a unicameral legislature

Policies are passed more quickly and efficiently; Less compromise is required to pass legislation; There is less political competition

Disadvantages of a unicameral legislature

• There is less deliberation on important decisions and legislation; It lacks intra-branch checks for the legislature; Laws can pass without careful consideration

Advantages of a bicameral legislature; Each house has different powers, which increases checks and balances; Policymaking is more deliberative, resulting in more effective policy being passed; Each house has a different constituency so there is increased representation of different interests

Disadvantages of a bicameral legislature

When the houses are controlled by different parties, gridlock may delay policy-making; Because the process to pass legislation is longer and more complicated, it can lead to inefficiency; More expensive to have two houses

Independent leglislatures

Have the power of bureaucratic oversight

Bureaucratic oversight

The power to remove the executive from office before the end of his/her term

What is the role of the judiciary?

To decide cases based on law and interpret law (especially the constitution)

Judicial system structure

May include different levels, such as trial courts, appellate courts, and a supreme court

Tenures in judiciary systems

May serve long terms, mandate retirement, or serve for life