ap cogo executive & legistlative systems

Assembly of Experts

An elected body in Iran that appoints and oversees the Supreme Leader

Bureaucracy

Administrative apparatus that implements government policy and services, often non-elected but essential for maintaining governance

Cabinet

Body composed of the top advisers to the executive branch, overseeing specific government ministries and assisting in implementing laws

Chamber of Deputies (Mexico)

The lower house of Mexico’s Congress, responsible for initiating revenue legislation and overseeing the budget

Central Committee

A body of 300 in China’s Communist Party that directs policy between Party Congress meetings and elects members of the Politburo and Standing Committee

Central Military Commission (China)

The highest military body in China, overseeing the People's Liberation Army and headed by China’s president

Duma (Russia)

The lower house of Russia’s Federal Assembly, responsible for passing laws and approving the prime minister

Expediency Council (Iran)

An advisory body in Iran that resolves conflicts between the Majles and Guardian Council

Federation Council (Russia)

The upper house of Russia’s Federal Assembly, which represents regional interests and reviews laws passed by the Duma

House of Commons (UK)

The lower house of the UK Parliament that holds primary legislative power and oversees the executive

House of Lords (UK)

The upper house of the UK Parliament, which can suggest amendments and delay bills

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

Iran’s military tasked with protecting the country’s Islamic system, often involved in politics, security, and economy

Majles (Iran)

The elected legislature in Iran responsible for passing laws, though legislation must be approved by the Guardian Council

Mexican Senate

The upper house of Mexico’s Congress that reviews and approves laws passed by the Chamber of Deputies

Monarch

A hereditary ruler, often serving as the ceremonial head of state in a constitutional monarchy

National People’s Congress (China)

China’s national legislature, which formally enacts laws and approves the country’s leadership, though real power lies with the Communist Party

Parliamentary System

A system of government where the executive is derived from the legislative branch, and the head of government is usually a prime minister

Politburo

A small group of 24 top officials in the Communist Party of China that sets major policy decisions, including economic and political directions

Premier (China)

The head of government in China, responsible for overseeing the State Council and managing economic and domestic policies

President (China)

Head of state in China with authority over military and foreign policy, often concurrently the General Secretary of the Communist Party

President (Mexico)

The head of state & government in Mexico, responsible for both executive and ceremonial duties, and has significant control over national policy

President (Nigeria)

Nigeria’s head of state and head of government, commander in chief, responsible for domestic and foreign policy

Question Time

A parliamentary session where members of the legislature can question the head of government or other ministers about their policies and decisions

Senate (Nigeria)

The upper house of Nigeria’s National Assembly, which reviews legislation passed by the House of Representatives

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from dominating the others

Standing Committee (China)

A key decision-making body of 7 in the National People's Congress in China, overseeing legislative activities between full congress sessions

Supreme Leader (Iran)

Iran’s religious leader with supreme authority over all political and religious matters, controlling the military and key government decisions

Vote of No Confidence

A parliamentary procedure to remove a prime minister or head of government if the majority of members withdraw their support

Presidential System

A system of government where the president serves as the head of state and head of government, separate from the legislature

Semi-Presidential System

A system of government where both a president and prime minister share executive authority, often with the president managing foreign affairs and the prime minister handling domestic policy