AP Comparitive Government Unit 2

Parliamentary System

Executive power is vested in the parliament or a prime minister who is accountable to the parliament. Head of State usually is a figure head with limited power.

Presidential System

Executive power is vested in the president, who is elected by the people. In this system, the president is Head of State and Government.

Cabinet

An advisory body sometimes control executive departments and/or control government policy, nearly always made up of members of the executive branch.

Head of State

Represents a nation in ceremonial functions. In some governments, this individual can also have formal powers to shape foreign policy

Head of Government

The executive leader or chief executive. Responsible for formulating, implementing, and executing policies through a cabinet and/or various government agencies

Prime Minister

The leader of the executive branch in a parliamentary system. They serve as the Head of Government and are typically voted in by a majority of parliament.

Semi-Presidential System

Executive power is shared between a president and prime minister. A combination between Presidential and Parliamentary system.

Censure

is an official reprimand, usually for unacceptable behavior, that can have consequences for a politician's career.

Commander in Chief

The top governmental official in charge of military decisions

Central Military Commission (C)

the highest national defense organization in the People's Republic of China, which heads the People's Liberation Army, the People's Armed Police, and the Militia of China

General Secretary of the CCP (C)

The head of the Chinese Communist Party, typically the same person that holds the title of president

Premier of the NPC (C)

Head of Government formally appointed by the president. Always held by a member of the Standing Committee and directs State Council

Civil Service

refers to the body of government employees who are hired based on their qualifications and merit rather than their political affiliations or connections

Supreme Leader (I)

the highest-ranking political and religious authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran; head of State

Expediency Council (I)

a governmental institution in the Islamic Republic of Iran, role is to resolve disputes between the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) and the Guardian Council. Also, advise the Supreme Leader.

Guardian Council (I)

a 12-member body that is responsible for ensuring that all laws passed by the Majlis are in accordance with Islamic principles and the Iranian Constitution

Bureaucracy

refers to the administrative structures and procedures that execute government policies, implementing and enforcing laws and regulations, often exhibiting characteristics such as hierarchy, specialization, and formalized rules

Coalition

refers to a temporary alliance formed between two or more political parties or interest groups with the aim of achieving common goals, such as gaining legislative power, forming a government, or advancing specific policy agendas within a particular political system or context

Executive Term Limits

refers to the maximum number of terms or years that an individual can serve as the head of state or government in a country

Lame-duck Period

refers to the time period between the end of an elected official's term in office and the inauguration of their successor

Unicameral

This is a legislative system in which there is only one chamber or house of parliament. Examples of countries with unicameral systems include Denmark, Greece, and Hungary

Bicameral

This is a legislative system in which there are two chambers or houses of parliament. The two chambers usually have different functions and powers. Examples of countries with bicameral systems include the United States, India, and Australia

National People’s Congress (C)

refers to the highest legislative body in the Chinese government system, responsible for enacting laws, amending the constitution, overseeing governmental work, and electing key officials, although its decisions are largely influenced by the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC)

Majles (I)

refers to the legislative body in Iran, officially known as the Islamic Consultative Assembly. It is a unicameral parliament responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the actions of the executive branch

Sharia Law (I)

refers to the Islamic legal framework that serves as the basis for legislation and governance, influencing various aspects of Iranian society and jurisprudence.

Chamber of Deputies (M)

is composed of 500 deputies, who are elected for a three-year term

Senate (M)

is composed of 128 senators, two for each state and two for Mexico City, who are elected for a six-year term

Senate (N)

is the upper chamber of the National Assembly and consists of 109 members

House of Representatives (N)

is the lower chamber of the National Assembly and consists of 360 members

Duma (R)

the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia and consists of 450 members who are elected for a term of five years

Federation Council (R)

the upper house of the Federal Assembly of Russia and consists of 170 members

House of Commons (UK)

the lower house of the UK Parliament, consisting of 650 elected members of parliament (MPs)

House of Lords (UK)

the upper house of the UK Parliament, consisting of around 800 members

legislative independence

When a legislative body is free from external influence and control, particularly from the executive branch of government

Politburo Standing Committee (C)

the top decision-making body within the Communist Party of China, comprising the highest-ranking officials who wield significant influence over the country's policies, appointments, and major initiatives

Standing Committee of the NPC (C)

is composed of the chairman, vice-chairmen, secretary-general, and members, who are elected by the NPC

Rule by Law

The fundamental opposite of Rule of Law, instead this term refers to the instrumental use of law as a tool of political power

Common Law (UK)

Originated in England and spread to other countries, including the United States. Based on legal precedents established by previous court decisions. Judges have a significant role in interpreting the law and determining the outcome of cases.

Judicial Independence

A system of courts that are free from external influence or control, and are able to make decisions based solely on the law and the facts presented in a case. Examples are UK, Mexico, and Nigeria