AP Comp Gov Unit 3 Political Systems

What is a Political Institution?

Organizations in states that create, maintain/enforce, and apply laws.

What is a presidential system?

A system where the presidents is both the head of government and the head of state. (Nigeria, Mexico).

What is a parliamentary system?

A system where the powers of head of state and head of government reside in two separate people. (United Kingdom).

What is a semi-presidential system?

A system where a president works alongside a prime minister and a cabinet. (Russia).

Benefits of a presidential system?

* President is directly elected by the people for a fixed amount of time.
* Strong separation of power

Drawbacks to a presidential system?

* president can’t be replaced until an election
* the separation of powers can divide the government.

Benefits to a parliamentary system?

* More effiecient because of a unified executive

Drawbacks to a parliamentary system?

* weak separation of powers
* there are often unrepresented voters
* there is weak control held over elected officials

Benefits to a semi-presidential system?

* centralized power in a presidential office

Drawbacks to a semi-presidential system?

* This system can be used to dismantle a democracy.

Who are the executive officials in the United Kingdom?

The King (Charles III), and the Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)

How long do the British executives serve?

The monarch serves for life and the prime minister serves for five years (unless they lose or give up the ministership)

How can the British executives be removed from office?

PM: vote of no confidence

M: can’t really be removed, but can leave office

Who are the executive officials in Mexico?

the president (Andrés Manuel López Obrador).

How long do the Mexican executive(s) serve?

1 six-year term

How can the Mexican executive(s) be removed from office?

* can be impeached
* removed after their term

Who are the executive officials in Nigeria?

the president (Muhammadu Buhari).

How long do the Nigerian executive(s) serve?

Up to 8 years, or 2 four-year terms.

How can the Nigerian executive(s) be removed from office?

* they can be impeached (no one has been)
* not getting reelected.

Who are the executive officials in Russia?

the president (Vladimir Putin), and the premier (Mikhail Mishustin).

How long do the Russian executive(s) serve?

No one knows, because Putin messed with it.

How can the Russian executive(s) be removed from office?

* their term ending
* the premier can be removed by the president, and reelected by the Duma
* death
* elections

Who are the executive officials in Iran?

The Supreme Leader and the President

How long do the Iranian executive(s) serve?

SL: for life

P: 2 four-year terms (8yrs max)

How can the Iranian executive(s) be removed from office?

* Supreme leader can’t

President:

* elections
* death
* term limits

Who are the executive officials in China?

the President and the Premier

How long do the Chinese executive(s) serve?

Premier: two 5-year terms (10yrs max)

President: 5 years max

How can the Chinese executive(s) be removed from office?

* elections
* death
* term limits

What is the legislative structure of the United Kingdom?

Bicameral (House of Lords and House of Commons).

What is the legislative structure of Mexico?

Bicameral (Chamber of Deputies, Senate).

What is the legislative structure of Nigeria?

Bicameral (House of Representatives, Senate).

What is the legislative structure of Russia?

Bicameral (Federal Assembly, the Duma).

What is the legislative structure of Iran?

Unicameral (the Mijales).

What is the legislative structure of China?

Unicameral (The National People’s Congress).

What does the UK’s legislature do?

* makes laws
* consider public policy
* hold government (executive) accountable
* elect P.M.

What does Mexico’s legislature do?

* Pass laws
* levy taxes
* confirm elections
* confirm judiciaries
* approve treaties

What does Nigeria’s legislature do?

* makes laws
* impeach the president if necessary
* do law-making body stuff

What does Russia’s legislature do?

* approve laws
* propose legislation
* presidential veto (2/3rds)
* approve the premier

What does Iran’s legislature do?

* pass laws
* remove cabinet members
* oversee the federal budget

What does China’s legislature do?

* pass laws
* amend the constitution
* elect the president and premier

Why is an independent legislature necessary to be considered democratic?

* less room for bias
* less likely for a regime change
* the legislature is stronger

Judicial structure of the UK?

3 systems (Ireland; Scotland; England and Wales), 1 supreme court

Judicial structure of Mexico?

the Federal Judiciary Council (7 people, 1 president), and the Supreme Court (11 justices)

Judicial structure of Nigeria?

1 supreme court and a few Islamic Sharia courts.

Judicial structure of Russia?

1 supreme court with 115 members.

Judicial structure of Iran?

A very religious supreme court, (42 positions, 5yr terms)

Judicial structure of China?\`

Multilevel court, (most judges are CCP members, and the court has a president).

Is the UK’s judicial branch independent?

Yes, but it isn’t very powerful.

Is Mexico’s judicial branch independent?

Yes, and it’s gaining more independence.

Is Nigeria’s judicial branch independent?

It’s relatively independent, (6/10)

Is Russia’s judicial branch independent?

Independent but very corrupt and very super silly.

Is Iran’s judicial branch independent?

No because the Supreme Leader has the final say

Is China’s judicial branch independent?

not independent at all. (Rule by law)

Who is in power in China?

The Chinese Communist Party

National Party Congress

* meets every 5 years to elect new members etc.
* is their legislative branch

Which has more power: institutions or the state?

Institutions (like the CCP).

Where do checks and balances come from?

the hierarchical ranking of the CCP

Who are the elected officials in Iran?

* Assembly of experts
* the President
* Parliament