AP Comparative Government Unit 2: Institutions and Democratization

What is democratization?

The process through which a country becomes more democratic.

Define democratic transition.

The process of moving from authoritarian rule toward democracy.

Democratic consolidation

When democratic institutions become firmly established and political leaders and citizens accept democratic rules.

What is democratic backsliding?

The weakening of democratic institutions, rights, and freedoms.

liberal democracy

A democracy with free and fair elections, civil liberties, individual rights, and the rule of law.

illiberal democracy

A country that holds elections but restricts individual rights, weakens checks and balances, or limits political opposition.

Define authoritarian government.

A government in which power is concentrated in a leader or small group and political competition is restricted.

How did democratization occur in the United Kingdom?

The UK gradually expanded voting rights and political representation over centuries, developing into a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch.

What is the rule of law?

Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.

What does a free press ensure?

Media can report on and criticize the government.

Define civil liberties.

Individual freedoms, including speech, religion, and assembly.

What is accountability in government?

Government leaders must explain their actions and can be held responsible.

What does separation of powers refer to?

Government authority is divided among different branches.

What are checks and balances?

Institutions limit and monitor one another's power.

What is judicial independence?

Courts make decisions without improper political interference.

What are political institutions?

Organizations and rules through which government power is exercised.

What is the role of the executive branch?

Enforces laws and carries out government policy.

What does the legislature do?

Debates, creates, and passes laws.

What is the function of the judiciary?

Interprets laws and resolves legal disputes.

Define judicial review.

The power of courts to review laws or government actions for constitutionality.

What is legislative oversight?

The legislature monitors the executive through hearings, investigations, and budget reviews.

What is a rubber-stamp legislature?

A legislature that mostly approves decisions made by the ruling party or executive.

What defines a presidential system?

The president leads the executive and is separate from the legislature.

What is a parliamentary system?

The prime minister leads the government and depends on legislative support.

What is a semi-presidential system?

A system where a president and prime minister share executive responsibilities.

What are the advantages of a presidential system?

Separation of powers can limit concentrated authority; a president provides leadership for a fixed term.

What are the disadvantages of a presidential system?

Conflict between the president and legislature can cause gridlock; removing an ineffective president can be difficult.

What are the advantages of a parliamentary system?

The executive and legislative majority can cooperate efficiently; a prime minister can be replaced without waiting for a fixed term.

What are the disadvantages of a parliamentary system?

The government may collapse if it loses legislative support; a dominant majority party can exercise considerable power.

What is a coalition government?

Multiple political parties cooperate to form a government.

What is a confidence vote?

A vote determining whether a government retains legislative support.

What is impeachment?

A formal process for accusing and potentially removing certain officials; it does not automatically remove them.

What is the role of the prime minister in the UK government?

The prime minister leads the government.

What must the government maintain to stay in power in the UK?

The government must maintain Parliament's confidence.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A legislature with two chambers.

What is a unicameral legislature?

A legislature with one chamber.

What are the two chambers of the UK Parliament?

House of Commons and House of Lords.

What is the House of Commons?

The elected lower chamber central to forming the government and holding it accountable.

What is the House of Lords?

The upper chamber, primarily appointed, that reviews and revises legislation.

What happens if a UK government loses a confidence vote?

The prime minister may have to resign or seek an election.

What is the structure of the legislature in Mexico?

Bicameral: Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

What is the structure of the legislature in Nigeria?

Bicameral: Senate and House of Representatives.

What is the structure of the legislature in Russia?

Bicameral: State Duma and Federation Council.

What is the structure of the legislature in China?

Unicameral: National People's Congress (NPC).

What is the structure of the legislature in Iran?

Unicameral: Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles).

What are the main functions of a legislature?

Law-making, budget approval, representation, executive oversight, and accountability.

Why is judicial independence important?

It protects individual rights, upholds the rule of law, and limits government abuse of power.

What is judicial review?

The process of reviewing laws or government actions for constitutionality.

What is constitutional review?

Examining whether laws or government actions comply with the constitution.

What is the significance of judicial appointment?

It is the process by which judges are selected.

What does life tenure mean in the context of judges?

A judge generally serves for life, subject to applicable legal conditions.

What is de jure independence?

Independence

What is de facto independence?

Independence in actual practice.

What is the common-law system?

A legal system where law develops partly through judicial decisions and precedent.

What is the role of the Supreme Court in the UK?

It serves as the highest court of appeal for most UK legal matters.

What is the relationship between judicial independence and political influence in Mexico?

The relationship remains important despite constitutional judicial review.

What reforms have been made in Mexico's judiciary?

Judicial amendments and reforms have changed how judges are selected, including introducing judicial elections.

How does the judiciary in Nigeria support the rule of law?

It exercises judicial review and attempts to improve legitimacy and independence.

How are Supreme Court justices appointed in the United States?

Through a constitutional process involving the president and Senate confirmation.

What are the main challenges to judicial independence in Nigeria?

Corruption, political pressure, and resource limitations.

What is the role of the Constitutional Court in Russia?

It has constitutional-review powers but does not consistently check the other branches of government.

How many justices are on the Russian Constitutional Court?

11 justices.

What is a key limitation of the Chinese judicial system?

It is subordinate to the political leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.

What is the main function of Iran's judiciary?

To enforce a legal system based on Islamic law, including Sharia.

Who appoints the head of the judiciary in Iran?

The Supreme Leader.

What does the Guardian Council do in Iran?

It reviews legislation and screens candidates for elections.

What is the difference between judicial independence and judicial autonomy?

Judicial independence refers to the ability to make decisions free from external pressures, while judicial autonomy refers to the formal powers granted to the judiciary.

What are the two types of legislative structures?

Bicameral and unicameral.

Which countries have a bicameral legislature?

UK, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia.

unicameral legislature

China and Iran.

What is the political reality of Russia's legislative power?

Presidential power limits meaningful legislative checks.

What distinguishes a parliamentary system from a presidential system?

In a parliamentary system, the executive is accountable to the legislature, while in a presidential system, the executive is elected independently.

How can a prime minister lose power in a parliamentary system?

By losing legislative confidence or the support needed to govern.

What is one way an executive can be removed in a presidential system?

Through impeachment or another constitutional process.

What does 'democratic backsliding' refer to?

The process where democratic institutions and practices are weakened or undermined.

What is the difference between de jure and de facto judicial independence?

De jure independence refers to legal provisions for independence, while de facto independence refers to the actual practice of independence.

How does legislative oversight limit executive power?

By allowing the legislature to review and potentially reject executive actions.

What is the significance of the House of Commons in the UK?

It is the elected lower chamber that holds significant legislative power.

What is the role of the House of Lords in the UK?

It serves as the upper chamber, providing review and revision of legislation.

How does the Nigerian legislature hold the executive accountable?

Through constitutional mechanisms that allow for oversight and checks on executive actions.

What is the impact of political conditions on judicial effectiveness in Russia?

Political conditions limit the judiciary's ability to act as a check on executive authority.

What is the primary influence on judicial appointments in China?

The Chinese Communist Party.

What does the term 'rubber stamp' refer to in the context of legislatures?

A legislature that approves decisions without meaningful debate or scrutiny.