w12 institutions

institutions

rules, processes, human behaviour that organize the functions of gov’t on a daily basis

constitutions

fundamental set of rules for a state setting rights/limiting power, defining relationship within gov’t and between citizens

executive branch

implements/enforces laws

legislative branch

lawmaking oversight of exec branch

bicameral vs. unicameral legislature

bicameral is 2 legislative chambers whereas unicameral is 1

judicial branch

execution of justice and judicial review

what are the 3 branches that gov’t institutions are divided

executive, legislative, judicial

why is there a separation of powers

ensure rule of law, avoid abuses of power

significance of bicameralism

can limit responsiveness to public opinion and may protect minority groups

parliamentary system

legislative majority chooses head of gov’t

presidential system

president is chief executive, elected for a certain term with possibility of impeachment

semi presidential system

where both a president + PM share executive power

what happens if pres and PM r from dif parties

conflict may occur leading to cohabitation

how does concurrent election reduce cohabitation

by holding presidency and legislative election at the same time and often from the same party

significance of presidential system

concentrate power in one office can lead to gridlock, make removal of leaders difficult, and increase the risk of authoritarian takeovers during crises.

how are elected officials removed in parliamentary system

head of gov’t can call election, and legislative majority can remove head of gov’t , parties can remove leader

how are elected official removed in presidential system

impeachment is an option

federalism

gives autonomy to subnational units while central gov’t deals with national concerns

unitary states

all major power/policy comes from central gov’t

significance between federalism and unitary states

Federalism increases local autonomy and encourages policy experimentation, but it can blur accountability creating conflicts between gov’t. Unitary states are more consistent, but less flexible. Federal transfers try to balance the two

state bureaucracy

public servants that are under the executive branch

patronage

leaders give gov’t jobs to their supporters, friends, or loyal party members instead of hiring based on qualifications

what issues stems from patronage

corruption as loyalty was valued hence used office for own benefit + incompetence as they were unqualified leading to loss of trust and inefficient public service

modern bureaucracy

division of politician—represents what voters wanted bureaucrats—provide neutral expert advice, integrity and expertise, strong objective to create professional service

characteristic of bureaucratic organization

mission is defined by top officials, fixed jurisdiction, authority from top to bottom, management of written documents, career experts and rules.

issue with bureaucracy

inefficient because they follow strict rules, and bureaucrats may end up making policy due to their expertise, raising concerns about accountability