Unit 2: Political Institutions

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, directing government agencies, and carrying out public policy.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws, resolving legal disputes, and determining whether government actions follow the law.

Head of State

The official who represents a country nationally and internationally. This role may be ceremonial or hold significant political power.

Head of Government

The executive leader responsible for directing the government, establishing policy priorities, and overseeing its administration.

Parliamentary System

A system in which the executive emerges from the legislature. The prime minister and cabinet depend on the support of the legislature to remain in power.

Presidential System

A system in which the president is elected separately from the legislature and serves as both head of state and head of government.

 Semi-Presidential System

A system with both a directly elected president and a prime minister who leads the government and depends on legislative support.

Executive Term Limits

Constitutional or legal restrictions on the number of terms or length of time an executive leader may serve.

Executive Bureaucracy

Government departments and agencies responsible for carrying out laws and implementing government policies.

Executive Cabinet

A group of senior government officials who advise the executive and oversee major government departments and policy areas.

Commander in Chief

The executive official with authority over the country's military and major military decisions.

Prime Minister

The head of government in a parliamentary system or the head of government in a semi-presidential system.

Civil Service

Permanent government employees who administer public programs and implement government policies, regardless of changes in political leadership.

Impeachment

A formal process through which a legislature brings charges against an executive or other government official for misconduct.

Vote of No Confidence

A legislative vote indicating that the government no longer has the support of the legislature, potentially forcing the prime minister and cabinet to resign.

Unicameral Legislature

A legislative body consisting of one chamber or house.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative body consisting of two chambers or houses, usually an upper house and a lower house.

 Independent Legislature

A legislature that can operate without excessive control or interference from the executive branch.

Judicial System

The structure of courts and legal institutions responsible for interpreting and applying laws.

Judicial Independence

The ability of courts and judges to make decisions without improper influence or interference from the executive or legislative branches.

Judicial Review

The authority of courts to determine whether laws or government actions are constitutional.