Unit 2: Political Institutions

Parliamentary System

A system of government where the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch. It involves a Prime Minister and Cabinet who are elected members of parliament and hold office as long as they have the confidence of the majority of the legislature.

Presidential System

A form of government in which a single person, the president, is the head of state and head of government. The president is elected by the people for a fixed term and has executive powers to run the country. The president is separate from the legislative branch and is not accountable to it. Examples include the United States, France, and South Korea.

Semi-Presidential System

Type of government where there is a president and a prime minister who share power. The president is usually elected by the people, while the prime minister is appointed by the president or elected by the parliament.

Executive systems

These are a set of cognitive processes that are responsible for planning, decision-making, and goal-directed behavior. These processes are essential for the successful completion of complex tasks and achieving long-term goals.

Working Memory

This component is responsible for holding and manipulating information in the short-term memory.

Inhibitory Control

This component is responsible for suppressing irrelevant information and inhibiting impulsive responses.

Cognitive Flexibility

This component is responsible for adapting to changing situations and switching between different tasks.

Planning and Goal-Setting

This component is responsible for setting goals, planning actions, and monitoring progress towards achieving those goals.

Executive term limits

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

Legislative systems

The processes and structures through which laws are made and enacted in a country. These systems vary across different countries and are influenced by factors such as history, culture, and political ideologies.

Unicameral System

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

Bicameral System

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 include the United States, India, and Australia.

Federal System

This is a legislative system in which power is shared between the central government and the states or provinces. In a federal system, there are usually two levels of government, each with its own legislative body. Examples include the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Unitary System

This is a legislative system in which power is centralized in the central government. In a unitary system, there is usually only one legislative body. Examples include France, Japan, and China.

House of Commons

The lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, consisting of elected Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent constituencies across the country. The House of Commons is responsible for making and passing laws, as well as holding the government to account.

House of Lords

The upper chamber of the UK Parliament, consisting of appointed and hereditary members who review and revise proposed laws before they are passed?

State Duma

The lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, responsible for passing laws and approving the budget. Composed of 450 members elected for a term of five years.

Federation Council

Upper house of the Russian Parliament consisting of 170 members, representing the federal subjects of Russia. It has the power to approve federal laws and presidential decrees.

Islamic Consultative Assembly

Legislative body of Iran composed of 290 members elected every four years. Has the power to approve laws, supervise government activities, and elect the Supreme Leader.

Guardian Council

A powerful body in Iran made up of 12 members who oversee elections, approve laws and candidates for office. They also have the power to veto laws passed by the parliament.

Senate

Type of legislative body in Mexico that is made up of 128 senators who serve six-year terms. It is responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and ratifying international treaties. It is divided into several committees that review legislation before it is brought to the floor for a vote. The Senate is part of the bicameral Congress of the Union, alongside the Chamber of Deputies.

Chamber of Deputies

Legislative body in countries with a parliamentary system. It is usually the lower house and responsible for passing laws and representing the people.

National People's Congress (NPC)

The highest organ of state power in China, responsible for enacting laws, amending the constitution, and electing key officials. Comprised of over 3,000 members who meet annually for a two-week session in Beijing.

State Council

The highest executive body in China. It is responsible for formulating and implementing policies and laws, as well as managing the economy and social affairs. The State Council is headed by the Premier and consists of various ministries and commissions.

Independent legislature

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

Supreme Court

The highest court in the judicial system. It has the final say on legal matters and can overrule decisions made by lower courts.

Appellate Court

Also known as the Court of Appeals, it hears appeals from lower courts. It does not conduct trials but reviews the decisions made by lower courts.

District Court

Also known as the Trial Court, it is the court of first instance. It conducts trials and makes decisions on legal matters.

Federal Court

Deals with cases related to federal laws, the constitution, and disputes between states.

State Court

Deals with cases related to state laws, including criminal and civil cases.

Local Court

Deals with minor offenses, traffic violations, and small claims.

Family Court

Deals with cases related to family law, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

Bankruptcy Court

Deals with cases related to bankruptcy and insolvency.

Juvenile Court

Deals with cases related to minors, including delinquency and dependency.

Independent judiciary

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.

Civil Law System

A legal system based on written laws or codes that are created by the government or legislative bodies. Judges interpret and apply these laws to resolve disputes.

Common Law System

A legal system based on judicial decisions and precedents established by courts through past cases. Judges interpret and apply these precedents to resolve disputes.

Islamic Law System

A legal system based on the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith, which are the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic law covers all aspects of life, including personal conduct, family matters, and business transactions.

Customary Law System

A legal system based on customs and traditions of a particular community or society. These customs and traditions are often unwritten and are passed down from generation to generation.

Mixed Legal System

A legal system that combines elements of two or more legal systems. For example, some countries may have a civil law system for commercial matters and a customary law system for family matters.