Unit 2: Political Institutions

Legislative branch

responsible for writing laws and major policies

Executive branch

responsible for implementing laws through the bureaucracy

Judicial Branch

responsible for hearing cases, applying and interpreting laws

Head of state

represents a nation in ceremonial functions; in some governments can formally shape foreign policy

Head of government

chief executive who formulates, implements, and enforces policies through cabinet and other agencies

Parliamentary systems

national legislature has combined lawmaking and executive functions; power to select and remove the PM (head of gov't)

Presidential systems

separate election processes are used in selection of President and national legislature; President oversees bureaucratic implementation of executive regulations and laws written by the legislature

Semi-Presidential systems

separate elections processes are used in selection of president and legislature; president serves of head of state and chooses the head of government

Fixed-term election systems

elections for public officials take place on an established date

Executive bureaucracy

system of government agencies that implement executive regulations and laws written by the legislature

Executive cabinet

top government officials in charge of formulating, implementing, and enforcing policy through different methods and bureaucratic agencies.

Commander in chief

top government official in charge of decisions pertaining to military

Prime minister

leader of national legislature, head of government who formulates, implements, and enforces policy through bureaucratic agencies

Civil service

permanent members of bureaucratic agencies who implement laws and regulations

State Corporatism

the theory that for each sector of society (economic, etc.) there is a state sponsored organization to control it (ie. government ministries)