AP COGO U2

unit two terms and descriptions: Vocabulary DOZIER

1. Institutions

The formal and informal rules, organizations, and norms that structure political behavior.

2. Executive

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws; includes the head of state/government.

3. Bureaucracy

The permanent administrative apparatus that carries out government policy day-to-day.

4. Legislature

The branch that makes laws; typically composed of elected representatives.

5. Judiciary

The branch that interprets laws and resolves legal disputes; may review constitutionality.

6. Parliamentary systems

System where the executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature.

7. Prime minister

Head of government in a parliamentary system; maintains power by holding legislative majority.

8. Coalition government

Government formed by multiple parties combining to achieve a legislative majority.

9. Member of parliament (MP)

An elected representative in a parliamentary legislature.

10. Vote of no-confidence

A legislative vote that, if passed, removes the sitting government from power.

11. Presidential system

System with a separately elected executive who is independent of the legislature.

12. Separation of powers

Constitutional division of government authority among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

13. Divided government

When different parties control the executive and legislature simultaneously.

14. Semi-presidential systems

Hybrid system with both a directly elected president and a prime minister accountable to the legislature (e.g., France).

15. Term limits

Constitutional restrictions on how many terms an officeholder may serve.

16. Term of office

The fixed length of time an elected official serves before the next election.

17. Impeachment

A formal legislative charge against an executive or judicial official; may lead to removal from office.

18. Cabinet

The senior body of executive advisors/ministers who head government departments and advise the executive.

19. Legislative oversight

The legislature's power to monitor, review, and check the executive and bureaucracy.

20. Unicameral legislature

A legislature with one chamber (e.g., Israel's Knesset).

21. Bicameral legislature

A legislature with two chambers, typically an upper and lower house (e.g., U.S. Congress).

22. Common law

Legal system based on judicial precedent and case law; rooted in British tradition.

23. Code law

Legal system based on comprehensive written statutes; rooted in Roman/Napoleonic tradition.

24. Duma

The lower house of Russia's legislature (State Duma); largely subordinate to the executive.

25. CCP

Chinese Communist Party; the sole ruling party of China, which controls all major state institutions.

26. Federation Council

The upper house of Russia's legislature; represents regional governments.

27. Majles

Iran's unicameral parliament; can pass legislation but is subject to Guardian Council review.

28. Guardian Council / Supreme Leader

Guardian Council: 12-member body in Iran that vets candidates and legislation for Islamic compliance. Supreme Leader: Iran's highest authority, overseeing military, judiciary, and major policy.

29. Politburo

The CCP's top policy-making body; a small elite group that governs day-to-day party and state affairs.

30. Central Committee

Larger CCP body (roughly 200+ members) that formally elects the Politburo; meets infrequently.

31. Standing Committee

The innermost circle of the Politburo (~7 members); the most powerful decision-making body in China.

32. National Party Congress

The CCP's largest formal body (~2,000 delegates); meets every 5 years to endorse leadership and policy; largely ceremonial.