Political Systems: Executives-Parties and Federal-Unitary Dimensions

Executives-Parties Dimension

One of the two dimensions of variables in political systems, encompassing characteristics related to the organization of executive power, party systems, electoral systems, and interest groups.

Federal-Unitary Dimension

One of the two dimensions of variables in political systems, delineating differences between federal and unitary government structures based on government structure, legislative power distribution, constitutional flexibility, judicial review, and central bank independence.

Majoritarian Model (Executive Power)

Characterized by single-party majority cabinets in the concentration of executive power.

Consensus Model (Executive Power)

Characterized by executive power-sharing in broad multiparty coalitions.

Majoritarian (Executive-Legislative Relationships)

In this model, the executive is dominant over the legislative body.

Consensus (Executive-Legislative Relationships)

In this model, there is a balanced distribution of power between executive and legislative bodies.

Majoritarian (Party Systems)

Typically features a two-party system.

Consensus (Party Systems)

Characterized by multiparty systems.

Majoritarian (Electoral Systems)

Utilizes disproportional electoral systems.

Consensus (Electoral Systems)

Employs proportional representation systems.

Majoritarian (Interest Group Systems)

Features pluralist systems with free competition among interest groups.

Consensus (Interest Group Systems)

Features coordinated and corporatist interest group systems aimed at compromise and concertation.

Unitary Government Structure

A centralized government structure where power is concentrated at the national level.

Federal Government Structure

A decentralized government structure where power is divided between central and regional governments.

Unicameral Legislature

A legislative body consisting of a single chamber.

Bicameralism (Federalism)

A strong bicameral structure in the legislature, often a secondary characteristic of federalism, where legislative power is divided between two equally empowered houses.

Flexible Constitutions

Constitutions that can be amended by simple legislative majorities.

Rigid Constitutions (Federalism)

Constitutions requiring extraordinary majorities for amendments, a secondary characteristic of federalism that allows for a clear, unchangeable division of power.

Judicial Review (Constitutional Courts)

A system where constitutional courts have the power to review the constitutionality of legislation, serving as a neutral arbiter in conflicts over power distribution, a secondary characteristic of federalism.

Central Bank Independence

Central banks that operate independently from the executive branch of government.

Federalism (Primary Definition)

The guaranteed division of power between central and regional governments.

Federalism (Secondary Characteristics)

Includes bicameralism, rigid constitution, judicial review, and promotion of decentralization.

Executives-Parties Dimension

One of the two dimensions of variables in political systems, encompassing characteristics related to the organization of executive power, party systems, electoral systems, and interest groups.

Federal-Unitary Dimension

One of the two dimensions of variables in political systems, delineating differences between federal and unitary government structures based on government structure, legislative power distribution, constitutional flexibility, judicial review, and central bank independence.

Majoritarian Model (Executive Power)

Characterized by single-party majority cabinets in the concentration of executive power.

Consensus Model (Executive Power)

Characterized by executive power-sharing in broad multiparty coalitions.

Majoritarian (Executive-Legislative Relationships)

In this model, the executive is dominant over the legislative body.

Consensus (Executive-Legislative Relationships)

In this model, there is a balanced distribution of power between executive and legislative bodies.

Majoritarian (Party Systems)

Typically features a two-party system.

Consensus (Party Systems)

Characterized by multiparty systems.

Majoritarian (Electoral Systems)

Utilizes disproportional electoral systems.

Consensus (Electoral Systems)

Employs proportional representation systems.

Majoritarian (Interest Group Systems)

Features pluralist systems with free competition among interest groups.

Consensus (Interest Group Systems)

Features coordinated and corporatist interest group systems aimed at compromise and concertation.

Unitary Government Structure

A centralized government structure where power is concentrated at the national level.

Federal Government Structure

A decentralized government structure where power is divided between central and regional governments.

Unicameral Legislature

A legislative body consisting of a single chamber.

Bicameralism (Federalism)

A strong bicameral structure in the legislature, often a secondary characteristic of federalism, where legislative power is divided between two equally empowered houses.

Flexible Constitutions

Constitutions that can be amended by simple legislative majorities.

Rigid Constitutions (Federalism)

Constitutions requiring extraordinary majorities for amendments, a secondary characteristic of federalism that allows for a clear, unchangeable division of power.

Judicial Review (Constitutional Courts)

A system where constitutional courts have the power to review the constitutionality of legislation, serving as a neutral arbiter in conflicts over power distribution, a secondary characteristic of federalism.

Central Bank Independence

Central banks that operate independently from the executive branch of government.

Federalism (Primary Definition)

The guaranteed division of power between central and regional governments.

Federalism (Secondary Characteristics)

Includes bicameralism, rigid constitution, judicial review, and promotion of decentralization.