AP Comp Gov: Unit 2

Bureaucracy

• A system of government in which

• most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

• involves a hierarchical structure, where tasks and responsibilities are divided among various departments.

Divided government

• A political system

• different branches of government are controlled by different political parties

• often leads to gridlock

Executive

the branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, headed by the President or Prime Minister.

Institutions

• established organizations

• create and enforce rules and norms within a political system

• includes legislatures, bureaucracies, and courts.

Judiciary

the branch of government that interprets laws, resolves disputes, and ensures justice is administered fairly.

It is typically composed of a system of courts.

Legislature

the branch of government responsible for making laws, typically composed of elected representatives.

It plays a key role in shaping policy and governance.

Member of Parliament (MP)

an elected official in a parliamentary system who represents a constituency and participates in the legislative process.

Separation of powers

• a doctrine that divides government responsibilities into distinct branches

• prevents any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Cabinet

a body of high-ranking officials, typically consisting of the heads of government departments

They advise the head of state and help formulate policy.

Head of government

the chief executive officer of a country

responsible for overseeing the administration and implementation of government policies.

Head of state

the individual who serves as the chief public representative and symbol of the state

often performs ceremonial duties

represents the nation in diplomatic matters.

Ex: Uk’s King

Impeachment

the process by which a legislative body formally charges a government official with misconduct, potentially leading to removal from office.

Ex: Trump

Legislative oversight

the review and monitoring of legislative activities by a legislative body to ensure accountability and proper implementation of laws.

ex: approving appointments and conducting investigations into government actions.

Liberal democracy

a political system

free and fair elections

the protection of individual rights

the rule of law.

Snap election

election called with short notice to address urgent issues

often leads to a change in government or policy.

Term limit

a legal restriction on the number of terms an elected official can serve in a particular office.

Term of office

the length of time an elected official is allowed to serve in a specific position before needing re-election or appointment.

Bicameral

having two legislative chambers or houses.

Bureaucratic oversight

the process by which governmental agencies monitor and regulate the activities of other agencies, ensuring compliance with laws and policies.

Unicameral

having a single legislative chamber or house.

Code/Civil law

A legal system based on written laws and statutes, as opposed to common law, where laws are developed through judicial decisions.

Common law

A legal system based on court decisions and precedents rather than written laws.

It evolves through judicial rulings and interpretations.

Judicial independence

The concept that the judiciary should remain independent from other branches of government

This ensuring impartiality and fairness in legal proceedings.

Judicial review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution

allows them to invalidate laws or government actions that conflict with constitutional principles.

presidential system

A form of government where the president serves as both the head of state and the head of government, separate from the legislature.

ex: Nigeria, Mexico

parliamentary system

A form of government in which the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from,

is directly accountable to, the legislature (parliament).

The head of government is typically a prime minister, who is chosen from the legislative body.

ex: UK

semi- presidential system

A system of government that combines features of both presidential and parliamentary systems, where a president exists alongside a prime minister, with varying degrees of power and responsibility.

ex: russia