POLS102: How Are We Governed?

Assignment and Course Overview

• Assignment 2 will be introduced today, available on Thursday.

• Introduction to political institutions and contemporary democracies focusing on:

  • Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems

  • Federal vs. Unitary Systems

  • Written vs. Unwritten Constitutions

Political Institutions in Contemporary Democracies

1. Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems

• Presidential Systems:

  • Example: The United States (presidential, federal, written constitution).

• Parliamentary Systems:

  • Examples: New Zealand and Britain (parliamentary, unitary, unwritten constitution).

  • Mixed Systems: Some systems incorporate both presidents and parliaments, e.g., France.

2. Federal vs. Unitary Systems

• Federal Systems:

  • Power is shared between central and regional governments.

  • Examples: The United States and Australia.

• Unitary Systems:

  • Central government holds primary power, with local governments functioning under its authority.

  • Examples: New Zealand and Britain.

3. Written vs. Unwritten Constitutions

• Written Constitutions:

  • Formal, documented laws (e.g., the United States).

• Unwritten Constitutions:

  • Based on statutes, customs (e.g., New Zealand).

Examples of Political Systems

• The United States: Good example of presidential, federal, and written systems.

• Britain: Illustrates parliamentary, unitary, and unwritten system.

Assignment Structure

Part 1: Hypothesis and Variables

• Develop a hypothesis, e.g., "A large middle class causes democratization."

  • Independent Variable: Middle class (the cause).

  • Dependent Variable: Democratization (the effect).

  • Assess the relationship and clarify whether it's clear or too strong.

  • Include definitions and critical reflections in your assessment (5 out of 8 points).

Part 2: Methodology

• Decide on the methodology:

  • Quantitative: Requires measuring large numbers through statistics.

  • Qualitative: Focuses on characteristics that are hard to quantify.

• Identify the number of cases—the broader the cases, the harder it is to manage them.

  • Discuss potential cultural or historical isolations for study.

• Case Studies:

  • Should relate to the hypothesis, comparing specific cases or generating hypotheses from new situations.

Part 3: Combining Hypothesis and Methodology

• Write a hypothesis, identify its variables and relationship, and describe your methodology.

• Aim for detailed methodology in a paragraph, utilizing charts where necessary.

Historical Context

Shays' Rebellion

• Context: Farmers in post-revolutionary America struggled due to new tax laws necessitating hard currency.

• Daniel Shays: Led an insurgency against state government to highlight issues of debt and land loss.

• Outcome: Highlighted weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and prompted changes leading to the Constitution.

Government Shutdown Scenarios

• Newt Gingrich vs. Bill Clinton: Shutdown over budget disagreements highlighted the challenges of a presidential system.

• Stability vs. efficiency debate in government systems, particularly focusing on how government shutdowns illustrate these concepts.

Additional Comparison of Systems

Stability and Efficiency

• Presidential System:

  • Tends to be less stable due to separate election bases of power.

  • Inherent gridlock due to checks and balances.

• Parliamentary System:

  • Usually more efficient, with quicker passage of bills and less risk of government shutdowns.

  • Example events illustrating instability in parliamentary systems (such as multiple elections in Israel).

Systemic Characteristics

Three Branches of Government

1. Executive Branch: Enforces laws (President vs. Prime Minister).

2. Legislative Branch: Creates laws (Congress vs. Parliament).

3. Judicial Branch: Interprets laws (Supreme Court and various judicial systems).

Differences in Structure

• Presidential: Direct election of the President and Congress; potential for gridlock.

• Parliamentary: Parliament can remove Prime Minister; promotes collaboration but may face instability.

Types of Government Systems

Unitary Systems

• Centralized control with local governments subordinate to the national government.

• Example: Recent control during crises (e.g., Christchurch earthquake).

Federal Systems

• Power divided; local authorities with specific responsibilities.

• Examples: Varying powers among police forces and local vs. federal jurisdiction.

Confederal Systems

• Central government limited, powers rest primarily with states (e.g., UN and EU examples).

Conclusion and Future Discussion

• Review key concepts and examine case of Iraq and constitutions in upcoming sessions.