0008 Political Systems (SMR 4.8) Flashcards
Where do the ideas behind the Republican Political System come from?
Roots in ancient systems, generally Athens and Rome as well as the Iroquois Federation
What characteristics make up a Republican Political System?
- Often bicameral legislature
- Separate election for the executive
- Multi-layer election system
What are early examples of a multi-layer election system?
The Iroquois federation: Sachems elected by women and Sachems would make certain decisions for the people
In American govt, this is seen through our Electoral College voted on by the populous of the people then awarded to the candidate
What is an advantage of the Republican Political System?
Separation of the executive and legislative branches
Population votes for each separately so there is more voice of the people present in each election
What are the disadvantages of the Republican Political System? (2)
- Less local elections (particularly in the Senate)
- In the US, indirect election of the executive due to the Electoral College
What are characteristics of a Parliamentary Political System?
- Either unicameral or bicameral
- A single system of election: representatives, population votes for representatives
- Elected representatives then select the executive
- Political parties can form coalitions
What is an example of how the British Parliament differs from the US’ Republic?
in the British Parliament, the British population votes for their representatives in the house of commons. (house of lords is the other house). The House of Commons chooses a prime minister.
This is different than in America where we directly vote for the President (but through the electoral college)
What is the major difference between a Republic and a Parliament
In a Republic, the executive is elected by the people, where in a Parliament, representatives vote for the executive
What example shows the importance of political parties in a Parliament system?
in British Parliament, if a political party has a numerical advantage in the house of commons, they can choose a leader from their own party, if one party has a majority but not numerical advantage, the opposing parties can create a coalition. Parties could form together to create a coalition against another party (aka there are more than one political party)
What is an advantage of the Parliament system?
Increased local control over national politics → number of locally successful candidates determine the form of the national govt
What are the disadvantages of a Parliamentary system? (2)
- Executive and legislative branches merge
2. Coalitions might make the govt less efficient
Why might a coalition make the govt less effective?
Because a coalition is made up of multiple parties, it can be challenging to have a single agenda
