Examine the differences in the checks and balances in the US and UK constitutions. Flashcards
Point 1: What is the separation of powers in the US Constitution?
The US Constitution separates the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with distinct functions and checks.
In contrast, the UK system intertwines these powers.
Explain 1: How does the separation of powers prevent tyranny in the US?
The President cannot be a member of Congress, and federal judges are independently appointed, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
This separation prevents tyranny by distributing authority.
What is the UK system of governance regarding powers?
Compare 1: The UK features a fusion of powers, with the Prime Minister and Cabinet drawn from Parliament, which can lead to efficient governance but weaker checks on the executive.
The government usually has a parliamentary majority.
Compare 1:What are the implications of the US and UK systems on governance?
These differences reflect how the US and UK systems balance governance and prevent power consolidation, shaped by their historical and political contexts.
What oversight powers does the US Congress have?
The US Congress has significant oversight powers over the executive, including investigating, approving budgets, overriding vetoes, and impeaching the President.
This provides strong executive accountability.
How is the UK Parliament’s oversight limited?
In the UK, while Parliament can scrutinize through debates and committees, the executive often controls the legislative agenda, limiting effective oversight.
What does the difference in oversight illustrate between the US and UK?
These differences illustrate how the US’s checks and balances prevent executive overreach, whereas the UK’s fusion of powers can lead to executive dominance over Parliament.
What is judicial review in the US?
The US judiciary can overrule laws through judicial review, with the Supreme Court able to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional.
This serves as a critical check on both branches.
What is the limitation of judicial power in the UK?
In the UK, courts can review the legality of executive actions but cannot overturn primary legislation due to parliamentary sovereignty.
How do the roles of the judiciary differ in the US and UK?
The roles of the judiciary in the US and UK reflect their approaches to balancing legal authority and legislative power, with the US judiciary maintaining constitutional order and the UK judiciary ensuring government legality without challenging Parliament’s supremacy.
