final exam review Flashcards
what is Iran’s relationship to gender?
Traditional gender roles are deeply ingrained, however, since the Islamic Revolution there have been advancements in women’s education and workforce participation, however gender discrimination and violence is common with men holding positions of power and authority
what is Iran’s relationship to migration?
- A major destination/transit country for Afghan refugees fleeing violence as well as economic migrants from neighbouring countries, such as Iraq and Pakistan
- The Iranian government has implemented various policies to manage migration flows, including border controls and repatriation programs.
what is Iran’s relationship to transnational crime?
- A key transit route for drug trafficking from Afghanistan to Europe and beyond.
- The government has taken measures to combat drug smuggling, including border patrols and cooperation with international law enforcement agencies, however corruption makes drug regulation difficult.
what is Mexico’s relationship to gender?
Gender inequality persists in Mexico, with women facing challenges such as domestic violence, limited education and employment opportunities, and underrepresentation in political leadership roles.
what is Mexico’s relationship to migration?
- A major origin, transit, and destination country for migrants, particularly from Central America trying to reach the United States; driven by factors such as economic opportunities, violence, and political instability in sending countries.
- The Mexican government has implemented various immigration policies, including enforcement measures and efforts to improve conditions for migrants.
what is Mexico’s relationship to transnational crime?
- A key player in the global drug trade, with powerful cartels engaged in international drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
- The Mexican government has deployed military and law enforcement resources to combat organized crime, but challenges persist due to corruption and economic reliance on the drug trade (narco-state).
what is Colombia’s relationship to gender?
- Gender inequality is a significant issue in Colombia, with women facing discrimination in areas such as employment, education, and political representation.
- The government has implemented policies to promote gender equality, such as the 2011 Law on Victims and Land Restitution.
what is Colombia’s relationship to migration?
- Significant internal and cross-border migration, driven by factors such as armed conflict, violence, and economic hardship.
- Venezuelan migration has surged in recent years due to the political and economic crisis, with Colombia serving as a major destination and transit country for Venezuelan migrants.
what is Colombia’s relationship to transnational crime?
- A key player in the global drug trade, particularly cocaine production and distribution.
- The government has made progress in combating drug cartels and insurgent groups (with support from the US and allies), however challenges such as corruption, violence, and the presence of illegal armed groups persist.
what is a narco-state?
a state whose economy relies heavily on the drug trade
what is federalism?
- a political system in which power is divided between the federal government and regional governments (provincial, state)
- eg. Mexico
what is a parliamentary system?
a political system in which power is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, judicial
under what political system does Mexico operate
federalism
what does Mexico’s executive branch consist of?
- the president
- the cabinet
what is the role of the president in Mexico?
- Head of state and government
- Serves a single 6 year term
- Responsible for implementing laws, directing foreign policy, and overseeing the executive branch
what is the role of the cabinet in Mexico?
- Ministers oversee specific government departments
- Ministers are appointed by the president
what does Mexico’s legislative branch consist of
the ‘Congress of the Union’ has a bicameral structure consisting of
- the senate
- the chamber of deputies
what is the role of the senate in Mexico?
- Each state represented by three senators –> 2 elected by plurality and 1 allocated to the party with the second-highest vote
what is the role of the chamber of deputies in mexico?
- 500 deputies
- seats are allocated based on the popular vote, with additional seats awarded to parties based on their proportion of the overall vote.
what does Mexico’s judicial branch consist of?
- Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation: Highest court in Mexico, responsible for interpreting the constitution and resolving disputes between branches of government
- Consists of 11 justices appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
how does state government work in Mexico?
- Mexico is divided into 31 states and the federal district of Mexico City (a separate federal entity known as Mexico City)
- Each state has its own governor and legislature
how does municipal government work in mexico?
Municipalities each have local governments led by mayors
what type of electoral system does Mexico use?
a mixed electoral system for legislative elections, combining both first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems.
what is a first-past-the-post system?
- It’s a “winner-takes-all” voting system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins the seat
- Voters choose one candidate, and the candidate with the highest number of votes, even if they don’t have an absolute majority, wins the election
what is a proportional representation system?
A voting system where the allocation of seats is determined by the proportion of votes each political party receives (If a party gets 30% of the votes, they get roughly 30% of the seats)
how long of a term does the president serve in mexico?
6 years, limited to one consecutive term
what is the role of Iran’s supreme leader?
- The highest-ranking political and religious authority in the country
- has the final say on all matters of the state
- Appointed by the Assembly of Experts for an indefinite term
what is the role of Iran’s president?
- Head of government
- responsible for implementing policies, managing the economy, and representing Iran on the international stage
- Elected for a 4 year term (max. of two consecutive terms)
- The president’s powers are subordinate to those of the Supreme Leader
what is the role of the Majlis in Iran?
- A unicameral legislative body
- Members are elected for a 4 year term
- Responsible for passing laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the actions of the executive branch
- Has the authority to propose and debate legislation, however its powers are limited by the oversight of the Guardian Council
what is the role of the guardian council in Iran?
- A powerful body composed of 12 Islamic jurists
- 6 jurists are appointed by the Supreme Leader
- 6 are nominated by the judiciary and approved by the Majlis
- Responsible for interpreting the constitution, vetting candidates for elected office, and ensuring that legislation complies with Islamic law (Sharia)
- Authorized to reject candidates and veto legislation deemed incompatible with Sharia law
what is the role of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council?
- Mediates disputes between the Majlis and the Guardian Council
- Advises the Supreme Leader on matters of state.
- Plays a significant role in resolving conflicts between different branches of government and shaping government policy
what is the role of Iran’s judiciary?
- Independent but subject to oversight by the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council
- The head of the judiciary is appointed by the Supreme Leader
- Responsible for administering justice and interpreting the law according to Islamic principles
what is the role of Iran’s Assembly of Experts?
- A body of Islamic scholars elected by the people
- Holds significant power over all branches of government, including the military and judiciary
- Selects the Supreme Leader
what type of electoral system does Iran use?
A mixed electoral system, including elements of both first-past-the-post and proportional representation
what does Colombia’s executive branch consist of?
- president
- vice-president
what is the role of Colombia’s president?
- Head of state and government
- Serves a 4 year term (max of 2 consecutive)
- Responsible for leading the executive branch, implementing laws, directing foreign policy, and serving as the commander-in-chief of the military
what is the role of Colombia’s vice-president?
Assists the president in their duties and assumes the presidency in case of vacancy
what does Colombia’s legislative branch consist of?
Congress of Colombia: Bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers:
- the Senate
- the House of Representatives
what is the role of Colombia’s senate?
- Each department elects 2 senators, and the rest are elected based on a national constituency
- serve a 4 year term
what is the role of Colombia’s House of Representatives?
- The number of representatives for each department is proportional to its population (minimum of 2 per department)
- elected to serve a 4 year term
what does Colombia’s judicial branch consist of?
- supreme court of justice
- constitutional court
- council of state
what is the role of Colombia’s supreme court of justice?
- Highest judicial body in Colombia
- responsible for interpreting and applying the law, ensuring the constitutionality of laws and decisions and resolving conflicts between branches of government.
what is the role of Colombia’s constitutional court?
Ensures the constitutionality of laws and protects constitutional rights
what is the role of Colombia’s council of state?
- Handles administrative matters and legal disputes
- advises the government on legal matters
what type of electoral system does Colombia use?
A mixed electoral system, combining elements of proportional representation and first-past-the-post systems
how does local government work in Colombia?
- Divided into departments and municipalities, each with its own elected officials and administrative structures
- Governors and mayors are elected to lead departments and municipalities, with local councils serving as legislative bodies at both levels.
why is Mexico considered a non-democracy?
- Due to persistent issues such as electoral fraud, corruption, and limitations on political competition,
- Also due to the dominance of certain political parties and the influence of powerful interest groups (criminal organizations)
why is Iran considered a non-democracy?
- due to limited political competition, restrictions on individual freedoms, and power centralized in unelected institutions
- also due to centralized power in unelected institutions - while Iran holds elections, the ultimate authority rests with unelected religious leaders
why is Colombia considered a non-democracy?
- Colombia is not a typical non-democracy as it has regular elections, separation of powers, and respect for civil liberties.
- Challenges such as corruption, armed conflict, and limitations on political participation in some regions have led to concerns about the full consolidation of democracy in the country.
what are some key developments contributing to Iran’s current status?
- The Islamic Revolution (1979)
- The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Its nuclear program
- The Green Movement protests (2009)
- The rise of reformist movements
what was the impact of the islamic revolution?
transformation of Iran from a monarchy to a theocratic state
what was the impact of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
solidified the revolutionary government’s hold on power and reinforced nationalist sentiments among Iranians
what was the impact of Iran’s nuclear program?
a major point of contention in its relations with the international community, leading to economic sanctions and diplomatic tensions
what was the impact of Iran’s green movement protests?
calls for electoral reform and greater political freedoms, led by political opposition following the disputed election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
what is the impact of the rise of reform movements in Iran?
advocation for political and social reforms aimed at improving relations with the West and addressing domestic issues
what are some key developments resulting in Mexico’s current status?
- the Independence Movement
- the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920)
- dominance of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (1929 - 2000)
- Economic reforms (NAFTA, 1994)
- the Zapatista uprising (1994)
- The transition to democracy (2000- )
what was the impact of the Independence Movement (1810-1821)
-fight for independence against Spanish rule
what was the impact of The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920)
- overthrow of authoritarian regime resulting in the establishment of a new constitution, introduction of social reforms (land redistribution, labor rights)
what was the impact of the Dominance of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (1929-2000)
centralized power and supported various interest groups, but also led to political corruption and authoritarianism
what was the impact of Economic reforms (NAFTA, 1994)
opened up trade with the US and Canada, contributing to economic growth but also exacerbating income inequality
what was the impact of The Zapatista uprising (1994)
highlighted issues of inequality and indigenous rights.
what was the impact of Mexico’s transition to democracy (2000- )
political pluralism despite ongoing challenges like corruption and violence
what are some key developments that have led to Colombia’s current staus?
- independence movement
- civil wars and conflict
- drug trafficking
- The peace process (FARC, 2016)
- Social movements
what was the impact of Colombia’s independence movement?
gained independence from Spanish rule
what was the impact of civil wars and conflict in Colombia?
resulting in political and economic instability
what was the impact of drug trafficking in Colombia?
increased violence, human rights violations and militarization
what was the impact of The peace process (FARC, 2016)?
a historic peace agreement with FARC, the country’s largest guerrilla group, ending more than five decades of armed conflict
