IR Actors

Question 1

The Executive

Answer 1

responsible for the efficient implementation of decisions made in government, is responsible for setting priorities, agendas, mobilizing support nad resolving crises. They are head of state and head of government e.g. PM, President, etc.

Question 2

What the different systems of regime?

Answer 2

1. Separation of Powers regime
2. Fusion of Powers regime
3. Presidential Regime
4. Parliamentary Regime
5. Semi-Presidential System

Question 3

Separation of powers regime definition

Answer 3

clear constitutional separation between legislature and the executive eg. USA, UK

Question 4

Fusion of Powers regime

Answer 4

parliamentary government, found in europe- executive is responsible to the legislature- chooses executive (taoiseach)- prime minister can call elections when they want, propose or vote to have new legislature passed- fixed term parliaments (the head of state and the head of government are separate)

Question 5

Presidential Executive

Answer 5

An arrangement in which the executive and the legislature are separately and directly elected, and have separate powers and responsibilities (France)
Strength:

Question 6

Limited Presidential Elective

Answer 6

A presidential executive whose powers are limited by the constitution and by political realities.
Stregth: fixed term provides continuity/stability, requires widespread support, natural symbol of unity, protects liberty
Weakness: Only one party can win

Question 7

Presidential System

Answer 7

Is within a separartion or fusion of powers regime the limit and extent of power within parliament, judicial, and legislature varies

Question 8

Semi- Presidential System

Answer 8

Combines elective president with separate prime minister and cabinet- president elects prime minister who is responsible to president, president head of state and cabinet- splits power with prime minister, usually used for foreign affairs and emergency, but president has fixed term e.g. france, mongolia, poland, russia

Question 9

Parliamentary Executive

Answer 9

executive emerges from legislature and remains accountable to it, must maintain a working legislative majority to remain in office

Question 10

Legislature

Answer 10

Multi member assembly that has a role in debating in public concern, role in new laws, amending new rules and policies

Question 11

Six major funcrions of democratic legislature

Answer 11

Representation, legislation, authorizing expenditure, making governments, deliberation, Oversight

Question 12

Different types of representation

Answer 12

1. Formalistic rep
2. Symbolic rep - emotional link
   3.Descriptive rep- mirrors demographic to rep the people
3. Substantive rep- act for you and your interests
4. Collective rep- needs for the country as a whole

Question 13

Unicameral

Answer 13

Legislature composed of one chamber.
Justified by majoritarian idea of complete popular control

Question 14

Bicameral

Answer 14

Legisklature composed of two chambers, the upper and lower. (e.g. House of commons (lower )vs. house of lords ( upper)). Lower is usually bigger and more powerful, upper chamber provides checks and balances, can be more collegial and can defend individual interests. Can play specific role in Federal states (US, Belgium)

Question 15

Weak vs. strong bicameralism

Answer 15

Weak: lower chamber dominates typical of parliamentary gov., fusion of powers regime
Strong: the two chambers are balanced, federation, separation of powers regime