Legislature

Question 1

What does Arrow’s impossibility theorem show

Answer 1

Arrow’s impossibility theorem shows that it is impossible to determine that there is a preferred option unless there is more than a 50% vote for it

Question 2

What is unicameralism and bicameralism? What is the ‘benefit’ of bicameralism?

Answer 2

Single vs 2 legislative chambers

Having 2 legislative chambers enables checks and balances

Question 3

What are the 3 determiners of strong vs weak bicameralism?

Answer 3

1/ Formal constitutional powers that the two chambers have
2/ Method of selection: is the 2nd chamber appointed (typical) or elected
3/ Congruence: 2nd chamber may be designed to overrepresent certain minorities and therefore be incongruent

Strong bicameralism = Symmetry and incongruence

Question 4

5 Types of legislatures - classified according to the extent they can impose will upon executive

Answer 4

Active: US
Reactive: Uk House of Commons
Vulnerable: Italy
Marginal: Russia
Minimal: Cuba

Question 5

What is federalism? How can federalism be impacted by the judiciary

Answer 5

Compound mode of government that combines the central government with regional governments

Federalism is open judicial review by high court