UK/US Comparisons Flashcards
Is the Prime minister or President directly elected ?
The US is directly elected and can claim a mandate, in fixed term elections every 4 years.
While the PM is not directly elected but commands (leads) a majority in the House of Commons
Who is the Head of State in the UK and US ?
- The US president is the head of state as well as the head of government. His/Her powers are set out in the US constitution, which placed limits on Presidential powers
- Queen is the Head of State in the UK, the PM’s powers are not set out in statue law
In which Country is the does Executive not dominant the legislature ?
In the USA: the president cannot force congress to accept his/her will
Because of the separation of powers. However he can veto legislation
In the UK: The executive has significant control because of the fusion of powers but government must resign if it loses a vote of confidence
How is cabinet run in the US and UK
In the US cabinet is a subordinate advisory body and doesn’t not share executive powers. The President appoints many of his officials working within the administration
In the UK the PM is the predominate figure but needs support from his senior cabinet colleagues. The British civil service is impartial and is not politically appointed.
Does the PM or President need approval of key posts such as cabinet members and Supreme Court judges
The President needs approval by the legislature but the Prime minister doesn’t
