UK-USA Flashcards
1
Q
Constitutions compared-similarities (4)
A
- both can be amended formal/informal
- to an extent both judiciable (HR)
- consist of written documents
- allow explicit protection rights both infringed upon by national security
2
Q
constitutions different (4)
A
- US codified, UK uncodified
- US entrenched(article V), UK not
- US constitution sovereign with states/ federal gov, UK parliament is
- US rights more protected
3
Q
UK parliament (4)- US congress(4)
A
UK -declare war -pass legislation (party manifesto) -scrutinise gov -vote no confidence remove US -declare war -pass legislation (P's electoral platform) -scrutinise exec -impeach
4
Q
House of commons strengths/weaknesses
3 each
A
STREGNTHS -more powerful chamber -strong backbench power -strong constituency links WEAKNESSES -strong party whip -executive dominance -gov majorities in committees
5
Q
House of lords strengths/weaknesses 3 each
A
STRENGTHS -more time to debate -reduces party discipline -inc willing to challenge WEAKNESSES -unelected, hereditary -Salisbury convention -size
6
Q
House of representatives strengths/weaknesses 3 each
A
STRENGTHS -strong constituency links -represented by population -effective control by majority WEAKNESSES -short election cycle -power of speaker, minority ignored -shared legislative power
7
Q
Senate strengths/weaknesses 4 then 3
A
STRENGTHS -unanimous consent -power of filibuster -6 year term continuity -represent state interests WEAKNESSES -shared legislative power -unanimous consent gridlock -overrepresent small under big
8
Q
Role/powers of PM (7)
A
- head of gov
- party mandate, majority
- sovereign leader of majority
- collective executive with cabinet
- commander-in-chief, royal prerogative
- legislative agenda, queens speech
- no need to veto has majority
9
Q
role/powers of president (7)
A
- head of state/ head of gov
- personal mandate, direct election 2 terms
- reality is sovereign with constitution
- singular exec appoints cabinet/EXOP
- commander-in-chief
- state union address
- gets to veto
10
Q
similarities between supreme courts (5)
A
- independence of buildings and personnel
- rigorous appointment process
- tenure
- face pressure from elected branch/groups
- willing to rule against gov
11
Q
differences between supreme courts (3)
A
- US justices salaries protected in constitution, UK set by ministry of justice
- US selects through elected political branches, UK (JAC)
- USA can overrule elected branches questioning independence, UK cannot
12
Q
effectiveness of rights protection
UK-USA (good) 3 each
A
UK -human rights act codified -can appeal beyond supreme to ECHR -parliament unlikely to ignore 'moral' USA -constitution 'quasi-sovereignty' -rulings difficult to change -unlikely to be ignored
13
Q
ineffectiveness of rights protection
UK-USA (bad) 3 then 4
A
UK -parliament remains sovereign -ECHR been ignored in UK (prisoners rights) -role of supreme court less understood USA -rulings ignored, Guantanamo bay -hear few cases -have no right to have case heard -judges ideologically motivated
14
Q
UK-USA electoral systems similarities (5)
A
- operate nationally 2-party systems
- FPTP not majority popular vote
- executives placed-indirect elections
- incumbent re-election rate high
- 3rd party policies ‘stolen’
15
Q
UK-USA electoral systems differences (4)
A
- UK directly elect MP’s, US vote both congress/president
- devolved/local elections involve third parties, US limited all levels
- finance greater influence in US
- use diff electoral systems in the UK
