Unit 2 Flashcards
Legislative branch
Make the law
Executive branch
Enforce the law
Judicial branch
Interpret the law
Parliamentary system process
Voters vote for the ministers of parliament (MPs) and the majority party picks their prime minister. The PM then names their cabinet.
The PM and government are all part of the ministers of parliament.
Presidential system process
Voters vote for the members of legislature AND the president. The president can not be apart of the legislative branch. (Have to resign that position to become) President names their cabinet and the legislature approves.
Definition of parliamentary system
Combines the lawmaking and executive functions which allows the national legislature to select and remove the head of government and the cabinet.
Definition of presidential system
Voters select the president and the legislature in separate popular elections.
Semi-presidential system process
Voters vote for the ministers of parliament and the president in separate elections. The president appoints the prime minister and checked by the legislature. President and cabinet NOT apart of legislature.
Legislative checks on the Executive
- Confirmation of presidential appointments to cabinet.
- Override veto (by supermajority vote)
- Legislative oversight (Budget approval and committee hearings)
- Impeachment (by supermajority vote)
Impeachment process
- Lower house impeach
- Upper house remove
Executive functions
- Manage policy agenda
- Propose laws and budgets
- Manage bureaucracy
- Write regulations
- Administer programs
- Maintain law and order
Head of State
Ceremonial leader that represents the state.
Head of government
Legislative leader and formulates policy.
China HOS / HOG
President, Premier
Iran HOS / HOG
SL, President
Mexico HOS / HOG
President, President
Nigeria HOS / HOG
President, President
Russia HOS / HOG
President, PM
UK HOS / HOG
Monarch, PM
Area of responsibiliy of HOS/HOG in Mexico and Nigeria
As HOS
- Ceremonal leader
- Commander in Chief
- Foreign policy leader
As HOG
- Appoints the Cabinet to oversee bureaucracy and civil service
- Proposes/approves domestic legislation
Mexican President and Nigerian President differences
Mexico: Serves 1 six-year term
Nigeria: Federal character principle requires the President to appoint 1 cabinet member from each state.
Area of responsibility of HOS of Russia
- Ceremonial Leader
- Commander in Chief
- Foreign policy leader
- Appoints top ministers (Defense and Security, Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs)
- Signs/vetoes legislation
Area of responsibility of HOG of Russia
- Appoints the cabinet to oversee bureaucracy and civil service
- Proposes domestic legislation
Area of responsibility of HOS of UK
- Ceremonial Leader
- Formally names PM
- Signs bill into law
Area of responsibility of HOG of UK
- Appoints the cabinet to oversee bureaucracy and civil service
- De facto commander in chief
- Makes foreign policy
- Develops domestic policies
- Calls elections
How are the President and Premier of China selected?
- Selected as general secretary of the CCP and chairman of the central military commission
- Appointed as President by the NPC
- President nominates the premier who is confirmed by the NPC
How are the SL and President of Iran chosen?
- There have only been 2 SL as selected by the Assembly of experts
- Presidents of Iran are directly elected
Assembly of Experts
- Selects/removes SL
- Chosen by the Guardian council/vetted by
Area of responsibility of HOS of China
- Ceremonial Leader
- Commander in Chief
- Foreign policy leader
- Nominates Premier
Area of responsibility of HOG of China
- Appoints the cabinet to oversee bureaucracy and civil service
- Proposes domestic legislation