Unit 2 FRQ

Question 1

Nature of the executive legislative relationship in a parliamentary system

Answer 1

In a unitary system the legislative and executive are fused together. Easier to pass laws

Question 2

Describe the process used in a parliamentary system for the selection of the chief executive

Answer 2

Majority party elects a Prime Minister from within the party

Question 3

Explain how the legislature can remove the chief executive

Answer 3

Opposition party calls vote of no confidence. MP’s vote if they want new candidate. In 14 days vote of confidence to either continue or go to reelection.

Question 4

Legislature check executive without removing

Answer 4

Question Time in Britain allows MPs to hold PM accountable for one hour Mon-thurs

Question 5

Define political legitimacy

Answer 5

Citizens of a state accept their government’s authority/right to rule

Question 6

How two different countries’ executive-legislative branch relationships help them gain political legitimacy

Answer 6

Voters more likely to accept the legitimacy of their government when the government is accountable to their voters. In UK, voters vote directly for MP then they select PM.
In Mexico, President and legislature directly voted for in separate elections.

Question 7

Role of a government leader

Answer 7

Head of government is chief policy maker, craft legislation with the cabinet

Question 8

How do parliament and president states offer legislative checks on executive.

Answer 8

In UK, PM needs majority support of MPs to get the bill to pass. If bill no pass, vote of no confidence.
In Mexico, congress can reject legislation is one house fails to win a majority. Legislature can remove president through impeachment

Question 9

How do different systems of executive-legislative relationships impact process’ efficiency.

Answer 9

Parliamentary more efficient. In UK, PM comes from majority party so should win strong support for legislation. Presidential more difficult because divided government where president and legislature has different parties. This resulting in deadlock and no passing of legislation.

Question 10

Two similarities between leg in Mexico and Nigeria

Answer 10

Lower house approves legislation. Have a senate with 3 senators per state (multi-member state election)

Question 11

Two differences in leg in Mexico and Nigeria

Answer 11

Both houses approve legislation in Nigeria, not just lower house.

Question 12

Most important similarity between UK and Russia

Answer 12

Upper house unelected and have less power (approve treaties and military intervention)

Question 13

Most important difference between UK and Russia

Answer 13

Executive from parliament, executive directly elected

Question 14

Legislative independence

Answer 14

Legislative can pass laws without checks

Question 15

How legislative independence used in two countries

Answer 15

UK Question Time, Mexico can impeach

Question 16

Why would countries opt to limit legislative power

Answer 16

House of Commons have election 5 years. Lawmakers must work for voters. Legislature has elections to maintain stability and prevent corruption

Question 17

One country that limits chief executive to one term

Answer 17

Mexico: one 6 year term

Question 18

Advantages of having one term

Answer 18

Focus on policy making because no have to worry about reelection. Prevent emergence of dictator

Question 19

Disadvantages of one term

Answer 19

Lack of accountability. Process of making laws more likely to result in deadlock because legislative not forced to cooperate

Question 20

Importance of legislature in democratic regime

Answer 20

Can check the executive (impeachment, not approving legislation).

Question 21

Importance of legislatures in authoritarian

Answer 21

Legislative serves as rubber stamp to get executive policies through (such as in Russia, can also demand that legislature dismiss justices on his behalf)

Question 22

Judicial similarities

Answer 22

China and Iran do not have judicial independence. Use courts to adhere to government agenda. Target opposition parties and leaders

Question 23

Executive similarities

Answer 23

Foreign policy, Have control over the legislative, elections are influenced (China from NPC, candidates vetted by supreme leader in Iran)

Question 24

Executive Differences

Answer 24

China and Russia commander in chief, China and Russia are head of state while Iran is head of government, Iran supreme is most powerful

Question 25

Legislative difference

Answer 25

Russia has bicameral legislature (Federation Council and Duma)

Question 26

Legislative Similarities

Answer 26

Rubber stamp of executive, pass legislation