AP Comparative Gov: Executive & Legislative Systems Analysis

Parliamentary System

A system where the executive branch acts as an agent of the legislature, characterized by a fusion of powers.

Chief Executive

Usually the Prime Minister in a parliamentary system, not directly elected by the people.

Vote of No Confidence

A mechanism used by the legislature to remove the executive at any time.

Dual Executive

A system with separate roles for Head of State (Ceremonial) and Head of Government (Policy).

Presidential System

A system where the executive and legislative branches are separate, independent, and co-equal.

Separation of Powers

A principle where members of the executive cabinet generally cannot sit in the legislature.

Impeachment

A legal process for removing a President for misconduct, not merely political disagreement.

Semi-Presidential System

A hybrid system combining a directly elected President with a Prime Minister responsible to the legislature.

Power Balance

The distribution of responsibilities between the President and Prime Minister in a semi-presidential system.

Head of State

The ceremonial representative of the people or sovereign.

Head of Government

The official responsible for running the day-to-day administration of the government.

The Monarch

In the UK, the ceremonial Head of State who gives 'Royal Assent' but cannot reject laws.

Collective Responsibility

The principle that all cabinet members must publicly support decisions or resign.

Supreme Leader

The highest authority in Iran, appointed for life, controlling significant state functions.

The President of the PRC

The Head of State in China, historically a ceremonial role but now holds significant power.

The Premier

The Head of Government in China, managing the bureaucracy and economic policy.

Sexenio

The one single six-year term limit for the President in Mexico.

Legislative Functions

Roles and responsibilities of legislatures that can be independent or constrained.

Rubber Stamp Legislature

A legislature that lacks power and mainly approves decisions made by the executive.

The Majles

The Iranian legislature that must have its legislation approved by the Guardian Council.

Guardian Council

An institution in Iran that vets legislation and candidates to ensure alignment with Islamic law.

Zoning

An informal agreement in Nigeria to rotate the presidency between Muslim North and Christian South.

Question Time

A session in the UK where MPs rigorously question the Prime Minister and cabinet.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two chambers often used to check power or represent different constituencies.

Unicameral Legislature

A legislature with one chamber, often found in unitary or authoritarian states for efficiency.

Accountability

The expectation that the executive is responsible to the legislature in democratic systems.