Unit 2: Political Institutions and Branch Relations

Parliamentary System

A system where the Chief Executive (Prime Minister) is selected by the majority party or coalition in the legislature.

Vote of No Confidence

A method by which a legislature can remove the Chief Executive in a parliamentary system.

Presidential System

A system where the Chief Executive (President) is chosen independently by the voters.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Fixed Terms

Set periods that a President or Prime Minister serves before elections are held.

Semi-Presidential System

A hybrid system featuring both a directly elected President and a Prime Minister responsible to the legislature.

Dual Executives

A characteristic of Semi-Presidential systems where there are both a President and a Prime Minister.

Head of State

The symbol of the state, often ceremonial, who represents the country nationally and internationally.

Head of Government

The official responsible for running the day-to-day business of the state.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative system with two chambers, typically seen in federal systems.

Unicameral Legislature

A legislative system with one chamber, often found in unitary states.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to review and declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law that is fairly applied.

Rule by Law

Where the state uses the law as a tool to control citizens, while the state itself acts above the law.

Common Law

A legal system based on precedent and judicial decisions.

Civil Law

A legal system based on comprehensive written codes and statutes.

Sharia Law

Islamic law based on religious texts such as the Quran.

Executive Branch

The part of government responsible for the implementation and enforcement of laws.

Legislative Branch

The part of government responsible for making laws.

Fusion of Powers

An aspect of parliamentary systems where the executive is part of the legislature.

Impeachment

A legal process to remove a President for misconduct; typically requires a higher threshold than a Vote of No Confidence.

Royal Assent

The formal approval by the monarch in a parliamentary system, often seen as ceremonial.

Constitutional Restrictions

Limits put in place by a constitution regarding the duration of an executive's term.

Parliamentary Sovereignty

The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority in the UK.

Guardian Council

An unelected body in Iran that vets laws and candidates for compatibility with Islamic law.

State Council

The cabinet and bureaucracy overseeing the administration of policy in countries like China.

Constitutional Independence

The guarantee that the judiciary operates independently from legislative and executive branches.

Executive Power

The authority to enforce laws and manage the operations of government.

Ceremonial Functions

Roles typically assigned to the Head of State that involve representation and symbolic duties.

Legislative Independence

The ability of the legislature to act without interference from the executive.

Election Systems

Methods used to select representatives in a political system.

Political Accountability

The responsibility of government officials to be answerable to the electorate or legislative body.

Political Parties

Organized groups that seek to influence government policy and decision-making.

Constituent Representation

The responsibility of elected officials to represent and advocate for the interests of their constituents.

Majority Party

The political party that holds the most seats in a legislature, often forming the government.

Veto Power

The ability to block or reject legislation, typically held by the executive.

Judicial System

The system of courts that interprets and applies the law in legal cases.

Elections and Democracy

Processes that determine leaders and dictate governance based on voters' preferences.

Legislative Oversight

The power of the legislature to monitor and evaluate the executive branch.

Political Systems Classification

The categorization of governments based on the relationship between the executive and legislative branches.

Bureaucracy

The administrative system governing any large institution, comprising various departments and officials.

Civil Society

Organizations that operate independently from government, usually representing various interests and values.

Inclusivity in Governance

The principle that all groups in society have opportunities for representation and participation in politics.