Studied by 1 personWhat is a Political Institution?
Organizations in states that create, maintain/enforce, and apply laws.
What is a presidential system?
A system where the presidents is both the head of government and the head of state. (Nigeria, Mexico).
What is a parliamentary system?
A system where the powers of head of state and head of government reside in two separate people. (United Kingdom).
What is a semi-presidential system?
A system where a president works alongside a prime minister and a cabinet. (Russia).
Benefits of a presidential system?
President is directly elected by the people for a fixed amount of time.
Strong separation of power
Drawbacks to a presidential system?
president can’t be replaced until an election
the separation of powers can divide the government.
Benefits to a parliamentary system?
More effiecient because of a unified executive
Drawbacks to a parliamentary system?
weak separation of powers
there are often unrepresented voters
there is weak control held over elected officials
Benefits to a semi-presidential system?
centralized power in a presidential office
Drawbacks to a semi-presidential system?
This system can be used to dismantle a democracy.
Who are the executive officials in the United Kingdom?
The King (Charles III), and the Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)
How long do the British executives serve?
The monarch serves for life and the prime minister serves for five years (unless they lose or give up the ministership)
How can the British executives be removed from office?
PM: vote of no confidence
M: can’t really be removed, but can leave office
Who are the executive officials in Mexico?
the president (Andrés Manuel López Obrador).
How long do the Mexican executive(s) serve?
1 six-year term
How can the Mexican executive(s) be removed from office?
can be impeached
removed after their term
Who are the executive officials in Nigeria?
the president (Muhammadu Buhari).
How long do the Nigerian executive(s) serve?
Up to 8 years, or 2 four-year terms.
How can the Nigerian executive(s) be removed from office?
they can be impeached (no one has been)
not getting reelected.
Who are the executive officials in Russia?
the president (Vladimir Putin), and the premier (Mikhail Mishustin).
How long do the Russian executive(s) serve?
No one knows, because Putin messed with it.
How can the Russian executive(s) be removed from office?
their term ending
the premier can be removed by the president, and reelected by the Duma
death
elections
Who are the executive officials in Iran?
The Supreme Leader and the President
How long do the Iranian executive(s) serve?
SL: for life
P: 2 four-year terms (8yrs max)
How can the Iranian executive(s) be removed from office?
Supreme leader can’t
President:
elections
death
term limits
Who are the executive officials in China?
the President and the Premier
How long do the Chinese executive(s) serve?
Premier: two 5-year terms (10yrs max)
President: 5 years max
How can the Chinese executive(s) be removed from office?
elections
death
term limits
What is the legislative structure of the United Kingdom?
Bicameral (House of Lords and House of Commons).
What is the legislative structure of Mexico?
Bicameral (Chamber of Deputies, Senate).
What is the legislative structure of Nigeria?
Bicameral (House of Representatives, Senate).
What is the legislative structure of Russia?
Bicameral (Federal Assembly, the Duma).
What is the legislative structure of Iran?
Unicameral (the Mijales).
What is the legislative structure of China?
Unicameral (The National People’s Congress).
What does the UK’s legislature do?
makes laws
consider public policy
hold government (executive) accountable
elect P.M.
What does Mexico’s legislature do?
Pass laws
levy taxes
confirm elections
confirm judiciaries
approve treaties
What does Nigeria’s legislature do?
makes laws
impeach the president if necessary
do law-making body stuff
What does Russia’s legislature do?
approve laws
propose legislation
presidential veto (2/3rds)
approve the premier
What does Iran’s legislature do?
pass laws
remove cabinet members
oversee the federal budget
What does China’s legislature do?
pass laws
amend the constitution
elect the president and premier
Why is an independent legislature necessary to be considered democratic?
less room for bias
less likely for a regime change
the legislature is stronger
Judicial structure of the UK?
3 systems (Ireland; Scotland; England and Wales), 1 supreme court
Judicial structure of Mexico?
the Federal Judiciary Council (7 people, 1 president), and the Supreme Court (11 justices)
Judicial structure of Nigeria?
1 supreme court and a few Islamic Sharia courts.
Judicial structure of Russia?
1 supreme court with 115 members.
Judicial structure of Iran?
A very religious supreme court, (42 positions, 5yr terms)
Judicial structure of China?`
Multilevel court, (most judges are CCP members, and the court has a president).
Is the UK’s judicial branch independent?
Yes, but it isn’t very powerful.
Is Mexico’s judicial branch independent?
Yes, and it’s gaining more independence.
Is Nigeria’s judicial branch independent?
It’s relatively independent, (6/10)
Is Russia’s judicial branch independent?
Independent but very corrupt and very super silly.
Is Iran’s judicial branch independent?
No because the Supreme Leader has the final say
Is China’s judicial branch independent?
not independent at all. (Rule by law)
Who is in power in China?
The Chinese Communist Party
National Party Congress
meets every 5 years to elect new members etc.
is their legislative branch
Which has more power: institutions or the state?
Institutions (like the CCP).
Where do checks and balances come from?
the hierarchical ranking of the CCP
Who are the elected officials in Iran?
Assembly of experts
the President
Parliament
Note
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