All Flashcards
Parliamentary vs. Presidential: Separation of Powers?
Parliamentary: No separation of powers. Presidential: Separation of powers.
Parliamentary vs. Presidential: Executive Selection?
Parliamentary: Legislature chooses Prime Minister. Presidential: People directly elect the President.
Parliamentary vs. Presidential: Policy-Making Speed?
Parliamentary: Typically faster policy-making. Presidential: Potential for gridlock.
Parliamentary vs. Semi-Presidential: Executive Structure?
Parliamentary: Single executive (Prime Minister). Semi-Presidential: Dual executive (President & Prime Minister).
Presidential vs. Semi-Presidential: Executive Election?
Presidential: President directly elected. Semi-Presidential: President directly elected, Prime Minister appointed.
Democratic vs. Authoritarian: Citizen Input?
Democratic: Citizens have decision-making power. Authoritarian: Little citizen input.
Parliamentary vs. Presidential: Source of Executive Legitimacy?
Parliamentary: Derived from legislative majority. Presidential: Derived directly from popular election.
Presidential vs. Semi-Presidential: Potential for Conflict?
Presidential: Conflict between executive and legislative branches. Semi-Presidential: Conflict between President and Prime Minister.
Parliamentary vs. Presidential: Accountability of Executive?
Parliamentary: Executive accountable to legislature. Presidential: Executive accountable to the people (through elections).
Semi-Presidential vs. Presidential: Executive Power?
Semi-Presidential: Divided executive power. Presidential: Concentrated executive power.
Define Parliamentary System.
A system where the executive and legislative branches are fused.
Define Presidential System.
A system where the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are separate.
Define Semi-Presidential System.
A system where both a President and a Prime Minister co-exist.
Define Separation of Powers.
The division of governmental power among different branches (executive, legislative, judicial).
Define Fused Powers.
The merging of executive and legislative powers, typically in a parliamentary system.
Define Gridlock.
A situation where it is difficult to pass laws due to divided government or opposing viewpoints.
Define Authoritarian Regime.
A system where decisions are made by political elites with little citizen input.
Define Democratic Regime.
A system where citizens have greater decision-making power through elections.
Define Checks and Balances.
A system where each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.
Define Devolution.
The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to regional governments.
What was the purpose of devolution in the UK?
To transfer powers from the central government to regional governments.