4 Constitutions and Political Institutions Free Online FlashCards

What do constitutions establish?

They establish who may exercise public power, how institutions relate, and how governing rules may be changed.

Must a constitution be contained in one written document?

Some are contained in one written document; others draw on statutes, court decisions, conventions, and other laws.

What characterizes a presidential system?

A popularly elected president typically serves a fixed term as both head of state and head of government. The legislature ordinarily cannot dismiss the president through a routine confidence vote.

What makes a system parliamentary?

The prime minister and cabinet depend on legislative support and can be removed if they lose the legislature's confidence.

How is executive authority arranged in a semi-presidential system?

A directly elected president shares executive authority with a prime minister and cabinet that depend on legislative support.

What are core functions of a legislature?

It represents the public, debates and passes laws, approves public spending, and scrutinizes the executive.

How do unicameral and bicameral legislatures differ?

A unicameral legislature has one chamber; a bicameral legislature has two.

What roles can a second legislative chamber serve?

A second chamber may represent regions or states, review proposed laws, or provide another point of legislative scrutiny.

What is judicial review?

Judicial review allows courts to assess whether government action or legislation complies with the constitution.

How can constitutional design support judicial independence?

Appointment rules, secure tenure, and removal procedures can help protect judges from improper pressure. Accountability mechanisms can address misconduct.

What defines a unitary state?

The national government is the ultimate source of public authority across the country, though it may delegate or devolve substantial responsibilities to regional or local governments.

What defines a federal system?

The constitution divides authority between the national government and constituent units, which have constitutionally protected powers in at least some policy areas.