4 Political Institutions Free Online FlashCards

What does a constitution establish?

A constitution sets out the principles, institutions, and procedures of government, including who may exercise public power and what limits apply.

How can a constitution distribute authority?

Constitutions divide authority horizontally among national institutions and, in federal systems, vertically between national and regional governments.

What are common functions of a legislature?

A legislature represents the public, makes laws, approves taxes and spending, and scrutinizes the executive.

How do unicameral and bicameral legislatures differ?

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

What does the executive do?

The executive directs government and implements laws, commonly through leaders, ministers, and administrative departments.

What distinguishes a presidential system?

In a presidential system, the president typically has a separate electoral mandate and a fixed term; the legislature generally cannot remove the president through an ordinary no-confidence vote.

What keeps a parliamentary government in power?

In a parliamentary system, the government is formed from the legislature and must retain its confidence to remain in power.

What are the core functions of courts?

Courts resolve legal disputes, interpret laws, and determine how rules apply to particular cases.

What is constitutional review?

Constitutional or judicial review allows courts, in some systems, to assess whether legislation or executive action complies with the constitution.

What does judicial independence mean?

Judicial independence means judges can decide cases without improper pressure.

What does a public bureaucracy do?

A bureaucracy consists of government departments and agencies that administer programs, provide services, enforce regulations, gather information, and offer expertise.

How do agencies develop detailed rules under delegated authority?

Legislatures often set broad policy in statutes, while agencies use authority delegated by law to develop and apply more detailed rules.