Branches of democratic political systems
What are the three branches of government?
The legislative, executive and judicial branches.
During which historical event did the terms left wing and right wing originate?
The French Revolution.
What civic responsibility involves choosing political representatives?
Voting in elections.
What is the House of Lords, and what is one of its main roles?
It is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It scrutinises and revises legislation and checks the work of the government.
On what date did the Slovak Republic become an independent state?
1 January 1993.
Which branch makes and passes laws?
The legislative branch.
Which political wing generally supports greater economic equality and a stronger role for the state?
The left wing.
What is volunteering?
Giving your time and skills freely to help others or your community.
Which two chambers make up the US Congress, and what is its main role?
The Senate and the House of Representatives. Congress is the federal legislative branch: it makes laws and oversees the executive.
How many members does the National Council of the Slovak Republic have?
150.
What is the main role of the executive branch?
To implement laws and run the government.
What does laissez-faire mean in economic policy?
Limited government interference in the economy.
Name three public services or benefits funded by taxes and public contributions.
For example: education, healthcare, roads, pensions or unemployment benefits.
What is the key function of the European Commission?
To act as the politically independent executive arm of the European Union. Often described as the "driving force" or government of the EU, it represents the common interests of the entire European Union rather than individual member state
How long are the standard terms of Slovak MPs and the Slovak President?
MPs: four years. President: five years.
How does the judicial branch contribute to democracy?
It interprets and applies laws and independently resolves legal disputes.
What additional axis does the political compass use besides left and right?
Authoritarian–libertarian.
What is the difference between a civic duty and a civic responsibility?
A duty is a legal obligation; a responsibility is an expected contribution to society that is not necessarily legally required.
Who sits in the European Council, and how does its role differ from that of the Council of the European Union?
The European Council brings together EU countries’ heads of state or government, its own President and the Commission President. The President of the European Council is António Costa, The President of the European Commission is Ursula von der Leyen & Heads of state or government of all 27 EU member states. It sets the EU’s overall political direction and priorities in agreement with national interests of individual states.
What is the difference between a governing coalition and the opposition?
A governing coalition consists of parties that govern together; the opposition scrutinises and challenges the government.
Why is government power divided among three branches?
To prevent the concentration and abuse of power through checks and balances.
Why should we examine a party’s policies rather than rely only on its left-wing or right-wing label?
Parties can combine positions from different parts of the spectrum, so labels may oversimplify their views.
A citizen votes but spreads unchecked political claims and refuses to respect other people’s rights. Which two civic responsibilities are they neglecting?
Being informed and treating others with respect and dignity.
Compare the UK King, the US President and the Slovak President: how are they selected, and which of them is also head of government?
The UK King is a hereditary, politically neutral head of state; the Prime Minister heads the government. The US President is elected through the Electoral College for four years and is both head of state and head of government. The Slovak President is directly elected for five years and is head of state with constitutional powers; the Prime Minister heads the government.
Explain the difference between the head of state and the head of government in Slovakia.
The President is the head of state; the Prime Minister leads the government and its executive work.