Political Systems
What is soverignty?
The ultimate authority in a area.
What is the Federal system of government?
Levels of government that share in responsibility for setting policy (National & State/Regional)
How does the government change who is in charge (PM)?
Votes of No Confidence
What caused the most recent Iranian government to form?
Iranian Revolution of 1979
Which kind of law does Russia follow?
Code Law- Judges act as investigators, evaluating and applying law with only input from prosecutors/defense attorneys
What is a 2 ballot system?
An election that if no candidate receives above 50%, then a runoff election occurs between top 2 candidates.
What is a unitary state?
All power found in 1 level of government
Who has final say of law?
Parliament
Monarch is Symbolic, Courts just make sure laws are carried forth correctly (no Judicial Review)
What powers does the President of Iran have?
Make governmental appointments, signs bills (no veto power), executes the law
What kind of executive system does Russia have?
Semi-Presidential System (Duel Executive)
President-Head of State
Prime Minister-Head of Government
DAILY DOUBLE!!!
Give an example of each type of Legitimacy
Traditional Legitimacy- The Monarch in UK, Sharia Law under the Supreme Leader in Iran
Charismatic Legitimacy- Mao Zedong at the Chinese Communist Revolution, Khomeini in Iranian Revolution, Putin's strong-arming in Russia
Rational-Legal Legitimacy- Legislative elections, UK Constitution,
How is a Parliamentary system different than a Presidential system?
In Parliamentary systems the power of the executive is mixed with the legislature. Presidential systems have a clear and separate executive
How is the U.K. a "welfare state"?
It provides universal benefits to help the people (National Health Service).
How is Iran a "rentier's state"?
Most money comes from export trading (Oil)
How is Russia a corporatist system with interest groups?
Interest groups are chosen by the President voice ideas and offer input to law and policy. (Room where it Happens)
What is the relationship between authority & legitimacy?
Authority is the right to use power in government. Legitimacy is people accepting the authority of the government. Government's need legitimacy for the people to buy into and support the type of government in the state.
Rule of Law vs Rule by Law
Rule of Law- Formal rules are consistently applied across the state
Rule by Law- Government has more flexibility in enforcement with loose justification
What is the difference between the House of Lords and the House of Commons?
House of Lords- Symbolic authority that is lifetime appointed from heritage, Church of England, or appointment. Can only delay legislation.
House of Commons- Elected by the people. Has power to create & execute law (through Prime Minister & Cabinet)
How does Sharia Law affect national law in Iran?
It treats certain cleavages differently (men/women) and all national law must conform to Sharia Law
DAILY DOUBLE!!!
What are 2 differences between the Duma & Federation Council?
Duma- Makes laws, can make vote of no confidence on Prime Minister, Members elected by people with SMD & PR
Federation Council- Approve laws, treaties, and declarations of war, members appointed by regional governments
What are the 4 types of party systems in our Comparative Countries
One Party System- Only one party allowed (China, Iran)
Dominant Party System- Multiple parties but one has such a stronghold that what other parties do is little/no consequence (Russia)
Two-Party System- Two parties are dominant in the political process, with 3rd parties being catalysts for change in the 2 main parties (U.K. except on rare occasions, Nigeria transitioning nationally)
Multiparty System- Multiple political parties having enough influence usually leading to coalition governments (Mexico, Nigeria in the Past, rarely U.K.)
What is the ultimate power of each country's highest court?
UK- Rule laws non-compliant
Iran- Insures courts are uniform and applying law consistently, last stop for appeals
Russia- Supreme Court= Final stop for criminal cases, Constitutional Court= Judicial Review in some Cases
China- Rule by Law in compliance with CPP
Mexico- Judicial Review
Nigeria- Judicial Review
Name 2 politically shifting events in U.K. history and what changed
Magna Carta (1215)- King John agreeing to certain rights of Lords. First time acknowledging King is not above the law.
British Civil War (1650s)- Brought about a massive decrease in monarch power and an increase in power of Parliament.
Thatcherism (1980s)- Led by PM Margaret Thatcher, it privatized many industries that were previously nationalized. Gave more power to business but less to trade unions and decreased the welfare state
Brexit (2016 Vote)- Splitting economically from the European Union. Gave Britain greater independence in trade and taxing goods, but looses economic regulated ties to European nations
How does the Supreme Leader have control over Majlis, Chief Justice, and President?
All political candidates (President & members of Majlis) vetted through Guardian Council, who are chosen by Supreme Leader & Chief Justice.
Majlis law must be approved by Guardian Council or Expediency Council (Appointed by Supreme Leader)
Chief Justice is appointed by Supreme Leader
How does Putin maintain control of Russia?
Super majority party in Duma (United Russia), government bribes from businesses (oligarchs), restricted speech/media, government control of energy resources, creation regional governments that have power over subnational governments