European Gov. Test 1
Terms
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- Functions of a constitution
- 1. Who has the power to do what 2. What are the limitations on power (if any) 3. What are the relationships between the different political actors in the government.
- 3 systems of government
- 1. Federal (US) 2. Unitary (UK) 3. Confederal (EU)
- Federal Government
- There are 2 levels of government above the local level (local, state, federal). Each level enjoys sovereignty in certain areas.
- Unitary Government
- There is only 1 level of government above the local level. That level is usually all powerful.
- Confederal Government
- A confederation. A union of soverign states that retain their autonomy and power, they unite to coordinate certain activities such as trade, illegal immigration etc. (In some ways the EU is a confederal government)
- The One Party System
- 1. Single party system (dictatorship) 2. One party dominant
- The Two Party System
- There are 2 dominant political parties, one of which will always be victorious. Characteristics: Stable, majority governments, political platforms of the 2 parties resemble one another.
- 1787 Convention Goals of President selection
- Independence Representative Government Most qualified (not most popular) -This convention decided on the electoral college-
- Plurality
- The most votes
- Functions of the President
- Head of state (symbolic functions, represent the people) Head of Government (CEO of government business)
- Minority Government
- a cabinet that will receive a vote of confidence from legislature without forming a coalition.
- Prime Minister\'s duties
- Leader of his/her party Leader of the government First minister of his/her cabinet
- Head of State\'s duties
- Selects and dismisses the head of government, performs ceremonial duties, assent to and proclaim legislation, appoint public officials, emergency powers, calls elections
- Legislative Branch
- Makes laws, checks the other branches of government, engages in debate, proposes policy, debates policy, votes on policy, communicates with the public, attracts individuals to politics.
- Executive Branch
- Executes/enforces laws, controls the resources it has at its disposal.
- Judicial Branch
- Interprets the law, resolves conflicts regarding the law