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Semester 1: Comparative Governments
Comparative Government - comparative method - Constitutionalism Meaning, Development of Constitutionalism - Comparing Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems - Political Institutions
Comparative Governments
Comparative Method
The comparative method in political science involves analyzing different political systems across regions and time periods to understand their functions and effectiveness. It focuses on comparing various aspects such as political behavior, institutions, and policies to derive general principles or theories.
Constitutionalism Meaning
Constitutionalism refers to the principle that the authority of government derives from and is limited by a constitution. It emphasizes the importance of the rule of law, individual rights, and checks and balances within government.
Development of Constitutionalism
The development of constitutionalism can be traced from historical documents like the Magna Carta to modern democratic constitutions. Key phases include the Enlightenment, the American and French Revolutions, and the establishment of constitutional democracies in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Comparing Parliamentary Systems
In parliamentary systems, the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is accountable to it. Notable examples include the United Kingdom and India. Characteristics include the fusion of powers and the ability for the parliament to dismiss the government.
Comparing Presidential Systems
Presidential systems feature a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. The president is both the head of state and government, elected independently. Examples include the United States and Brazil, with challenges such as executive overreach and legislative gridlock.
Comparing Semi-Presidential Systems
Semi-presidential systems combine features of both parliamentary and presidential systems. A president exists alongside a prime minister, who is accountable to the parliament. France is a key example. This system can lead to conflicts between the two leaders if not managed properly.
Political Institutions
Political institutions encompass the structures and mechanisms of governance, including legislatures, executives, and the judiciary. In comparing these institutions across different systems, scholars analyze how they shape political behavior and influence policy outcomes.
UK - Salient Features of the Constitution - Sources - Executive - Legislature - Judiciary - Party System
UK Salient Features of the Constitution
Sources of the UK Constitution
The UK constitution is uncodified and based on various sources including statutes, common law, conventions, treaties, and works of authority. Statutes are laws passed by Parliament, common law is developed by judges through court decisions, conventions are unwritten practices that have developed over time, and treaties are agreements with other nations.
Executive
The executive branch in the UK consists of the monarch and the government led by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is responsible for running the country, setting government policy, and representing the UK internationally. The Cabinet, composed of senior ministers, aids the Prime Minister in decision-making and policy formulation.
Legislature
The UK has a bicameral legislature known as Parliament, which consists of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons is elected and holds more power, whereas the House of Lords is appointed and acts as a revising chamber. Legislation is proposed, debated, and must be approved by both houses before becoming law.
Judiciary
The judiciary in the UK is independent and interprets and applies the law. The Supreme Court is the highest court, and below it are various levels of courts dealing with different types of cases. The judiciary ensures that laws passed by Parliament are in line with the constitution and protects individual rights.
Party System
The UK operates under a multi-party system, with the two major parties being the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. Other significant parties include the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, and others. Political parties play a crucial role in organizing elections, forming governments, and shaping political debate.
USA - Salient Features of the Constitution - Executive - Legislature - Judiciary - Party System
USA - Salient Features of the Constitution
Executive
The Executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws. It is headed by the President, who serves a four-year term with the possibility of re-election for one additional term. The President is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, has the power to veto legislation, and appoints federal officials, including judges. The Executive includes the Vice President and the Cabinet, which consists of the heads of federal executive departments.
Legislature
The Legislature, known as Congress, is a bicameral body consisting of two houses - the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 members, with each state represented by two senators serving six-year terms. The House of Representatives has 435 members, with representation based on state population, serving two-year terms. Congress is responsible for making laws, controlling federal spending, and has the power to declare war.
Judiciary
The Judiciary is tasked with interpreting laws and ensuring justice. It is headed by the Supreme Court, which has nine justices appointed for life. The Judiciary reviews laws and executive actions for constitutionality through judicial review. Federal courts handle cases involving federal laws, treaties, and disputes between states.
Party System
The United States utilizes a two-party system dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties. This party system shapes the political landscape, influencing elections, legislation, and governance. Third parties do exist but have historically struggled to gain significant traction. Political parties play a crucial role in organizing elections, mobilizing voters, and forming government policy.
China - Salient Features of the Constitution - Executive - Legislature - Judiciary - Party System
China - Salient Features of the Constitution - Executive - Legislature - Judiciary - Party System
The Constitution of China was adopted in 1982 and serves as the fundamental law of the state. It establishes the People's Republic of China as a socialist state under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
Emphasizes the leadership of the Communist Party, socialism, economic development, and the rule of law.
The executive branch is headed by the President of China, who is also the General Secretary of the Communist Party. The State Council, led by the Premier, is the main administrative body.
Responsible for implementing laws, preparing the budget, and overseeing the administration.
The National People's Congress (NPC) is the highest organ of state power, consisting of delegates elected from various regions.
Responsible for enacting laws, approving budgets, and electing major state officials. However, its powers are limited as the Communist Party has significant control.
The judiciary includes the Supreme People's Court and local courts, which operate under the principle of socialist legality.
Responsible for interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and administering justice. However, the judiciary is not independent and is under the influence of the Communist Party.
China is a one-party state where the Communist Party holds ultimate authority. Other parties exist but are subordinate to the Communist Party.
The Communist Party controls the state apparatus, policymaking, and all branches of government, ensuring its dominance in the political landscape.
Switzerland - Salient Features - Executive - Legislature - Judiciary - Direct democracy devices - Party System
Switzerland - Salient Features
Switzerland does not have a single head of state. The country is led by a Federal Council, which is a seven-member executive body.
The presidency rotates annually among the members of the Federal Council, with each member holding the title of President of the Swiss Confederation for one year.
Decisions are made collectively by the Federal Council rather than by a single leader, emphasizing collegiality.
The Swiss Federal Assembly, the national legislature, is bicameral, consisting of two chambers: the National Council and the Council of States.
The National Council has 200 members, elected through a proportional representation system.
The Council of States has 46 members, with each canton having two representatives, emphasizing the federal structure.
The judiciary in Switzerland is independent, with courts operating separately from the executive and legislative branches.
There are federal courts and cantonal courts, with the Federal Supreme Court being the highest authority.
The judiciary also has the power of constitutional review, ensuring that laws comply with the Swiss Constitution.
Switzerland is known for its use of referendums, allowing citizens to vote directly on specific issues and amendments to the constitution.
Citizen initiatives can be proposed to introduce new legislation, requiring a specified number of signatures to proceed.
High voter participation in referendums reflects the active engagement of citizens in the democratic process.
Switzerland features a multi-party system, with several political parties representing a wide range of ideologies.
Coalition governments are common due to the proportional representation system, fostering negotiations among parties.
Major political parties include the Swiss People's Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Federal Democratic Union, among others.
