Forms and Systems of Government

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which system of government features a president who is not accountable to the legislature?

Presidential System (correct)

Semi-presidential System

Chancellor-type System

Parliamentary System

What defines the primary feature of a Chancellor-type system?

Parliament is not supreme

The government can dissolve the parliament

A separate head of state is required

Presence of a constructive vote of no-confidence (correct)

In which system is the government accountable to both the parliament and the president?

Republic System

Monarchy

Semi-presidential System (correct)

Directorial System

What is a significant feature of the parliamentary system of government?

The PM can dissolve the legislature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding Directorial Systems?

The presidency rotates among members. Signup and view all the answers

Which system allows the head of state to issue decrees and dissolve the parliament?

Semi-presidential System Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a majority government from a minority government?

Possessing more seats than opposition in the legislature Signup and view all the answers

In a system where the executive is independent from the legislature, which of the following applies?

Presidential System Signup and view all the answers

In a semi-presidential system, which of the following roles does the president not fulfill?

Direct control over the parliament's legislative agenda Signup and view all the answers

What key feature differentiates a parliamentary system from a presidential system?

Accountability of the head of government to the legislature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding chancellor-type systems?

The system is defined by a constructive vote of no-confidence Signup and view all the answers

In directorial systems, which characteristic is unique compared to other systems?

Government leadership rotates among members Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the accountability structure of the government in a semi-presidential system?

To both the parliament and president Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable attribute of majority governments compared to coalition governments?

They rely on a single political party's support Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception about the powers of a head of state in a parliamentary system?

The head of state has significant legislative powers Signup and view all the answers

In the context of political capacity, what distinguishes a united government from a divided government?

The ability to pass legislation without opposition Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forms of Government

Sources for head of state power include monarchy and republic.
Monarchy power often based on hereditary right.
Republic power usually derived from popular election.

Systems of Government

Systems focus on how the executive and legislature relate.
Presidential systems commonly feature a President elected for a fixed term by the people.
The President isn't accountable to the legislature, appoints administration members, can issue decrees, and has a veto power but can't dissolve the legislature. Examples include the USA (1787).
Semi-presidential systems, France (1958) have a president and prime minister, both elected by different methods.
The president appoints government members and the government is accountable to the legislature while the President can dissolve the legislature.
Parliamentary systems, UK, feature a separate head of state (symbolic) and head of government (Prime Minister) with the PM and the government accountable to the parliament. The PM can dissolve the parliament.
Chancellor-type systems, Germany (FRG 1949) have a quasi-parliamentary system with a strengthened head of government who experiences a "constructive vote of no confidence." A key feature is how ministers are restricted in accountability to the parliament.
Directorial systems, Switzerland (1848), parliament elects the government. The government is independent of the legislature.

Autonomy of Governments

Party programmes and selection of government members determine autonomy.
Influence of parties and party control over government are factors.
Presidentialisation and personalisation of roles of individuals in politics are a consideration.

Political Capacity

Systems can be categorized as 'united' or 'divided'.
Governments can be 'majority', 'minority', 'one-party', or 'coalition' governments.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the various forms of government, including monarchy and republic, along with the different systems of governance such as presidential, semi-presidential, and parliamentary systems. Learn how the power structures in these systems impact the relationship between the executive and the legislature. This quiz will enhance your understanding of political systems and their functions.