Forms of Democracy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of the head of state in the British parliamentary system?

To initiate and pass legislation

To serve as the real source of political power

To manage the executive branch of government

To perform ceremonial duties with limited actual powers (correct)

Which of the following statements is true regarding the House of Lords?

It may initiate legislation but can only delay legislation from the Commons. (correct)

It has the power to stop any legislation passed by the House of Commons.

It is composed only of life peers appointed for their expertise.

Most members come from elected positions.

What distinguishes a parliamentary system from a presidential system?

Elections occur only at the national level.

The head of government is typically the prime minister and separate from the head of state. (correct)

The roles of head of state and head of government are combined.

The head of state is always a king or queen.

In which regions is the presidential system of government more commonly found?

The United States and much of South and Central America Signup and view all the answers

How are members elected to the House of Commons in a parliamentary system?

Candidates run for a seat in their electoral district, or riding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of elections in the parliamentary system?

Candidates can run for office multiple times without term limits. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to heirs to the throne in the British parliamentary system?

They take the position of head of state upon the death or abdication of the current monarch. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference between the legislative branches in parliamentary systems and other forms of government?

The legislative branches often include both an elected house and an upper house with limited powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a political party to form a government?

Majority of seats or coalition with other parties Signup and view all the answers

What process must occur if the governing party loses a significant vote?

Resign and call an election Signup and view all the answers

Who usually proposes legislation within parliament?

The prime minister or cabinet members Signup and view all the answers

What role does the House of Lords play in legislation?

It has the power to amend or delay legislation. Signup and view all the answers

What is royal assent?

The signing of legislation by the monarch or representative Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a power of the monarch in a parliamentary system?

To dismiss parliament and call for elections Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens when there is a majority government in the House of Commons?

It can pass legislation without any limitations. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Supreme Court in parliamentary systems differ from the U.S. Supreme Court?

It deals with constitutional interpretation but has less judicial power. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forms of Democracy

Two major forms: parliamentary and presidential (congressional) systems.
Parliamentary systems are prevalent in Europe and former British colonies.
Presidential systems are primarily found in the United States and much of South and Central America.

Parliamentary System

In the British parliamentary system, roles of head of state and head of government are separate.
Queen Elizabeth II served as the ceremonial head of state in multiple Commonwealth realms.
The head of government holds substantial power, with the prime minister leading the executive branch alongside the cabinet.
The Supreme Court serves as the judicial branch, addressing constitutional issues.

Legislative Structure

British Parliament consists of two houses:
- House of Commons: Elected body.
- House of Lords: Mainly composed of hereditary aristocrats and bishops, with limited legislative power.
The House of Lords can initiate legislation but cannot stop legislation approved by the House of Commons.

Elections and Government Formation

Candidates run in electoral districts (ridings) for seats in the House of Commons.
The candidate with the most votes wins; there are no term limits for candidates.
The political party with the most seats forms the government, and the party leader becomes the prime minister.
Prime ministers are not directly elected by the public; they must secure a seat in Parliament.
Government operates without fixed terms, lasting up to five years or until they lose a significant vote.

Legislative Process

Legislation is typically proposed by the prime minister or cabinet members, though any member can propose.
The governing party usually has a majority in the House of Commons, allowing them to easily pass legislation.
Opposition parties typically lack the majority needed to block legislation effectively.
The House of Lords can propose amendments or delay legislation, but cannot entirely halt it.
Final approval of legislation requires royal assent from the monarch or their representative.

Monarch's Role

Monarch’s powers are mostly ceremonial with some constitutional duties, including dismissing Parliament or calling elections.
Typically, the monarch appoints the prime minister from the winning party and does not withhold royal assent.
Supreme Court in parliamentary systems handles significant legal and constitutional interpretations, similar to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Key Differences

In parliamentary democracies, deadlocks like those seen in U.S. Congress are rare, except in minority governments.
Judges in parliamentary systems may differ in appointment processes compared to U.S. Supreme Court justices.

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Description

Explore the two major forms of democracy: parliamentary and presidential systems. This quiz covers their structures, roles of government officials, and specific examples from different regions. Test your knowledge on the legislative makeup and functions of these systems.