Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of legislatures within a political system?
What is the primary role of legislatures within a political system?
Which feature is essential to understanding the relationship between legislative and executive authority?
Which feature is essential to understanding the relationship between legislative and executive authority?
What is NOT a principal function of assemblies?
What is NOT a principal function of assemblies?
In a parliamentary system, which aspect is often misleading about the authority of assemblies?
In a parliamentary system, which aspect is often misleading about the authority of assemblies?
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Why is the power of an assembly considered an index of democratic government?
Why is the power of an assembly considered an index of democratic government?
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Which of the following correctly describes the nature of the term 'assembly'?
Which of the following correctly describes the nature of the term 'assembly'?
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What is one of the key reasons liberal democracies adopt a parliamentary system?
What is one of the key reasons liberal democracies adopt a parliamentary system?
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Which principle characterizes the role of legislatures in respect to legislation?
Which principle characterizes the role of legislatures in respect to legislation?
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What is a primary function of assemblies in relation to the executive?
What is a primary function of assemblies in relation to the executive?
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Which type of representation involves representatives 'acting for' their constituents?
Which type of representation involves representatives 'acting for' their constituents?
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What aspect of representation did Saward (2006) emphasize?
What aspect of representation did Saward (2006) emphasize?
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How do assemblies promote the legitimacy of a regime?
How do assemblies promote the legitimacy of a regime?
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What challenge do assemblies face in effectively overseeing the executive?
What challenge do assemblies face in effectively overseeing the executive?
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What is a criticism regarding the recruitment role of assemblies?
What is a criticism regarding the recruitment role of assemblies?
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Which term refers to an assembly composed of a single legislative chamber?
Which term refers to an assembly composed of a single legislative chamber?
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In what context are assemblies less effective as channels for recruitment?
In what context are assemblies less effective as channels for recruitment?
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Study Notes
The Three Branches of Power
- Three distinct branches exist in government
- Executives implement law
- Legislatures create laws
- Judiciaries interpret laws
Role of Assemblies
- "Assembly" refers to legislative bodies (houses/chambers)
- The relationship between the legislative and executive branches is crucial
- Assemblies are vital for a functioning political system.
Parliamentary System of Government
- Most liberal democracies use this system
- The executive is accountable to the assembly
- The assembly is elected by the people
Functions of Assemblies
- Legislatures: Create laws
- Representation: Link to citizens
- Scrutiny & Oversight: Control the executive
- Political Recruitment: Choose and train leaders
- Legitimacy: Provide authority to the system
Legislation
- Assemblies are given the power to make laws
- However, assemblies don't always have complete control over legislation.
Representation
- Assemblies ideally connect the government to the people
- The power of assemblies is often seen as a measure of democracy
- The practical effectiveness of representation is complex.
Representation (Pitkin)
- Formalistic Representation
- Descriptive Representation (“standing for”)
- Symbolic Representation
- Substantive Representation (“acting for”)
Scrutiny and Oversight
- Assemblies oversee the executive branch
- Oversight needs effective resources and expert advice.
Recruitment and Training
- Assemblies are important in the political recruitment process
- This role is less prominent in authoritarian/presidential systems
Legitimacy
- Assemblies promote the legitimacy of the government
- This is true even in authoritarian regimes.
Structure of Assemblies
- Unicameralism: One legislative chamber (e.g., Israel, New Zealand, Denmark)
- Bicameralism: Two legislative chambers (e.g., UK, USA, Fiji)
Assemblies in Decline
- In the 20th century, assemblies lost some power
- This was largely due to:
- Stronger political parties
- Larger governments
- Weak organizational structures
- Rise of interest groups and media
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Description
This quiz explores the three branches of government, focusing on the roles and functions of legislative bodies. It delves into the relationship between assemblies and the executive branch, the significance of representation, and how legislation is created and controlled. Perfect for understanding the foundations of a parliamentary system.
